13 Classic YA Books to Reread When You’re Feeling Nostalgic

There’s nothing better than rereading your favorite books over and over. That’s why we put together this list of YA classics to reread whenever you’re feeling nostalgic. These YA books have stood the test of time and are just as much fun to read the second or third time around.

From the stories your parents loved to modern classics that have made waves in recent history, these must-read books for young adults are well worth reading again and again. So crack open one of these beloved YA books next time you want to escape into a familiar story.

1. Fallen series by Lauren Kate

Fallen

Fallen

Remember falling in love with Lucinda and Daniel and their epic romance that spans countless centuries? Those were good times. Relive the moments that made you swoon—the kisses, the smoldering glances, and the quiet moments when these two lovebirds connected over conversation.

2. The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost

The Paladin Prophecy

The Paladin Prophecy

Go back to the days of dreaming about magical boarding schools and teens destined to save the world. On the off chance that you haven’t read this modern classic for teens yet, you should pick it up the next chance you get. This is a young adult series you’ll love reading and rereading. Once you dive into this book series, you’ll never want to come up for air.

3. His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman

His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass (HBO Tie-In Edition)

His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass (HBO Tie-In Edition)

Chances are, watching the HBO series has you reaching for your copy of The Golden Compass again. This epic YA fantasy series is well worth rereading, especially if you’ve been obsessing over the TV adaptation. So give in to temptation and go adventuring with Lyra. You’ll be glad you did. While you’re at it, take our quiz to find out which character from His Dark Materials you are.

4. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini

Eragon

Eragon

We’re always in the mood for a book about dragons, and no YA classic does dragons better than the Inheritance Cycle. Step back into the magical world of Alagaësia, and get swept away by this epic young adult fantasy novel all over again. You know you want to. And don’t forget that the adventure continues in The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm, a collection of three stories featuring your favorite Dragon Rider, Eragon.

5. Protector of the Small quartet by Tamora Pierce

First Test

First Test

When we think of classic YA books, we think of Tamora Pierce. Her enduring YA novels have been favorites for generations of fantasy readers. Set in the world of Tortall, this YA book series is about a young girl named Keladry who is determined to become a knight. When you’re in the mood for a feel-good fantasy with plenty of action and suspense, it’s time to reread this series.

6. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief (Anniversary Edition)

The Book Thief (Anniversary Edition)

When you need a good ugly cry, it’s time to reread The Book Thief. Set in Germany during World War II, this historical fiction classic is a favorite of booklovers and history buffs alike. Bust out the tissues and keep some chocolate on hand as you travel back in time with this beautiful young adult novel. It will break your heart and make it soar at the same time.

7. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (Deluxe Illustrated Edition)

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (Deluxe Illustrated Edition)

Speaking of YA classics set in Germany during World War II, this short YA novel packs a heavy punch. Whether you read this in school or on your own, it’s a fantastic book to reread. Emotional and thought-provoking, this heartbreaking story tells of the horrors of the Holocaust through the innocent eyes of a nine-year-old boy.

8. The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott

The Alchemyst

The Alchemyst

If you’ve finished reading Harry Potter for the umpteenth time but are not ready to come back to reality, then you should reread the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series. Why stress over friend drama when you could go on an adventure with Sophie and Josh Newman instead? Saving the world from certain doom is always more fun, so we’re giving you permission to ignore real life for a little bit longer.

9. The Da Vinci Code (Young Adult Adaptation) by Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code (The Young Adult Adaptation)

The Da Vinci Code (The Young Adult Adaptation)

Anytime is a good time to reread Dan Brown’s incredible adventure. Specifically adapted for young adults, this bestselling teen book will sweep you into a mystery filled with puzzles and messages hiding in plain sight. It’s probably been a while since you read the book or watched the movie, so you’ll be surprised by the twists, turns, and clues along the way.

10. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series by Ann Brashares

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Feeling nostalgic? Escape to the magical summer that had four friends learning about love, life, and themselves with the help of a pair of perfect pants. This delightful YA classic is perfect if you’re craving female friendship vibes. While we think this YA book series warrants its own television series, you can take comfort in the fact that both movies are available to binge-watch on Netflix.

11. The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

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12. The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney

The Face on the Milk Carton

The Face on the Milk Carton

If you love suspense and mystery, then you’ll want to revisit this classic thriller for teens. When Janie Johnson finds her own face in a missing profile on a milk carton, she begins to uncover horrifying secrets about her family. A favorite for over twenty years, this suspenseful YA classic still manages to captivate readers.

13. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

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