10 YA Audiobooks for International Youth Day
Launched by the UN in 2000, International Youth Day (12th August) shines a light on the voices, creativity, and achievements of young people worldwide. And what better way to celebrate than with the bold, brilliant world of YA fiction in audio form?
From magical realms to dystopian uprisings and powerful coming-of-age stories, YA fiction continues to captivate. Audiobooks make these tales even more accessible - perfect for busy school schedules, neurodiverse listeners, or anyone who simply prefers to listen.
To mark the day, we’ve handpicked some of our favourite YA titles from our collection. Think gripping mysteries, unforgettable characters, and emotionally driven narratives - ideal for teens, young adults, or audiobook lovers of any age.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
If YA crime thrillers are your thing and you're craving your next gripping listen, Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder - a New York Times No.1 bestseller - deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Five years after a supposedly closed case, amateur sleuth Pippa Fitz-Amobi dives into the chilling murder of schoolgirl Andie Bell, determined to uncover the truth and clear Sal Singh’s name. With shocking twists, plenty of unearthed secrets, and a pace that keeps you hooked, this audiobook is impossible to pause.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is available for members to borrow here.
Hexed by Julia Tuffs
If you’re craving a witty, witchy romp with a feminist edge, Hexed by Michelle Krys delivers - especially if you’ve got a soft spot for nostalgic teen magic like Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
Jessie Jones has just moved back to her mum’s hometown, started at a new school... and found out she’s a witch. With her powers barely under control, Jessie must take down bully Callum and his toxic cult before they take her down first.
Hexed is available for members to borrow here.
His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman
Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy quickly became a standout of 90s fantasy, praised for its rich world-building, magical friendships, and gripping story.
As parallel worlds collide, Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry find themselves in a race against time to stop the Magisterium and uncover the secrets of a mysterious substance known as dust.
His Dark Materials is available for members to borrow here.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Winner of both the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the British Book Awards’ Children’s Book of the Year in 2018, The Hate U Give remains as timely and powerful today as when it first hit shelves, resonating deeply with ongoing conversations about race, justice, and youth activism.
This captivating novel follows sixteen-year-old Starr as she navigates two contrasting worlds: the under-resourced neighbourhood where she grew up and the affluent suburban school she attends. Her life is upended when she becomes the sole witness to the fatal police shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil. What Starr chooses to say could ignite her community - or put her own life at risk.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is available for members to borrow here.
The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Katniss Everdeen’s defiant stand against Panem’s brutal regime and the twisted spectacle of the Hunger Games is a hugely powerful story of resistance, class struggle, and systemic oppression – and is just as relevant today as when it was first released.
Since its debut, this bestselling YA dystopian trilogy has inspired four blockbuster films, a gripping prequel, and now a much-anticipated West End stage production set to premiere later this year.
The Hunger Games trilogy is available for members to borrow here.
Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman
Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper began as a YA web series and quickly blossomed into a beloved graphic novel, capturing hearts with its endearing characters and affirming LGBTQ+ themes.
For those eagerly awaiting the new Netflix film next year, the companion novella Nick and Charlie offers the perfect bridge. As Nick prepares to leave for university, Charlie wrestles with the fear of being left behind at Sixth Form - making this tender story a relatable and emotionally rich read for fans old and new.
Nick and Charlie is available for members to borrow here.
Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman
Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses remains a cornerstone of YA literature, tackling issues of race, power, and social inequality with imagination and emotional depth. Its legacy spans a bestselling book series, a BBC adaptation, and multiple stage productions.
Set in an alternate reality divided by racial hierarchy, the story follows Sephy, a Cross and member of the dark-skinned ruling class, and Callum, a nought from the oppressed underclass. Their unique childhood friendship is forever altered when Callum is admitted to Sephy’s elite school, igniting tensions that challenge the status quo.
Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman is available for members to borrow here
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManu
If you love thrillers with plenty of twists and secrets which refuse to stay buried, One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus is a must-listen.
Five students go to detention. Only four leave alive. When Simon, the creator of the school’s notorious gossip app, dies under suspicious circumstances, the remaining students become prime suspects.
With its fast-paced plot and multiple perspectives, this bestselling YA mystery is perfect for fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and The Breakfast Club.
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManu is available for members to borrow here.
Solitaire by Alice Oseman
If you’re hooked on Netflix’s Heartstopper and curious about Charlie’s quiet yet compelling sister, Tori, then Alice Oseman’s debut novel Solitaire is the perfect next read.
This introspective YA mystery follows Tori Spring, a cynical Year 12 student, as she’s drawn into the chaos surrounding a secretive group called Solitaire and Michael Holden.
Solitaire by Alice Oseman is available for members to borrow here
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Return to Panem in this gripping second prequel, which dives into fan favourite Haymitch Abernathy’s past during the fiftieth Hunger Games - a brutal Quarter Quell where twice as many tributes are forced to fight.
Packed with callbacks, familiar faces, and franchise lore, this highly anticipated audiobook is a must-listen for Hunger Games fans.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is available for members to borrow here
Whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or discovering YA for the first time, these audiobooks offer an accessible and immersive way to experience the powerful storytelling of these beloved authors.
Log into your Listening Books account - or the Libby app - to start listening to this selection and celebrate International Youth Day with a story which speaks to you.
Author: Nicola Austin
