With Romance as a Subplot:
* "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas: A powerful story about a young girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her best friend by a police officer, navigating the complexities of race, justice, and grief. Romance plays a supporting role.
* "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell: A beautiful and poignant story about two misfits who find love and solace in each other amidst the struggles of adolescence.
* "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli: A funny and heartwarming story about a closeted teenager whose secret emails to his online crush are leaked. Romance is present but focuses on self-discovery and acceptance.
* "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky: A coming-of-age story about a shy teenager who finds friendship and acceptance in a group of misfits. Romance is a small part of the larger themes of identity, mental health, and finding your place in the world.
* "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz: A poignant story about two teenage boys who form a deep and complex friendship, exploring themes of identity, family, and self-acceptance.
* "The Summer I Turned Pretty" by Jenny Han: The first book in a trilogy about a teenage girl who spends her summers at a beach house with her family and falls for one of her best friend's brothers. Romance is central, but it also explores family dynamics and friendship.
Romance is More Prominent:
* "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" by Jenny Han: A charming story about a high school girl whose secret love letters to her crushes are accidentally sent out. The romance is the main focus but has elements of humor and self-discovery.
* "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green: A heartbreaking and heartwarming story about two cancer patients who fall in love. The romance is significant but the book explores themes of loss, grief, and finding meaning in life.
* "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon: A fast-paced and romantic story about two teenagers from very different backgrounds who meet on a day that will change their lives forever.
* "Red, White & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston: A fun and heartwarming story about a First Son and a British prince who fall in love despite their political differences.
Popular and Likely to Be Read:
All of these books have been widely read and are likely to be found in most bookstores. They represent a range of subgenres within contemporary YA, from coming-of-age stories to romances, with varying degrees of romance prominence.
Tips for Finding Books:
* Check online reviews and ratings. Goodreads and BookBub are great resources.
* Ask librarians for recommendations. They know what's popular and what's worth reading.
* Browse the YA shelves at your local bookstore. Look for books with covers and summaries that appeal to you.
* Consider reading books from authors you already enjoy. Many popular YA authors write in multiple subgenres.