Classic Young Adult Books That Are Still Worth Reading Today
Books you read as a kid tend to stick with you long after you’ve graduated. You can still remember details about the characters and the storylines. Here are some books that you probably loved in the ’90s or early ’00s that your young readers would still enjoy checking out today:
The Babysitters Club series by Ann M. Martin
The series follows the adventures of a group of girls in Connecticut who babysit local kids. Each girl has a distinct personality, and young readers will enjoy figuring out which character they most relate to. There are definitely some lessons about entrepreneurship to be found in there too!
The Sweet Valley High series by Francine Pascal
Perfect for back to school season, the series depicts the adventures of twin sisters Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield as they go through the trials and tribulations of high school life in fictional Sweet Valley, California. There’s plenty of drama, high school relationships, and plot twists.
The Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine
These books terrified a generation of kids, and are still creepy today. For bookworms who are okay feeling freaked out, there are plenty of eerie tales to choose from.
The Amber Brown series by Paula Danzinger
Another great series for back to school time, these books focus on elementary school student Amber Brown, who’s adjusting to some major changes: her parents are divorcing and her best friend has moved away. The books are great for prompting important discussions.
The Alice series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
It doesn’t get much more relatable than the Alice series, which follows middle schooler Alice as she goes through the awkward, unavoidable moments that come along with growing up. Kids will find comfort in reading Alice’s cringe-worthy, hilarious, and honest tales.
Sideways Stories From Wayside School by Louis Sachar
These zany stories have delighted kids for years. It’s about a school that was built sideways, and the whacky, lovable kids that study there.
Help combat summer brain drain by adding some of these titles to your kids’ library as they start to head back for another school year.
Lauren Levine is a freelance writer who has contributed to publications and websites including The Charlotte Observer, U.S. News & World Report, American Way magazine, The Huffington Post, Hello Giggles, Bustle, Thrillist, Thought Catalog, and others.
