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PowellsBooks.Blog
Authors, readers, critics, media − and booksellers.

Lists

Best YA Books of 2016

by Powell's Staff, December 13, 2016 9:03 AM
BOOKTITLE

Powell's employees share their top picks of the year in the young adult category.
Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #2)
by Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo does not disappoint with this fast-paced, tight-knit, emotionally gut-punching sequel to last year's bestseller Six of Crows. Kaz and his diverse crew of criminals are back, determined to wreak vengeance on their enemies and reap their just rewards. Full of twists and turns, heists and havoc, you will most likely finish this book with a racing heart, paper cuts from speedy page-flipping, and an overwhelming craving for waffles (you'll see).
– Madeline S.

Every Heart a Doorway (Wayward Children #1)
by Seanan McGuire

Every Heart a Doorway has it all. It’s dark and creepy, mysterious and macabre, and at its heart there's a whole lot of that feel-good love. Love that comes from new friendships and finding your way in a world that is no longer home. And if you are lucky... back to the home of your heart. "You’re nobody’s doorway but your own, and the only one who gets to tell you how your story ends is you." (Seanan McGuire)
– Mecca A.

On the Edge of Gone
by Corinne Duyvis

When I read this book back in March, I knew instantly it would make my Staff Top Five list for 2016. I've read many other great books this year, but none could unseat this one as my favorite. Far from being your standard apocalyptic YA fare, this well-written and thought-provoking novel explores the human toll of a world-ending natural disaster. Relatable characters, tense action, and emotional turmoil make this book impossible to set down. I can't recommend it enough!
– Carrie L.

The Raven King (Raven Cycle #4)
by Maggie Stiefvater

No way could I have predicted much of anything in this final volume of the series, but it was a perfect ending. You must read the other books first, but, take my word for it, you will not be disappointed.
– Kathy H.

The Reader (Sea of Ink and Gold #1)
by Traci Chee

Reeling from the death of her parents and the capture of her gypsy-warrior aunt, Sefia has only a mysterious inheritance — a book, though in her world no one reads or writes — to help her find and punish the ones responsible for their deaths. Traci Chee's debut novel is lush and adventurous, brimming with imagination and magic. She has taken the experience of reading, the creation of story, and imbued both with a sense of wonder that is still with me, even months later.
– McKenzie W.

Salt to the Sea
by Ruta Sepetys

Haunting, heartbreaking, and yet uplifting. World War II can be overwhelming to read about, but author Ruta Sepetys makes history graspable by telling the small, intimate tales of four young adult strangers. Tossed together by the messiness of war, these strangers learn to watch over each other as they struggle to the coast of Prussia to attain what they hope will be safety and freedom aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff. (Salt to the Sea was inspired by maritime WWII history.)
– Tracey T.

The Sun Is Also a Star
by Nicola Yoon

Over the course of one fateful day in New York City, Natasha and Daniel unravel the impact of one day's worth of choices. Yoon tackles crucial subjects such as immigration, race, suicide, and heartbreak while delivering honest and genuine protagonists. I also appreciated that every minor character had a story to tell. In a world full of constant struggle, Yoon's second novel gifted me with the power of hope and love!
– Lisa A.

We Are the Ants
by Shaun David Hutchinson

This amazing, funny, heartbreaking, adventurous, love-filled sci-fi (but maybe not sci-fi), coming-of-age, young-adult-but-grown-up story is indescribable, but exactly what you need.
– Doug C.




Books mentioned in this post

We Are the Ants

Shaun David Hutchinson

Every Heart a Doorway

Seanan Mcguire

Salt to the Sea

Ruta Sepetys

The Raven King: The Raven Cycle #4

Maggie Stiefvater

Crooked Kingdom: Six of Crows #2

Leigh Bardugo

On the Edge of Gone

Corinne Duyvis

The Reader

Traci Chee

Sun Is Also a Star

Nicola Yoon
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