Best Young Adult Books December 2024

Al Capone Does My Shirts

Moose Flanagan’s world turns upside down when his family moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935. His father’s new job as a prison guard brings unexpected challenges, especially with his sister Natalie’s special needs. Amidst the notorious inmates and strict rules, Moose finds himself caught between family duty and the allure of adventure. When the warden’s mischievous daughter suggests a money-making scheme involving Al Capone, Moose must navigate friendship, responsibility, and the complexities of growing up in an extraordinary place.

The War I Finally Won

Ada’s world has been turned upside down by war, but she’s finally found a place to belong. As she navigates life with her new family in the English countryside, she grapples with the lingering effects of her abusive past. Ada’s fierce determination shines as she learns to ride horses and faces the challenges of rationing and air raids. Through it all, her bond with her brother Jamie deepens, and she discovers the true meaning of family and friendship. This poignant tale of resilience and hope will tug at your heartstrings and leave you cheering for Ada’s triumph over adversity.

The War That Saved My Life

Ada’s twisted foot has kept her trapped in her London flat, but when children are evacuated during World War II, she seizes her chance at freedom. Alongside her protective brother Jamie, Ada discovers a new world in the English countryside. As she learns to ride horses and face her fears, Ada finds strength she never knew she had. This heartwarming tale of resilience and self-discovery will stay with you long after the last page. Bradley’s vivid storytelling brings wartime England to life, reminding us that sometimes, the greatest battles are fought within ourselves.

The Thing About Jellyfish

Suzy’s world crumbles when her best friend Franny drowns during a summer swim. Refusing to accept it as a simple accident, Suzy becomes obsessed with jellyfish, convinced their sting is the real culprit. As she dives into scientific research, her grief manifests in silence, pushing away those who care. Through her quest for answers, Suzy learns about life, loss, and the delicate balance of nature. A poignant tale of a young girl’s journey through heartache and healing.

Lyddie

Lyddie’s world crumbles when her father abandons the family farm, leaving her to fend for herself in 1840s Vermont. Determined to reunite her scattered siblings, she takes a grueling job at a textile mill. Amid the deafening looms and choking cotton dust, Lyddie discovers an unexpected passion for reading and a fierce desire for independence. Her journey from illiterate farm girl to educated young woman is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. Paterson’s vivid prose brings to life the harsh realities of child labor and the stirrings of workers’ rights in early industrial America.

Finding Audrey

Audrey’s world shrinks to the four walls of her home after a traumatic incident at school. Anxiety becomes her constant companion, dark glasses her shield. But when her brother’s charming friend Linus stumbles into her life, Audrey finds herself slowly emerging from her cocoon. With gentle humor and raw honesty, Kinsella captures the messy, hopeful journey of a teen learning to face her fears and rediscover the world. It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and root for Audrey every step of the way.

Breathless

In “Breathless,” Jennifer Niven weaves a poignant tale of self-discovery and first love. Claudine, reeling from her parents’ divorce, finds solace on a remote island where she meets the enigmatic Jeremiah. As their connection deepens, Claudine grapples with her own identity and desires. Niven’s lyrical prose captures the raw emotions of adolescence, painting a vivid picture of summer romance and the bittersweet journey to adulthood. This tender, introspective novel will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt lost and found themselves in unexpected places.

Holding Up the Universe

Libby’s world crumbles when her mom dies, leaving her feeling lost and alone. Jack’s life is a constant struggle to hide his face blindness, a condition that makes recognizing people impossible. When these two broken souls collide, they find unexpected solace in each other’s company. Through late-night conversations and shared secrets, they learn to see beyond appearances and embrace their true selves. Niven’s poignant tale reminds us that sometimes, the most beautiful connections are forged in the darkest moments, and that love can help us find the strength to face our deepest fears.

All the Bright Places

Theodore Finch is fascinated by death. Violet Markey lives for the future. When they meet on the ledge of their school’s bell tower, it’s unclear who saves whom. As their worlds collide, they begin to discover the healing power of love, laughter, and adventure. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink. This poignant, unforgettable story explores the fragile line between life and death, and the importance of living each day to its fullest.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Oskar Schell, a precocious nine-year-old inventor, embarks on a secret mission through New York City’s five boroughs. Armed with a mysterious key left behind by his father, who died in the 9/11 attacks, Oskar hopes to unlock answers about his loss. Along the way, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, each with their own hidden sorrows. Foer’s poignant narrative weaves together Oskar’s journey with the haunting stories of his grandparents, survivors of World War II, creating a tapestry of grief, love, and resilience that will stay with you long after the final page.