The best young adult dystopian novels
Young-adult dystopia paired the rigid society with the protagonist on the edge of adulthood, and turned the genre into a mass phenomenon. These are the standout titles, best-documented first in reading order by year.
1. A Canticle for Leibowitz (1959)
By Walter M. Miller Jr
A Canticle for Leibowitz is a dystopian work by Walter M. Miller Jr, published in 1959. The Dystopia Index files it under post-apocalyptic collapse and young-adult dystopia, tracing documented themes of ecological collapse. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
2. A Clockwork Orange (1962)
By Anthony Burgess
A Clockwork Orange is a dystopian work by Anthony Burgess, published in 1962. The Dystopia Index files it under dystopian social satire and young-adult dystopia, tracing documented themes of class conflict. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
3. Among the Hidden (1998)
By Margaret Peterson Haddix
Among the Hidden is a dystopian work by Margaret Peterson Haddix, published in 1998. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia, tracing documented themes of reproductive control. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
4. Battle Royale (1999)
By Koushun Takami
Battle Royale is a dystopian work by Koushun Takami, published in 1999. The Dystopia Index files it under post-apocalyptic collapse, totalitarian control, and young-adult dystopia, tracing documented themes of ecological collapse. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
5. Checkmate (2001)
By Malorie Blackman
Checkmate is a dystopian work by Malorie Blackman, published in 2001. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia, tracing documented themes of class conflict. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
6. Among the Barons (2003)
By Margaret Peterson Haddix
Among the Barons is a dystopian work by Margaret Peterson Haddix, published in 2003. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia, tracing documented themes of rebellion. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
7. Among the Brave (2004)
By Margaret Peterson Haddix
Among the Brave is a dystopian work by Margaret Peterson Haddix, published in 2004. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia and post-apocalyptic collapse, tracing documented themes of rebellion. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
8. Among the Enemy (2005)
By Margaret Peterson Haddix
Among the Enemy is a dystopian work by Margaret Peterson Haddix, published in 2005. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia, tracing documented themes of rebellion. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
9. Among the Free (2006)
By Margaret Peterson Haddix
Among the Free is a dystopian work by Margaret Peterson Haddix, published in 2006. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia, tracing documented themes of rebellion. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
10. Across The Universe (2011)
By Beth Revis
Across The Universe is a dystopian work by Beth Revis, published in 2011. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia, post-apocalyptic collapse, and totalitarian control, tracing documented themes of rebellion. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
11. Crossed (2011)
By Ally Condie
Crossed is a dystopian work by Ally Condie, published in 2011. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia and totalitarian control, tracing documented themes of rebellion. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
12. Delirium (2011)
By Lauren Oliver
Delirium is a dystopian work by Lauren Oliver, published in 2011. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia, tracing documented themes of rebellion. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
13. Article 5 (2012)
By Kristen Simmons
Article 5 is a dystopian work by Kristen Simmons, published in 2012. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia and totalitarian control, tracing documented themes of rebellion. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
14. Allegiant (2013)
By Veronica Roth
Allegiant is a dystopian work by Veronica Roth, published in 2013. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia, tracing documented themes of memory and identity, class conflict, and rebellion. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
15. Champion (2013)
By Marie Lu
Champion is a dystopian work by Marie Lu, published in 2013. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia, post-apocalyptic collapse, and totalitarian control, tracing documented themes of rebellion. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.