Discover authors like Samantha Young, who skillfully portray young love, personal growth, and lifeâs early challenges.
Young adult fiction has experienced a surge in popularity over recent years, with many novels being turned into films for the big screen. This genre tackles many themes, from self-discovery and identity to romance and fantastical adventures, resonating with readers across different age groups and backgrounds.
A prolific writer in this genre, Samantha Young has penned dozens of noteworthy novels that have attracted a dedicated readership. She is a best-selling author of the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal. Her notable titles are On Dublin Street, a contemporary romance; Echoes of Scotland Street, and Smokeless Fire, an urban fantasy. Youngâs ability to create immersive worlds and emotionally rich narratives has earned her significant acclaim.
Why Samantha Young Resonates in 2025
In todayâs evolving literary landscape, Samantha Youngâs work remains particularly relevant for several key reasons:
Authentic Emotional Complexity: Youngâs characters face real psychological challengesâtrauma, anxiety, trust issuesâthat resonate deeply with contemporary readers who increasingly value mental health representation in fiction.
Cross-Genre Appeal: Her seamless transitions between contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and new adult fiction demonstrate the genre fluidity that modern readers crave. She doesnât confine herself to narrow categories, much like todayâs successful authors.
Mature Themes in Accessible Packaging: Young tackles serious subjects like PTSD, family dysfunction, and relationship trauma while maintaining hope and emotional satisfactionâa balance particularly important for readers seeking both depth and escapism.
International Perspective: Her Scottish roots and international settings provide fresh perspectives that appeal to increasingly global readerships seeking diverse voices and locations.
Relationship Evolution: Rather than simple instalove, Young explores how relationships develop over time, dealing with real obstaclesâan approach that aligns with contemporary readersâ desire for authentic romantic development.
If youâre drawn to Youngâs blend of emotional depth, character growth, and compelling romance, these authors offer similar qualities that have kept readers engaged well into 2025.
For more recommendations, you might also enjoy exploring authors like Harlan Coben, authors like Gillian Flynn, best detective novel series.
Must-Read Authors Like Samantha Young
1. John Green, 1977 -
John Green has been praised as one of the greatest writers of his generation. His work has earned him numerous awards, including the Printz Medal, a Printz Honor, and the Edgar Award. Heâs also been chosen as one of TIME magazineâs 100 Most Influential People in the World. His works include Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, and Will Grayson, but he is best known for The Fault in Our Stars.
The Fault in Our Stars has been made into a successful Hollywood movie - but youâre missing out on a treat if you havenât read the book! The way that John Green tells the story of two star-crossed lovers is so evocative of young love that one has to wonder where he found the story within himself. The story can be difficult to read sometimes because it is so raw and touching, but in the end, youâll feel like you have a new understanding of what it means to love.
Why Samantha Young fans will love him: Green shares Youngâs gift for combining profound emotional depth with accessible storytelling. Both authors excel at portraying characters who face serious challenges while finding hope and connection. Their ability to address heavy topics without losing the essence of young adult optimism makes them perfect companions.
2025 relevance: Greenâs honest portrayal of mental health, chronic illness, and mortality has become even more significant post-pandemic, as readers increasingly seek fiction that acknowledges lifeâs fragility while celebrating human resilience.
âYou are so busy being you that you have no idea how utterly unprecedented you are.â âJohn Green, The Fault in Our Stars
2. Jenny Han, 1980 -
Born in Richmond, Virginia, Jenny Han showed exceptional academic prowess from a young age. She received her Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from The New School but wrote her debut novel while attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Next on her agenda was a young adult trilogy that became New York Times Bestsellers.
To All the Boys Iâve Loved Before is about a high school girl whose private love letters to old crushes get mailed to them without her knowledge or consent. As every high schooler understands, this turns the protagonistâs world topsy-turvy. This entertaining but heart-wrenching story is yet another notch in Hanâs belt of bestsellers that have been turned into Hollywood movies.
Why Young fans will connect: Hanâs expertise in depicting the intensity of first love and family dynamics mirrors Youngâs strength in character development. Both authors understand that young adult experiences are just as complex and meaningful as adult ones, treating their charactersâ emotions with respect and authenticity.
Cultural impact in 2025: Hanâs success with diverse representation and her influence on rom-com adaptations has helped reshape expectations for YA romance, making authentic diversity and cultural specificity standard rather than exceptional.
âIf you were mine, I would never have broken up with you, not in a million years.â âJenny Han, To All the Boys Iâve Loved Before
3. Rainbow Rowell, 1973 -
After a 17-year career as a columnist and copywriter for the Omaha World-Herald, Rainbow Rowell decided to pen her novels. Her first book found success and was named one of the best debut novels of the year. Rowell had more success with her follow-up books, spurring her to write full-time and never look back.
Fangirl is a fun and entertaining foray into young adulthood. While Cathâs sister has given up being a fangirl since growing older, Cath herself is still drawn to the lifestyle, even going so far as dressing up as the characters in her favorite book series when attending the movie premieres. But has innocent childhood fun turned into a way for Cath to avoid growing up? This novel explores complex themes, such as the transition from childhood to adulthood while capturing readersâ hearts.
Connection to Youngâs work: Rowell shares Youngâs talent for exploring how past experiences shape present relationships. Both authors excel at creating characters who must overcome anxiety and trust issues to form meaningful connections, making their growth feel earned rather than convenient.
Contemporary relevance: Rowellâs exploration of fandom culture, social anxiety, and finding your identity in college has become increasingly relevant as digital communities and online relationships play larger roles in young peopleâs lives.
âTo really be a nerd, sheâd decided, you had to prefer fictional worlds to the real one.â âRainbow Rowell, Fangirl
4. Libba Bray, 1964 -
Libba Bray is a Texan who transported herself to New York City. Writing stories since she was in middle school, Bray intended to become a novelist at a young age. Starting at Penguin Putnam in the publicity department, Bray moved on to a book advertising agency. Her husband encouraged her to write a young adult novel after sheâd written some mildly successful romance books. Her first YA novel became a New York Times bestseller, and Bray continues to write in this genre.
Beauty Queens is an unusual young adult story about a group of beauty queen contestants who become stranded on a desert island when their plane crashes. Forced to draw on their true inner talents, the girls must discover if they have the substance to survive in a competitive environment that does not involve silk sashes and fake lashes. This is a laugh-out-loud story that young girls will love to read, share and think about when dreaming of what it might take to win a beauty pageant.
Why this appeals to Young readers: Brayâs ability to blend humor with serious social commentary mirrors Youngâs skill in addressing real issues through engaging storytelling. Both authors create strong female characters who challenge stereotypes and discover their authentic selves.
Feminist evolution: Brayâs satirical approach to beauty standards and female competition has influenced how YA authors approach feminist themes, making social commentary more accessible and entertaining for younger readers.
âRight now, we are not competitors. We are all one team. Letâs find a place to camp and look for firewood.â âLibba Bray, Beauty Queens
5. Stephen Chbosky, 1970 -
After a childhood in Pennsylvania, Chbosky entered the University of Southern Californiaâs screenwriting program. He began writing, directing, and acting, making several important connections that influenced his career. A chance line in a different book that Chbosky was writing became the title of one of his most successful novels, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. After publication, it became an immediate hit with teen audiences.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower stirred controversy when it first appeared on the scene because of the way it portrayed teen drug use and sexuality. However, it resonated with teens and has since become a successful Hollywood film. It tells the story of Charlie, who struggles in his first year at high school, as most teens of that age do. Less a coming-of-age book than a heartbreaking tale of the truth of adolescence, this book deserves a place on every young adultâs bookshelf.
Emotional resonance with Youngâs work: Chbosky shares Youngâs unflinching approach to depicting mental health struggles and trauma recovery. Both authors understand that healing isnât linear and that meaningful relationships require vulnerability and patience.
Enduring impact: The novelâs honest portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes, mental health, and sexual abuse has made it a touchstone for discussions about representation and authentic storytelling in YA literature.
âBut because things change. And friends leave. And life doesnât stop for anybody.â âStephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
6. Stephanie Perkins, 1986 -
Born in South Carolina, Stephanie Perkins grew up in Arizona and then moved to North Carolina after marriage. She pursued a degree in creative writing and worked as a bookseller and librarian before becoming an author. Her debut novel, Anna and the French Kiss, earned widespread acclaim and was followed by two companion novels, Lola and the Boy Next Door and Isla and the Happily Ever After. Perkins continues to enchant readers with her relatable characters and engaging love stories.
Anna and the French Kiss is a charming YA romance novel about a young girl whose life changed in high school. When Anna Oliphant is sent to Paris for her senior year, sheâs apprehensive about leaving her life behind in Atlanta. Unexpectedly, she is drawn to the charming Etienne St. Clair, a fellow student with a gorgeous smile and an irresistible British accent. As their friendship blossoms, Anna and Etienne navigate the complexities of love, loyalty, and cultural barriers in the City of Lights.
Samantha Young parallels: Perkins excels at slow-burn romance development and creating characters with genuine flaws and growth arcs. Like Young, she doesnât shy away from complicated family dynamics and the messiness of real relationships.
International appeal: The international settings and cultural exploration in Perkinsâ work have helped establish reader expectations for globally-minded YA fiction that goes beyond typical American high school settings.
âHow could I have ever for a moment believed I wasnât in love with him?â âStephanie Perkins, Anna and the French Kiss
7. Nicola Yoon, 1973 -
Nicola Yoon grew up in both Brooklyn and Jamaica. She studied electrical engineering at Cornell, but an elective writing course stole her heart, and she decided to pursue her passion through a master of creative writing program in Boston. Although Yoon had a 20-year career in programming, her yearning to write was reawakened by the birth of her first daughter, after which she wrote her debut novel.
Everything, Everything explores love and self-discovery. Maddy, an 18-year-old girl, suffers from a rare immunodeficiency, confining her to her sterile home. When the enigmatic Olly moves in next door, an unconventional bond forms between them. As their connection deepens, Maddy must confront the constraints of her life and redefine what it means to truly live. With poignant prose and vivid emotion, Yoon crafts a heart-rending story about loveâs transformative power.
Connection to Youngâs themes: Yoonâs exploration of characters breaking free from restrictive circumstances mirrors Youngâs protagonists who must overcome past trauma to embrace new relationships. Both authors excel at showing how love can be both healing and transformative.
Diverse representation: Yoonâs success has helped establish the importance of authentic diverse voices in YA literature, particularly in contemporary romance where representation was historically limited.
âOne thing Iâm certain of: Wanting just leads to more wanting. Thereâs no end to desire.â âNicola Yoon, Everything, Everything
8. E. Lockhart, 1967 -
E. Lockhart, born Emily Jenkins, is an American author celebrated for her YA fiction and childrenâs literature books. She earned a degree in English from Vassar College and a doctorate in English literature from Columbia University. Lockhart has written numerous novels, including the acclaimed The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks. With her sharp wit, compelling narratives, and memorable characters, Lockhart has secured her place as a prominent voice in contemporary literature.
We Were Liars is a gripping YA mystery novel that blends intrigue with the perils of growing up. Set on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts, the story revolves around the wealthy Sinclair family and their intricate secrets. The protagonist, Cadence Sinclair, suffers from memory loss after a mysterious accident during her fifteenth summer. Returning to the island two years later, sheâs determined to uncover the truth. The novel unravels dark family secrets, deception, and betrayal, culminating in a stunning twist.
Why Young fans should read her: Lockhart shares Youngâs skill in creating unreliable narrators and complex family dynamics. Both authors understand that sometimes the greatest obstacles to happiness come from within our own families and minds.
Literary sophistication: Lockhartâs approach to YA literature as serious literature has helped elevate the genreâs critical reception and reader expectations for complex, layered storytelling.
ââThe universe is seeming really huge right now,â he told me. âI need something to hold on to.ââ âE. Lockhart, We Were Liars
9. Jennifer Niven, 1968 -
Jennifer Niven is an Emmy-winning journalist, screenwriter, and associate producer for ABC TV. She is now a New York Times bestselling novelist, writing in the YA genre. She has written non-fiction works, but her fiction and historical novels have garnered her the most attention in recent years.
All the Bright Places tells the story of Violet Markey, who is grappling with her sisterâs death, and Theodore Finch, who is struggling with dark thoughts. As they embark on a journey across Indiana for a school project, they discover solace in each otherâs company. Niven weaves an evocative story about healing, mental health, and the significance of finding someone who truly sees you.
Mental health representation: Nivenâs compassionate approach to depicting mental illness and suicide awareness aligns with Youngâs sensitive treatment of trauma and healing. Both authors understand that recovery requires both professional help and meaningful human connections.
Contemporary importance: The novelâs frank discussion of mental health has made it an important resource for discussions about suicide prevention and mental health awareness among young adults.
âThe thing I realize is that itâs not what you take, itâs what you leave.â âJennifer Niven, All the Bright Places
10. Angie Thomas, 1988 -
Angie Thomas writes from Jackson, Mississippi, where she was born and raised. Her teenage years were highlighted by her star rapping career, which even garnered her some attention from a genre magazine. After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts in creative writing from Belhaven University, she turned her attention to the written word for communication, a choice her fans are pleased about.
The Hate U Give addresses racism, police brutality, and social injustice. Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter navigates between her predominantly black neighborhood and her mostly white prep school. When her childhood friend, Khalil, is fatally shot by a police officer, Starr becomes the sole witness. As her community erupts in protest, she must find her voice and stand up for justice. Thomas deftly weaves a compelling, thought-provoking narrative that sparks important conversations on race and inequality among young readers.
Social consciousness: Thomasâs commitment to addressing systemic injustice through personal storytelling echoes Youngâs ability to weave social issues into intimate character studies. Both authors prove that YA literature can tackle serious topics without sacrificing emotional accessibility.
Cultural impact: The Hate U Give has become essential reading for understanding contemporary social justice movements and has influenced how YA authors approach activism and social change within their narratives.
âThatâs the problem. We let people say stuff, and they say it so much that it becomes okay to them and normal for us. Whatâs the point of having a voice if youâre gonna be silent in those moments you shouldnât be?â âAngie Thomas, The Hate U Give
The Evolution of YA Literature Through These Voices
The authors on this list represent the evolution of young adult literature from simple coming-of-age stories to complex explorations of identity, trauma, social justice, and healing. Like Samantha Young, they understand that young adult experiences deserve the same depth and respect as any literary fiction.
Today, successful YA authors must navigate:
Mental Health Awareness: Authentic representation of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges Diverse Voices: Stories that reflect the true diversity of young adult experiences across cultures, identities, and backgrounds Social Consciousness: Addressing real-world issues while maintaining hope and agency for young readers Emotional Sophistication: Treating teenage emotions and relationships as genuinely complex and meaningful Global Perspectives: Moving beyond narrow cultural assumptions to embrace international and multicultural experiences
These authors, like Samantha Young, prove that young adult literature at its best doesnât talk down to its readersâit meets them where they are and helps them navigate toward who theyâre becoming.
