15 Most Famous American Drama Books for Young Adults to Read on Vacation

You can learn, feel, and experience a lot through a book. But many college students today don’t read beyond classroom assignments. A survey done by the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that there is a drastic decrease in children reading.

Luckily, vacations are when you can have some free time to dive into a new world through the pages of a book. Have you ever got bored spending hours to get to your destination?

There are plenty of top drama books for young adults that you can read when traveling. And they are good for readers young and old alike. If you’re looking for the best of the best, these are the books to read.

‘The Glass Menagerie’ by Tennessee Williams

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Tennessee Williams’ play “The Glass Menagerie” is a perfect example of a work about family relationships and personal aspirations. Set against the backdrop of 1930s St. Louis, the play delves into the fragile dreams of its characters, each trapped in their own world of illusion.

Through poetic dialogues and complex symbolism, Williams creates a compelling narrative with themes of nostalgia, escapism, and the complexity of human connection. All of these issues are now more relevant than ever among young people, so this book is sure to become a favorite after reading it during vacations or a relaxing break at the sea or in the mountains. ‘

“The Glass Menagerie” play also is a popular topic for students. Autobiographical elements can make the reader want to read more. If you ever get this book for any school assignment, you also can research some essay samples and analysis online.

‘The Fault in Our Stars’ by John Green

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Drama, a dash of harsh real life, hope, and love — all the ingredients needed to create the perfect story. “The Fault in Our Stars” presents Hazel’s last few years, due to a terminal diagnosis.

But when she meets Augustus, it all takes a turn for the better. Bold, heart-wrenching, raw. This is one of those must-read books for young adults.

’13 Reasons Why’ by Jay Asher

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If you haven’t seen the same-named series, then you must read the book.

The main character, Clay Jensen, returns from school only to find a package with 13 tapes in it from none other than Hanna Backer, the girl who committed suicide two weeks prior and his first crush.

‘Looking for Alaska’ by John Green

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Leave it to John Green to write a novel that (almost) literally pulls at your heartstrings.

His first book adapted for the big screen, “Looking for Alaska,” is a story about Miles Halter, who goes through his boring life searching for its meaning.

‘The Hazel Wood’ by Melissa Albert

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What if fairy tales were real? Not those where rainbows rain down upon each step, but the grim ones, where each step is a threat to life.

For those looking for drama books for young adults covered in fantasy and mystery, “The Hazel Wood” is the perfect place to start. This book is one of those books that is perfect to read while camping with friends in some scenic spot.

‘One of Us Is Lying’ by Karen M. McManus

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If you like “Pretty Little Liars,” this book is right up your alley. When five students go to detention together, but only four come out alive, who is to blame?

Packed with mystery and suspense to the very end, it’s no wonder that “One of Us Is Lying” is rated as one of the best books to read for young adults.

This dramatic book could be one of your favorite activities during your vacation.

‘The Maze Runner’ by James Dasher

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Run. That’s all you have to do. Run until you find the way out of the constantly changing maze. When all odds are against you, when nobody has ever survived the maze before, what makes you think you can?

It is probably one of the best choices to read when you travel, especially when you spend time on the road.

‘Hate List’ by Jennifer Brown

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Walking among the same rows as “13 Reasons Why,” this book gives off the same feelings, but now from a different perspective.

Val is the girlfriend of somebody who committed a mass shooting. And when she goes back to the same school, she’s the main target, blamed for the event.

‘Broken Things’ by Lauren Oliver

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You must have heard of “Riverdale.” Well, this is the book version.

If you’re a student who loves a bit of mystery, thrill, and dark fantasy, “Broken Things” will give it all.

When a girl is murdered while playing a game, her two friends are the main suspects.

‘The Glittering Court’ by Richelle Mead

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Are you intrigued by ball gowns, royal drama, and all that regency vibe? Well, “The Glittering Court” will make you feel right at home.

This series revolves around three girls, all living a different story but vying for one goal — changing their lives by winning the hand of affluent bachelors.

To fully experience the atmosphere of the book, take it with you if you are going to have a cup of coffee in a quiet cafe while traveling in England.

‘Vampire Academy’ by Richelle Mead

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High school, a society blinded by royal status and, of course, vampires. Richelle Mead creates a wonderful story of sisterhood and links that can’t be broken, regardless of obstacles.

When Rose and Lisa are dragged back to the school they’d managed to escape, it all comes crashing down.

‘The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks’ by E. Lockhart

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks book cover

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A fan of “Gossip Girl”? Here’s the perfect book for you.

Maybe even a step better (for those that didn’t like the backstabbing and constant needless drama), this novel shows the mischievous deals of Frankie at her elite boarding school.

So you might guess why it is one of the best drama books for your vacation time out there, right?

‘All the Bright Places’ by Jennifer Niven

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What happens when the pieces of the puzzle finally fit, but the clock ticks its last minutes?

When Violet and Theodore meet, both of their worlds turn for the better. He no longer has to think about death, and she finally starts living in the present.

But can it all be that simple?

‘Before I Fall’ by Lauren Oliver

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What if you were stuck reliving your last day on Earth?

Well, that’s exactly what happens to Samantha Kingston, a high school girl living for parties and ways to climb to the top of the social pyramid.

Is there a way to get out of the loop? And would that bring a good ending?

‘Red Queen’ by Victoria Aveyard

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The book says it itself. Power is a dangerous game.

Enter the world where Mare is trying to figure out how her red blood could give her powers when that goes against everything they’ve been taught.

A prisoner in the palace walls, her story gets even more complicated when two princes try to get her attention.

Bottom Line: Books Every Student Should Read During Vacation

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There it is. The list of the top drama books for young adults that are easy to read while traveling. So head to a nearby library, check out a book, and get ready to explore new places with a book in hand. It’s already proven that reading books has many benefits, from lowering stress to boosting decision-making abilities.

Try to find “your” book and see how it changes your outlook. Moreover, reading bestsellers often helps in college. In that case, when you need to write about a specific one, you have already read it. So it’s easy to come up with conclusions.

This way, you can spend your time on the road enjoying your trip and get an educational opportunity.

This article is in partnership with StudyDriver.