Best YA Book Series (2026): 5 Series and Sets Compared

A series a teen cannot put down is worth more than a shelf of standalones, so the best ya book series are the ones that keep readers going: a dystopian set, a four-novel box, a romance that started on Wattpad. This list is for teens and the people buying for them. We compared five books by fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or grade level.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy by Han	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Glasgow 4-Book Boxed Set	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Walter Boys by Novak	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Divergent Box Set by Roth	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
5	A Thousand Boy Kisses by Cole	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy by Han

Jenny Han·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A complete three-book paperback collection chronicling Belly's summers at Cousins Beach with brothers Conrad and Jeremiah.

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Pros

• Includes all three novels of the complete series in one boxed set
• 928 pages of contemporary summer romance and coming-of-age drama
• The listing provides both a reading age of 12 years and up and grade level 7 to 12
• Covers the full progression of characters across multiple summers

Cons

• Published May 7, 2013, making it an older edition than recent releases
• 928 pages may be daunting for reluctant readers
• The description centers on a love triangle between brothers, which may not appeal to mystery or fantasy fans
• The collection is in paperback format rather than hardcover

2

Glasgow 4-Book Boxed Set

Kathleen Glasgow·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Four novels in paperback, 1760 pages, for readers 14 years and up.

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Pros

• 1760 pages across four novels
• Reading age 14 years and up and grade level 9 to 12
• Paperback editions in one boxed set

Cons

• 2025 publication is the newest here
• Heavy themes: grief, rehab and addiction per the listing
• No stated page count per book

3

Walter Boys by Novak

Ali Novak·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Book 1 of 2 in the contemporary romance series, 400 pages, for grades 8 to 12.

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Pros

• Book 1 of 2 in the series
• Reading age 13+ years and grade level 8 to 12
• Now a Netflix series

Cons

• Only the first book, not the full series
• 400 pages, shorter than the boxed sets here
• Reading age marked from customers only

4

Divergent Box Set by Roth

Veronica Roth·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The four-book boxed set: Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant and Four, 1616 pages.

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Pros

• Four books in one boxed set
• 1616 pages
• International edition

Cons

• No reading age or grade level stated
• 2016 edition
• Series-only, no standalone option

5

A Thousand Boy Kisses by Cole

Tillie Cole·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Two childhood friends reunite in a small Georgia town after a silence neither can explain, a fit for romance readers who like long-held bonds.

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Pros

• Grade level 9 to 12 places it in high school reading
• The listing says it includes a bonus epilogue
• 320 pages in one volume

Cons

• Reading age 17 and up is marked as from customers, while grade level is 9 to 12, so the marks disagree
• Romance is the whole premise, with heartache central, so check for a younger reader
• Part of a two-book series, so a fan will want Book 2

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Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 22 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. Two of the five picks state a reading age and grade level; the other three state none. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best ya book series

Pick the series shape

Divergent is a four-book arc in one boxed set, while the Kathleen Glasgow box holds four standalone novels. My Life with the Walter Boys is book 1 of 2, so it starts a series rather than finishing one. The Summer set is a complete trilogy in a box, and A Thousand Boy Kisses is a single novel. See our best YA books list for single titles beyond series.

Match the age

The Kathleen Glasgow set lists 14 years and up with grade level 9 to 12, while My Life with the Walter Boys lists 13+ years with grade level 8 to 12. Divergent, the Summer trilogy and A Thousand Boy Kisses state no reading age, so match them to the reader’s taste instead. Our YA books about mental health list covers heavier themes.

Before you buy

• Check what the set contains: Glasgow’s four novels are standalones, Divergent is a four-book arc, Walter Boys is book 1 of 2.
• Match the reading age: 14 years and up for the Glasgow set, 13+ years for Walter Boys; the other three state no age.
• Check the format: the Glasgow and Divergent listings are boxed sets; Walter Boys and A Thousand Boy Kisses are single books.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does YA stand for in books?

Young adult: books written for readers roughly 12 to 18. Two of the five picks here state a reading age or grade level.

Are these all series?

No. Divergent is a four-book series, Walter Boys is book 1 of 2, the Summer set is a trilogy, the Glasgow box holds four standalone novels, and A Thousand Boy Kisses is a single novel.

Which is best for a new YA reader?

My Life with the Walter Boys lists the lowest stated age at 13+ years with grade level 8 to 12; the Glasgow set is for 14 years and up.

Still deciding? Our top pickSummer I Turned Pretty Trilogy by Han

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Related lists

See every young adult list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: best YA books, best book series with romance and YA books about mental health.