November is Gratitude Month, and Children’s Book Week kicks off the month each year — a perfect time to look back on the stories that shaped us as readers. For those of us who grew up in the 2000s and early 2010s, YA fiction isn’t just something we read — it’s part of who we are.
These stories taught us about choice, freedom, empathy, and standing up for what matters, all while dominating Pinterest boards, Tumblr feeds, and every notebook we carried around school. From dystopian rebellions to doomed romances, these stories made us feel seen, brave, and beautifully misunderstood. Here are eight books we’ll always be grateful for.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
Percy isn’t your typical hero — he was sarcastic, impulsive, and a little chaotic in the best way. Riordan’s series blended Greek mythology with middle school mayhem, proving that bravery doesn’t mean being fearless — it means showing up anyway. For so many of us, these books were a reminder that heroes can be messy, anxious, and still worthy of the quest.
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Before Game of Thrones or The Witcher hit our screens, there was Eragon — the story of a farm boy who finds a dragon egg and discovers he’s destined for more than tending fields. Christopher Paolini was a teenager when he wrote it, which made the whole thing feel even more magical. It was epic fantasy for kids who stayed up too late reading by flashlight, dreaming about dragons, sword fights, and secret destinies.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Years before YA dystopias dominated the shelves, The Giver quietly gave us our first taste of a world where choice mattered, and where following the rules without question wasn’t necessarily safe. Through Jonas’s story, we learned that comfort without choice isn’t peace — it’s control. Lowry’s quiet, haunting novel stays with you long after the final page, reminding readers that individuality and emotion are worth fighting for.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
When Thomas wakes up in the Glade with no memory of who he is, the maze becomes a test of survival, trust, and courage. Dashner’s fast-paced dystopian series keeps readers hooked with every twist and turn, appealing to anyone who loves danger, mystery, and the adrenaline of figuring out who to trust when nothing is certain.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Katniss Everdeen is the kind of heroine who changed what YA could be. Her courage, anger, and quiet defiance showed us that survival is its own kind of rebellion. The Hunger Games sparked a whole wave of dystopian fiction, but more than that — it made readers question the systems around them and root for hope in the darkest places.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
No one was ready for the heartbreak of Hazel and Gus — but we couldn’t look away. John Green’s writing defined a generation of readers who wanted to feel something real. The Fault in Our Stars made us cry, laugh, and underline quotes about infinity and love, showing us that even in heartbreak, there can be light, humor, and hope.
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Not every middle school hero had to be brave or noble — some were just brilliantly devious. Artemis Fowl introduced us to a twelve-year-old criminal mastermind who goes head-to-head with fairies, technology, and his own moral compass. It was sharp, funny, and endlessly clever, perfect for readers who loved scheming as much as they loved magic. If Percy Jackson was the class clown, Artemis was the kid hacking the school network for fun.
Matched by Ally Condie
Set in a world where every choice is made for you — your job, your meals, even who you love — Matched explores what happens when someone decides to choose anyway. Condie’s poetic dystopia asked big questions about individuality and free will, cementing its place as a subtle yet unforgettable story about love, choice, and finding your own voice in a world that wants to decide for you.
These books aren’t just relics of our middle and high school years — they’re still with us, shaping how we see the world, how we feel for others, and what we believe is worth fighting for — and yes, plenty of “okay? okay.” moments.
Revisiting them now, we see just how much they taught us about empathy, choice, and the messy, beautiful art of growing up. From mixtapes to Tumblr dashboards to late-night flashlight reading, these stories left marks that won’t fade. And honestly, that’s something worth being grateful for.
Feeling nostalgic? Revisit these reads, and other worlds that kept us up past curfew on our Adventures Beyond Pages: A Young Adult Journey Bookshop shelf.
Looking for more YA chaos and heartbreak? Check out these YA books that are way more stressful than school ever was.
