Best Books for Teens of 2023
Last updated: March 18, 2024
We've picked some of our favourite books for teens and young adults published in 2023, and also included this year's winners of prestigious book prizes — such as the Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature and the Yoto Carnegies. From novels to nonfiction to graphic novels, our 2023 list of the best books for teens has something for everyone.
Part of our best books of 2023 series.
Wild Song
by Candy Gourlay
This is an outstanding novel set in 1904, a few years after the Philippines became a US colony. Luki is an excellent hunter, but the Bontok elders forbid girls from hunting and are arranging her marriage. When the tribe is offered a journey to the USA to take part in the World’s Fair in St. Louis, Luki seizes the opportunity. At the Fair, visitors already have fixed ideas of what Luki and other indigenous people should be: headhunters should not also be farmers, and why aren’t they all singing and dancing? As everyone is being turned into distorted versions of themselves, Luki resists being reduced to an amusing object for show. She loves the America that is unafraid of change and full of choice and possibility. But in experiencing the world outside her culture and ordinary life, she also encounters another America: one that turns ritual into entertainment and despises the sight of her. A brilliant historical novel aimed at YA readers, but which adults and some younger children will definitely enjoy as well. Stand-alone follow-up to Bone Talk.
The Undying of Obedience Wellrest
by Nicholas Bowling
“For my fifteenth birthday, my grandfather let me dig my own grave”. Thus begins this excellent novel, as readers are introduced to Ned, gravedigger-in-training. The alternate narrator is Bede, young lady of the crumbling manor. Her father is trying his best to marry her off to a wealthy scientist, which Bede is resourcefully doing everything to avoid, with much quick repartee and a rather dangerous plan. The story is set in 1832 England, at the Frankenstein edge of science. This is a gothic but fun novel for teens, which many adults will also find thoroughly enjoyable.
The Blue Book of Nebo
Manon Steffan Ros, author and translator
🏆 Winner of the 2023 Yoto Carnegie Medal
A post-apocalyptic short novel alternately narrated by a 14 year old boy and his mother. They are isolated survivors of a nuclear disaster, living outside a small village in North Wales where they grow what they eat and forage for other essentials — such as books — in abandoned homes. Simultaneously delicate and brutal, this is a contemplative read that makes us examine our lives in the modern world and what we really care about. The English edition is also an exploration of Welsh identity and our relationship with language.
I Must Betray You
by Ruta Sepetys
***2023 Yoto Carnegie Shadowers’ Choice Medal***
A gripping historical novel set in Bucharest in 1989. With hindsight readers know that the Ceaușescu regime will fall by Christmas, but at the start of the book Cristian — a 17 year old schoolboy — is blackmailed to become one of the many civilian informers for the regime. The author clearly takes her background research seriously, using interviews to get a feel for the human story in addition to a very wide range of written sources. I Must Betray You vividly brings to life the atmosphere of constant suspicion and fear, what it is like to grow up without any private space to be yourself, and the damage that the inability to trust anyone does to friendships and family relationships.
I Kick and I Fly
by Ruchira Gupta
When 14 year old Heera lashes out at a school bully, she is terrified of getting expelled. Without school lunch she will go hungry, and her father is likely to sell her into the sex trade. Heera reaches out to a local NGO leader who supports her to stay in school, and also introduces her to martial arts. By learning kung fu, Heera gains control of her body, as well as the sense that she is worth fighting for. When her best friend disappears, Heera embarks on a daring rescue mission and helps expose a link between Nepal, India and the USA in the global sex industry. This is a compelling, realistic and hopeful novel set in Bihar, by an author who has founded an anti-sex trafficking organisation to help girls and women leave a life of forced prostitution.
The Prince & The Coyote
David Bowles, Amanda Mijangos (illustrator)
We’re in 1418 Mesoamerica. When the king of Tetzcoco is killed, the 15 year old crown prince runs for his life. He survives a winter in the wilderness with the help of a coyote, before re-emerging more mature, patient and bent on revenge. This is an action-packed adventure, a poetic story of love and loss, and a well-researched historical novel about the early life of Nezahualcóyotl, the remarkable Aztec king who is credited with ushering in a golden age of music, learning and engineering. The retelling incorporates poems attributed to Nezahualcóyotl, translated from Nahuatl by the author. Compelling historical fiction, richly illustrated by an award-winning Mexican artist.
Victory. Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice
Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, Dawud Anyabwile (illustrator)
🏆 Winner 2023 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults
This is a powerful graphic memoir, propelled by the great combination of a compelling story and dynamic illustrations by an award-winning artist. At the 1968 Olympics, Tommie Smith — having just broken the 200 metre sprint world record — and bronze medal winner John Carlos, raised their fists in an iconic gesture against the injustice inflicted on African Americans. This graphic novel tells the story of that race and the incredible determination it took to win, with flashbacks to Tommie Smith’s childhood. The Olympic medallists’ decision to use their platform to take a stand had severe consequences (including death threats) and still resonates today.
Good for Nothing
by Mariam Ansar
We meet three teenagers in a divided city in Yorkshire, England, as they are sentenced to a summer of community service. With chapters alternately narrated by these very different characters — Amir, Eman and Kemi — readers build a vivid picture of their lives and the gradual growth of solidarity and friendship between them. With the full title Don’t Ever Let Them Tell You that You’re Good for Nothing, this is a novel with heart, about challenging the misplaced assumptions we make about each other, and building a sense of community.
The Bodyguard Unit
Clément Xavier & Lisa Lugrin, Albertine Ralenti (colorist), translated by Edward Gauvin
Subtitled Edith Garrud, Women’s Suffrage, and Jujitsu, this graphic novel tells the little-known story of the bodyguard unit of the Women’s Social and Political Union. When women in the UK demanded the right to vote in the early 20th century, they faced violent retaliation. Instead of backing down, they got self-defence training. The illustrations, which are somewhat reminiscent of Tintin comics, and the unusual angle — Edwardian women doing martial arts — make this relatable history for young readers. 138 pages.
Ages 10-14
Warrior Girl Unearthed
by Angeline Boulley & Isabella Star LaBlanc (narrator)
16 year old Perry Firekeeper-Birch is looking forward to a summer of fishing and relaxing, but an internship at a tribal museum upends her plans. When she finds out that museums and private collectors continue to keep Native American remains in everything from display cases to cereal boxes, she decides to take matters into her own hands and return ancestors to Sugar Island for burial. As our Indigenous Lara Croft embarks on her reverse Tomb Raider mission, she also has to contend with the horrific rate of abduction and murder of Indigenous women — who will be next? This is a gripping novel with a strong protagonist who navigates injustice and cares about her community. A stand-alone follow-up to the prize-winning Firekeeper’s Daughter.
All My Rage
Sabaa Tahir, narrated by Deepti Gupta, Kamran R. Khan and Kausar Mohammed
🏆 Winner 2023 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature
***2022 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature (USA)***
***American Library Association Amazing Audiobook for Young Adults 2023***
“Of the three different characters, two are best friends who are in a difficult spot with each other. And the third is the mother, whose voice is telling her story in the past leading up to the present. It gets into some heavier topics, where the three of them are facing a lot of hardship. At the same time, there are beautiful relationships that you’re discovering. While there’s a lot of anger and grief, there’s also a lot of joy that’s found.” Read more...
The Best Audiobooks for Kids of 2022
Emily Connelly, Journalist
The Girl Who Broke the Sea
by A. Connors
Recently expelled from school, 16 year old Lily accompanies her scientist mother to the research station of an experimental deep sea mining rig. As Lily tries to come to terms with her claustrophobic and isolated new home, it turns out the head scientist has disappeared. More unsettling still, Lily senses a creature reaching out to her from the depths. Lily already has difficulty connecting who she is on the inside with the person she presents to others. When a bioluminescent euglenoid with vast microbial intelligence starts to use her as the interface for its first experience of the outside world, what are the consequences? Exciting sci-fi thriller from an author with a PhD in physics.
The Bones of Birka: Unraveling the Mystery of a Female Viking Warrior
by C. M. Surrisi
This nonfiction book tells the story of an exciting and hugely significant Viking find on the Swedish island of Björkö in 1878. Based on the position and contents of the 10th century grave (which included two horses, silk clothing, and a full complement of weapons) it was assumed to be that of an important warrior. The Bones of Birka goes on to detail the intriguing discovery (through osteology and genomic testing) that the occupant of the grave was biologically female. Intended for teens, this is an accessible read for anyone interested in archaeology or Viking history. This book also does an excellent job of demonstrating the need to examine our assumptions and ask the right questions to avoid research bias.
Stateless
by Elizabeth Wein
***2024 Odyssey Award Honor Audiobook for Young Adults***
1937: with fascism on the rise and Spain in the midst of civil war, young pilots from 12 countries are setting off on an air race to promote peace in Europe. 17 year old Stella North — who is representing the UK and the only female competitor — is worried that the press will find out that she is in fact stateless, travelling on a Nansen passport for refugees. When one of the planes goes down with its young pilot, she suspects sabotage. As the list of suspects gradually narrows, can our young protagonists overcome their political differences to outwit the murderer and survive until the end of the race? An exciting novel for anyone who is interested in early aviation, 1930s Europe, or murder mysteries.
Burn Down, Rise Up
by Vincent Tirado
🏆 2023 Pura Belpré Award Young Adult Winner
The Bronx is being plagued by unexplained disappearances. When Raquel’s mother comes down with a mysterious illness, Raquel realises that it is somehow linked to the recent disappearance of Cisco, beloved cousin of her crush Charlize. Together with Charlize and her friend Aaron, Raquel discovers that everything is tied to a challenge called the Echo Game, said to trap people in a particularly dark chapter of their city’s history. To have a chance of saving their loved ones, the 16 year olds have to play the terrifying game and defeat the evil at its heart, or die trying. A compelling paranormal thriller set in an underground cursed version of the Bronx. Beware it’s quite gory at times. Something fun: on their website the author has put links to the book characters’ playlists.
Demon in the Wood
Leigh Bardugo, Dani Pendergast (illustrator)
🏆 2023 Audie Awards Best Audiobook for Young Adults
A graphic novel adaptation of the short story from 2015, subtitled “A Darkling Prequel Story”, part of the bestselling series that started with Shadow and Bone. This is a quick read for anyone who enjoys graphic novels, and who either would like to dip a toe into the Grishaverse or who is invested in the series and wants a glimpse of the backstory of Aleksander. In this book he is a lonely boy travelling with his mother, trying to train his extraordinary powers and find a safe haven in a dangerous, northern world.
The Boy You Always Wanted
by Michelle Quach
Francine is from a Chinese Vietnamese family in southern California. Her maternal grandfather has a terminal illness, and a dying wish: a male heir to perform the ancestor worship rites required in Confucianism. Although she is hurt by the feeling that she is not enough, the dutiful and quirky Francine decides that changing her grandfather’s mind would take more time than he has left, and somehow convinces childhood friend Ollie to play the part of honorary grandson. This novel raises universal questions about what you do when your loved ones cling to problematic beliefs, and how to balance your own needs with those of your family. The chapters are alternately narrated by Francine and Ollie, who, as they gradually grow to accept themselves, are increasingly attracted to each other.
Broken Hearts and Zombie Parts
by William Hussey
Jesse has a few weeks to go before major heart surgery. He has just a couple of items on his to-do list before then: fall in love, and shoot an epic zombie film on a shoestring budget. What could possibly go wrong? A warmhearted story subtitled ‘A Big Gay Rom-Zom-Com’, this novel also has a serious message about the corrosiveness of our ideas about an “ideal” body image.
Mission: Arctic — A Scientific Adventure to a Changing North Pole
Katharina Weiss-Tuider, Christian Schneider (illustrator), translated by Shelley Tanaka
In the autumn of 2019, researchers taking part in the largest ever expedition to the Arctic let the icebreaker Polarstern freeze in the sea ice and drift towards the North Pole. The teams of scientists on board wanted to observe the ice, clouds and ocean currents, to improve our understanding of what is happening in the Arctic and how it affects climates elsewhere. This book will appeal to readers who are fascinated by the adventure of a massive expedition and how it compares with early polar exploration. It is also an informative read for those who want to understand the science of climate change. Most readers, including adults, will learn something new from this comprehensive non-fiction title. 128 pages.
Ages 10-14
You Could Be So Pretty
by Holly Bourne
At first glance this is a dystopian novel, but on closer reading it becomes clear that it is a depiction of the reality of many girls and women. The story is alternately narrated by Belle (a Pretty) and Joni (an Objectionable) who live in a small town under the Doctrine. Forced to spend time together whilst competing for a scholarship, they gradually start to understand each other’s perspective. This is a heartfelt feminist novel that highlights the difficulties for young people of navigating a world of social media influencers, ubiquitous violent porn, unrealistic body images, and the meaning of the word ‘choice’.
Seen and Unseen: What Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams’s Photographs Reveal about the Japanese American Incarceration
by Elizabeth Partridge & Lauren Tamaki (illustrator)
🏆 2023 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal
🏆 BolognaRagazzi Award: Photography – 2023 Special Category
After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, over 125,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans were incarcerated in camps. Three photographers set out to document life at the Manzanar concentration camp in the California desert. This book vividly brings history to life by weaving the photos together with atmospheric illustrations and simple text. Given the different styles of the photographs, this book is also a brilliant resource for teaching children to think about and evaluate primary sources.
Ages 10-14
When the Angels Left the Old Country
by Sacha Lamb
***2023 Stonewall Young Adult Book Award Winner***
***2023 Michael L. Printz Honor Book (for Young Adult Literature)***
In a small shtetl in Poland in the early 20th century, an angel and a demon are studying the Talmud together. With opposing roles in the cosmic order but an intimate personal relationship, they embark on a quest to find out what happened to a local girl who has gone missing on the way to the USA. On the journey they meet Rose, whose best friend — the love of her life — has abandoned her to marry a man. An engaging novel with elements of Yiddish literature and folklore and concerned with early 20th century Ashkenazi immigration history, it is also about queer love and the fluid nature of identity, and about what is good and what is wicked.
Icebreaker
by A. L. Graziadei
***2023 Michael L. Printz Honor Book (for Young Adult Literature)***
This is a sport rivalry-to-romance novel which touches on several important themes. Mickey is a 17 year old ice hockey player whose father and grandfather have gone down in North American ice hockey history. High expectations don’t help Mickey with his anxiety or depression, nor does it make it easy for him to come out as bisexual. Jaysen resents Mickey’s privileged position and is a fierce competitor for the NHL’s top draft spot. At the same time, the two young players are teammates who need to learn to work together. As their relationship develops, they must decide what really matters, and what they are willing to risk.
Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): The Natural World of Animal Sexuality
by Eliot Schrefer & Jules Zuckerberg (illustrator)
***2023 Michael L. Printz Honor Book (for Young Adult Literature)***
This is an engaging and accessible non-fiction book about queer behaviours observed throughout the animal kingdom. Structured with chapters on different animal species and Q&A with scientists, it highlights how biases impact our understanding of the world, and that the idea that same-sex sexual behaviour is “unnatural” needs to be put to rest.
Shuna's Journey
by Hayao Miyazaki & translated by Alex Dudok de Wit
Shuna’s Journey — published in 1983, before the launch of Studio Ghibli — is finally available in English. There are seeds of themes and characters which fans will recognise from more famous later works, and similarities with Nausicaä in particular. But Shuna’s Journey is unique, a stand-alone graphic novel based on a Tibetan folk tale called The Prince Who Turned into a Dog. Shuna travels through a breathtaking variety of landscapes and the watercolour art makes it a visual feast. Much of the scenery is inspired by Tibet but there are also ocean and primeval forest. The traditional folk tale is about the people’s gratitude towards barley, their staple crop; Miyazaki envelops it in a narrative about slavery and people consumed by greed and estranged from nature.
