YA Classics
Although Young Adult novels have exploded in popularity in the last 20 years, this genre has
been around for a while. Many people consider Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women (1868) to
be the first novel that could be properly considered “YA”. For this month’s reading list, TRAC
presents a diverse range of 20th century novels notable for their ability to win over successive
generations of readers. Some of these YA classics are hard-hitting “problem” novels, dealing
with controversial and difficult topics like rape, bullying, drug abuse and criminal violence.
Others, like The Catcher in the Rye or I Capture the Castle, are enduring favourites because of
the compelling narrative voice. Any “classic” worth that title deserves reading and rereading.
These are proven favourites which have stood the test of time.
I Capture the Castle
Dodie Smith
Cassandra Mortmain lives with her eccentric family in a
crumbling Suffolk Castle. Her father has suffered from writer’s
block for years, and the family’s finances are dire. When a pair of
American brothers visits the area, Cassandra falls in love for the
first time – amidst all sorts of family complications. Full of charm
and whimsy, this classic coming-of-age story has an enduring
appeal.
The Outsiders
S.E. Hinton
This beloved American YA classic tells the story of 14 year old
Ponyboy and his close-knit gang of brothers. Labelled
“greasers” and treated like losers, these boys are struggling to
rise above the disadvantages of poverty and neglect. When the
most gentle member of their gang kills someone in self-defence,
it sets off an unavoidably tragic chain reaction of events. There
have been 120 editions (and counting) of this all-time great
about male friendship and class warfare.
emotionally disturbing; violence
The Chocolate War
Robert Cormier
When freshman Jerry Renault refuses to sell chocolates for his
school this small act of defiance has a huge ripple effect. Exposing
the manipulations of a corrupt Catholic priest and a powerful
secret society called The Vigils, Jerry’s rebellion threatens the
entire balance of power at his boys’ school. This disturbing and
psychologically acute YA novel examines how peer pressure,
conformity and power work in enclosed communities. Frequently
appearing on banned book lists, this novel examines the corrupt
nature of authority.
emotionally disturbing; violence
Speak
Laurie Halse Anderson
After she calls the police at an out-of-control summer party,
Melinda becomes a social pariah. Rejected by old friends and
neglected by her parents, Melinda begins to shut down
emotionally. Why speak if no one will listen? This brave book was
one of the first YA books to tackle the difficult subject of rape.
emotionally disturbing
The Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger
Featuring one of the most memorable narrators in YA literature,
this classic is a must-read. After being expelled from yet another
school, Holden Caulfield spends a long, sleepless weekend
drifting around New York City. Comic and tragic both, Holden’s
voice has an enduring appeal for adolescents – and all other
readers struck by the phoniness, absurdity and fragility of the
world.
strong language; emotionally disturbing
Northern Lights (His Dark Materials, #1)
Philip Pullman
In this classic fantasy novel, feisty protagonist Lyra travels from
an alternative “steam-punk” Oxford to the far North in order to
solve the mystery of why children are being kidnapped. Trusted
adults turn out to be enemies, whilst all manner of surprising
creatures (including witches and an armoured polar bear) turn
out to be friends. This beautiful, thought-provoking book has a
storyline which operates on two levels. There is a rich fantasy
adventure to enjoy, but older readers will appreciate the
philosophical questions the book raises about science, religion and ethics.
Monster
Walter Dean Myers
Steve Harmon, a 16 year-old African American boy from
Harlem, is on trial for felony murder. As he sits through his
trial, or in his jail cell, Steve imagines his story as if it were a
film and he the director. Like the jury, the reader must
determine whether or not Steve is guilty. This award-winner
was groundbreaking in its use of graphic elements and unique
storytelling, and it is just as topical now as it was when first
published.
emotionally disturbing
Junk
Melvin Burgess
Gemma and Tar have different reasons for running away from
home; Tar wants to escape from an abusive home, while Gemma
is wild for freedom from her strict parents. At first, the world of
“squatting” in Bristol seems like a glorious adventure. But as
they get trapped by a growing dependence on heroin, everything
will be sacrificed to feed their addiction. This award-winning
UKYA novel, titled Smack in the United States, is an unflinching
portrait of drug addiction and an unforgettable classic
drugs/alcohol; sexuality; emotionally disturbing
Forever
Judy Blume
This groundbreaking YA novel has been both celebrated and
reviled for its frank treatment of teenage sexuality. When high
school seniors Michael and Katherine fall in love, they decide to
pursue a sexual relationship. Without romanticising its subject,
the novel explores both the emotional and physical aspects of
sexuality. Teen pregnancy, birth control, STDs and
homosexuality are all alluded to – not sensationally, but in the
straightforward manner that is the trademark of Judy Blume.
strong language; drugs/alcohol; sexuality
A Separate Peace
John Knowles
At a New England boarding school, in the summer of 1942, a
group of 16 year old boys experience their last year of freedom
before being drafted into World War II. Phineas and Gene are
best friends, but there is a fierce rivalry at the heart of their
friendship. Games and dares may distract them from the long
shadow of war, but they cannot escape the tragedy that stalks
them.
