best young adult dystopia novels

24 Best Young Adult Dystopian Novels of All Time

The young adult dystopian genre has been a staple of literature for decades. These books often feature a utopian world with a fatal flaw, making for a captivating and thought-provoking read. In this blog, we’ll explore the 24 best young adult dystopian novels of all time–or, at least my favorite at the moment. (Note that this is for young adult dystopian, and we’ll have an article soon about older dystopian.)

For a full explanation and dystopian definition, read here

the hunger games

1. “The Hunger Games Series” by Suzanne Collins:

In a dystopian society, the wealthy Capitol forces children to participate in a televised fight to the death as a form of entertainment. The dystopian world is oppressive, but the rebellion against the Capitol offers hope for change. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

2. “Divergent” by Veronica Roth:

In a dystopian future society, people are divided into factions based on their personality traits. The world is structured, but the young adult dystopian aspect is the suppression of individuality and the struggle for power between the factions. (Buy from Amazon)

3. “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner

In a post-apocalyptic world, a group of boys are trapped in a deadly maze with no memory of their past. The sci-fi world is mysterious, but the dystopian aspect is the lack of freedom and the struggle for survival. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

the maze runner movie

4. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry

In a seemingly perfect society, a boy discovers the dark truth about his world. The world is peaceful, but the dystopian aspect is the suppression of emotions and the control over individual lives. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

5. “Legend” by Marie Lu

In a future society, a young girl from the slums and a wealthy boy team up to uncover a conspiracy. The world is divided, but the dystopian aspect is the struggle for power and control. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

the selection best young adult dystopians

6. “The Selection” by Kiera Cass

In a future society, girls are selected to compete for the chance to marry a prince and become queen. The world is luxurious, but the dystopian aspect is the commodification of women and the lack of choice in their own futures. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

7. “Matched” by Ally Condie

In a future society, people’s lives are controlled by the government, including who they marry. The world is peaceful, but the dystopian aspect is the lack of freedom and the control over individual lives. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

8. “Delirium” by Lauren Oliver: 

In a future society, love is considered a disease, and a young girl must choose between love and conformity. The world is structured, but the dystopian aspect is the suppression of emotions and the control over individual lives. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

9. “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld: 

In a future society, everyone undergoes cosmetic surgery at the age of 16 to become “pretty.” The world is beautiful and orderly, but the dystopian aspect is the suppression of individuality and the lack of freedom to choose one’s own destiny. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

Variant-by-Robison-Wells-1

10. “Variant” by Robison Wells: 

In a future society, a boy is sent to a reform school, only to discover that the school is hiding dark secrets. The world is mysterious, but the dystopian aspect is the lack of freedom and the control over individual lives. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

11. “The Darkest Minds” by Alexandra Bracken: 

In a future society, a virus has killed most of the children and granted superpowers to the survivors. The world is fascinating, but the dystopian aspect is the government’s suppression of these powers and the exploitation of those who possess them. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

12. “The City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau

In a future society, humans live in a city underground, with limited resources and the city’s generator failing. The world is intriguing, but the dystopian aspect is the struggle for survival and the lack of hope for a better future. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

the 100 best young adult dystopians

13. “The 100” by Kass Morgan

In a post-apocalyptic world, 100 juvenile delinquents are sent to Earth to determine if it’s habitable. The world is dangerous, but the dystopian aspect is the struggle for survival and the political power struggles between the different factions. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

14. “Warcross” by Marie Lu

In a future society, a virtual reality game has taken over the world, and a young hacker is hired to uncover a conspiracy. The world is exciting, but the dystopian aspect is the control the game has over people’s lives and the exploitation of those who participate. (Buy from Amazon )

15. “The Children of Men” by P.D. James

Though it may be a stretch to call this a young adult book, it certainly appeals to a young adult audience. In a future society, humans have lost the ability to reproduce, and society is on the brink of collapse. The world is bleak, but the dystopian aspect is the loss of hope and the struggle for survival in a world without a future. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

Handmaid's Tale

16. “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood

In a future society, women are forced into sexual servitude to bear children for the wealthy. The world is oppressive, but the dystopian aspect is the suppression of women’s rights and the control over their bodies. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

17. “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline

In a future society, people escape the real world by immersing themselves in a virtual reality game. The world is exciting, but the dystopian aspect is the lack of connection to reality and the control the game has over people’s lives. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

18. “Blackout” by Robison Wells:

In a future society, a mysterious virus has wiped out most of humanity, and a group of survivors must fight to stay alive. The world is dangerous, but the dystopian aspect is the struggle for survival and the lack of resources. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

19. “Red Rising” by Pierce Brown

In a future society, humans are divided into colors based on their social class, and a young man seeks to overthrow the ruling class. The world is structured, but the dystopian aspect is the suppression of individuality and the struggle for power and control. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

20. “The Scorch Trials,” by James Dashner

In a post-apocalyptic world, a group of survivors must navigate a dangerous wasteland. The world is thrilling, but the dystopian aspect is the struggle for survival and the lack of resources. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

21. “The Lunar Chronicles” by Marissa Meyer: 

In a future society, the Earth is under threat from a powerful queen on the moon. The world is exciting, but the dystopian aspect is the struggle for power and control and the exploitation of those in weaker positions. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

22. “The Bone Season” by Samantha Shannon:

In a future society, clairvoyance is illegal, and those who possess it are hunted by the government. The world is fascinating, but the dystopian aspect is the suppression of individuality and the exploitation of those who are different. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

partials dan wells

23. “Partials” by Dan Wells: 

In a future society, humanity is on the brink of extinction after a devastating war with a race of genetically engineered beings called Partials. The world is thrilling, but the dystopian aspect is the struggle for survival in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

24. “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury

In a future society, books are banned and “firemen” are tasked with burning any books they find. The world is terrifying, but the dystopian aspect is the suppression of knowledge and the control over what people can read and think. (Buy from Amazon | Listen on Audible)

Takeaways

These 24 young adult dystopian novels are just a small selection of the amazing literature available in the genre. What makes them so captivating is the juxtaposition of a seemingly perfect world with a fatal flaw. Whether it’s the control over individual lives, the suppression of emotions, or the struggle for survival, these books offer a glimpse into a dark and terrifying future.

Dystopian society, dystopian fiction, dystopian novels, dystopian books, dystopian movies, and dystopian literature have all captured the imaginations of readers for years. From “The Hunger Games” to “Variant” and “Blackout” by Robison Wells, these books explore the dystopian genre in unique and captivating ways.

While the trend of dystopian novels may have peaked in the early 2010s, its impact can still be felt today. The themes of rebellion, control, and survival are universal, and the lasting effects of these books can be seen in pop culture, such as the popularity of dystopian movies and TV shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “The 100”.

In conclusion, the dystopian genre will always have a place in literature and popular culture. These 26 young adult dystopian novels offer a glimpse into a dark and terrifying future, but they also offer hope and inspiration for change. The worlds they depict may be flawed, but they remind us of the importance of individuality, freedom, and the fight for a better tomorrow.

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