YA contemporary is not a genre that I usually gravitate towards, but when I do I often end up really enjoying myself! My favourite YA book is a contemporary (I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson) and I want to read more from the genre. I thought it might be interesting to share both the new release and backlist YA contemporaries that I am intrigued by and hoping to read!
New Releases
American Panda by Gloria Chao
I have not seen a single bad review of this book! It follows a Taiwanese-American college student. I can not recall ever reading a book with a Taiwanese-American protagonist and I love the culture so I am excited to read about that experience in a YA novel. I also am excited to see that the main character is in college- which is hard to find in YA!
Love, Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed
I have seen some mixed reviews of this book, but I am still intrigued by it. I know that it takes on some important and relevant topics, such as Islamophobia. I think books like this are imperative, and I hope Love, Hate & Other Filters shines a light on this topic.
The Beauty That Remains
This quote really from the summary on Goodreads really sold me on this book:
Despite the odds, one band’s music will reunite them and prove that after grief, beauty thrives in the people left behind.
How beautiful does that sound? I love that music is a big part of the story and it seems to help the characters through their grief. I think a lot of us can relate to turning to music in times of sadness, heartache, and grief.
A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena
A Girl Like That does not come out until February 27th, but all of the early reviews have been excellent. Again the summary on Goodreads caught my attention, and it seems like this will be the kind of book that I adore.
It tackles complicated issues of race, identity, class, and religion, and paints a portrait of teenage ambition, angst, and alienation that feels both inventive and universal.
You’ll Miss Me When You’re Gone by Rachel Lynn Solomon
This is a book about twins, which is always a dynamic that I enjoy reading about. One of the twins test positive for Huntington’s Disease, and the book seems to be about how those results affect their relationship. I always appreciate books that focus on family dynamics. I have a feeling You’re Going to Miss Me When I’m Gone is going with wonderfully heartbreaking.
Backlist
Simon vs the Homo Sapien’s Agenda by Becky Albertalli
I feel as though I am the only book blogger who hasn’t read this book yet! I really want to see the movie and read Becky Albertalli’s other novels as well. Leah on the Offbeat looks amazing!! I am so ready to fall in love with Simon!
Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett
I bought this book on Book Outlet in December and I am surprised I haven’t picked it up yet! I have had so many people recommend it to me! It sounds really adorable and it seems as though all of my friends on Goodreads have read it and loved it.
Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer
Here is another book that I bought in December, and when I mentioned it on my blog so many of you commented about how fantastic it is! I love that the characters communicate through letters in the beginning. I have seen people saying that it is a book that while have you smiling through tears- which I always enjoy!
Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert
Little & Lion was one of my most anticipated books of last year, and I have no idea why I have not read it yet! One of the characters has bipolar disorder, and from the reviews that I have read the bipolar representation is done well.
I know that there are so many more YA contemporary novels that I want to read, but these are the first ones that came to mind. I would love to know your opinion on any of these books, and on YA contemporaries in general.
What is your favourite YA contemporary novel? I can not wait for your recommendations!
They all sound pretty interesting!
I just started reading more contemporary this year, because i was in a phase for years where i mostly read thriller/suspense/fantasy/sci fi only and i’m pretty much enjoying them. I will give these a go as well i think 😀
I am definitely excited about this! I go through phases with my reading too. It has been nice to come back to contemporary this year!
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is fabulous! Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and Queens of Geek are also faves. 😊
I have seen a lot of people taking about Queens of Geek! I completely forgot about it but definitely want to read it!
It’s so worth it! Needs more hype on here.
So many great books, and some I want to read too.
They all sounds really great!
I need to add more contemporaries to my list. I typically don’t read much contemporary stuff, but there are so many YA ones that everyone says are amazing. I should probably venture out a little bit and give them a try.
I really think that genre has grown a lot over the last few years. So many amazing and important books are coming out lately!
Pretty eager to read American Panda too! And I hope you get to read Simon vs. soon! It was my second read for this year and is easily one of my best for 2018!
I am so excited about Simon! That is great to hear!
Pretty much all of those are on my TBR list as well ♥
I’m looking forwards to them ^^
I hope we both enjoy them!
I hope you read Alex Approximately soon! I loved that one! And I’ve also been wanting to read American Panda and You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone. ❤️
I have only heard good things about Alex Approximately. It is definitely a priority!
You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone looks very intriguing, it should be an amazing read, if done well.
Doesn’t it sound great? I am often weary about books like that but reviewers I trust have been saying good things!
Not to add to the hype or anything, but… American Panda is SO GOOD. I recently read it and it’s so amazing. 😍 I also really enjoyed Love, Hate & Other Filters! The Indian rep was so great, and I loved the messages about islamophobia. The Beauty That Remains and A Girl Like That is on my TBR as well!! They both sound so incredible.
And Kristin!! You absolutely should read Simon vs. I feel like you will love it! It’s just so amazing. ❤️ Great post, I hope you enjoy these books!
You just made me even more excited to read these- especially Simon!! I think I’m going to adore him! Thank you!
Great list! I loved Alex Approximately, and Letters to the Lost! I hope you enjoy them! I haven’t read American Panda yet but it’s in my TBR list too. 🙂
Thanks! I own Alex Approximately and Letters to the Lost so I will hopefully read them soon! I hope we both love American Panda!
I love this list! I added a lot of these to my TBR. I’ve been wanting to read Simon vs. The Homosapiens Agenda ever since I saw the movie trailer. Hopefully I get around to that soon!
Thanks! I hope we both love Simon. The movie looks adorable!
I loved Simon, and can’t wait to see the movie!
The movies looks great! I just have to read the book first!
Some of these books are on my list as well. I recently bought Love, Hate & Other Filters, but I haven’t had the chance to read it yet!
I can’t wait to see what you think about it!
Brilliant list! I’m so keen to read Simon vs the Homosapiens! And American Panda 😀
Thank you! We need to read those two!
You’re welcome!
I really want to read some more contemporary books this year! Little & Lion has been on my list since last year and American Panda sounds like a good one to pick up this year too!
I don’t know why but I am really loving contemporary lately! Those two books are very high on my list. I hope we both enjoy them!
I LOVED Alex, Approximately so much!
Everyone in the comments is saying that which makes me so happy!!
I want to read American Panda so badly, because I have heard fantastic Reviews 😍
My favorite YA contemporary would be Queens of Geek, this book has meant so much to me and I want it to get all the love ♥
I want to read Queens of Geek and I am kicking myself for not including it on this list! I have heard great things about it!
You definitely should pick it up, it’s amazing 😍
i am craaaazy excited to read american panda!!
Me too!!