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Best Young Adult Books

May 2025

Peter Pan

Wendy Darling’s life was ordinary until the night Peter Pan flew into her nursery. Whisked away to the magical world of Neverland, Wendy and her brothers encounter lost boys, mermaids, and the mischievous Tinker Bell. Yet, amidst swashbuckling adventures and battles with the cunning Captain Hook, Wendy finds herself longing for the familiarity of home. J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan” isn’t just a tale of eternal youth—it’s a poignant reminder of the bittersweet nature of growing up.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis opens the door to a magical world hidden within an ordinary wardrobe. When four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—stumble into the enchanting land of Narnia, they find themselves caught in an epic battle between good and evil. Under the rule of the White Witch, Narnia is trapped in eternal winter. Guided by the noble lion Aslan, the children embark on an unforgettable adventure to bring hope and springtime back to the land. This timeless tale, rich with allegory and imagination, continues to captivate readers of all ages with its themes of bravery, redemption, and the enduring power of love.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a spellbinding journey into the magical world of Hogwarts, as seen through the eyes of an eleven-year-old boy who discovers he is a wizard. Harry’s excitement is palpable as he steps into a universe filled with enchanted creatures, secret passageways, and new friendships. His first year at Hogwarts brims with adventure and mystery, culminating in a thrilling quest to uncover the secrets of the Sorcerer’s Stone. This whimsical tale weaves together themes of courage, friendship, and the battle between good and evil, making it an unforgettable read.

The Wizard of Oz

Dorothy Gale’s life in Kansas is as gray as the prairie skies, until a cyclone whisks her away to the vibrant, magical land of Oz. With her loyal dog Toto by her side, Dorothy embarks on a journey to find the Wizard, who she believes can help her return home. Along the way, she befriends a Scarecrow longing for brains, a Tin Woodman desiring a heart, and a Cowardly Lion seeking courage. Each step on the yellow brick road brings them closer to their dreams, but also to the realization that what they seek might already be within them. Baum’s timeless tale is a heartwarming adventure that reminds us all of the power of friendship and the importance of believing in oneself.

The Secret Garden

When Mary Lennox, a spoiled and lonely orphan, is sent to live with her reclusive uncle in a mysterious, sprawling mansion on the Yorkshire moors, she discovers a hidden, neglected garden. As Mary, along with her new friends Dickon and Colin, brings the garden back to life, she finds herself blossoming too. “The Secret Garden” is a timeless tale of friendship, healing, and the magic of nature that has captivated readers for generations.

Little Women

“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott is a timeless classic that follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the challenges of growing up during the Civil War. Each sister has her own dreams and struggles, and their bond is both heartwarming and inspiring. I remember reading this book as a teenager and feeling a deep connection to Jo’s fierce independence and Amy’s artistic ambitions. It’s a story of love, family, and finding one’s place in the world.

The Hobbit, or, There and Back Again

Bilbo Baggins never imagined he’d leave his cozy hobbit-hole in the Shire, but when Gandalf the wizard and a band of dwarves come knocking, he’s swept into an adventure of a lifetime. Tasked with reclaiming the lost Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug, Bilbo discovers courage and cunning he never knew he had. Along the way, he encounters trolls, elves, and a mysterious ring that will change everything. A timeless tale of bravery and friendship, “The Hobbit” is a journey you won’t forget.

Treasure Island

“Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson is a timeless adventure that swept me off my feet from the very first page. Following young Jim Hawkins, I felt the thrill of discovering a pirate’s map and setting sail for hidden treasure. The vivid characters, like the enigmatic Long John Silver, and the treacherous twists kept me hooked. It’s a tale of courage, betrayal, and the quest for fortune that I couldn’t put down.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll is a whimsical journey into a fantastical world that has captivated readers for generations. I remember reading it as a child, utterly enchanted by Alice’s curious spirit and the bizarre characters she meets, from the grinning Cheshire Cat to the madcap Mad Hatter. Each page is a delightful escape into a land where logic is turned on its head, making it a timeless treasure.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Huckleberry Finn, a spirited and mischievous boy, escapes his troubled life by faking his own death and setting off on a raft down the Mississippi River. Alongside Jim, a runaway slave seeking freedom, Huck encounters a series of adventures that challenge his understanding of morality and friendship. Mark Twain’s classic novel, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” is a poignant exploration of race, identity, and the quest for freedom, all told with Twain’s signature wit and keen social insight.