The Book Addict’s GUIDE… to “Crossover” Books!

More and more lately I’ve been really getting into making infographics and recommendation guides. I had a blast making my first two recommendation guides — contemporary and paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy — and I really wanted to make a new one, but with a few genres down, I wasn’t sure where to start again. Naturally, I went to Twitter to ask for suggestions and Elizabeth from Don’t Take My Books Away recommended a list of young adult books that would appeal to adults as well and that seemed like the perfect idea!

I decided to take it one step further and add my favorite adult reads that I felt would appeal to readers of young adult fiction as well. Since most of my blog readers are in their 20s/30s/40s reading YA and a few in their actual teens, some of the books on the list are ones I feel would appeal to readers of YA and not necessary young adults themselves. Sounds confusing, but what I mean is that some books will have more adult content than others, but no worries! I’m including a details of which adult books on the list would also be appropriate for younger readers and which are intended for a more mature audience.

Missed my first two “guides”? No problem! Just check out the links below! 

Book Addict’s GUIDE #1: Contemporary
Book Addict’s GUIDE #2: Paranormal, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy

So! Ready to get started? I know you are! Here are my favorite “crossover” books that best appeal to a wide age range!

Crossover Books Infographic Reading Guide

 

BOOKS MENTIONED

Here’s a list of the books mentioned! All links will take you to my reviews (books that I haven’t reviewed on my blog will take you to the Goodreads page). All adult books will also have notes if they’re appropriate for younger audiences or not!

  1. (YA) 45 Pounds (More or Less) – K.A. Barson // Keywords: Weight loss, family, weddings
  2. (YA) Something Like Normal – Trish Doller  // Keywords: Military, PTSD, family, romance
  3. (YA) Fault Line – Christa Desir // Keywords: Sexual assault, relationships, support
  4. (YA) The Book of Broken Hearts – Sarah Ockler // Keywords: Alzheimer’s, motorcycles, sisters, romance
  5. (Adult) Degrees of Wrong – Anna Scarlett // Keywords: Epidemic, romance, chocolate, sea exploration // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. Some adult humor and sexual references.
  6. (Adult) Slightly Single – Wendy Markham // Keywords: New York, absentee boyfriend, friends // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. I read this quite a few years ago and remember it being fairly appropriate for a mature teenage audience. Some adult humor and sexual references.
  7. (Adult) Remember Me? – Sophie Kinsella // Keywords: Memory loss, designer products, humor // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. Same as above — read quite a few years ago but should be okay for mature teen audience. Some adult humor and sexual references.
  8. (Adult) Wedding Season – Darcy Cosper // Keywords: Weddings, New York, comedy // Suitable for teens? Yes? To be honest, I read this one too long ago to remember its specific content BUT I think I was actually a teen when I read this one myself (somewhere around 18, I believe) so I would lean more towards yes!
  9. (YA) The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight – Jennifer E Smith // Keywords: Weddings, travel, flying, remarriage, London
  10. (YA) The Sea of Tranquility – Katja Millay // Keywords: Identity crisis, trauma, loss, romance
  11. (Adult) One Day – David Nicholls // Keywords: Friends, relationships, missed opportunities // Suitable for teens? More mature audiences. Adult content and spans from twenties age up through forties.
  12. (Adult) The Notebook – Nicholas Sparks // Keywords: Young love, forbidden love, Alzheimer’s // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. Personally liked the movie better (gasp, I know) but the book was also great and suitable for younger audiences.
  13. (YA) The Distance Between Us – Kasie West // Keywords: Family business, mother-daughter relationship, wealth vs “working class”
  14. (YA) The Chapel Wars – Lindsey Leavitt // Keywords: Las Vegas, wedding chapel, loss, rivals
  15. (YA) Open Road Summer – Emery Lord // Keywords: Country music, tour, road trip, famous, romance
  16. (YA/New Adult) Dirty Little Secret – Jennifer Echols // Keywords: Nashville, country music, redemption, performing, romance
  17. (Adult) The Nanny Diaries – Emma McLaughlin // Keywords: Working, nanny, family, family issues // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. The movie came out in 2007 and I know I read the book before the movie so I was still a teen (older teen) but it seemed perfectly suitable for a younger audience! (The book was also WAY better than the movie, FYI)
  18. (Adult) The Devil Wears Prada – Lauren Weisberger // Keywords: New York, fashion, post-college, career // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. Unlike The Nanny Diaries, I found both the book AND the movie to be fantastic and suitable for teen audiences as well.
  19. (Adult) What Looks Like Crazy (Kate Holly #1) – Charlotte Hughes // Keywords: Psychology, divorce, humor // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. Charlotte Hughes has a very Janet Evanovich-style and while there are more mature themes and references, a mature teen audience could enjoy this book as well.
  20. (YA) The 5th Wave – Rick Yancey // Keywords: Aliens, invasion, post-apocalyptic
  21. (YA) The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins // Keywords: Government, dystopia, battle to the death
  22. (YA) Under the Never Sky – Veronica Rossi // Keywords: Dystopia, science-fiction, technology, wilderness, survival
  23. (YA) The Raven Boys – Maggie Steifvater // Keywords: Prophecy, tarot, paranormal, private school
  24. (YA) Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1) – Marissa Meyer // Keywords: Sci-fi, cyborg, Beijing, Cinderella
  25. (YA) Ready Player One – Ernest Cline // Keywords: 80s, pop culture, virtual reality, future
  26. (Adult) The Passage – Justin Cronin // Keywords: Vampires, plague, post-apocalyptic // Suitable for teens? Maybe. It’s a really big read and takes a while to develop, but if you’re willing to stay in it for the long haul, I think a more mature audience could enjoy it.
  27. (Adult) Vicious – V.E. Schwab // Keywords: Science fiction, extraordinary, superheroes, revenge // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. A delicious tale of revenge set at an adult age. Mild violence and darker themes, but okay for teen readers.
  28. (Adult) Dead Until Dark – Charlaine Harris // Keywords: Vampires, romance, Louisiana // Suitable for teens? Maybe. Strong elements of romance.
  29. (Adult) Gameboard of the Gods – Richelle Mead // Keywords: Mythology, mystery, military, science // Suitable for teens? Maybe. Definitely more mature teens if recommended for younger audiences. Some sexual situations and explicit content.
  30. (Adult) The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams // Keywords: Sci-fi, space, humor // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up.
  31. (Adult) First Grave on the Right – Darynda Jones // Keywords: Grim reaper, ghosts // Suitable for teens? Not recommended. While the book has a fun and easy feeling, there were strong themes of sexuality and some violence.
  32. (YA) Daughter of Smoke and Bone – Laini Taylor // Keywords: Chimaera, angels, Prague
  33. (YA) Fairytales for Wilde Girls – Allyse Near // Keywords: Fantasy, fairy tales, mental illness, magical realism
  34. (YA) The Winner’s Curse – Marie Rutkoski // Keywords: Fantasy, politics, music, slavery
  35. (YA) Shadow and Bone (Grisha Trilogy #1) – Leigh Bardugo // Keywords: Fantasy, Russia, powers, army
  36. (YA) Graceling – Kristin Cashore // Keywords: Fantasy, kingdom, abilities
  37. (Adult) The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern// Keywords: Circus, magic, illusion // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. A truly magical story with plenty for any age
  38. (Adult) The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastard #1) – Scott Lynch // Keywords: High fantasy, gangs, thieves, comedy, bromance // Suitable for teens? Maybe. Excessive swearing, some violence, very little sexual content. Possibly suitable for mature teens.
  39. (Adult) The Princess Bride – William Goldman // Keywords: Fantasy, fairy tales, true love, sword fights // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. Suitable for any age. A timeless classic.
  40. (Adult) A Game of Thrones – George R.R. Martin // Keywords: Fantasy, kingdoms, royalty, politics, conspiracy // Suitable for teens? Thumbs down. Not recommended for younger readers despite its variety of age ranges present. Violence, sexual content, mature language.  But good for the adult YA readers who love fandoms and great high fantasy!
  41. (Adult) Stardust – Neil Gaiman // Keywords: Fairy tale, fairies, unicorn, star // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. Absolutely. If I hadn’t heard an interview with Neil Gaiman at the end of the audiobook calling it a fairy tale for adults, I may have classified it as YA. Suitable for any age.
  42. (YA) Code Name Verity – Elizabeth Wein // Keywords: Historical fiction, WWII, flying, torture, best friends
  43. (YA) Grave Mercy – Robin LaFevers // Keywords: France, 1400s, politics, mythology
  44. (Adult) The Help – Kathryn Stockett // Keywords: 1960s, race, Mississippi, maids // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. I think this is an important book for all ages!
  45. (Adult) Water For Elephants  – Sara Gruen // Keywords: Circus, the Great Depression, romance // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. Technically billed as adult but I think there are a lot of things teens would appreciate about this book. Possibly better suited for older teens.
  46. (YA) Paper Valentine – Brenna Yovanoff // Keywords: Ghost, murder, summer
  47. (YA) How To Lead a Life of Crime – Kirsten Miller // Keywords: Crime, boarding school, redemption
  48. (YA) Killer Instinct – S.E. Green // Keywords: Serial killer, high school, mystery
  49. (Adult) The Spellman Files – Lisa Lutz // Keywords: Private eyes, they’re watching you, family, comedy // Suitable for teens? Some drug use, drug references, and cursing but I think it would be enjoyable for older teens as well
  50. (Adult) One For the Money – Janet Evanovich // Keywords: Bounty hunter, mystery, New Jersey, comedy // Suitable for teens? Maybe. Good for older teens as well as adults. Janet Evanovich’s books are so much fun with some mature themes but okay for older teens.
  51. (Adult) The Pact – Jennifer Sturman // Keywords: Mystery, wedding, Diet Coke // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. Written for adults but lots of fun! I think this would definitely be okay for older teens.
  52. (YA) Eleanor & Park – Rainbow Rowell // Keywords: 80s, misfits, family, first love
  53. (YA/New Adult) Fangirl – Rainbow Rowell // Keywords: College, twins, fan fiction, social anxiety
  54. (Adult) Attachments – Rainbow Rowell // Keywords: Y2K, e-mail, best friends // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up! Rainbow Rowell’s books are fantastic and I know Attachments is fun and absolutely suitable for many ages. I read it myself in my early 20s and I feel like I need to re-read it because I would appreciate it so much more now!
  55. (Adult) Landline – Rainbow Rowell // Keywords: Marriage, issues, communication with the past // Suitable for teens? Landline doesn’t come out until July so the verdict is still out on content but from the early reviews, it sounds like this could be amazing for all ages as well!
  56. (YA) If I Stay – Gayle Forman // Keywords: Tragedy, loss, family, first love
  57. (YA) Where She Went – Gayle Forman // Keywords: Reuniting, careers, lost love, emotion
  58. (YA/New Adult) Just One Day – Gayle Forman // Keywords: Europe, college, first love, self-discovery
  59. (YA/New Adult) Just One Year – Gayle Forman // Keywords: Travel, loss, family, self-discovery
  60. (YA) The Princess Diaries – Meg Cabot // Keywords: Princess, royalty, family, confidence
  61. (Adult) Size 12 Is Not Fat – Meg Cabot // Keywords: Mystery, college, murder, pop star // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. Some mature content but mostly mild. Set at a residence hall and several (fake) pop culture references!
  62. (Adult) The Boy Next Door – Meg Cabot // Keywords: Apartment, mystery, neighbors, romance // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. Another book I read around the time I was an actual teen and I remember it being fairly appropriate. I can’t remember the details, but Meg Cabot’s work is usually pretty mild on the adult content!
  63. (Adult) Queen of Babble – Meg Cabot // Keywords: Gossip, London, weddings // Suitable for teens? Thumbs up. Same as above — I think Meg Cabot’s books really fit a wide age range!

Whether you’re a Young Adult reader looking for more Adult books to get into, an adult who isn’t as familiar with YA, or a teacher or librarian looking for recommendations, hopefully you can find a great place to start on this list! These are just some of my favorites that no matter the age are able to appeal to a wide variety of readers. 

I’d love to hear what you think! What are your best picks for books with crossover appeal? Are there any specific authors you think appeal to any age? Any Middle Grade books? (Which I don’t have as much experience with) If you find a great book in a different age range, I’d love to hear which one worked for you! Leave me a comment below with your picks or new discoveries! 


Looking for more reading recommendations? Here are some more posts to check out!

  • The Book Addict’s GUIDE to paranormal, sci-fi, and fantasy: The second in my series of guides! I hard a hard time separating these three so they all got smushed together.
    Infographic: A guide and compilation of paranormal, sci-fi, and fantasy recommendations
  • The Book Addict’s GUIDE to contemporary: First of many to come! I created a road map/choose your own adventure-style guide to YA contemporary romances. If you’re looking for a good contemp read, start here!
  • If You Liked… If I Stay: For fans of IF I STAY, here are a few hand-picked selections of books you should read next!
  • If You Liked… The Fault in Our Stars: With so many great YA adaptations hitting the big screen, I wanted to make a lovely graphic of suggestions for people who have enjoyed them! This one kicks off the series with recs for THE FAULT IN OUR STARS fans!
Hi, I'm Brittany!
Hi, I'm Brittany!

I'm an avid reader, candle-maker, and audiobook lover! Here you'll find book reviews, fun blog posts, and my other loves of photography & craft beer!

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26 thoughts on “The Book Addict’s GUIDE… to “Crossover” Books!

  1. Morgan

    Just thought I would mention how much I love, love, love this list. I’m having a difficult time with the YA to adult books and this is just what I needed! Thank you so much!

    Reply
  2. Tara

    Brittany, this is amazing. Have you considered being a librarian? Because this is the kind of stuff we librarians love, need, and can’t get enough of.

    Reply
  3. Alexa S.

    I really don’t know what else to say but this: AMAZING JOB, my friend! You included a ton of great titles on this list, and I’m sure that readers who “cross over” will definitely benefit from your guide.

    Reply
  4. Kay

    You did a great job at picking out really good crossovers! I always love your guides and this one is no exception!

    Reply
  5. Rinn

    Oh wow, what a selection! 🙂 I’ve read quite a few of these and definitely agree with them, others I want to read and some I’ve not heard of before.

    I love the presentation of this post, by the way. Great graphic and it’s not at all cluttered, considering how many books you managed it squeeze in 😀

    Reply
  6. Rebecca @ The Library Canary

    Thanks for putting this together! I am really scared of adult fiction for some reason. I think it’s because I’m so overwhelmed by it, so this will be a good place for me to start. I really want to read GOT and I want to read the Night Circus. I’ve heard good things about that one.

    Oh and Rainbow’s books are so freaking amazing!! I have yet to read Attachments and Landline.

    Reply
  7. Nicole @ The Quiet Concert

    Yay another guide! I’ve read (and LOVED) many of your YA picks, but only a few of your adult picks – although i notice a bunch of titles that are on my TBR. I think most Historical Fiction I’ve read can appeal to both teens and YA – The Diviners by Libba Bray and Elizabeth Wein’s Rose Under Fire being the two that come to mind. I think Laini Taylor’s DoSaB series would also make a good addition to this list! And The Fault in Our Stars! Maybe Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen. I admit I checked my Goodreads shelves for inspiration (but I have terrible memory recall at times) so I could go on and on but I’ll stop there! Great list! (and so pretty) 🙂

    Reply
  8. Annie

    You’re an infographic making machine! Seriously, all your infographics are so clear and wonderful! I’m always looking for new recommendations, especially in the adult genre which I don’t read much and don’t really know much about so it’s super helpful you’ve compiled a list! I’ve heard so much good stuff about Vicious so I definitely need to check that out soon!

    Reply
  9. Becky LeJeune

    What a truly excellent list! I really enjoy teen reads with crossover appeal and have tried to foist some of the adult stuff on my younger sisters in the past – glad to see some of them on the list here (Lisa Lutz in particular as I think everyone should read her!).

    Reply
  10. Rachael @ Rachael Turns Pages

    I have read quite a few of these books. Rainbow Rowell is an amazing author. I’m a week shy of finishing my first year of college and I’m going to read Fangirl, which is about a girl’s first year of college. Meg Cabot is an author I have always thought I should read. Maybe someday. Great list.

    Reply
  11. Ciara @ Ciara Reads Books

    Wow, this is amazing! I’m definitely going to be checking out some of these recommendations, like The Princess Bride and Water for Elephants. I’m also delighted you included Meg Cabot as she was my fave author as a teen & I’ve read most of her YA/adult books and like you said, a lot of her adult books can still be read by a younger audience.

    Reply

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