Teens Share the Last YA Book They Loved: Retelling Rumpelstiltskin, Surviving the Patriarchy, and Getting Kicked out of Fairyland

Spinning Silver, by Naomi Novik
Miriyem is a moneylender, and a good one at that. Certainly better than her father ever was. The townspeople don’t like her much for it, but nonetheless they speak of her as a girl who can turn silver into gold—and Miriyem doesn’t deny that claim. But when a fairy king knocks on her door, can she prove her own myth true? Failing would doom her, but to succeed would doom everyone.
Irina is a duke’s daughter, born and thrust into a game of bargains and promises she never had a say in. But as Miriyem’s story collides with her own, she finds herself at the very heart of the game, standing alone against a terrible monster who would consume them all, and nothing but a ring, a crown, and her own value might keep her country safe.
In this loose but ingenious reimagining of “Rumpelstiltskin,” promises are everything, and no power is greater than keeping your word.
I want to emphasize that I’m being literal when I say my jaw dropped when I started reading. From the very first page Novik frames the core ideals of the story so concisely and whimsically, it’s barely even your own choice to keep reading. Much like its spiritual predecessor Uprooted, Spinning Silver has the tone of a classic fairy tale, even as it deconstructs the very same. Novik is without question one of the strongest fantasy authors we have, and I can’t wait to see where she goes next.
–Assaf T., 17, likes his books very interesting and very heavy, because exercise isn’t as fun but is still important.

Odd One Out, by Nic Stone
Odd One Out is a raw, character-driven novel that took me by surprise; it paints an honest depiction of sexuality and redefining the labels you may have placed upon yourself. I loved how Nic Stone explores this theme through three perspectives: Cooper (“Coop”), Jupiter, and Rae. They all have a distinct voice and personality, and I was drawn to each for different reasons. Coop is playful and endearing. Readers can’t help but admire him for his unwavering loyalty to his loved ones. His friendship with Jupiter, a fierce, selfless, Freddie Mercury–loving teenager, is especially moving because they’re two peas in a pod. Unfortunately, everything changes once Rae enters their lives. Though Rae dramatically alters the group’s dynamic, I loved her narrative. She’s a character I haven’t seen in other novels. After meeting Coop and Jupiter, she realizes she is falling in love with both of them, and Stone captures these feelings with detail and care. With Rae’s emotions in the mix, Coop and Jupiter are left to decide what this means for their friendship. By the conclusion, readers will be reaching for their loved ones and aching for another stellar novel from Stone.
–Nicole S., 17, is currently navigating the world of standardized testing, but she’s excited to embark on a new journey with great books, soulful music, and a pen in her hand. When she’s not hitting the books, you may find her cooking, reading (for fun!), or playing the ukulele.

The Light Between Worlds, by Laura E. Weymouth
Weymouth’s The Light Between Worlds is a lush portal fantasy absolutely saturated with subtext. With so much character development in this new style of “after” fantasy, I was wholly immersed in both the rich setting of the Woodlands chapters as well as the characters’ own struggles back in postwar England, once they’ve been sent home from their years in a fantasy land. Sisters Evelyn and Philippa are so similar in their own struggles, but so uniquely different in the way they deal with them. I loved reading the juxtaposition of the two sisters’ stories, and this poignant novel will stick with me for quite a long times. The Light Between Worlds is a magical, character-driven fantasy you won’t regret picking up—but keep in mind the multiple trigger warnings, which can be found here.
–Vicky C.,17, is anxiously waiting for her college decisions (and her Hogwarts letter) by filling her time with books. She loves reading, but definitely wouldn’t survive in some of her favorite worlds, so she’ll stick to books.

Bridge of Clay, by Marcus Zusak
Clay Dunbar grew up in a strange and surprising family. With four brothers and as many pets—one being a mule—he is used to the unexpected. With an immigrant pianist mother and a father who was a man with a storied past, the Dunbar house was always filled with music, laughter, and love. But the Dunbar boys also suffer the pains of grief and loss that come with becoming an adult as each grows up and experiences more of life. Zusak once again has managed to write a story to captivate the masses. He weaves the complex histories of the family together seamlessly, giving readers a taste of the way families deal with the everyday messes and trials of life. Each character in this novel is written with intrigue and a unique voice. Zusak manages to portray the mundane aspects of life in a colorful way that compels readers to keep reading each page. Though it takes a while to get into and understand, this book is well worth the read and will have readers falling in love, once again, with Zusak and the characters he writes.
–Ellie T. is a Ravenclaw, an avid reader, and an excessive listener of Broadway musical soundtracks. When she’s not reading or talking about books, you can find her binge-watching shows like Arrow, Gilmore Girls, and The Office.

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein, by Kiersten White
Elizabeth Lavenza, a minor character in the original Frankenstein, is finally telling her side of the story, and the real monster is Dr Frankenstein himself. Raised as his companion since they were children, Elizabeth will do anything for Victor, the boy who saved her from a life on the streets. After he goes missing during his studies abroad, she tracks him down and uncovers the horrors he committed. Determined to keep him by her side, Elizabeth begins a descent into darkness to keep herself safe from not just his monster but Victor himself.
Although this book is short, it’s packed with emotion and darkness that would make Mary Shelley proud. It’s a book filled with rage, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re still feeling spooky post-Halloween, this book is definitely worth the time.
–Tatiana J. is a teenaged reader who always carries a book around and constantly has her headphones in. She is also an intersectional feminist who spends her time uplifting black and brown women. She also spends way too much time listening to KPop and playing video games.
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein, by Kiersten White
All Elizabeth Lavenza has ever known is Victor Frankenstein. After being handpicked by his family from her horribly abusive home and carefully planted in the role of best friend to their son, her whole life becomes dedicated to the enchantment of a twisted boy. The pair’s attachment to one another grows and grows, until Elizabeth can no longer imagine a life without her Victor—whether that be out of love, or fear. When one day the certainty of her vital importance to the Frankensteins comes into question, she sets out on a journey to secure all she has worked for, and finds a monster of a secret instead (literally).
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is a wickedly beautiful play on a dark classic. What I loved most was White’s decision to focus on Elizabeth, who plays a smaller role in the original novel. By choosing her for the main character, White was able to twist the central theme of Shelley’s work around to critically examine the role of women in society. Through Elizabeth, she identifies the sacrifices women must make to ensure their own survival, and the true monsters that haunt their life (spoiler alert: men). A vicious masterpiece from beginning to end, Dark Descent is alive (!) with all the qualities of a perfect horrid (in the best way possible) book.
–Maddie M., 19, loves otters, The Great British Baking Show, and knitting. Her favorite author is Jane Austen, and she wants to make sure you all go out and vote!

Daughter of the Siren Queen, by Tricia Levenseller
Alosa, the dangerous daughter of the Pirate King, was born to rule the seas. With the three pieces of the map to Isla de la Canta, she’s poised to secure her spot as the ocean’s rightful heir. But when a startling discovery forces Alosa to betray her father, she and her crew find themselves on the run. Their only hope for survival is to reach the hidden island before Kalligan’s fleet. Sailing into the unknown, toward an island filled with sirens, might seem like a terribly dangerous idea. But to be captured by the Pirate King spells certain death for everyone Alosa loves.
I was so excited to hop aboard the Ava Lee and set sail with Alosa and her crew. I think everyone secretly wants to be a pirate, sailing the high seas searching for adventure and collecting a lot of shiny stuff with their best friends. But if you don’t have easy access to an actual pirate ship, Tricia Levenseller’s books are pretty much the next best thing. Badass female pirates, amazing magical lore, and a romance that’s nearly impossible not to ship: they’re basically a treasure trove of fun.
–Evalyn H., 17, loves Disney movies, marching band, and the smell of new books. She can often be found with video camera in hand, scream singing to musicals, and crying over fictional characters.

What If It’s Us, by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli
Ben just had a bad breakup that’s left him with the shattered remains of a friend group, a failing grade in science (hello, summer school), and a box of relationship leftovers he has to mail back now. He walks the box to the post office, where he runs into the cute boy in the hot dog tie.
Arthur is in New York for the summer, interning at his mom’s law firm. He sees the cute boy with the giant box walk into the post office, and, being the hopeless romantic that he is, follows him. They wait in line, they talk, they hit it off. Then a flash mob in the post office interrupts them, and Ben is gone. Arthur worries he’ll never see him again, and the hunt is on to find this mysterious boy and tie up the missed connection.
This book is absolutely wonderful. It’s funny and clever and romantic and awkward, the kind of book that truly captures what it’s like to be a teenager falling in love. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me want to hold someone’s hand and not be alone. There are moments of sweetness and hopefulness, moments of anger and miscommunication, and moments of the poignant honesty Silvera and Albertalli are known so well for. Read this book. You won’t regret it.
–Jamie R., 14, is an avid reader, writer, and Broadway fan. She can often be found reading, singing, or memorizing lines, though usually the first two are done when she should be doing the third.
What If It’s Us, by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli
What If It’s Us is a coming of age contemporary novel about two gay teens, Ben and Arthur, who embark on a whirlwind of romance during a summer in New York. As two authors who typically write drastically different novels, Silvera and Albertalli combine the best parts of their individual artistic styles to create a romance that’s adorable and fluffy while also being angsty and imperfect. This healthy and accurate portrayal of a romance rarely represented in literature, combined with the distinct voices and story arcs of the two main characters, creates a narrative that appeals greatly to all YA readers.
What If It’s Us effortlessly represents the reality of being a teen and navigating first (and second) loves while also not neglecting other important relationships, such as friendships and familial relationships. Together, Silvera and Albertalli are changing the course of YA literature for years to come, in the best way possible.
–Kav is a 17-year old booktuber and cohost of Book Bound Society who loves media, books, and social justice. They are frequently active on Twitter and YouTube talking about a combination of book-related and social justice-related topics.

The Darkest Star, by Jennifer L. Armentrout
On a scale of night clubs to plot twists this book is a swoon-worthy alien boyfriend.
After loving Obsidian, Onyx, Opal, Origin, Opposition, and Oblivion, I really didn’t think it could get any better. Then Jennifer L. Armentrout blessed us with The Darkest Star, featuring a whole new cast of characters with cameos by our favorite aliens. This first installment in Armentrout’s new Origins series follows Evie Dasher, who, like Katy from Obsidian, somehow gets caught up in the overwhelming world of the Luxen, an alien race taking refuge on Earth. Taking place shortly after the end of Opposition (you should probably read the Lux series first for context, but Armentrout does a good job of explaining everything for new readers), not only was the writing fantastic, but somehow Armentrout continues to come up with new and exciting ways to bring on the heat and the humor in her books. I would recommend this book to high school bibliophiles and fans of paranormal romance. It’s definitely going to be a staple on my bookshelf for years to come.
–Kaitlin D., 16, self-proclaimed bibliophile, hardcore selfie taker, and lover of the oxford comma. Secretly a superhero. May have taken a bite out of the moon. Current status: Trapped in a romance novel.