Best summer books of 2024: Young adult

Seven Million Sunflowers by Malcolm Duffy (Zephyr)

Kateryno, bombed out of her apartment at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, flees to the UK with her mother and brother. But a resentful host family, a father on the frontline and difficulties fitting into English life mean that escaping war just brings new problems. A tentative romance helps her heal.

If My Words Had Wings by Danielle Jawando (Simon & Schuster)

A poetry workshop brings hope to gang members, robbers and the unjustly convicted in juvenile detention. Ty Forrester abhors his youthful involvement in crime, and reading black poets Lemn Sissay and Benjamin Zephaniah soon provides solace. Visceral, empathetic and well-researched.

Your Time Is Up by Sarah Naughton (Scholastic)

A “real-time” thriller set during the course of an A-level maths exam. A distressed pupil arrived then disappeared and may be lying injured in the school. There are only so many bathroom breaks concerned friends can take to find her without ruining their own chances. Ingenious and pacy. 

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The Kill Factor by Ben Oliver (Chicken House)

Fifty teenagers facing jail take part in a reality TV show designed to reform them, with six games designed to build positive qualities. Once on the set, they find they’re not just competing for “likes” but fighting for their lives. Both a cracking thriller and searing critique of online fame.

Us in the Before and After by Jenny Valentine (Simon & Schuster)

Elk is accompanied everywhere by the spectre of her best friend Mab, who died in a road accident she witnessed. Although lacerated, crumpled and bloody, Mab is still good company as Elk seeks to process her feelings of blame. Poetic and sad, with a heart-searing final twist.

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