NPR's Your Favourite 100 Best Teen Novels: Which Ones Are Must - Reads?

Well, a teen novel stands out when it tackles important issues in a way that teens can understand. Take 'Speak' by Laurie Halse Anderson. It deals with the issue of sexual assault and the difficulty of a girl finding her voice again. The way it's written, it makes it accessible to teen readers. Great writing style also matters. 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak has a very unique narrative style where Death is the narrator. It gives a different perspective and makes the story stand out. And of course, if it has a touch of magic or the extraordinary like in 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' by Ransom Riggs, it becomes more memorable.

One great African American teen novel is 'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas. It deals with important issues like police brutality and racial identity in a very relatable way for teens. Another is 'Dear Martin' which also explores race relations through the eyes of a teen. And 'Brown Girl Dreaming' by Jacqueline Woodson is a beautiful memoir in verse that can be very inspiring for African American teens.

One great thriller from 2010 novels is 'The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest' by Stieg Larsson. It's a complex and engaging conclusion to the Millennium series, full of mystery and intrigue.

I think 'Leave the World Behind' by Rumaan Alam is a great pick from 2020 fiction. It's a gripping story about a family on vacation when unexpected guests arrive, creating a sense of unease and exploring themes of race and class. Well, also, 'Transcendent Kingdom' by Yaa Gyasi is really good. It delves into the life of a Ghanaian - American family, dealing with issues like addiction, science, and faith.

One of the best thrillers in 2021 novels is 'The Plot'. It has a really engaging storyline that keeps you guessing from start to finish. The twists and turns are well - crafted, and the characters are complex enough to make you invested in their fates.

'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang is also a great epic 2018 novel. It combines elements of Chinese history and mythology to create a complex and thrilling story. It's a story of war, power, and the cost of ambition, with a unique magic system.

One great over - 40 romance novel is 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks. It tells a beautiful love story that spans decades. Another is 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. The relationship between Claire and Jamie is complex and passionate. Also, 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte is a classic. The love between Jane and Mr. Rochester is full of depth and mystery.

Some of the best girl graphic novels include 'Lumberjanes'. It has a group of girls at a summer camp facing all sorts of magical and mysterious creatures. The girls are all different in personality and skills, and it's a really fun and empowering read. Then there's 'Rainbow Rowell's 'Runaways'. Nico Minoru is a standout character. She's a goth - like girl with magical powers, and the story of the Runaways as a whole is filled with great character development for all the female characters involved.

One of the best is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery involving a journalist and a hacker girl. The story is set in Sweden and delves deep into dark family secrets and corporate corruption. Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It's a psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its twists and turns regarding a missing wife and a husband who becomes the prime suspect.

Another excellent one is 'The Redemption Engine'. It offers a unique take on the Pathfinder universe. The writing style is captivating, and it delves deep into the moral and ethical dilemmas of the characters. It's a story that not only entertains but also makes you think about different aspects of the world it presents.