In a Year of Resilience: Five YA Books That Dared to Delve into the Human Experience
2025 has already proven itself to be a pivotal year for young adult literature. As we navigate an increasingly complex and divided world, many new authors have stepped up to explore themes that are both timely and timeless.
At the forefront of this movement is Moira Buffini's debut novel, Songlight, which has already left readers reeling. Set in a dystopian landscape inspired by John Wyndham's The Chrysalids, the story follows a cast of complex characters as they fight for love, acceptance, and safety in a world torn apart by conflicting attitudes towards telepathy.
Buffini's masterful storytelling weaves together multiple narratives to create a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. With its themes of persecution, prejudice, and the struggle for human connection, Songlight has resonated deeply with readers, many of whom are eagerly anticipating the release of the final installment in the trilogy.
Another standout title from 2025 is David Roberts' We Are Your Children, a powerful history of LGBTQ+ activism that chronicles the struggles and triumphs of queer individuals across the UK and US. Roberts' bold and colourful artwork brings to life the stories of trailblazers like Quentin Crisp and Julian Hows, as well as everyday people who fought for their right to love and live authentically.
While We Are Your Children is a deeply affecting read, it's not without its challenges. The book confronts readers with stories of violence, suffering, and heartbreak, but ultimately emerges as a testament to the power of defiance, joy, and hope. As Roberts so eloquently puts it, "Words, when hurled like stones, wound deeply," but they can also be used to heal, uplift, and bring about change.
If you're looking for another gripping graphic novel that explores themes of resilience and survival, look no further than Patrice Aggs and Joe Brady's No Refuge. Set in a war-torn Britain where refugee children are preyed upon by hostile bureaucrats, the story follows three siblings as they fight to stay alive and find safety in a world that seems determined to crush them.
Aggs' dynamic images and muted colours create a sense of fear and unease that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. As the siblings navigate their desperate situation, they must confront the harsh realities of war and the fragility of human life. No Refuge is an empathetic and deeply humane read that will stay with readers long after the final page has been turned.
Last but not least, we have Nathanael Lessore's What Happens Online, a thought-provoking exploration of self-esteem, identity, and the complexities of online relationships. The story follows Fred, a teenager who creates an alter ego called Existor that becomes incredibly popular on social media. As Fred struggles to reconcile his offline and online selves, he must confront the consequences of his actions and the impact they have on those around him.
Lessore's deadpan humour and light touch make What Happens Online feel both relatable and accessible, even as it tackles some of the most pressing issues of our digital age. The result is a standout read that will resonate with readers of all ages.
Finally, we have Kate Mosse's Feminist History for Every Day of the Year, a compendium of inspiring stories about women who have shaped history in profound and often overlooked ways. From anti-apartheid campaigner Lilian Ngoyi to fashion pioneer Caresse Cosby, each entry is meticulously researched and presented in a way that makes these remarkable individuals feel both accessible and authentic.
Throughout the book, Mosse argues persuasively for the importance of inclusivity and nuance when it comes to feminist histories. Rather than leaving out those we don't agree with or like, she suggests that we should strive to understand and appreciate their complexities and contradictions. The result is a deeply absorbing resource that will appeal to anyone interested in fairness and social justice.
As 2025 draws to a close, these five YA books have left us with much to think about. From the dystopian landscapes of Songlight to the inspiring stories of We Are Your Children, No Refuge, What Happens Online, and Feminist History for Every Day of the Year, there's no shortage of themes and ideas to explore. Whether you're a reader of young adult literature or simply someone who cares deeply about the world we live in, these books are sure to leave you feeling seen, heard, and inspired.
2025 has already proven itself to be a pivotal year for young adult literature. As we navigate an increasingly complex and divided world, many new authors have stepped up to explore themes that are both timely and timeless.
At the forefront of this movement is Moira Buffini's debut novel, Songlight, which has already left readers reeling. Set in a dystopian landscape inspired by John Wyndham's The Chrysalids, the story follows a cast of complex characters as they fight for love, acceptance, and safety in a world torn apart by conflicting attitudes towards telepathy.
Buffini's masterful storytelling weaves together multiple narratives to create a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. With its themes of persecution, prejudice, and the struggle for human connection, Songlight has resonated deeply with readers, many of whom are eagerly anticipating the release of the final installment in the trilogy.
Another standout title from 2025 is David Roberts' We Are Your Children, a powerful history of LGBTQ+ activism that chronicles the struggles and triumphs of queer individuals across the UK and US. Roberts' bold and colourful artwork brings to life the stories of trailblazers like Quentin Crisp and Julian Hows, as well as everyday people who fought for their right to love and live authentically.
While We Are Your Children is a deeply affecting read, it's not without its challenges. The book confronts readers with stories of violence, suffering, and heartbreak, but ultimately emerges as a testament to the power of defiance, joy, and hope. As Roberts so eloquently puts it, "Words, when hurled like stones, wound deeply," but they can also be used to heal, uplift, and bring about change.
If you're looking for another gripping graphic novel that explores themes of resilience and survival, look no further than Patrice Aggs and Joe Brady's No Refuge. Set in a war-torn Britain where refugee children are preyed upon by hostile bureaucrats, the story follows three siblings as they fight to stay alive and find safety in a world that seems determined to crush them.
Aggs' dynamic images and muted colours create a sense of fear and unease that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. As the siblings navigate their desperate situation, they must confront the harsh realities of war and the fragility of human life. No Refuge is an empathetic and deeply humane read that will stay with readers long after the final page has been turned.
Last but not least, we have Nathanael Lessore's What Happens Online, a thought-provoking exploration of self-esteem, identity, and the complexities of online relationships. The story follows Fred, a teenager who creates an alter ego called Existor that becomes incredibly popular on social media. As Fred struggles to reconcile his offline and online selves, he must confront the consequences of his actions and the impact they have on those around him.
Lessore's deadpan humour and light touch make What Happens Online feel both relatable and accessible, even as it tackles some of the most pressing issues of our digital age. The result is a standout read that will resonate with readers of all ages.
Finally, we have Kate Mosse's Feminist History for Every Day of the Year, a compendium of inspiring stories about women who have shaped history in profound and often overlooked ways. From anti-apartheid campaigner Lilian Ngoyi to fashion pioneer Caresse Cosby, each entry is meticulously researched and presented in a way that makes these remarkable individuals feel both accessible and authentic.
Throughout the book, Mosse argues persuasively for the importance of inclusivity and nuance when it comes to feminist histories. Rather than leaving out those we don't agree with or like, she suggests that we should strive to understand and appreciate their complexities and contradictions. The result is a deeply absorbing resource that will appeal to anyone interested in fairness and social justice.
As 2025 draws to a close, these five YA books have left us with much to think about. From the dystopian landscapes of Songlight to the inspiring stories of We Are Your Children, No Refuge, What Happens Online, and Feminist History for Every Day of the Year, there's no shortage of themes and ideas to explore. Whether you're a reader of young adult literature or simply someone who cares deeply about the world we live in, these books are sure to leave you feeling seen, heard, and inspired.
Moira Buffini is such a genius writer, I mean, how did she even come up with this concept?! dystopian telepathy? it's like the ultimate thriller 
and I need to know what happens next ASAP! 
has anyone read the rest of the trilogy yet?!?! 
I'm intrigued by this list of YA books, but where's the proof that they're actually changing minds? Like, what sources did the authors use to inform their stories? I need some hard data to convince me that these books are making a real impact. And don't even get me started on the dystopian setting in Songlight - how plausible is it? What's the methodology behind creating such a believable world?
I'm loving how 2025 is all about YA books tackling tough themes 
! Songlight's dystopian vibes got me thinking about our own world's complexities... what if we explored those same questions in a more hopeful way? 
And have you seen the artwork in We Are Your Children? David Roberts' bold colours are giving me LIFE 
! I also need to check out No Refuge - war is so brutal, but it's amazing how No Refuge humanizes those affected 
. What Happens Online is another great one... relatable and thought-provoking all at once 
! And Feminist History for Every Day of the Year? Mind blown by Kate Mosse's research and passion 
. Patrice Aggs' dynamic images and muted colours create this sense of unease that just draws you in and refuses to let go. I love how the story explores the fragility of human life and the devastating consequences of war.
. Kate Mosse's meticulous research and nuanced approach make these inspiring stories about women who shaped history feel both accessible and authentic. It's such an important reminder that feminism isn't just about big events or movements – it's about every single person we meet along the way.
), "Words, when hurled like stones, wound deeply," but they can also be used to heal, uplift, and bring about change.
I'm def adding Songlight to my read list ASAP 
. The way David Roberts weaves together these incredible stories of LGBTQ+ activism and triumph is just... wow 
. Those refugee children's story had me reaching for tissues, but also sparked a conversation I desperately needed to have with my friends 
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David Roberts' passion project is a must-read for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history and activism. I'm also excited to dive into No Refuge - war stories are always so powerful, but when told through children's eyes... 
i mean, who hasn't struggled with their online and offline selves at some point? 
this book just gets it, you know?
They're really making me think about what it means to be human in a world that's more complicated than ever 
. Songlight is literally blowing my mind, Moira Buffini's storytelling is insane 
And We Are Your Children, David Roberts' artwork is so bold and beautiful 
Still, if it's gonna spark some important conversations, then I'm all for it! 
. Can't wait to dive into these books and discuss them with fellow readers!