Over the years I have read hundreds of YA authors of all genres. Lately, I’ve read less YA. The genre has changed a lot over the last decade. Some of the books listed are at least ten years old but that doesn’t mean their stories aren’t still relevant. The last decade has brought more language and more graphic sex to the secular YA genre which is disappointing. Sure, it was there before but I find it more ‘in your face’ then it used to be. The fun summer romance is harder to find.
Most of the authors I’ve listed write clean or relatively clean. What do I mean by that? Clean books are ones that don’t have language or graphic sex. Might have kissing. Some of them are Christian authors. I’ve noted them if they are. I read a few of these books a long time ago so from my memory they are relatively clean; meaning there may be some language and kissing.
I hope this helps you as you pick reads appropriate for your teens and yourself!
1. Jenny B. Jones – yes she’s number 1 for a reason. I love her writing and yay! she writes adult books too. However, she’s been on a hiatus for a bit but don’t let that stop you from reading her backlist. She is a Christian writer and these stories reflect that. Some of her more recent adult books are clean but no overt references to religion if I remember correctly but still excellent reads.
I’m recommending for teens: Katie Parker Productions Series – absolutely fun to read. Jenny B. Jones is a witty writer and very entertaining. She does have deeper running through her books.
There You’ll Find Me – bonus: also made into a movie! It’s a rockstar romance set in Ireland! Trigger: eating disorder
2. Marissa Meyer—The Lunar Chronicles
All your favourite fairy tales updated and set in a new and highly tech world. Cyborg Cinderella? Yes please! The tales are full of high adventure. You have to read them in order. Some language.
3. Allie Condie – Matched trilogy. Dystopian tale and I loved it.
4. Sarah Dessen – I’ve read most of her standalone books. Many are set in beach towns during the summer so perfect for a holiday read!. She weaves deeper themes of relationships, and family drama into her stories. Not just a romance. Just Listen and The Truth About Forever are two of my favourites.
I actually went to see her when she visited Toronto back in 2019.
5. Sara Ella – The Wonderland Trials – duology. I’ve read the first book and really loved it. A different take on Alice in Wonderland. Sara Ella is a Christian and her books reflect it.
6. Kasie West—Writes standalone romances. Oh that teenage angst. Mostly fun but again some deeper themes.
P.S. I Like You and The Distance Between Us are favourites of mine.
7. I’m adding my books, The Wolf Kingdom series—Into the Forest and Weight of the Crown—to the list. It’s a fantasy adventure retelling of Little Red Riding Hood.
Also Exit Stage Right and Face Off are YA contemporary romances. I’m including them because I know they are clean and reflect my own biblical beliefs. I wrote these books because I wanted to offer an alternative to the increasing number of YA books that had a lot of hopelessness, sex and language. Things I didn’t want my own boys reading in their tweens and teens. Instead I wanted to write books that offered hope, redemption and a good uplifting message. Hopefully I’ve done that.
So there’s my list of favourite YA authors. Happy reading!