Best Young Adult Books April 2025

Ready Player One

Dive into a thrilling virtual reality quest in Ernest Cline’s “Ready Player One.” Wade Watts, a teenage gamer, hunts for an Easter egg hidden in the OASIS, a vast online world. The prize? Unimaginable wealth and power. As Wade deciphers ’80s pop culture clues, he faces ruthless competitors and corporate villains. This nostalgic adventure blends dystopian reality with digital fantasy, exploring friendship, love, and the human spirit in a world where escape is just a headset away.

I Am the Messenger

I Am the Messenger is a gripping tale that follows Ed Kennedy, an underage cabdriver with a coffee-addicted dog. His life is one of peaceful routine until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery. Suddenly, Ed begins receiving mysterious playing cards in the mail, each bearing cryptic messages. As he deciphers these clues, he’s drawn into a world of both heartwarming and heart-wrenching tasks, forcing him to confront his own potential and the complexities of human nature. Zusak’s masterful storytelling will leave you questioning the power of small acts of kindness and the extraordinary impact one ordinary person can have.

The Wee Free Men

Tiffany Aching, a young witch-in-training, faces her first real challenge when the Queen of Fairies kidnaps her little brother. Armed with nothing but a frying pan and her wits, she teams up with the Nac Mac Feegle – tiny, blue, kilt-wearing, sheep-stealing pictsies – to rescue him. Pratchett’s wit shines through in this delightful tale of courage, friendship, and the power of believing in yourself. I couldn’t put it down, laughing out loud at the Feegles’ antics and cheering for Tiffany’s growth. A perfect blend of humor and heart.

Equal Rites

In a world where magic is strictly divided by gender, young Esk defies tradition. Born the eighth son of an eighth son, she’s destined for wizardry—a role reserved for men. With a stubborn witch as her mentor and a talking staff as her companion, Esk embarks on a hilarious journey to claim her rightful place at Unseen University. Pratchett’s wit shines as he pokes fun at gender roles and magical bureaucracy, weaving a tale that’s both thought-provoking and utterly entertaining. You’ll laugh, you’ll ponder, and you’ll never look at pointy hats the same way again.

I Shall Wear Midnight

In this enchanting tale, Terry Pratchett weaves a spellbinding story of young witch Tiffany Aching’s most challenging adventure yet. As she faces the ancient, malevolent Cunning Man, Tiffany must confront her own fears and doubts. Pratchett’s signature wit and wisdom shine through, making this a delightful read for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. I found myself laughing out loud one moment and deeply moved the next. A truly magical journey that left me pondering long after the final page.

A Hat Full of Sky

Tiffany Aching, a young witch-in-training, faces her greatest challenge yet in this enchanting tale. As she leaves her beloved chalk hills to apprentice with Miss Level, Tiffany discovers a sinister force stalking her thoughts. With wit, courage, and a dash of Nac Mac Feegle magic, she must confront her own fears and the ancient evil threatening her mind. Pratchett’s signature humor and wisdom shine through, making this a delightful journey of self-discovery and growing up.

Wintersmith

Tiffany Aching, a young witch-in-training, faces her toughest challenge yet in this enchanting tale. When she accidentally catches the eye of the Wintersmith, an elemental force of nature, chaos ensues. As the lines between seasons blur and snow threatens to engulf the world, Tiffany must use all her wit and growing magical skills to set things right. Pratchett’s signature humor and wisdom shine through, making this a delightful read for both young adults and the young at heart.

Soul Music

In this rollicking adventure through Discworld, Death takes an unexpected holiday, leaving his granddaughter Susan to fill his bony shoes. Meanwhile, a mysterious force called “Music With Rocks In” sweeps through Ankh-Morpork, captivating the youth and baffling the elders. As Susan grapples with her newfound duties, she crosses paths with Imp y Celyn, a young musician with dreams of stardom. Pratchett’s wit shines as he weaves together themes of destiny, rebellion, and the power of music, all while keeping readers chuckling at his trademark humor and clever wordplay.

The Shepherd’s Crown

Terry Pratchett’s final Discworld novel, “The Shepherd’s Crown,” is a bittersweet farewell to a beloved series. Young witch Tiffany Aching faces her greatest challenge yet as the barrier between worlds weakens, threatening an invasion of malevolent elves. With her mentor gone, Tiffany must rally allies and confront change, both personal and cosmic. Pratchett’s trademark humor and wisdom shine through, offering a poignant reflection on life, death, and the power of stories to shape our world. A fitting capstone to an extraordinary literary legacy.

Mort

Death takes an apprentice in this wickedly funny Discworld novel. Young Mort, clumsy and naive, finds himself whisked away to become Death’s assistant. As he fumbles through his new duties, Mort discovers the complexities of life, love, and the delicate balance of the universe. Pratchett’s signature wit and clever wordplay shine as he explores mortality with a light touch, leaving readers chuckling and pondering in equal measure. A delightful romp through the afterlife that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear.