IMAGINATION reigns supreme as the blocks of letters we read in books transform into magical worlds we transport into. The same is true of young adult novels, which have become our escape when social media has not yet dominated our lives.
Whether we have read them during classroom breaks or while riding the jeepney, the books in our school bags created a shared cultural moment for an entire generation of readers.
Here is a tribute to five YA novels that helped shape our youth, one chapter and character at a time:
1. Percy Jackson and the Olympians
“Look, I didn’t want to be a half-blood.“
Rick Riordan’s PJO series gave students something they could relate to: feeling out of place, discovering hidden strength, and learning that ADHD or dyslexia is not something to be ashamed of.
Percy Jackson brought Greek mythology closer to Filipino youth through his adventures and mishaps with friends, demigod or mortal (and even Olympian deities), Annabeth Chase, Grover Underwood, Charon, Rachel Elizabeth Dare, and more.
His sarcasm, bravery, and awkwardness made him just like us in elementary school, while Zeus and Poseidon, with their lightning bolt and trident, became household names with every thrilling adventure.
2. The Hunger Games
“May the odds be ever in your favor.”
Perhaps the first dystopian story to become massively popular among young Filipinos, The Hunger Games definitely left its fans wanting more in the world of Panem and its 12 (or 13) Districts, each with distinct characteristics.
Suzanne Collins introduced us to the gallant archer Katniss Everdeen from District 12, who found herself in a free-for-all battle royale to the death with a baker’s son, Peeta Mellark, and 22 other children or teenagers, after volunteering for it.
Later, becoming the symbol of rebellion and badass as the Mockingjay, Katniss showed us what questioning an oppressive authority means to protect our families and remove social persecution.
3. The Divergent Series
“Faction Before Blood.”
Veronica Roth’s series hit us with a then-timely teenage question: Where do you fit in?
With Beatrice “Tris” Prior’s world literally divided into five factions: Abnegation (the selfless), Amity (the kind), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), and Erudite (the intelligent), we were presented with the pressures of conforming to pre-determined social expectations.
Tris, who was a Divergent, or someone who does not fit into any of the established factions by being uncontrollable, and thereby is a threat to the existing social order, revealed that being labeled into a sole role like an academic achiever, the responsible eldest child, or a carefree person, is flawed.
4. Harry Potter
“Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.”
One of the best-selling novel series for a reason, Harry Potter’s magical adventures made us beg our parents to buy a walis tambo that can make us fly and a stick that can glow and do all sorts of wizardry.
J.K. Rowling’s magical world, which has been adapted into several magnanimously top-grossing movies, made us fall in love with Hogwarts, where its students reside and learn magic. Alohomora? Check. Avada Kedavra? Check. Wingardium Levi-OH-sa? Triple check!
We grew up with Harry’s company just as they do in the story, moving up grade levels like us in our schools. We were shown bravery, loyalty, and the value of friendship as the Hogwarts gang embarks on a long journey to eliminate a noseless villain to bring peace to the world.
5. Lorien Legacies
“‘Who are you?’ I am Number Four.”
Although considered only a one-shot wonder and flying a little under the radar, the seven-book Lorien Legacies series is best known for its first entry, I Am Number Four, which had a movie adaptation of the same title.
Written by a team of authors under the pen name Pittacus Lore, the story follows Daniel Jones (later known as John Smith) as he harnesses his supernatural powers during a conflict between two extraterrestrial species: the Loric and the Mogadorians.
We are shown how teenage life mingles with action-packed narratives that feel fresh and addictive. And just like John Smith, we are presented with the idea of being chosen, special, and powerful in a place where many young people seem invisible.
