Best Book Club Books for Young Adults (2026): 4 Picks Compared

Finding the best book club books for young adults starts with picking stories that invite different opinions and deep discussions. We compared titles across listings by listed grade level, reading age, page count and series commitments to help your group pick its next read.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Lo	9.8/10	Buy
2	Sibylline by de la Cruz	9.7/10	Buy
3	Mary Shelley Club by Moldavsky	9.7/10	Buy
4	The Hot Young Widows Club by McInerny	9.2/10	Buy

1

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Lo

Malinda Lo·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 ›

Seventeen-year-old Lily Hu navigates identity and romance in 1954 San Francisco while family deportation threats loom.

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Pros

• Listed grade level 9 to 12 and reading age 14 to 17 years match high school book clubs
• The listing states it won the National Book Award and the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature
• Print length of 432 pages provides substantial depth for group discussion

Cons

• The description mentions deportation threats and Red Scare paranoia that readers must navigate
• Standalone novel, so readers looking for an ongoing series will need another title
• Print length of 432 pages may feel demanding for slower readers

2

Sibylline by de la Cruz

Melissa de la Cruz·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 ›

Three friends infiltrate an elite magical university after rejection and uncover a lethal force threatening the campus.

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Pros

• The listing notes it is a Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick
• Listed grade level 11 to 12 and reading age 17 years and up suit older teen readers
• Book 1 of 2 gives readers a continued storyline to follow after meeting

Cons

• The description mentions dark magic killing students and corroding the university
• Reading age of 17 years and up is narrower than broader high school titles
• Book 1 of 2 leaves the overarching mystery unresolved until the sequel

3

Mary Shelley Club by Moldavsky

Goldy Moldavsky·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 ›

A new student joins a secret society running fear tests inspired by horror movies until the prank competition turns dangerous.

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Pros

• Listed grade level 10 to 12 and reading age 14 to 18 years fit high school readers
• The secret society premise offers engaging talking points around peer pressure
• Print length of 480 pages provides a full thriller narrative for discussion

Cons

• The description mentions murder tropes and escalating deadly competition
• Standalone novel, so readers will not have a direct sequel to pick up next
• Print length of 480 pages may prove lengthy for monthly club schedules

4

The Hot Young Widows Club by McInerny

Nora McInerny·9.2/10 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 personal roadmap combining humor and practical advice for navigating loss and difficult life moments.

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Pros

• Print length of 112 pages is quick to finish ahead of a meeting
• Focuses on building emotional resilience and supporting friends through hard times
• The description highlights humor alongside difficult conversations

Cons

• The description covers adult grief, miscarriage and spousal loss rather than teenage themes
• The listing states no reading age or grade level
• Nonfiction guide format differs from typical narrative club discussions

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More picks to compare

• The Maestro's Daughter by ThrushFor readers ages 10 to 18 who enjoy fencing and historical fiction.Check on Amazon
• The Serial Club by CarlsonFor readers ages 13 to 17 who want a teen mystery adventure.Check on Amazon
• Job Ain't Done by Keith J.B.For readers ages 11 to 17 who like superhero fantasy and rhythm.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 17 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for teen readers, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or grade level. Three of the picks state both a grade level and a reading age on their listings, while the fourth listing gives no grade level or reading age. 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 book club books for young adults

Check listed age ranges and grade levels

Young adult listings cover a wide maturity range. A high school group with older teens can handle Sibylline, which lists a reading age of 17 years and up and grade level 11 to 12, while Last Night at the Telegraph Club lists grade level 9 to 12. For more choices across genres, browse our young adult books.

Decide between standalones and series openers

A standalone title like Mary Shelley Club finishes in 480 pages, allowing your club to move on to a fresh topic next month. In contrast, Sibylline is Book 1 of 2, which works well if your group wants a continuing storyline. Readers who enjoy magical settings can also explore our fantasy books for young adults.

Before you buy

• Check the series position on the listing: Sibylline is Book 1 of 2, while Last Night at the Telegraph Club is a standalone novel.
• Compare the listed grade level and reading age with your members before choosing, such as the 17 years and up reading age on Sibylline.
• Review the listing description for sensitive themes, including deportation threats in Last Night at the Telegraph Club or grief in The Hot Young Widows Club.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is Last Night at the Telegraph Club for?

The listing gives a reading age of 14 to 17 years and grade level 9 to 12. Its historical setting in 1954 San Francisco explores identity and family challenges suited for high school readers.

Is Sibylline part of a series?

The listing states Sibylline is Book 1 of 2. It introduces the campus and characters, leaving the overarching storyline to continue in the second book.

How long is Mary Shelley Club?

The listing gives a print length of 480 pages, with a reading age of 14 to 18 years and grade level 10 to 12. It provides a full standalone thriller narrative for group discussion.

Still deciding? Our top pickLast Night at the Telegraph Club by Lo

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Related lists

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

More lists: browse mystery books for young adults, fantasy books for young adults, and book club books for discussion.