YALSA Booklists and Resources

YALSA Booklists

Each year, YALSA selects the best books and media for teens. Whether you’re looking for a book for a reluctant or avid teen reader, there’s sure to be a title that will fit the bill.

While these books have been selected for teens from 12 to 18 years of age, the award-winning titles and the titles on YALSA’s selected lists span a broad range of reading and maturity levels. We encourage adults to take an active role in helping individual teens choose those books that are the best fit for them and their families.

Best Fiction for Young Adults

This list compiles the best fiction written for teens in the previous sixteen months. BFYA evolved out of Best Books for Young Adults.

Great Graphic Novels for Teens

This annual list offers recommended graphic novels that have teen appeal.

Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

This list presents audiobooks released within the past two years that appeal to teens.

Outstanding Books for the College Bound

Updated every five years, this comprehensive list provides reading recommendations to students who plan to continue their education beyond high school. The most recent list was released in 2009.

Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

This list suggests items for recreational reading that have wide appeal to teens who, for whatever reason, do not like to read.

Readers’ Choice

Anyone can nominate their must-read YA titles each year in a number of genre categories. Each November, YALSA members will vote on the titles for the final list.

Teens’ Top Ten

This list allows teens to choose their ten favorite books from a list of current titles nominated by teen book groups. Nominations are listed in April. Teens vote for their favorite books in August and September. The votes are tallied and YALSA names the Teens’ Top Ten during Teen Read Week.