The perfect gift: 5 books for the young adults in your life

Stories help with the development of one’s mind, allowing them to discover who they are and find their place in this world. Teenagers are typically in the years when they still have enough innocence to be sheltered from the world, but are starting to branch out and discover who they are, finding their place in this world.

These 5 books allow young adults to initiate their journey to adulthood in a way that is comprehensible.

We Are Wolves by Katrina Nannestad 

When the Russian Army marches into East Prussia at the end of the war, the Wolf family must flee. Liesl, Otto and their baby sister Mia find themselves lost and alone, ina blizzard, in the middle of a war zone. Liesel hs promised Mama that she will keep her brother and sister safe. But sometimes to survive, you must become a wolf. Bestselling author Katrina Nannestad returns with her most masterful novel yet – a book to crack open your heart, a book to light you up inside, a book to love.

The Great Godden by Meg Rosoff

This is the story of one family, one dreamy summer – the summer when everything changes. In a holiday house by the sea, in a big, messy family, one teenager watches as brothers and sisters, parents and older cousins fill hot days with wine and games and planning a wedding. Enter the Goddens – irresistibly charming Kit and surly silent Hugo. From bestselling, award-winning author Meg Rosoff comes a lyrical and quintessential coming-of-age tale, perfect for the summer holidays!

When Rain Turns to Snow by Jane Godwin

Lissa is home on her own after school one afternoon when a stranger turns up on the doorstep carrying a baby. Reed is on the run – surely people are looking for him? He’s trying to find out who he really is and thinks Lissa’s mum might have some answers. But how could he be connected to Lissa’s family? Jane Godwin writes a beautiful and timely coming-of-age story about finding out who you are in the face of crisis and change.

The Lost Soul Atlas by Zana Frailon 

Twig is all alone after his ad goes missing. But when he meets Flea, a cheerful pinpocket, the pair become fast friends. Together, Twig and Flea raise themselves on the crime-ridden streets, taking what they need and giving the rest to the even-poorer. Loyalty is tested, and a cruel twist of fate leads to an act of ultimate betrayal in this epic story that spans a city, a decade, and the divide between life and death itself.

The Carbon-Neutral Adventures of the Indefatigable EnviroTeens by First Dog on the Moon 

Meet our superheroes: Binky, aka the Monotreme! Worried Norman, once bitten by a radioactive croissant! And Letitia, an occasionally bossy acience-wombat and genius inventor. Together they’re the EnviroTeens and they’re about to get very, very angry when an angry plastic blag on a garbage island in the middle of the ocean impacts climate change. A hilarious, illustrated and environmentally-friendly adventure from the country’s enormously popular and only marsupial Walkley award-winning cartoonist and soon-to-be-beloved children’s author. A portion of the publisher’s profits will be donated to School Strike 4 Climate Australia.