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Read around the World Young Adult
62
items Each section features a location around the world with books set in or written by authors from there. The list is meant to help others explore the world through the art of books and reading. *note: author means the author is from there, setting means...
Sections
17
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Africa
Alabama
Alabama, known for its warm hospitality and picturesque landscapes, serves as a compelling backdrop for a myriad of stories that capture the essence of both its urban hubs and rural charm. From the bustling streets of Birmingham to the serene setting...
Author & Setting "To Kill a Mockingbird" stands as a timeless and compelling work that resonates with audiences of all generations, urging us to confront injustice with unwavering resolve.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Setting Set against the backdrop of a Southern boarding school, the narrative is a mix of humor, sadness, and deep thoughts that resonate with readers of all ages.
Looking for Alaska
Setting A graphic novel memoir for teenagers depicting the story of a girl born in Korea who does not speak English, and is suddenly moved from Seoul to Huntsville, Alabama. She faces severe culture shock and loneliness, but eventually finds solace in her l...
Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir
Setting Hidden truths and secrets in a town unravel in this young adult mystery.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler
Author & Setting The story unfolds with a mix of suspense, danger, and the looming threat of transformation into a monster herself.
Monstrous
Alaska
Known for its vast wilderness, towering mountains, and icy fjords, Alaska serves as a mesmerizing setting for numerous captivating novels. So, grab your favorite warm drink, cozy up, and let's embark on a literary expedition through the Last Frontier...
Author & Setting Despite their stark differences, Harper and her grandpa find solace in each other's company. As Harper seeks escape and decisions, Cooper sees a chance for redemption after failing his late daughter, Heather. Their unlikely bond may offer the support...
No Fences in Alaska
Setting In Alaska, a father, son, and daughter support themselves by crabbing in the waters of Cook Inlet and Eachemak Bay to cover their mother's medical expenses. Tension arises when they face allegations of illegally catching crabs.
Summer on the North Star
Setting Set against the rugged backdrop of an Alaskan mining town, the narrative delicately weaves a poignant tale of a young girl's final summer before her family's relocation to Fairbanks.
Gold City Girl by Jo Anne Wold
Author & Setting In Alaska, 1970, the lives of four teenagers intertwine in unexpected ways.
The Smell of Other People's Houses
Setting The novel poignantly explores the unbreakable bond between parent and child, delving into themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of family dynamics.
The Tenth Circle
Arizona
Arizona, known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant history, serves as the perfect setting for numerous captivating stories waiting to be discovered.
Setting "Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow is a captivating novel that delves deep into human emotions and self-discovery through the story of Charlie, a young girl navigating past traumas and present challenges.
Girl In Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow : r/books - Reddit
Setting P.S. I Like You by Kasie West is a heartwarming young adult novel about a high school student who exchanges anonymous notes with a mysterious pen pal, leading to a deep connection that explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery.
P.S. I Like You
Author & Setting "The Canyon’s Edge by Dusti Bowling is a captivating novel that follows a young protagonist on a thrilling journey through the rugged landscapes of the Grand Canyon.
The Canyon's Edge
Setting "The Stars on Vita Felice Court" by Emily H. Keefer is a captivating piece of literature that transports readers to a quaint neighborhood where the stars seem to hold secrets of the past.
The Stars on Vita Felice Court
Arkansas
Arkansas serves as a captivating backdrop for stories across genres, offering readers a glimpse into the unique culture, history, and natural beauty of the state. Whether you're exploring the enchanting forests of the Ozarks or navigating the bustlin...
Author & Setting The author delves into her own life experiences, exploring themes of racism, identity, and resilience. Through vivid storytelling, Angelou paints a poignant picture of her journey from a challenging childhood to finding her voice and strength as a wo...
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Author & Setting Walker Lauderdale, a determined fifteen-year-old, refuses to give up hope on finding his missing father, believing he's still out there in the Ozarks. Facing eviction threats, Walker embarks on a search that leads him to Lukas Fisher, a dangerous ma...
Strong Like You
Setting Lois Lenski's "Cotton in My Sack" delves into the intricate lives of Joanda's family, who toil as sharecroppers in the cotton fields of Arkansas. The narrative not only sheds light on the harsh realities of sharecropping but also offers a glimpse int...
Cotton in My Sack
Setting In the midst of teenage turmoil, Julie Morgan faces the harsh reality of social acceptance and self-discovery. When her friends abandon her at an Elvis Presley concert, Julie's world takes a tumultuous turn. Encountering her doppelgänger, she is push...
In Those First Bright Days of Elvis
California
As you immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of California books, you'll discover a state that is as diverse and dynamic as the characters and stories that inhabit its pages. From the glittering lights of Hollywood to the rugged beauty of Yosemite, C...
Setting Lily Hu and Kathleen Miller are confronted with their fears and growing affection for each other, amidst the Red-Scare paranoia and the looming threat of deportation that endangers them and those in their circle. Little did they expect that a chance...
Last Night at the Telegraph Club
Setting An inspiring tale unfolds about Ari, a boy grappling with body image concerns. Following his family's relocation for his parents' job, Ari navigates challenges such as forging new friendships, facing bullying, adhering to a diet plan imposed by his m...
All of Me | Chris Baron
Author & Setting Xochi, a seventeen-year-old, is fleeing from the pain of her past marked by abandonment and betrayal in San Francisco. She encounters Pallas, a twelve-year-old from a rock star family, who is in need of a live-in governess at her storybook Victorian...
All of Us with Wings
Setting Fifteen-year-old orphan Ana Cortez, after losing her final opportunity with a foster family, decides to join a farm training program. Initially struggling to distinguish between plants, Ana raises doubts in farm kid Emmett Garber about her ability t...
Ana of California
Setting A narrative unfolds as Elizabeth and Lauren, who are now college roommates, embark on a journey that involves communicating through email, searching for essential dorm items like a microwave, and discovering more about each other before eventually m...
Roomies - Zarr, Sara: Books
Africa
Africa, the enchanting continent of diverse cultures, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, has been a wellspring of inspiration for countless authors.
Author In a land where magic once thrived, Zélie seeks to restore what was lost when a cruel king extinguished its light. With her own magical abilities, she joins forces with an unlikely ally to challenge the oppressive regime. As they navigate a tr...
Children of Blood and Bone
Setting - In a world where magic is no longer safe, Gia's brother Nico's uniqueness becomes a dangerous trait. Cape Town, once a sanctuary for magical beings, is now a place where the Purists aim to eradicate all magic. The Belle Gente, labeled as ma...
Crooks and Straights: du Toit, Masha
Author - Sante, a survivor of a tragic shipwreck, finds herself drawn into a mysterious quest for justice amidst the backdrop of Mama Rose's circus. Haunted by the voices of the deceased, she is compelled to seek out specific items that hold the key ...
A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars
Author - Sarah, a girl longing for magic, discovers her family's hidden curse when her father starts transforming into a beast. After her mother leaves, Sarah unravels the family's mysterious past and realizes she is also cursed. The only way to brea...
Beastkeeper
Argentina
All books are Author & Setting. Argentina isn't just known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine; it's also a treasure trove of literary masterpieces. From passionate tales of the tango to haunting reflections of its...
In Rosario, Argentina, Camila Hassan leads a double life - a dutiful daughter at home and a soccer powerhouse, La Furia, on the field. Despite facing family expectations and an abusive father, Camila dreams of a soccer scholarship in North America. H...
Furia
The war in Argentina left deep scars, but the truth endures. Liliana returns home, haunted by her mother's disappearance during the brutal regime. With a Flamenco player's help, she unravels the mystery, unearthing painful family secrets. Through the...
The Things They Didn't Bury by Laekan Zea Kemp | Goodreads
Manuela Azul, an undocumented immigrant running from her father's criminal past in Argentina, discovers a hidden world tied to her heritage. Unraveling family secrets, she finds connections to Argentine folklore and her own identity. As she delves de...
Lobizona
Australia
Australia, with its vast landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, has produced a remarkable array of literature that reflects the diverse experiences and stories of its people. From sprawling outback narratives to urban dramas, the literary works craft...
Author- Sam, a geeky movie enthusiast, and his group of unpopular friends have long endured mistreatment from the popular crowd. However, when the charismatic Camilla arrives in town, she unexpectedly chooses to hang out with Sam's group, transformin...
Life in Outer Space
Author- Seventeen-year-old Eliza Lin's life takes a dramatic turn when her fictional essay about meeting her true love goes viral, earning her popularity and a coveted internship. However, the essay is a lie—Eliza has never been in love. To maintain ...
This Time It's Real by Ann Liang
Setting - "Metal Fish, Falling Snow" is a warm, humorous, and original story of a young girl's quest for identity and coping with loss, celebrating human resilience and the search for self-understanding.
Metal Fish, Falling Snow
Brazil
All books are written by Brazilian authors. Brazilian literature is an intricate tapestry of narratives that provide an authentic glimpse into the hearts and minds of its people. These stories are not only literary gifts but also serve as cultural br...
Thomas, an eighteen-year-old burdened by the loss of his parents, finds solace in his unique ability to see musical creatures invisible to others. Despite his wealth and fame, his true connection to the world is through music. A fateful encounter wit...
The Musician
At thirteen, Vanja finds herself adrift, grappling with the loss of her mother and a sense of belonging. She is in a foreign country, living with a stepfather whose history is as turbulent as her emotions. Determined to find her biological father, Va...
Crow Blue
Canada
Canadian literature is a rich tapestry woven from countless stories reflecting the diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories of this vast country. From the breathtaking mountains of British Columbia to the lively streets of Toronto, books set in Ca...
Canadian Setting Brian, en route to visit his estranged father in Canada, faces a dire situation when the pilot of his small plane suffers a heart attack, forcing Brian to crash-land in a lake in the remote Canadian wilderness. Isolated with only his...
Hatchet
Canadian Author and Illustrator Every summer, Rose visits a lake house in Awago Beach with her parents, seeking refuge and relaxation. Her friend Windy, like a little sister, is always there too. However, this summer is marked by her parents' constan...
This One Summer
Canadian Author and Setting Lou faces a tumultuous summer working at her family’s ice cream shack alongside her ex-boyfriend, whose kisses only brought discomfort, and King, her former best friend who has returned after a mysterious three-year absenc...
The Summer of Bitter and Sweet
Canadian Setting Seymour Reit weaves a captivating tale, blending fact with fiction, about Emma Edmonds, a daring woman who became a spy for the Union Army during the Civil War. Canadian-born Emma, driven by adventure and freedom, enlisted in 1861, d...
Behind Rebel Lines: Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy
China
China is a country rich in history and culture, producing a fascinating array of literature that reveals diverse stories and unique viewpoints. From timeless classics to modern tales, Chinese literature invites readers to explore societal values, fam...
Chinese Author
Seventeen-year-old Lily Hu finds herself drawn to a question about love between women, a curiosity that blossoms when she and Kathleen Miller visit the Telegraph Club, a lesbian bar. In 1954 America, especially in Chinatown, their love...
Last Night at the Telegraph Club
Chinese Setting and Author Rin, a war orphan from Rooster Province, unexpectedly excels in the Keju, a prestigious Empire-wide test, earning a place at the elite Sinegard military school. Her achievement shocks many, given her background and the expe...
The Poppy War
Chinese Setting + Author Boys in Huaxia aspire to pair with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant robots designed to combat mecha aliens beyond the Great Wall, despite the high mortality rate for girls due to mental strain. Eighteen-year-old Zetian volun...
Iron Widow
Cuba
Cuba is not just a sun-soaked paradise; it is a wellspring of literary brilliance. The island, renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history, is home to stories that capture the resilience and spirit of its people.
Cuban Author
Isabelle Warren, a private school student, first encounters Dominican-American Alex Rosario on the downtown 1 train, noting his green eyes and gentlemanly demeanor. Alex remembers her seemingly carefree happiness and her long dancer legs...
This Train Is Being Held
Cuba Setting Violet Paz, who just turned 15, faces the cultural clash of her Cuban and Polish heritage as she reluctantly agrees to her grandmother’s plans for a quinceañero. Despite feeling fully American, Violet knows little about her Cuban roots o...
Cuba 15
Cuban Setting and Author In nineteenth-century Cuba, opposing slavery was perilous, yet poets like Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda, known as Tula, bravely used metaphor to veil their abolitionist messages. Tula stood out as the boldest, crafting passio...
The Lightning Dreamer
Colorado
Colorado, famed for its stunning landscapes and breathtaking mountains, is not just a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. It also has a vibrant literary history that enthralls book lovers and literary scholars alike. From the towering Rockies to char...
Colorado Setting Sadie has faced a challenging life, raising her sister Mattie in a remote town and striving to maintain a semblance of normalcy. However, her world shatters when Mattie is found dead. With a flawed police investigation, Sadie takes i...
Sadie
Colorado Setting A clever and poignant debut novel explores the dilemma of pursuing dreams versus preserving relationships. Ro Devereux's app, MASH, created for her senior project with the help of a retired behavioral scientist neighbor, predicts fut...
Seven Percent of Ro Devereux
Colorado Setting In this evocative coming-of-age novel, a partially deaf teen named Thea navigates life in the harsh landscape of the Bloodless Valley, Colorado, after her father's premonition prompts their move. Amidst dry rivers and dying crops, Th...
Dust: A Novel
Connecticut
The literary landscape of Colorado is as rich and varied as its breathtaking topography. From timeless classics to contemporary works, the authors and stories connected to this state invite readers on unforgettable journeys. By embracing the deep the...
Setting Jamie Watson reluctantly attends Sherringford, a Connecticut prep school, on a rugby scholarship. Complicating matters, the school is also home to Charlotte Holmes, descendant of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, who shares his brilliance and unp...
A Study in Charlotte
Author Emily's life became vibrant thanks to her friend Sloane, who suddenly vanishes, leaving behind a list of thirteen daring tasks. As Emily embarks on this unexpected summer adventure, she hopes completing the list might lead her back to her friend. Wit...
Since You've Been Gone
Setting Ray, a history enthusiast, is well-versed in the quirky legends of his Connecticut hometown, Burgerville, known for tales of green cows and human groundhogs. However, his attention shifts to the enigmatic new girl, Jane Doe. Mysterious and elusive, ...
The History of Jane Doe
Author and Setting After his parents' bitter divorce, Jake Oliver moves with his father to a secluded area in Connecticut, where their new home is a rundown property once owned by Jake's eccentric Uncle Horace, who was mocked for believing in Bigfoot's existence in the...
Sasquatch
Delaware
Delaware's literary roots run deep, with historical connections tracing back to the state's earliest settlers. The first notable figure in Delaware's literary history is John Dickinson, an influential statesman and one of the founding fathers of the ...
Author - Julius, a rebellious teen, flees home only to find himself cursed. He embarks on a journey through a magical realm filled with fae and foes, accompanied by a childhood playmate who is also his worst enemy. Together, they encounter vampiric r...
Threads of Amends
Setting - A dazzling, heartbreaking novel destined for breakout status, this story gives voice to millions of Americans through the love between a Panamanian boy and a Mexican girl, both teenagers in an immigrant apartment block. After Maribel Rivera...
The Book of Unknown Americans: A novel
Setting - The Frost family has long been the guardians of the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts, a role passed down from mother to daughter, with secrets kept strictly within the family. The museum houses a collection tied to Grimm fairy tales, fe...
First Frost: A Frost Series Novel
Author - Alexandra Miles knows that being nice isn't the way to the top. At Spencer High, she expertly manipulates her peers, holding the unofficial title of queen. Her ambition is clear: to become Homecoming Queen, a stepping stone towards her large...
Winning
Florida
As readers mature, they look for stories that tackle more complex themes, and Florida’s young adult literature offers an excellent mix of adventure, identity, and the challenges of growing up in a dynamic state.
Setting - Published: December 6, 2022 Ages: 13+ Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Fantasy, Magical Realism In a near-future world marked by survival and resilience, Wanda—a child born during a catastrophic hurricane—navigates a transforming landscape. Florida, besieged by destructive weather and rising seas, faces a powerful hurricane that threatens a sou...
The Light Pirate: GMA Book Club Selection
Setting - Published: May 10, 2022 Ages:13+ Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Realistic Fiction, Disability In a beautifully crafted narrative, Verónica, a Peruvian-American teen with hip dysplasia, seeks to become a mermaid at a Central Florida theme park during the summer before her senior year. As she navigates her first real relationship and learns to ...
Breathe and Count Back from Ten
Setting - Published: September 10, 2002 Ages: 10+ Genres: Realistic Fiction, Animals, Mystery Roy's arrival in Florida begins with a run-in with the notorious bully, Dana Matherson. However, this encounter leads Roy to notice a mysterious, shoeless boy running away from the school bus, sparking his curiosity. As Roy follows this enigmatic fi...
Hoot
France
The young adult genre has flourished in recent years, offering a diverse array of novels that explore everything from dystopian futures to historical events, many set in or inspired by France.
Setting In a thrilling historical adventure set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, Camille, the daughter of a revolutionary, leads a unique group known as the Battalion des Morts. This band of outcasts, including a runaway girl, a deserter, and ...
Dangerous Remedy
Setting In the vibrant city of Paris, as it steps into the modern era, Prince Sebastian finds himself under pressure as his parents search for a suitable bride for him. Yet, Sebastian harbors a secret life; by night, he transforms into Lady Crystallia, capt...
The Prince and the Dressmaker
Setting Andi Alpers is overwhelmed by anger and grief, struggling with her father's abandonment, her mother's inability to cope, and the tragic loss of her brother, Truman. Her father believes a trip to Paris during winter break will help, but the city only ...
Revolution