Adventure & Romance with a Touch of Mystery:
* "The Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Peña (Illustrated by Christian Robinson): A heartwarming and poignant story about a young boy's journey through San Francisco with his grandmother, exploring themes of family, empathy, and finding beauty in everyday life.
* "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas: A powerful and timely novel that tackles racism, police brutality, and finding your voice, set against the backdrop of a young girl's struggle for justice after witnessing a fatal shooting.
* "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell: A sweet and funny story about two unlikely teenagers who fall in love while navigating the complexities of high school and their own personal struggles.
* "The Summer I Turned Pretty" by Jenny Han: A charming and nostalgic story about a young woman who spends her summers at a beach house with her family and falls for the boy next door.
Adventure with a Focus on Survival and Discovery:
* "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie: A funny and heartbreaking story about a Native American teenager who leaves his reservation to attend an all-white high school, facing racism and prejudice along the way.
* "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins: A dystopian thriller that follows a young woman forced to fight to the death in a televised event, where she discovers courage and resilience she never knew she possessed.
* "The Martian" by Andy Weir: A gripping science fiction novel about an astronaut stranded on Mars who must use his ingenuity and wit to survive.
* "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy: A post-apocalyptic novel that explores the bonds of family and the struggle for survival in a desolate world.
Adventure with a Historical Setting:
* "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein: A thrilling and suspenseful story about two young women who become spies during World War II, facing danger and hardship while fighting for their country.
* "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak: A poignant and heartbreaking story about a young girl who steals books in Nazi Germany, finding solace and connection in the power of words.
* "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah: A powerful and moving story about two sisters in occupied France during World War II who resist the Nazi regime in their own way.
Tips for Finding More:
* Check out "Best Of" lists for YA novels: Many websites and publications compile lists of the best YA books, often categorized by genre.
* Browse your local library or bookstore: Ask librarians and booksellers for recommendations based on your interests.
* Use online resources like Goodreads: Search for books with keywords like "adventure," "romance," "stand-alone," and "no magic."
I hope this gives you a good starting point! Happy reading!