The Most Popular YA Novel Right Now, Ranked

Choose the novel you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:53
In a world where young adult fiction dominates bookstore shelves and e-reader screens alike, keeping track of the top titles can be a challenge. As new stories and sequels arrive by the dozen, readers might find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. This list presents an organized and dynamic method of discovering which YA novels resonate the most with a wide audience. By casting your vote, you contribute to a real-time ranking that reflects current reading trends and popular opinions. This interactive list not only informs new readers about where to start but also gives seasoned fans a voice in the ever-changing literary landscape. Your participation ensures that the ranking stays fresh and relevant, providing a valuable resource for the YA community.

What Is the Most Popular YA Novel Right Now?

  1. 1
    40
    votes
    The Hunger Games prequel is one of the most anticipated releases of 2020, diving into the early life of villainous President Snow.
    The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a young adult novel written by Suzanne Collins. It is a prequel to the popular Hunger Games trilogy, set 64 years before the events of the first book. The story follows a young Coriolanus Snow, who later becomes the tyrannical President Snow in the original series. The novel explores his journey as a mentor in the 10th annual Hunger Games and delves into his transformation into a ruthless leader.
    • Genre: Young Adult/Dystopian Fiction
    • Publication Date: May 19, 2020
    • Page Count: 528 pages
    • Setting: Panem, a post-apocalyptic nation
    • Main Character: Coriolanus Snow
  2. 2
    36
    votes
    The long-awaited companion novel to the Twilight Saga, told from Edward Cullen's perspective, has sparked a resurgence of fandom and nostalgia.
    Midnight Sun is a YA novel written by Stephenie Meyer. It is a companion novel to the Twilight Saga, offering a retelling of the first novel, Twilight, from the perspective of Edward Cullen, the primary male protagonist. Midnight Sun explores Edward's inner thoughts, struggles, and experiences as he falls in love with Bella Swan.
    • Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy
    • Publication Date: August 4, 2020
    • Pages: 672
    • Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
    • Setting: Forks, Washington
  3. 3
    9
    votes
    The sequel to the bestselling thriller "One of Us Is Lying" follows a new set of high school students who become embroiled in a deadly game of truth or dare.
    One of Us Is Next is a young adult novel written by Karen M. McManus. It is the sequel to her bestselling debut novel, One of Us Is Lying. The story is set in Bayview High School, where a new game called Truth or Dare begins circulating among the students, turning their lives upside down. As the dares escalate and secrets are revealed, a group of students must uncover the identity of the person behind the dangerous game before it's too late. With suspense, mystery, and teenage drama, One of Us Is Next explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the lengths people are willing to go to protect their secrets.
    • Genre: Young Adult Fiction
    • Publication Date: January 7, 2020
    • Publisher: Delacorte Press
    • Number of Pages: 384
    • Series: Bayview High Series
  4. 4
    15
    votes
    The first installment in a new Shadowhunters trilogy, featuring the familiar characters and world-building of the Mortal Instruments series.
    Chain of Gold is a young adult novel written by Cassandra Clare. It is the first book in The Last Hours series, which is set in the same world as Clare's popular Shadowhunters Chronicles. The story takes place in Edwardian London and follows a group of young Shadowhunters, who are tasked with protecting the mortal world from demons. The book combines elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure, incorporating complex characters, intricate world-building, and a compelling plot. With its engaging writing style and diverse cast of characters, Chain of Gold has captivated readers worldwide.
    • Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
    • Publication Date: March 3, 2020
    • Series: The Last Hours (Book 1)
    • Setting: Edwardian London
    • Themes: Shadowhunters, Demons, Romance
  5. 5
    9
    votes
    Though published in 2017, this powerful and timely story of police brutality, racism, and activism continues to resonate with readers and inspire change.
    The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a young adult novel that tells the powerful and timely story of Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old African American girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. As Starr navigates between her predominantly black neighborhood and her predominantly white private school, she is faced with the challenge of finding her voice and standing up for what is right in the face of injustice. The novel explores themes of racial inequality, police brutality, and identity, offering a perspective that is both eye-opening and thought-provoking.
    • Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
    • Publication Date: February 28, 2017
    • Page Count: 464 pages
    • Publisher: Balzer + Bray
    • Main Protagonist: Starr Carter
  6. 6
    13
    votes
    This debut mystery novel has been praised for its clever plot twists, engaging characters, and fresh take on the genre.
    A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is a thrilling young adult mystery novel written by Holly Jackson. The story follows a high school student named Pippa, who takes on a case to investigate a murder that occurred five years ago in her town. As she dives deeper into the case, Pippa uncovers shocking secrets and discovers that things may not be as they seem. The novel is filled with twists, suspense, and a captivating plot that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
    • Genre: Young adult, Mystery
    • Publication Date: May 2, 2019
    • Publisher: Electric Monkey
    • Number of Pages: 433
    • Setting: Small town
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    "Red, White & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston
    Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0
    This romantic comedy imagines a world in which the son of the first female President of the United States falls in love with a British prince, exploring themes of identity, politics, and acceptance.
    Red, White & Royal Blue is a contemporary young adult romance novel written by Casey McQuiston. It revolves around the fictional first son of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz, and Henry, the Prince of Wales. Their paths cross at a wedding, leading to a rocky start. However, a PR disaster forces them to spend more time together, and an unexpected friendship blossoms into a secret romance that could upend their lives and the political landscape.
    • Genre: Contemporary Young Adult Romance
    • Publication Date: May 14, 2019
    • Page Count: 432 pages
    • Setting: USA and United Kingdom
    • Themes: Politics, LGBTQ+ representation, Coming-of-age
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    This West African-inspired fantasy adventure follows a young woman's quest to restore magic to her kingdom and fight against oppression.
    Children of Blood and Bone is a young adult fantasy novel written by Tomi Adeyemi. The story is set in the fictional land of Orïsha, where magic has been brutally suppressed by a ruthless king. It follows the journey of Zélie Adebola, a young divîner with a powerful gift, who embarks on a quest to restore magic and bring justice to her people. Alongside her brother and a rogue princess, Zélie must navigate treacherous alliances and face dangerous enemies to achieve her goal.
    • Publication Date: March 6, 2018
    • Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
    • Page Count: 544 pages
    • Main Characters: Zélie Adebola, Amari, Inan
    • Themes: Magic, Oppression, Justice
  9. 9
    3
    votes
    This beloved contemporary romance about two teenagers with cancer has become a modern classic and continues to be popular among readers of all ages.
    The Fault in Our Stars is a young adult novel written by John Green. It tells the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen-year-old girl suffering from terminal cancer, who meets and falls in love with Augustus Waters, a charming and witty boy she meets at a cancer support group. The book explores themes of love, loss, mortality, and the meaning of life.
    • Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Drama
    • Publication Date: January 10, 2012
    • Number of Pages: 313
    • Setting: Indianapolis, United States
    • Main Characters: Hazel Grace Lancaster, Augustus Waters
  10. 10
    13
    votes
    This dystopian sci-fi series about a group of teenagers trapped in a deadly maze has been adapted into a successful film franchise and has a loyal fanbase.
    The Maze Runner is a popular YA novel written by James Dashner. It is the first book in The Maze Runner series, which has gained a huge following worldwide. The story revolves around a group of teenage boys who find themselves trapped in a mysterious maze with no memory of their past. They form a community known as the Gladers and try to solve the maze while facing various challenges. The novel is filled with suspense, action, and a sense of impending danger as the characters desperately search for a way out of the maze and uncover the secrets behind their predicament.
    • Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopian
    • Publication Date: October 6, 2009
    • Series: The Maze Runner
    • Pages: 384
    • Film Adaptation: Yes

Missing your favorite novel?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular novel

  1. Sales
    The number of books sold is often used as an indicator of a book's popularity.
  2. Reviews
    Positive reviews from readers and book critics can help boost a book's popularity.
  3. Social Media Buzz
    The amount of discussion and engagement the book is receiving on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok can indicate its popularity.
  4. Awards and Accolades
    Awards and accolades can help boost a book's popularity and readership.
  5. Author Popularity
    If the author has written other successful books, this can contribute to the popularity of their new release.
  6. Book Adaptations
    If a book is adapted into a popular movie or TV series, this can significantly increase its popularity.
  7. Market Trends
    Keeping up with current market trends and what is resonating with readers in the current cultural climate can also be a factor.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular YA novel right now. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Book is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1067 views
  • 148 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Book once every 24 hours. The rank of each Book is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular ya novel right now

Young Adult (YA) novels have been a popular genre for decades, with many timeless classics such as The Fault in Our Stars, The Hunger Games, and Harry Potter. But with new releases constantly hitting the shelves, it can be difficult to keep up with which ones are currently the most popular. That's why StrawPoll has conducted a poll to determine the most popular YA novel right now. From heart-wrenching love stories to thrilling dystopian adventures, YA novels have something for everyone. So whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual reader, take a look at our results to see which YA novel is capturing the hearts of readers at the moment.

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