Top Ten Teen Books of 2013

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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.

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Review of

You Don't Know Me by Sophia Bennett

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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

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Review of

Noble Conflict by Malorie Blackman

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Brilliant dystopian storytelling - as ever - from Malorie Blackman in a tale of propaganda, newspeak, and subtle authoritarianism. We love Blackman's books. Full Review

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Review of

The Bunker Diary by Kevin Brooks

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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

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Review of

Winter Damage by Natasha Carthew

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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

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Review of

Love in Revolution by B R Collins

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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

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Review of

Blood Family by Anne Fine

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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

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Review of

Have a Little Faith by Candy Harper

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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

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Review of

Hostage Three by Nick Lake

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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

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Review of

Quantum Drop by Saci Lloyd

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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

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Review of

Carnaby by Cate Sampson

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Intense crime thriller with an unreliable narrator. It's an electric read and a fantastic debut. Highly recommended. Full Review

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