Top Ten Tuesday: YA Contemporaries I Enjoyed

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt is a freebie. Even though I read most genres any time of the year, winter makes me want to curl up with a blanket and fluffy contemporary. I don’t usually like contemporary books, but there are a few that have grown on me recently. Here are ten.

The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord: This is definitely one of my favorite YA contemporaries. It’s one of a few mainstream YA books that dives into faith, and it felt more real than a lot of the Christian books I’ve read in the past. It spoke to me on another level, and I am so, so grateful to Emery for writing this book.

First & Then by Emma Mills: I’ve read all the books Emma Mills has out so far, but First & Then is my favorite. It was so adorable with a sprinkle of Pride and Prejudice vibes.

Cold Day in the Sun by Sara Biren: We need more YA hockey books. This is another absolutely adorable YA contemporary. But it also has a lot of positive, feminist vibes and a good depiction of family.

Geekerella by Ashley Poston: Another favorite, Geekerella combines fairy tales with all things nerd and I love it. The plot is a little cheesy and unrealistic, but if you ignore it, the way Ashley adapts the fairy tale is brilliant.

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia: If you consider yourself a creative person, read this book. I love how Francesca captures what it feels like to be a creator and a person all at the same time.

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett: I’ve read all of Jenn Bennett’s YA books, but Starry Eyes was the first and remains my favorite of hers. It’s just so cute and the “lost in the woods” aspects were exciting.

Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram: Maybe it’s because Darius loves Star Trek, but Darius the Great Is Not Okay was so much better than I expected. Darius is an adorable cupcake that needs to protected at all costs. Adib does a fantastic job addressing mental health through Darius and his father.

Sadie by Courtney Summers: The audiobook of Sadie is incredible. Not only are the main narrators fantastic, but the story is so compelling to listen to. It definitely deserves that Odyssey Award.

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan: I have some mixed feelings about this book, but overall, the story was breathtaking. I love Emily’s writing style and how she confronts difficult topics such as depression and suicide. I look forward to reading future books she publishes.

Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter: I didn’t think I would like this series because it seemed a little naive and cheesy. But as each book progresses, it gets better and better. Plus, those book titles are amazing.

What are your favorite YA contemporaries? Give me suggestions and don’t forget to join the link-up!

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