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

I Capture the Castle

Dodie Smith

Reading level: 14+

Genre: realistic; historical; family; romance

Published: 1948

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.

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The Outsiders

The Outsiders

S.E. Hinton

Reading level: 12+

Genre: realistic; family; friendship; death

Published: 1967

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

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The Chocolate War

The Chocolate War

Robert Cormier

Reading level: 14+

Genre: realistic; friendship

Published: 1974

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

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Speak

Speak

Laurie Halse Anderson

Reading level: 12+

Genre: realistic; contemporary; family; friendship; sexual violence

Published: 1999

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

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The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger

Reading level: 14+

Genre: realistic; family; friendship; mental health; death

Published: 1951

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

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Northern Lights (His Dark Materials, #1)

Northern Lights (His Dark Materials, #1)

Philip Pullman

Reading level: 12+

Genre: fantasy; science fiction; steampunk; friendship; adventure; magic

Published: 1995

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.

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Monster

Monster

Walter Dean Myers

Reading level: 14+

Genre: realistic; family; friendship; crime; law

Published: 1999

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

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Junk

Junk

Melvin Burgess

Reading level: 14+

Genre: realistic; family; friendship; drug abuse; crime

Published: 1996

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

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Forever

Forever

Judy Blume

Reading level: 14+

Genre: realistic; family; friendship; romance; sexuality

Published: 1975

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

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A Separate Peace

A Separate Peace

John Knowles

Reading level: 14+

Genre: realistic; historical; friendship; sports; war; death

Published: 1959

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.

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