2017 YA Book Prize Shortlist

As the end of the year approaches, publishers will be submitting their picks for the best Young Adult novels of the year. But have you read the best UKYA novels from 2017’s shortlist? From London gangs to the Norse underworld, from fantasy to realistic, from humour to emotionally intense tearjerkers – this list has something for everyone.

Chasing the Stars

Chasing the Stars

Malorie Blackman

Reading level: 14+

Genre: fantasy; science fiction; survival; friendship; family; romance; suspense; technology; death

Published: 2016

For three years, Olivia and her twin brother Aidan have been the only survivors on their spaceship. Sometimes, Olivia thinks the loneliness will kill her – if the enemy Mazon don’t get there first. When she sees the chance to rescue some human refugees, Olivia doesn’t hesitate. But these new arrivals bring danger with them -not just to Olivia’s head, but also to her heart.


This book contains strong language, violence and sexual scenes.

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Crongton Knights

Crongton Knights

Alex Wheatle

Reading level: 12+

Genre: contemporary; realistic; family; friendship; gangs; crime; humour; London

Published: 2016

Ever since his mom died, McKay’s life in South Crongton has had some major issues. McKay tries to keep the peace, but his dad and his brother Nesta are always on each other’s case. Then when McKay and his best friends get recruited for a mission to help Bit’s girl Venetia, the situation rapidly spirals out of control.


This book contains some violent scenes.

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The Call

The Call

Peadar O’Guilin

Reading level: 14+

Genre: fantasy; adventure; friendship; survival; Irish mythology; faeries

Published: 2016

Thousands of years ago the Sidhe were exiled to the wastes of the Grey Land. For years they have sought a way back into Ireland, their homeland, and gradually they have strengthened both in power and cruelty. Now the Sidhe have found a way to truly weaken their enemy: by kidnapping their teenagers. Few will survive ‘the call’, and all will be forever changed.


This book contains strong language and violence.

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How Not To Disappear

How Not To Disappear

Clare Furniss

Reading level: 14+

Genre: contemporary; realistic; family; friendship; road trip; London; dementia; pregnancy

Published: 2016

Hattie has plenty of her own problems to worry about, not least of which is her regret about that one-night stand with love-rat Reuben. And then Gloria, the great-aunt she never knew about, suddenly enters Hattie’s life. Before she can change her mind, Hattie and Gloria are off on an impulsive road trip. But are they running away from their problems, or towards the truth?


This book contains strong language and references to drugs/alcohol and sexuality.

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The Graces

The Graces

Laure Eve

Reading level: 14+

Genre: fantasy; contemporary; friendship; romance; paranormal; magic; witches

Published: 2016

Although she is the new girl in town, it doesn’t take long for River to become obsessed with the Graces. Fenrin, Thalia and Summer are effortlessly cool and beautiful, and rumour has it that their powers verge on the magical. When River befriends Summer, she gets access to their secrets – and discovers the dangers of wish fulfilment.


This book contains references to drugs/alcohol, sexuality and strong language.

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Paper Butterflies

Paper Butterflies

Lisa Heathfield

Reading level: 14+

Genre: realistic; contemporary; family; friendship; death; abuse; bullying; mental health

Published: 2016

A boy named Blister is the only refuge in June’s life, but even to him, June cannot tell anyone the truth about what her life is really like. Her family may look all right, but everyone is hiding painful secrets. Then when a tragic accident happens, June discovers understanding and forgiveness in the most unexpected places.


This book contains some violent scenes and emotionally disturbing material.

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Beautiful Broken Things

Beautiful Broken Things

Sara Barnard

Reading level: 14+

Genre: realistic; contemporary; friendship; family; mental health; abuse

Published: 2016

Caddy and Rosie have an unbreakable bond until Suzanne moves to Brighton – and suddenly the glamorous new friend is all that Rosie seems to talk about. At first Caddy is jealous of Suzanne, but then she cannot help falling under her spell. But Suzanne has been wounded by her past, and soon her spirit of adventure seems more like recklessness. Caddy thinks her friendship can save Suzanne, even though everyone else – even Rosie – thinks their new friend may be nothing but trouble.


This book contains strong language, references to drugs/alcohol and emotionally disturbing material.

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The Monstrous Child

The Monstrous Child

Francesca Simon

Reading level: 12+

Genre: fantasy; humour; Norse mythology

Published: 2016

Cursed with the head and torso of a girl, but the legs of a corpse, Hel is not beloved of the gods – or even her parents. But what can she expect when her father is Loki and her mother is the spawn of a giant mismatch? Eventually Hel is exiled to the underworld: Hell, get it? But Hel isn’t just born to die; she’s born to rule.

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Orange Boy

Orange Boy

Patrice Lawrence

Reading level: 14+

Genre: realistic; contemporary; family; suspense; crime; London

Published: 2016

Marlon is a good kid, and for 16 years he has managed to stay out of the kind of trouble that ruined his older brother’s life. But when drama kicks off at the local fair, Marlon is left holding the drugs – and suddenly it seems like danger and violence pursue him wherever he goes.


strong language, violence and references to drugs/alcohol

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