10 of the Best YA Series

Originally a sci-fi trilogy, The Hunger Games is widely regarded as the definitive YA series. However, its deep political and societal explorations also appeal to adults. 

Set in a post-apocalyptic North America, the story follows two tributes from each district who must fight to the death in an arena each year. Only one can survive—until the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, changes everything.

First published in 2008, the books remain relevant—especially with the movie tie-ins and recent prequels released in 2020 and 2025, respectively. With the adaptation of Sunrise on the Reaping set to premiere on November 20th, now is the perfect time to enter the world of Panem!

A widely beloved, bestselling series, “this tale of self-discovery will make readers’ hearts skip a beat” (School Library Journal). 

Offering a layered, uplifting portrayal of LGBTQ+ youth, the graphic novels weave together an inclusive ensemble cast while primarily following the relationship between shy artist Charlie Spring and popular rugby player Nick Nelson. 

Additionally addressing issues like homophobia, harassment, and, in the later books, anxiety and eating disorders, the series is generally recommended for readers 13 and older. Once finished, tune in to the equally brilliant Netflix adaptation!

If you haven’t heard of Jenny Han before, you’re in for a treat! From the hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty to the Netflix spin-off XO, Kitty, and, of course, To All the Boys I Loved Before, she’s carved out a name for herself in YA, focusing on messy teenage feelings and self-discovery. 

The trilogy, which was adapted into a series starring Lana Condor and Noah Centineo, starts with To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. High schooler Lara Jean keeps to herself, only expressing her true feelings for boys through love letters she keeps in a secret box—until they’re all mailed out. 

As she moves from high school to college, the series chronicles first love and the emotional changes that come with growing up. 

Inspired by West African mythology and Yoruba culture, Tomi Adeyemi’s stunning series comes alive with dark magic and danger.

Once, magic thrived in the Orisha Kingdom. But that was before a ruthless king killed all the maji, including Zélie Adebola’s mother. 

Now, Zélie is building up her strength to fight back and topple the monarchy—all while grappling with her budding powers. As Entertainment Weekly put it, the books are “a phenomenon.”

Following Percy Jackson, a modern-day demigod and son of Poseidon, and his friends as they navigate a series of quests from Greek mythology, this beloved series remains a worldwide phenomenon, with a Broadway play, two motion pictures, and a television series.

“The clash of modern and classical worlds is both exciting and entertaining”; for example, Mount Olympus is in the Empire State Building, while the Underworld entrance is through a recording studio in Los Angeles (New York Times Book Review). 

The recent Disney+ adaptation has been praised for its faithfulness to the series, with a young leading trio and a fun, fast-paced spirit. Returning on November 20 for season three, November is shaping up to be the month of YA!

With a core trilogy, spin-off trilogy, bridge novel, short-story collection, prequel, and more once you’re pulled into The Inheritance Games universe, you’ll be there for a while! The story begins with Avery Grambs, who puts a plan in motion for a better future: finish high school, earn a scholarship, and leave.

But when Tobias Hawthorne, a man she’s never met, dies and leaves Avery his fortune, she’ll have to jump through a hoop or two to claim her inheritance. 

As she moves through the secret-filled maze that is Hawthorne House, puzzles, codes, and riddles stalk her every move, turning it into a bigger game for her survival. 

Blending Ojibwe community life with mystery, the Firekeeper’s Daughter series is groundbreaking as well as thrilling. 

“A rare and mesmerizing work that blends the power of a vibrant tradition with the aches and energy of today’s America,” the story begins with Native teen Daunis Fontaine, who seeks to end the corruption in her community (Francisco X. Stork, acclaimed author of Marcelo in the Real World and Illegal). 

From the creator of the bestselling children’s series The Spiderwick Chronicles, this #1 New York Times-bestselling YA faerie fantasy series has taken BookTok by storm! 

Follow Jude Duarte, a mortal girl in the High Court of Faerie, as she struggles to make nice with Prince Cardan; together, they must put aside their differences to save the Courts. 

With a vast cast of fantastical creatures, the series is full of enchantment, romance, and plenty of twists and turns!

A mystery-thriller series, now available as a TV adaptation on Netflix, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder follows high-school student turned amateur detective Pip Fitz-Amobi. 

What begins as a school project turns into an investigation into a closed five-year-old murder case—as she unravels town secrets that some are intent on keeping buried…

Another BookTok sensation, Alex Aster’s bestselling YA fantasy series centers on Isla Crown, the young ruler of Wilding, who enters a Centennial competition between six leaders, seeking to free themselves from the curses of their realms.

Facing challenges while attempting to keep her big secret hidden, she’ll do everything she can to save her kingdom. Across the series, a slow-burn love triangle keeps the pages turning—with fans notoriously split between Team Grim and Team Oro.