For somebody who proclaims they don’t read much of this genre; I sure to read a lot of it. Don’t get me wrong; my Read ratio is still largely dominated by YA fantasy, but I didn’t realise how many of my absolute faves were YA contemporary. This listicle includes a list of my favourite YA contemporaries, from thrillers to romance! So if you think you’re not really into YA contemporary (maybe a famous NYT Best Selling Author ruined it for you) or you’re super keen for some new recs, be ready to see, what I think, are the Top 5 contemporaries in YA fiction.
Rank 5: Far From You by Tess Sharpe
Why it’s a favourite:
- Bi/lesbian recognition (however there’s the unfortunate token/trope that one of the gay kids is killed).
- Unpredictable murderer.
- Thematic discussions on teen drug abuse.
These three are pretty hard to find in a decent YA book, so I was thrilled when I first read it.
Rank 4: Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick
I know what you’re thinking, “Really, Cal? ANOTHER list that mentions Black Ice… AGAIN?!?”
Sue me. It’s a stellar book, and I will continue to reference all and any quality books from my short-lifespan of reading.
Why it’s a favourite:
- Four majorly developed characters.
- The Best Thriller Cal Has Ever Read™ .
- Such a soap-opera, but amazing plot twists over and over.
Rank 3: Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Why it’s a favourite:
- It’s most festive book to read on a wonderfully chilly night.
- You’ll be in a fit of giggles from all the wacky clues they leave for each other.
- Probably the strangest book you’ll read with a short word count.
If you haven’t heard me rave about this book before, here’s a mini update: a girl wants a friend. She sets a diary in a bookstore c. December, NYC. A boy finds it, and carries on with the clues. They’ve never met, but they both do little dares that the other leaves in the mutual journal.
Rank 2: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Why it’s a favourite:
- I gobbled it up in a day (which is usual for me, but I took my time with it)
- It makes you cry
- Let’s just say, I’ve never been interested by French culture, and then this book made me ADORE the nation!
This book is an absolute fluff piece written by the Queen of Super Sweet Teen Romances.
Lola and the Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss #2) Review
Isla and the Happily Ever After (Anna and the French Kiss #3) Review
Rank 1: The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
As I previously mentioned, this is one of my all-time faaaavourite books of 2017. As well as my favourite YA contemporary.
Why it’s a favourite:
- allllllllllll the representation
- DIVERSITY
- actual quirky characters that aren’t inadvertently pretentious
John Green…
So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed my recs.
Leave a comment telling me your favourite YA Contemporaries.
Cal's Reading Corner 
oooh i’m very excited to check these out! and yass upside is so good omg
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I started Upside a while back while at home on a break from college (where I have literally no friends) and I got 25 pages in before deciding I needed to go take a long shower and cry. The friendships in it were just too good and it made me sad that I didn’t have anyone like that at home.
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OOOOOH 😦 THat makes me so sad to hear!!!!! (But also……. I felt the exact same way). I promise this book makes you feel better (if you choose to pursue) 😀
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