Best Young adult fiction Books December 2024

The Great Gilly Hopkins

Gilly Hopkins is a tough-as-nails 11-year-old foster kid who’s been shuffled from home to home. When she lands with the Trotters, she’s determined to be her usual troublesome self. But Maime Trotter’s unwavering kindness slowly chips away at Gilly’s defenses. As she begins to open up, Gilly faces a choice: embrace this newfound family or cling to her dream of reuniting with her birth mother. Paterson’s poignant tale explores the complexities of belonging and the true meaning of home.

Harriet, the Spy

Harriet’s world revolves around her notebook, where she scribbles observations about everyone she encounters. At eleven, she’s determined to become a spy, sneaking around her New York City neighborhood, eavesdropping on friends and strangers alike. But when her classmates discover her brutally honest writings, Harriet’s life turns upside down. Suddenly friendless, she must confront the consequences of her actions and learn valuable lessons about empathy and self-discovery. This timeless coming-of-age story captures the awkwardness and intensity of adolescence with humor and heart.

M.C. Higgins, The Great

Perched atop his 40-foot pole, young M.C. Higgins surveys his Appalachian home with a mix of pride and unease. The mountain’s been his family’s sanctuary for generations, but now a giant spoil heap threatens everything. As M.C. grapples with change and dreams of escape, he encounters a mysterious girl who sparks his curiosity. Hamilton’s lyrical prose weaves a captivating tale of resilience, identity, and the power of place in this unforgettable coming-of-age story.

The Phantom Tollbooth

Milo’s world was dull and gray until a mysterious tollbooth appeared in his room. Curiosity piqued, he drove through it in his toy car, embarking on a whimsical journey through the Kingdom of Wisdom. With a watchdog named Tock by his side, Milo encounters quirky characters and absurd situations, learning valuable lessons about language, numbers, and the importance of imagination. This enchanting tale, filled with wordplay and wit, reminds us that life’s greatest adventures often begin when we least expect them.

Julie of the Wolves

Julie’s world shatters when she flees an arranged marriage, finding herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness. Desperate to survive, she forms an unlikely bond with a pack of wolves, learning their ways and language. As Julie navigates between two worlds—her Eskimo heritage and the modern world—she discovers her own strength and identity. George’s vivid prose brings the tundra to life, immersing readers in Julie’s journey of self-discovery and the raw beauty of nature.

The Summer of the Swans

Sara’s summer feels endless and dull until her mute brother Charlie vanishes one night. Suddenly, her world turns upside down as she frantically searches for him. Through this ordeal, Sara discovers inner strength and a deeper understanding of family bonds. Byars’ touching narrative captures the essence of adolescence, sibling love, and personal growth. With vivid characters and poignant moments, this heartwarming tale reminds us that sometimes, life’s most profound lessons come from unexpected places.

The Higher Power of Lucky

Lucky, a spirited ten-year-old orphan in Hard Pan, California, eavesdrops on 12-step meetings, searching for her own “Higher Power.” Haunted by her mother’s death and fearing abandonment by her guardian, Lucky navigates friendship, family, and the harsh realities of desert life. With a knot-tying obsession and a faithful dog by her side, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning that sometimes, the most powerful connections are the ones we forge ourselves.

The House on Mango Street

Esperanza’s world unfolds in a series of vignettes, painting a vivid portrait of life in a Latino neighborhood in Chicago. Through her young eyes, we see the beauty and harshness of her surroundings, the dreams and disappointments of her family and neighbors. Cisneros’ lyrical prose captures the essence of growing up, of finding one’s identity, and of yearning for something more. It’s a story that lingers, like the scent of ripe mangoes on a warm summer day.

Where the Red Fern Grows

Where the Red Fern Grows is a heartwarming tale that still brings a lump to my throat. Wilson Rawls’ vivid storytelling transported me to the Ozark Mountains, where young Billy’s determination to own hunting dogs touched my soul. I felt every triumph and setback alongside him, his loyal hounds, and his loving family. This timeless coming-of-age story explores the unbreakable bond between a boy and his dogs, reminding us of the power of perseverance, love, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.

The BFG

Sophie never imagined that her life would change forever one moonlit night. Snatched from her orphanage bed by a giant, she soon discovers that not all giants are as terrifying as they seem. The BFG, with his enormous ears and kind heart, introduces her to a world of dreams and adventure. Together, they hatch a daring plan to stop the other, more fearsome giants from wreaking havoc. Roald Dahl’s “The BFG” is a whimsical tale of friendship, courage, and the magic that lies within the unexpected.