Books

The YA Book To Read Based On Your Favorite Classic

by Alex Weiss
Beautiful woman sitting at bench and reading an e-book
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Have you noticed how many outstanding YA novels have already hit shelves in 2016? And that doesn't even include the novels that will be published in the upcoming months. As I've been working through my TBR pile, I've realized it includes a ton of these fantastic new releases in addition to some old classics I've been meaning to reread since high school.

After reading a handful of modern, unique, and experimental YA books, it can be nice and almost welcoming to open up a beloved classic like Sherlock Holmes or 1984. If you love to combine modern with classic or if you are simply searching for a new and fantastic book to read, look no further. I've compiled a list of some of the greatest books of all time matched with some of the best YA books published within the last year. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Jane Austen or a Shakespeare devotee, I've got you covered.

Some of these books have only been available for a few days or a few weeks, so snatch them up and get to reading! Based on your favorite literary tale, here are the YA books you should add to your TBR pile:

If You Love Pride and Prejudice, Read The Epic Adventures of Lydia Bennet by Kate Rorick and Rachel Kiley

Chances are, if you love Pride and Prejudice, you've watched the YouTube series, 'The Lizzie Bennet Diaries.' Lydia is that fantastic character we love to roll our eyes at — the little sister who rebels and causes trouble while still looking cute. As Lydia navigates the path to adulthood with technology, boys, and a whole lot of attitude, you'll laugh and enjoy every second of this book.

If You Love To Kill a Mockingbird, Read American Ace by Marilyn Nelson

Marilyn Nelson is a gifted poet and writer, making American Ace , her story about identity and race, one to cherish. Connor always believed he was Irish and Italian, never looking further into his ancestry — that is, until he finds out his father is not his birth father. After discovering his biological father is black, Connor embarks on a path of rediscovery.

If You Love The Grapes of Wrath, Read Mosquitoland by David Arnold

Grapes of Wrath was my favorite classic to read in high school, and I adore the journey and importance of family within the story. Mosquitoland definitely has a long-winded journey, one where Mim Malone is dragged from her Ohio home and into the depths of Mississippi's "wastelands" to live with her father. After learning that her mother is sick back home, she immediately hops on a bus and meets an interesting group of travelers along the way, similar to all the great characters you met on the road in Steinbeck's classic tale.

If You Love The Great Gatsby, Read Great by Sara Benincasa

This retelling of The Great Gatsby gets a modern twist with main character Naomi Rye, a teenage girl caught up in the Hamptons elite social circle. When Naomi finds herself captivated by her new next-door neighbor, Jacinta, she falls into a web of lies, drama, and glamour that you'll be completely absorbed in. Great will treat you to some of your favorite Gatsby moments with a fresh spin.

If You Love The Catcher and the Rye, Read Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin

Catcher and the Rye is one of the original YA novels. While some people love to love it, others love to hate it. If you happen to be on the love side (like myself), you'll definitely enjoy the narrator of Symptoms of Being Human . While Holden is certainly no Riley, and Riley isn't even sure of who he or she is (depends on the day, really), both characters aren't afraid to voice their unique opinions. Riley creates anonymous blog as an outlet for all these pent-up emotions. When the blog goes viral, Riley is forced to make a tough decision.

If You Love The Hobbit, Read Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

Mortals, mystical beasts, magic, and an entire new nation of Miraji to explore — this beautiful new YA book is perfect for fantasy readers. Amani, a girl who is destined to wed or die in the desert, takes fate into her own hands. Full of fight or flight moments, this exhilarating story will pull you into a fantastical world just like Tolkien once did.

If You Love Sherlock Homes, Read A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro

Have you ever imagined what the great-great-great-granddaughter of Sherlock Holmes would be like? Get ready to find out in A Study In Charlotte . When Jamie Watson earns a scholarship to attend a Connecticut prep school, he's less than thrilled. Charlotte Holmes, the decedent of the famous detective, also attends the prep school. Inheriting Sherlock's genius and temperament, Charlotte keeps her distance from Jamie Watson, but the pair come together they're framed for the murder of a fellow student. This retelling of A Study in Scarlet will have you giddy from the very first page.

If You Love 1984, Read Willful Machines by Tim Floreen

Taking place in the near future, Willful Machines introduces you to a dystopia where scientists have created a new form of life, and her name is Charlotte. Everything goes well until Charlotte transfers her destructive consciousness onto the Internet. Suddenly, no one is safe. Lee Fisher, the closeted son of the US President, is next on Charlotte's list. Freaking out about the many secrets she could expose on him, Lee must figure out how to stop her. In return, learns what makes life worth living.

If You Love The Scarlet Letter, Read Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E.K. Johnston

Once the "it" girl of the school and captain of the cheer team, Hermione Winters suddenly has a new reputation: that girl who was raped. Facing her friends, family, and entire school with a label as harmful as a scarlet letter, Hermione is forced to reevaluate her future and determine what's important to her. A story of trauma, friendship, and identity, Exit, Pursued By A Bear is an important and life-changing story.

If You Love Hamlet, Read A Steep and Thorny Way by Cat Winters

Shakespeare lovers, this is a Hamlet retelling you won't forget. Taking place in Oregon, 1923, The Steep & Thorny Way follows Hanalee Denney, the daughter of a while woman and African American man. The lineup of characters includes a ghost, a doctor, a teenage boy convicted for murder, the Ku Klux Klan, and the residents of the town. Read this thrilling book to discover if Hanalee's father was murdered intentionally or in an unfortunate accident.

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