My favorite YA reads of 2022
I read 56 novels this year, 25 of which were young adult. I rated only six of those 5-star reads!
I won't be choosing a single favorite of my favorites because 1. I don't have to, and 2. You can't make me! LOL.
In no particular order, my favorite YA novels of 2022 are:
FIREKEEPER'S DAUGHTER
BY ANGELINE BOULLEY
I'm hesitant to describe the story because had I known some of the topics covered in this book, I may not have picked it up. I'm SO glad I did!
I usually shy away from drug-related stories and anything at all with seggsual* assault (*purposefully misspelled to avoid unwanted internet traffic). BUT this story is so much more than that (and thankfully the SA scene was fade-to-black).
What I loved: the writing and pacing, the romance, learning about the Ojibwe tribe and their traditions. I was swept away to a new-to-me world that embraced and welcomed me in.
Soon to be a Netflix series! Buy your copy here.
PRIDE
BY IBI ZOBOI
I read just about every Pride and Prejudice adaptation that comes out. So when this one came across my FYP on BookTok, I jumped to add it to my TBR queue.
It did not disappoint! In fact, this is probably my favorite P&P retelling next to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
Set in current-day Brooklyn, Zuri's Afro-Latino neighborhood is being gentrified, and she's determined to hate the wealthy Darcy family that moves in across the street.
What I loved: The author retained the wonderful humor of the Austen novel while artfully adapting the theme and ending for a YA audience. The poetry brought tears to my eyes. Brilliant.
Buy your copy here.
THE CRUEL PRINCE
BY HOLLY BLACK
Just to show how fickle readers can be, I first tried reading this book way back in 2018 or 2019 and put it down after only a few chapters. After seeing many rave reviews on BookTok, I found my way back to this series early this year and devoured all three books back-to-back.
In this combo contemporary/fantasy novel, Jude lives (barely) as a ridiculed human among the beautiful and powerful fae.
What I loved: The tension between her and Cardan is off the charts, expertly riding the line between hate and obsession. The world building and cast are phenomenal. I can't wait for the fourth novel to be released on January 3rd!
Purchase the series here.
In addition to the 56 novels I read this year, I DNF'd (Did Not Finish) twelve. I wonder if any of them will go on to become 5-star favorites of mine in a few years.
ON THE COME UP
BY ANGIE THOMAS
This was the first book I've read by Angie Thomas but will not be the last!
Bri wants to follow in her deceased father's footsteps by becoming the greatest rapper of all time, but when her first song goes viral for the wrong reasons, she needs to decide between integrity and her dreams.
What I loved: The writing is exceptional. I especially loved the lyrics! I connected with Bri's mom who's a recovered addict, desperately trying to prove herself and obtain reliable employment. Someone I love has fought similar battles, and it was nice to see her portrayed with such a compassionate and optimistic angle.
Order your copy here.
SKYWARD
BY BRANDON SANDERSON
This was fun from start to finish. Had all the excitement and strategy of Ender's Game without the problematic author (to my knowledge).
Spensa, a would-be pilot defending against alien attackers, suffers shame and disdain stemming from her father's treasonous last act. Desperate to prove herself, she worries she may someday repeat history.
What I loved: I need to stop saying the writing, because all six of these were just brilliant. More top-class worldbuilding. Sci fi that's about humanity, not futuristic gadgets. Another great enemies to lovers, too!
Buy yours here.
IF YOU COULD SEE THE SUN
BY ANN LIANG
Perhaps the most quintessential YA novel of the bunch! Despite the literary title and cover, this was 100% commercial YA contemporary... with a healthy dose of magical realism.
Despite her perfect grades, Alice has always felt invisible at her elite boarding school, so it doesn't come as much of a shock when she actually becomes so! She leverages her new talent to earn money collecting secrets of her classmates, which will help her pay the hefty tuition, until the "jobs" she takes go from morally gray to deadly black.
What I loved: great pacing, competitors to lovers, fascinating premise, and the setting. I was sitting on the edge of my seat wondering how Alice was going to get herself out of this mess!
Buy it here.
I'm already looking forward to the reading adventures I'll have next year! If you'd like to read my reviews and check out my other 5-star reads of 2022 as well as my 2023 TBR, follow me on StoryGraph.
Leave a comment letting me know what your favorite YA reads were of 2022.
(The Amazon links above are affiliate links. If you purchase a book through this blog post, Amazon will give me a few pennies.)
