Yesterday we announced the Better Reading Top 50 Kids’ Books for 2022 and we hope you love this list as much as we do… in fact, we know you will because you voted for it! Here, we’ve put together a list showcasing the fantastic selection of YA books that made the Top 50 list this year. Have you read any of these?

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni

Coming in at #2 on Better Reading’s Top 50 Kids’ Books, The Prison Healer is about seventeen-year-old Kiva Meridan who has spent the last ten years fighting for survival in the notorious death prison, Zalindov, working as the prison healer. From bestselling Australian author Lynette Noni comes a dark, thrilling YA fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Sabaa Tahir.

Buy a copy of The Prison Healer here.

Half My Luck by Samera Kamaleddine

Layla Karimi has been cursed by the evil eye. Well, that’s what Layla’s superstitious grandmother tells her. Layla reckons it makes sense as she’s sort of Australian and sort of Lebanese: a ‘halfie’ who doesn’t really fit into either world. From the winner of the inaugural Matilda Prize comes a heartwarming coming-of-age story about growing up in Australia when you’re caught between two cultures.

Buy a copy of Half My Luck here.

Anything But Fine by Tobias Madden

Luca is ready to audition for the Australian Ballet School. All it takes to crush his dreams is one missed step… and a broken foot. Jordan is the gorgeous rowing star and school captain of Luca’s new school. Everyone says he’s straight – but Luca’s not so sure. A heartfelt and hilarious Australian YA debut from a rising star.

Buy a copy of Anything But Fine here.

Lakesedge by Lyndall Clipstone

When Violeta Graceling arrives at haunted Lakesedge estate, she expects to find a monster. She knows the terrifying rumours about Rowan Sylvanan, who drowned his entire family when he was a boy. But neither the estate nor the monster are what they seem.

Buy a copy of Lakesedge here.

Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief by Rick Riordan

Half boy. Half God. All Hero. Look, I didn’t want to be a half-blood. I never asked to be the son of a Greek God. Until I accidentally vaporized my maths teacher. Now I spend my time battling monsters and generally trying to stay alive. The first bestselling book in Rick Riordan’s phenomenally successful Percy Jackson series.

Buy a copy of Percy Jackson #1: Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief here.

Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden

Somewhere out there Ellie and her friends are hiding. They’re shocked, they’re frightened, they’re alone. Their world has changed, with the speed of a slamming door. They’ve got no weapons – except courage. They’ve got no help – except themselves. They’ve got nothing – except friendship. How strong can you be, when the world is full of people trying to kill you?

Buy a copy of The Tomorrow Series #1: Tomorrow, When the War Began here.