YA novels are a very new genre. Children’s fiction was thing. Adult fiction was a thing. but book aimed at teenagers was not a thing until the late 1990’s. As a result there are many novels that, if published today, would be YA novels. Here’s a list of just a few:
1. Emma
Reads like: Princess Diaries
When Emma old governess marries a family friend, Emma is almost happier about it than the newlyweds. She’s now resolved to set up all of her friends. Whether they want it or not. Can her friendships survive Emma’s meddling? and will true love prevail for anyone?
2. True Grit
Reads like: The Hunger Games
Rules were simple in the old west. When a bandit killed one of your kin. You were honor bound to avenge the murder. Even if the one doing the avenging is a 14 year-old girl.
3. Sense and Sensibility
Reads like: The Selected
Times are tough for Eleanor and Marianne, they’re father recently died, their half-brother kicked them out of the family home, and they have zero marriage prospects. Eleanor is the level headed one who keeps the family together. Marianne is the wistful dreamer who wants what she can’t have. Will they ever find love?
4. Northanger Abbey
Reads like: My Plan Jane
Bookworm Catherine is invited by family friends on vacation, Catherine dreams of meeting a charming man. When said charming man appears, turns out he has a sister… who becomes fast friends with Catherine, and invites her to the family estate of Northanger Abbey. Catherine soon becomes convinced that the House was the scene of a murder! is she right? and how can she prove it?
5. Princess of Mars
Reads like: Superman comics
A strange visitor from another planet with powers and abilities far beyond those of simple morals. Edger Rice Bourghs contributed a lot to our idea of what makes a man a superman.
John Carter woke up one day to find himself on Mars, the planet’s light gravity meant that on Mars, John was super human. He goes on a number of adventures and falls in love with a beautiful Martian Princess, hence the title.
Odd Librarian Out 