Top Ten Teen Books of 2013
It's been a good year for Teen books and we've struggled to bring the list down to just ten, but here they are - a mixture of future classics and lighter books - in alphabetical order by author.
You Don't Know Me by Sophia Bennett
One of the best YA contemporary stories our reviewer has read in years, exploring media manipulation, cyber-bullying, body image, romance, friendship, making choices, and doing it all with incredible heart and a wonderful cast of characters. Full review...
Noble Conflict by Malorie Blackman
Brilliant dystopian storytelling - as ever - from Malorie Blackman in a tale of propaganda, newspeak, and subtle authoritarianism. We love Blackman's books. Full review...
The Bunker Diary by Kevin Brooks
This book is dark even for Kevin Brooks. The diary of an abducted boy, it is a powerful and shocking read. We loved it but it's not for the faint hearted. Full review...
Winter Damage by Natasha Carthew
A beautiful odyssey set in a harsh landscape in an even harsher world. A wonderful sense of place, and unforgettable characters. Highly, highly recommended. Full review...
Love in Revolution by B R Collins
Haunting and painful but beautiful too, this is a story of revolution but also a young girl waking to love. There's rich prose, a real sense of place and a story that will stay with you. Highly recommended. Full review...
Blood Family by Anne Fine
Powerful story about surviving abuse - including the well-meaning but bureaucratic interventions by social services - written with clear sight, understanding and elegance. Five stars, and then some. Full review...
Have a Little Faith by Candy Harper
Strong contender for the funniest book of the year so far, this is fabulous. Not just for girls, despite the pink cover - boys will warm to the great characters and the focus is more on humour than romance. Full review...
Hostage Three by Nick Lake
Edge-of-your-seat thriller that deals with important societal issues - the banking crisis, piracy, etc - but also with personal tragedy and family relationships. Beautifully and subtly written, it packs an absolutely humongous punch. Highly recommended. Full review...
Quantum Drop by Saci Lloyd
Fast-paced, near-future, techno-thriller peppered with lots and lots of up-to-date science zeitgeist. I really love Saci Lloyd, who is not afraid to be controversial, is always exciting, and knows her audience right down its last atom. Great stuff. Full review...
Carnaby by Cate Sampson
Intense crime thriller with an unreliable narrator. It's an electric read and a fantastic debut. Highly recommended. Full review...
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