The Books That Almost Made The “Best of the Century: YA” Cut

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Last week, we revealed the “Best of the Century So Far” picks for young adult literature. It was a lengthy process to decide which 45 books from the last 25 years to include and which ones–despite how good they were, how influential they were, how important the author is, and an array of other criteria–wouldn’t make the final list. The process took a lot of time and thought, and because there are so many great YA books that deserve the honor of being on such a list, it would be silly not to at least highlight a few that we also talked about.

Here’s a little behind-the-scenes of how deciding the best and most influential young adult books of the century worked. Every Book Riot editor nominated their picks, and every contributor to Book Riot nominated theirs, too. Titles which had several nominations went to the top of the list for first consideration. Titles which were nominates once were considered after those with multiple nominations. We considered the range of titles, the stories and perspectives being presented, and ensured that the list included not only fiction, but also nonfiction and comics. Once we had a solid list, we reviewed it several more times. What was missing? What could be cut in favor of something more representative of a particular author or style or genre or category within YA? Are there multiple titles by the same author and if so, can we negotiate which of the titles is THE one to include?

It was no easy process, but it certainly was an enjoyable exercise. I know that the final list is one that feels good, even if it does not and cannot cover everything. Absolutely no list can. That’s why there are so many great book lists published every single day not only at Book Riot but at numerous book outlets and on bookish social media. Not every book on every book list is for every reader, but every book on every book list is for some reader.

So here’s a look at some of the titles that we discussed but that didn’t make that final cut. These books are also deeply influential tomes in the history of young adult literature so far this century. Pop them on your TBR to continue in your quest to read great books and build a meaningful reading life. These 10 represent a fraction of the titles left on the cutting room floor–so many worthy candidates could be here, too.

Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

Is she or isn’t she a “Bad Seed?”

When she was 9 years old, Mary killed a baby. Allegedly. Now, six years later, she’s beginning to remember pieces of that night and what the truth may be. Why now? For one thing, it’s the fact she’s pregnant and wants to keep her baby, and being in custody of the state, even in a group home, means she might not be able to choose the future for her child.

This is a fast paced psychological thriller that doesn’t shy away from exploring race, justice (criminal and social), mental health, and gender. A powerful, compelling, twisty read with an excellent voice. For a debut novel, the skillful crafting, plotting, and character development are beyond outstanding.

Jackson is a YA staple, and any of her titles could’ve made this list. Monday’s Not Coming is on our Best of the Century So Far: Mysteries/Thrillers edition.

The Battle of Jericho by Sharon Draper

The first in a trilogy, The Battle of Jericho follows 16-year-old Jericho who is invited to take part in the Warriors of Distinction. It’s the school’s most exclusive club, and those who pledge are promised girls and parties–initiates also keep stellar grades. For Jericho, it’s especially appealing when just after the invitations are handed out, he’s getting attention from Arielle.

But when pledging begins, Jericho finds himself being asked to do things he’s not comfortable doing. He’s also watching as the only female pledge endures a particularly rough series of rituals. Jericho now struggles between continuing and solidifying his place among the Elite in his school or speaking up and out about what’s happening and how he’s feeling.

Draper has been writing YA for a long time, and this series is an easy recommendation for so many readers. We will likely see Draper show up on another list, though!

All Access Members can read about eight additional titles below.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Andie Bell was killed by her boyfriend Sal Singh, who then took his own life. It’s the story everyone in Fairview knows, and it’s the story they cannot get over. But five years after the incident, Pip still can’t see how all of the pieces of this story fit together.

Pip decides for her final senior project, she’s going to dig into this story again. Reopening the case will help her unlock the truth, but she’ll be discovering dark secrets that may change everything everyone knows–or thinks they know–including whether or not Sal was really responsible for Andie’s death.

As thrillers became huge over the course of the century so far, Jackson’s stands out for its crossover appeal and its popularity as an adaptation.

Jack of Hearts (And Other Parts) by Lev A.C. Rosen

Boundary pushing is a hallmark of being a teen, so it stands to reason that teen literature does the same thing. Rosen’s novel follows Jack, who is an unabashedly queer teen with an interest in sex. When he begins writing a sex positive column for his school newspaper, he knows he could catch some heat for it, especially because he has no shame in being honest and blunt in his work.

What Jack didn’t expect was a stalker who wants Jack to stop what he’s writing and tamp down who he is. It’s up to Jack and his friends to figure out who the stalker is and get them to stop before any real harm is done.

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

An early entry into the climate fiction subgenre, especially in young adult literature, Pfeffer’s four book series asks what happens when the moon is knocked just a little bit closer to the Earth than it is now by a meteor. The answer is that everything changes. Set in a small Pennsylvania town and told over the course of a year through diary entries, this book is one that stays with you long after you finish–and it’s one that will make you want to pick up the other entries into the series ASAP.

This post-apocalyptic read would be especially interesting to revisit in the wake of what we know about climate change today, as well as in context of our cultural experiences of COVID since 2020.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

One thing you may notice as you peruse this selection of the YA titles that almost made our “Best of the Century” list is that many of them have made it onto other “Best of the Century” lists from this year so far. If it wasn’t the specific title on another list, perhaps it was the author. In the case of this title, it landed on the “Best of the Century So Far: Comics.”

This graphic novel follows a Prince named Sebastian whose parents are trying to find him a wife. But he doesn’t want that life. Instead, he’s able to transform himself into his alter ego Lady Chrystallia, thanks to his brilliant dressmaker Frances. She’s the only one who knows he loves dresses and the book is about how Sebastian finally allows the world to see who he really is.

The Red Palace by June Hur

In 1758 Korea, it’s very hard for an illegitimate daughter to have any kind of power or status. But 18-year-old Hyeon became a palace nurse through hard work (and luck). If she works hard, she can keep the job and maybe even earn he father’s approval.

But when someone murders four women in one night, Hyeon may be in trouble. Her close friend and mentor is the primary suspect, and Hyeon is bound and determined to clear her teacher’s name. When she runs into a young police inspector, the two of them will work together to find out the truth–even if the truth is that the Crown Prince may be the murderer.

Hur’s building an excellent reputation in YA for writing immersive and adventurous historical fantasy that takes readers across centuries (and the globe!).

Sadie by Courtney Summers

Sadie is set up as a dual narrative; one part follows West McCray, a true crime podcast host, as he works to unravel the story of a girl named Sadie who, after the death of her younger sister Mattie, has gone missing from her small, impoverished town. The second narrative is the real-time story of Sadie’s. We follow as she works to hunt down the person she believes killed her sister in order to enact revenge upon him. Will West find the answers before we, as readers, know the truth?

This is a moving, frank revenge thriller with plenty of twists and turns. The unique format of this novel sets it apart.

SHOUT by Laurie Halse Anderson

We know Laurie Halse Anderson from her groundbreaking 1999 book Speak, as well as numerous other outstanding works of YA fiction. SHOUT is Laurie’s story about being a survivor, about being a woman, about being an advocate who is passionate about young people, about intellectual freedom, and about being the best people we can all possibly be. The book is by turns angry and hopeful, sad powerful, real and raw.

It’s a moving work of verse nonfiction meant to be a shout, not a whisper.

Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

Nonfiction is a category of YA that’s so deeply under appreciated and yet, it’s been doing interesting and meaningful things for a long time. Heiligman is among the best and any of her works would make for great inclusion on a “Best of the Century” list.

This one stands out for its compelling narrative of a sibling relationship between a famous artist that we all know and his brother. Vincent and Theo were at turns best friends and also complete strangers to one another. The style of this one is especially interesting, as it’s presented as as gallery for readers to explore.