Samantha 0:00
Welcome to Creating Joyful Readers, a podcast dedicated to empowering secondary educators with the tools, strategies and inspiration to cultivate a lifelong love of reading in their students. I’m your host, Samantha. Tune in each week as we explore the transformative power of independent reading. Delve into the latest research on literacy, dissect projects that will help your students showcase what they’ve learned in a unique way, and share curated recommendations of young adult novels that will captivate and engage your learners. Join in as we embark on a journey to create joyful lifelong readers one book at a time.

Samantha 0:42
Welcome back to creating joyful readers. I’m excited to have you here for Episode 21 where we’re diving into the world of contemporary YA literature. This genre is full of stories that are real, relatable, and deeply in tune with our students experiences, making it an essential part of any classroom or library collection. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about five contemporary YA authors you should have on your classroom and library shelves. These authors create books that resonate with young readers, sparking important conversations and helping students connect to the literature in meaningful ways. Whether you’re looking to update your library, introduce a fresh unit, or build a stronger connection with your students, this episode has got you covered.

Samantha 1:21
As I dove into my search for the best young adult contemporary novels, I couldn’t help but notice a few familiar names popping up over and over again. So instead of putting together a traditional roundup list, I thought it would be more valuable to focus on a handful of authors who consistently deliver powerful, relatable stories in this genre. These are the writers whose books rarely miss with teens. Each one has at least three or more standout titles that I would wholeheartedly recommend for your classroom or library. In today’s episode, I’m going to dive into why these authors are must reads, why their work continues to resonate with young readers, and which of their novels are my must haves.

Samantha 1:57
We’re going to start our list at the very top with arguably the hardest hitter here, Jason Reynolds. Jason Reynolds is one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary young adult literature today. Known for his powerful storytelling. Reynolds writes with a unique blend of compassion, authenticity, and raw honesty that resonates deeply with teen readers. His work often touches on complex issues such as race, identity, friendships, and the struggles young people face. Reynolds has a gift for writing characters that feel incredibly real, making it easy for readers to see themselves in his stories, no matter their background or experience. Reynolds’ career took off with his debut novel when I was the greatest coming of age story set in Brooklyn that explores friendship, family and the challenges of growing up. But it wasn’t until his 2014 novel, The Boy in the black suit, that really put him on the map, earning critical acclaim for its honest exploration of grief and loss. Since then, Reynolds has written several other impactful novels, including All American Boys, co authored with Brendan Keely, which tackles issues of police brutality, racism and injustice. Reynolds, standout title is long way down, a gripping and powerful verse novel about a teenager named Will grappling with the aftermath of his brother’s death and the cycle of violence in his community. This book earned widespread praise for its ability to explore deep emotions in a format that is accessible and captivating for young readers. This book continues to be one of my most recommended books for teen readers, especially those who may not love to read. What makes Justin Reynolds stand out as an author is his commitment to writing books that not only entertain but also open doors for meaningful conversations about real world issues. His books are perfect for teaching in the classroom or library because they tackle tough topics with empathy and understanding, offering readers a chance to reflect on their own experiences, while also challenging them to think critically about the world around them. His writing is a vital tool in helping students engage with literature that speaks directly to their lives. My top three Jason Reynolds recommendations, the boy in the black suit, All American Boys, and long way down.

Samantha 4:00
The next author we’re going to talk about is one of my personal favorites, Jeff Zentner. Zentner is a talented and deeply empathetic author whose contemporary young adult novels explore the themes of grief, identity, and the complexities of growing up. Known for his poignant and emotionally rich storytelling, Zentner has a unique ability to capture the struggles and triumphs of adolescents in a way that resonates with both teen and adult readers alike. His books often tackle difficult topics, from loss to self discovery, and they provide a compassionate look at how young people cope with the weight of the world around them. Zentner made a big splash in the YA Literary world with his debut novel The Serpent King, which follows a group of high school friends living in a small town in Tennessee. The book delves into the life of dill, whose family is struggling with his father’s criminal past and the way he navigates friendships personal growth and the loss of someone close to him. The Serpent King received widespread acclaim for its authentic portrayal of friendship and the emotional weight of growing up in a small, sometimes oppressive town. It was a finalist for the William C Morse award and cemented Zentner as a powerful voice in contemporary YA literature. His second novel, goodbye days continues in the same vein, offering readers a heart wrenching exploration of grief and the impact of tragedy. The story revolves around Carver, a teenager who accidentally texts a friend shortly before a tragic accident, leading him to deal with the fallout and the guilt that comes with it. Through Carver’s journey, Zentner addresses themes of loss, forgiveness, and the complicated nature of healing. The novel’s emotional depth and exploration of mental health make it an excellent choice for classrooms or book clubs, as it invites readers to reflect on their own lives and how they process grief. In the wild light by Jeff Zentner is a powerful exploration of life in a small Appalachian town and the struggles that come with it. It is my personal favorite and the novel I recommend most to contemporary readers. Cash has already faced unimaginable loss – his mother to an opioid addiction, and now watching his papa slowly succumb to emphysema. With his life revolving around mowing lawns and keeping an eye out for his best friend, Delaney.,Cash is used to surviving in a tough world. But everything changes when Delaney secures them both full rides to an elite prep school in Connecticut. Suddenly, Cash must confront the complex pull between his love and sense of duty to protect Delaney, his deep bond with his grandparents who raised him, and the small town that shaped him. Zentner’s novel beautifully weaves themes of grief found family and young love, capturing the emotional landscape of growing up and leaving behind what you know for something new and uncertain. In the wild light is a poignant story that will resonate deeply with readers navigating their own sense of belonging and loss. One of the things that makes Jeff Zentner’s work so compelling is his ability to write books that are accessible yet layered with deeply emotional complexity. His novels are perfect for teaching in classrooms or libraries because they create space for meaningful discussions about loss, personal growth, mental health and the challenges of navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Zentner’s ability to weave these themes into stories that are both engaging and thought provoking make him a must read author for anyone working with young adult literature. So my three favorites from Jeff Zentner are goodbye days, in the wild light, and the Serpent King.

Samantha 7:07
Our next author is an award winner known for her powerful and poetic storytelling, often centered around themes of identity, culture, and family. Any guesses? It’s one of my favorites. Elizabeth Acevedo. Her debut novel, The poet acts made an immediate impact, winning multiple awards, including the prestigious National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. Acevedo’s writing resonates deeply with readers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, because of her authentic portrayal of the immigrant experience, struggles with self expression, and the journey towards self acceptance. Her works, which include with the fire on high and clap when you land, are known for their lyrical prose, vibrant characters, and exploration of complex relationships, whether it’s a mother daughter bond or navigating cultural expectations in a world that feels divided. Acevedo’s characters are often at a crossroads, seeking to understand who they are while balancing their dreams with the realities of their communities. In my personal favorite, clap when you land, Acevedo explores grief, family secrets, and the intertwining lives of two sisters who never knew the other existed. The novel, written in verse, touches on themes of loss, love, and the resilience of family ties, all set against the backdrop of the Dominican American experience. Whether through poetry or prose, Elizabeth Acevedo has cemented herself as a vital voice in contemporary YA literature, offering stories that challenge, inspire, and deeply connect with readers. Adding any Acevedo to your bookshelf is a good idea, but my favorite three are the poet X, with the fire on high, and clap when you land.

Samantha 8:40
Our next author is Nick stone. Nick stone is a best selling author whose works are celebrated for the raw honesty and exploration of social justice, race, and identity. Known for creating thought provoking stories that shine a light on the struggles of marginalized communities, Stone uses her platform to encourage important conversations around rac,e privilege, and systemic oppression. Her debut novel, Dear Martin, which tackles the themes of racial profiling and police brutality, immediately struck a chord with readers and quickly became a staple in many high school classrooms and libraries. Stone’s other notable works, including odd one out and jackpot, continue to tackle issues like identity, friendship, and belonging. While providing multifaceted portrayals of young people navigating complex social landscapes, Odd one out delves into the intricacies of relationships, exploring love, sexuality and personal growth through the lens of three diverse teens. Meanwhile, jackpot offers a powerful critique of wealth inequality while telling the story of a teen girl trying to break free from the cycles of poverty, offering a fresh perspective on perseverance and hope. Nick Stone’s writing is often lauded for its honest and relatable characters whose struggles reflect the realities of modern adolescents while still maintaining a sense of hope and empowerment. Her novels are not just about examining difficult topics, but also celebrating resilience, courage and the strength it takes to speak out against injustice, with her impactful voice and compelling storytelling, Nick stone continues to be a defining author in contemporary YA literature. My top three recommendations for Nick stone are jackpot, dear Martin, and chaos theory.

Samantha 10:14
Last, but certainly not least, I wanted to include a mainstay who has had a lasting impact on YA contemporary for nearly 30 years. Sarah Dessen is known for her heartfelt stories that explore themes of family, identity, relationships and personal growth. With more than a dozen novels to her name, Dessen’s books have resonated deeply with readers for their authentic depictions of teenage life, complex characters, and the emotional landscapes of coming of age experiences. Most people might think of Dessen as a romance author, but many of her books are very contemporary. Her breakout novel someone like you introduced readers to her signature style of writing, realistic, relatable characters facing real life challenges. The book explores themes of love, loss and friendship and it helps cement Dessen as a prominent voice in YA literature. Other fan favorites like the truth about forever, just listen, and lock and key continue to explore the emotional roller coasters of adolescents, touching on topics such as mental health, self worth, and the power of resilience. What sets Sarah dessen’s novels apart is her ability to create stories that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. Whether it’s a girl grappling with her family’s expectations or learning to trust again after a broken heart, her characters face obstacles that many young readers can identify with, often finding strength in healing through relationships and self discovery. In my favorite Dessen offering Saint Anything, Sidney Stanley struggles with the aftermath of her brother Peyton’s criminal actions, which have torn apart her family. Feeling invisible and guilty, Sidney transfers to a new school, where she forms new friendships and starts to rebuild her sense of self. The novel explores themes of family, forgiveness, and personal growth, with Sydney learning to take control of her own story. With its heartfelt exploration of love and redemption state anything is a moving and relatable read for teens. Dessens books are often praised for their quiet, introspective narratives that don’t shy away from difficult topics, but instead tackle them with nuance and grace. For readers looking for poignant, character driven stories that explore the complexities of growing up, Sarah dessen’s work is a must have on any classroom library or shelf. My personal favorites are the truth about forever along for the ride and say anything.

Samantha 12:27
To wrap up, today’s episode, we’ve explored five must have contemporary YA authors whose books should definitely be on your classroom shelves. From Jason Reynolds powerful stories of resilience and identity to Jeff Zentner’s poignant explorations of grief and personal growth. These authors are shaping the way young readers connect with literature. We also discussed Elizabeth acevedo’s lyrical storytelling on themes of culture and family, Nick stone’s raw honesty on race and social justice, and of course, Sarah dessen’s, heartfelt coming of age novels. Each of these authors provide a unique window into the experience of today’s teens, offering stories that spark important conversations and foster a love of reading.

Samantha 13:05
If you’re interested in checking out the titles I noted as my favorites throughout the episode, I’ll make sure to include links for you in the show notes.

Samantha 13:12
After hearing about these incredible authors, I’d love to know which contemporary YA books you’re excited to bring into your classroom or library, head over to Instagram and send me a message to let me know which you’ll be adding to your must have lists. My handle is Samantha in secondary.

Samantha 13:26
Next week, I’ll be introducing you to one of my favorite YA authors who is well on his way to earning a spot among these great contemporary writers. I’ll give you a hint. He’s based in Philadelphia, and he’s giving readers a peek into a lesser known community in a really fresh and unique way. Until next time happy reading.

Samantha 13:44
Thanks for tuning in to creating joyful readers. I hope you found inspiration and practical strategies to ignite a passion for reading in your students. Remember every book we introduce and every reading experience we foster can transform lives and help students become lifelong readers. Follow me on social media at Samantha in secondary for more tips book recommendations and to connect with a community of educators dedicated to making reading a joyful journey. Until next time happy reading.