Top 5: Sarah’s Top Five Young Adult Authors

Sarah’s Top Author Recommendations for Teen Readers

Photo by Blair Bayliss/Maclay Andalusian

1. Marissa Meyer

Meyer is a science fiction and fantasy author who immerses her readers in the worlds she creates. She’s most famous for her series “The Lunar Chronicles,” but she also wrote “The Renegades,” “Heartless” and “Instant Karma.” Everything from her fractured fairy tale fantasy to her lighthearted romance is entertaining and has an amazing plot. I’ve read all her books and enjoyed every page. Besides writing, she also hosts a podcast called “The Happy Writer” where she shares her advice with listeners who desire to be writers one day.

2. Holly Jackson

Jackson is the author of the well-known series “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.” The unexpected twists along with the character development make the whole trilogy an unforgettable read. Although I tried, I never managed to solve the mystery before the main character, Pip, and the change in Pip’s character from the first book to the third truly left me shocked. Jackson also wrote the stand-alone “Five Survive” and “The Reappearance of Rachel Price” which both utilize the author’s signature style.

3. Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Barnes is a realistic fiction author who incorporates puzzles and arouses the reader’s immersion into her books which makes her work very unique. In her trilogy “The Inheritance Games,” Avery Grambs, the main character, solves a mystery. As she uncovers clues, the reader does, too. This made the series very enjoyable for me because I got to solve the mystery right alongside Avery. Barnes also wrote “The Naturals” which follows a group of five teenagers who use their gifts to secretly assist the FBI in solving cases. The found family trope is very well executed with these five, and it makes me so happy that they all found somewhere they can fit in.

4. Holly Black

Black is the author of the “Folk of the Air” trilogy which is often more commonly known as “The Cruel Prince” series. The story’s protagonists Jude and Cardan have the best enemies to lovers’ relationship I’ve ever read. The characters are complex and the plot kept me invested in the whole series. The story continues in her duology “The Stolen Heir” which follows Jude’s younger brother, Oak. I enjoyed the original trilogy more, but the world still retained its magical feel.

5. Stephanie Garber

Garber is the talented creator of the world of “Caraval.” This trilogy is magical and beautifully written. I truly love the mysterious yet playful setting, and Garber executed the carnival aesthetic perfectly. The plot is very involved and the twists left me questioning what I originally thought was happening. Garber also wrote “Once Upon a Broken Heart” which brings back familiar faces and places from “Caraval” while also introducing new ones. I personally found Garber’s second trilogy more entertaining as it was easier to understand what was going on. All the world building in “Caraval” paid off!