Top YA Summer Reads

I love to read and lately I have had trouble finding good books... To save you from this horrific experience of reading book after book of garbage here are my top summer reads (not nessesarily in order of best to worst):

1. Hunger Games (Triology) - Suzanne Collins

If you haven't read the series yet... Read them. Really interesting message hidden in the story. This book gives you a lot to think about.

“…Only I keep wishing I could think of a way to…to show the Capitol they don’t own me. That I’m more than just a piece in their Games."

-Peeta Mellark to Katniss Everdeen

2. The Selection (Triology) - Kiera Cass

Hunger Games meets Cinderella! If you can't stomach violence but like the idea of the Hunger Games then this book is for you! This story follows America's journey in a competition to win Prince Maxon's heart. Prince Maxon loves her but she's uncertain. Another great book

“I hope you find someone you can't live without.I really do. And I hope you never have to know what it's like to have to try and live without them.”

-America Singer

3. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

Historical Fiction at its best. Young Liesel arrives at her foster home in a small town in Germany and lives amidst World War II. As her love for books increases, she begins to steal books from around the town and makes many friends. This book is absolutely heart wrenching!

"The only thing worse than a boy who hates you: A boy who loves you."

-Narrarator

4. The Maze Runner (Triology plus Prologue in another book to read after...) - James Dashner

This dystopian book is a great read. Really exciting story following the life of a boy named Thomas who wakes up in a town surronded by a maze without his memory. This book doesn't take long to get into and is well worth reading all three books.

"If you ain't scared... you ain't human."

-Alby

5. Between Shades of Gray - Ruta Septeys

Not Fifty Shades of Gray. Don't confuse! Another Historical Fiction book set during World War II tells the sad story of Lina as she is moved from different concentration camps. This book focuses on the theme that there is good and bad like black and white. But there are also shades of gray... One of the most beautiful and sad stories ever that will break your heart.

“Have you ever wondered what a human life is worth? That morning, my brother's was worth a pocket watch.”

-Lina

6. The City of Ember (Quartet) - Jeanne DuPrau

In a post-apocolyptic underground world, electricity is running out and the lights in the city of Ember may turn out for ever, leaving the age old city forever in the dark. This is a very interesting series if you like post-apocolyptic books. This series is violence free which will appeal to some readers. This series is also good for the class room.

“The trouble with anger is, it gets hold of you. And then you aren't the master of yourself anymore. Anger is. And when anger is the boss, you get unintended consequences.”

-Narrarator

7. And Then There Were None - Agatha Christie

A classic Agatha Christie novel, this mystery is a great book to read in one day (because you may not be able to put it down without knowing what's going to happen next). Though this isn't a YA book, it was well written and easy to read, making it perfect to bring on vacation. Set on a mysterious island where a dozen guests are staying in a mansion, one by one guests are found murdered and no one knows who will be next.

"In the midst of life we are in death."

-Narrarator

8. Divergent (Triology)

This series is worth reading, but be warned the series does lose a lot of action and gets more steamy as the series progresses. This dystopian series focses on the life of Trish as she struggles to find her place in a world where you are defined by what faction you choose. There are some great messages in this book.

"I want to be brave, and selfless, and smart, and kind, and honest... I continually struggle with kindness."

-Tobias Eaton to Trish

Those are my top reads and I hope they'll keep you busy for a while! All together they amount to twenty books so get reading!