Best Young Adult Books May 2025

The Incredible Journey

Sheila Burnford’s “The Incredible Journey” is a heartwarming tale of loyalty and perseverance. Three beloved pets—a young Labrador, an old bull terrier, and a Siamese cat—embark on a perilous 300-mile trek through the Canadian wilderness to reunite with their owners. As they face hunger, harsh weather, and wild animals, their unwavering bond and instincts guide them home. Burnford’s vivid descriptions and touching moments make this adventure a timeless classic that still tugs at my heartstrings.

Encyclopedia Brown: Boy Detective

Meet Encyclopedia Brown, the ten-year-old sleuth with a knack for solving mysteries that baffle even the adults. In this charming collection of short stories, young readers join Leroy “Encyclopedia” Brown as he cracks cases in his hometown of Idaville. With his encyclopedic knowledge and sharp wit, Encyclopedia unravels puzzles ranging from stolen bicycles to missing pets. Sobol’s clever writing invites readers to put their own detective skills to the test, making this book a delightful blend of entertainment and mental exercise.

The Indian in the Cupboard

Imagine a world where your toys come to life! That’s exactly what happens to Omri when he discovers his old cupboard has magical powers. With a simple turn of a key, his plastic Indian figure transforms into a real, tiny person from the past. As Omri navigates this incredible secret, he learns valuable lessons about responsibility, friendship, and the complexities of different cultures. Banks weaves a captivating tale that will leave readers of all ages spellbound and yearning for their own magical adventure.

By the Shores of Silver Lake

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Old Yeller

I’ll never forget the summer Old Yeller came into our lives. That mangy, yellow dog stole our hearts and taught us about love, loyalty, and loss. Gipson’s vivid storytelling transported me to the rugged Texas frontier, where I felt the dust on my skin and heard the howl of wolves. Through young Travis’s eyes, we experience the joys and heartaches of frontier life, and the unbreakable bond between a boy and his dog. A timeless tale that still brings tears to my eyes.

Sarah, Plain and Tall

In this tender, heartwarming tale, Patricia MacLachlan weaves a simple yet profound story of love and family. Set on the windswept prairies of the American Midwest, we follow young Anna and Caleb as they anxiously await the arrival of Sarah, their father’s mail-order bride. Through Anna’s eyes, we experience the trepidation and hope that comes with change, and witness the blossoming of unexpected connections. MacLachlan’s spare prose captures the essence of frontier life, leaving readers with a lingering sense of warmth and nostalgia.

The Long Winter

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The Graveyard Book

Nobody Owens, known as Bod, is a normal boy. Well, he would be if he didn’t live in a graveyard, raised by ghosts, with a guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor the dead. Bod has adventures in the graveyard and the world of the living, but it’s in the land of the dead where he’ll face his greatest challenge. Gaiman’s masterful storytelling weaves a tale of wonder, friendship, and courage that will captivate readers of all ages. A haunting yet heartwarming journey through life, death, and the spaces in between.

The Dark Is Rising

In this haunting tale, Will Stanton discovers on his eleventh birthday that he’s no ordinary boy, but an immortal warrior in the age-old battle between Light and Dark. As the seventh son of a seventh son, he must embark on a perilous quest to gather six magical Signs before the Dark rises to power. Cooper’s masterful blend of Arthurian legend and modern-day adventure had me spellbound, evoking memories of my own childhood winters and the eerie feeling that magic might be just around the corner.

Dear John

John Tyree, a young soldier home on leave, falls for Savannah Curtis, a college student volunteering in his hometown. Their whirlwind romance blossoms over two weeks, but duty calls John back to the Army. Through heartfelt letters, they nurture their long-distance love, dreaming of a future together. But as John’s deployment stretches on, unforeseen challenges test their bond, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of war and the unpredictable nature of the heart.