Read. Re-read. Watch. Re-watch.

The 2000s and 2010s saw some of the most iconic and popular book series (and consequently film franchises). Twilight. The Hunger Games. New Nancy Drew novels.

I remember being in middle school where all of my classmates seemed to know the same series like the back of their hand. The craze of these series still stands strong, with many childhood favorites getting spin-off series, TV shows, and exclusive content from the originals.

Regardless of how long it's been since you've last reread your childhood favorites, the series that you couldn't put down years ago likely still has a place in your heart for inspiring a love of reading. If you're now looking for similar novel recommendations or if you're simply wondering what your tween picks say about you, you've come to the right place.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

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This action-packed series follows Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and Grover Underwood as they complete quests from returning Zeus's lightning bolt to running through a labyrinth, all while experiencing the challenges of growing up.

Chances are, if you dreamed of training at Camp Half-Blood and completing quests alongside your fellow demigods, you're an adventurous spirit. The unknown doesn't faze you; rather, it excites your curious spirit. Plus, challenges and obstacles don't stop you from achieving your dreams, and no length is too great to help out a friend.

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Book Recommendations

If you're looking to read similar books to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, then you'll likely enjoy reading other Rick Riordan series like The Kane Chronicles (based on Egyptian mythology) and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard (based on Norse mythology).

As a Percy Jackson fan, I also loved novels under Rick Riordan Presents. Through this publishing branch, mythology from all over the world is shared with young adult audiences. Some of my favorite titles under Rick Riordan Presents are Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee (a science fiction Korean folklore novel) and The Storm Runner by J. C. Cervantes (based on Mayan mythology).

Also, consider checking out anthologies of different mythologies. I found that National Geographic has several informative, short mythological story collections from all over the world, such as Treasury of Norse Mythology, Tales from the Arabian Nights, and many others. I especially enjoyed reading the myths and then rereading different Rick Riordan series to fully understand the references within the novels.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

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When you think about iconic 2000s book series, The Hunger Games likely comes to mind. The famous trilogy follows archer Katniss Everdeen, who is selected as one of District 12's tributes in the 74th Hunger Games. Every year, the Capital hosts the Hunger Games, where all of the districts send two representatives to compete for the title of the victor as a punishment for the districts' rebellion.

If you have read the series multiple times, you're likely goal-driven and determined just like the novel's protagonist. Like Katniss, you also probably have a competitive spirit and are not afraid to put in the hard work needed to achieve your goals. With your ability to stand up for what you believe in and your independent thinking, there's nothing that you cannot do once you set your mind on something.

Book Recommendations

As a fan of The Hunger Games, you've likely also read other popular dystopian novels of the decade, including Uglies by Scott Westerfeld and Divergent by Veronica Roth. If you are looking for more dystopian novels, I would recommend Legend by Marie Lu and Beware the Night by Jessika Fleck.

Legend is written in dual perspectives between Republic citizens, June Iparis, a military college star, and Day Wing, a criminal on the run. The two teenagers cross paths when June's older brother mysteriously dies, and Day is accused of the crime.

Sent to finally find Day and turn him into the authorities, June sets out on an undercover mission, only to find out that not everything is as it seems. Similar to The Hunger Games, the series follows the dystopian conventions: ugly secrets hidden behind a utopic veneer, a looming revolution, and strong-willed teenagers ready to make a difference.

Similarly, Beware the Night also features headstrong protagonists and a revolution. Veda Adeline lives with her grandfather on Bellona, where the fear of the Night unites their community. To protect the island, the ruling class, the Dogio, perform sacrificial offerings to the Sun, which is said to shield them from the dreaded Night and other dangers. But, one day, Veda's grandfather is chosen for the offering, and Veda will do whatever it takes to protect him... even if it means joining the Night.

Both novels embody the action-packed spirit of The Hunger Games with their unique twists and turns, which makes them perfect dystopian books to add to your TBR list.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

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The iconic bright red apple on the cover of Twilight made waves, starting the four-novel and five-film franchise. Focused on Bella Swan's perspective, the series commences when the teenager moves from Arizona to Washington to live with her father. At Forks High School, Bella quickly makes friends with her classmates and gets the attention of the vampire Cullen family (Edward and his three siblings). As she starts a relationship with Edward, danger lurks around every corner, but that doesn't stop Bella from wanting to join the Cullens in immortality.

As a fan of the YA romance series, you likely have a sharp sense of humor and strong loyalty to those that you care about. Just like the Cullens, you will always stand up and stand with your family and friends whenever they need you. Whether you're Team Jacob or Team Edward, you enjoy the company of others and know how important it is to protect your pack.

Book Recommendations

A love triangle. Magic. The perfect YA series.

For Twilight-esque reading experiences, I would suggest Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber, which follows Evangeline Fox as she makes a deal with Jacks (the Prince of Hearts) to prevent a wedding between her step-sister and first love on the condition that she perform three favors for him. Sent to the Magnificent North by Empress Scarlett Dragna for the Nocte Neverending balls, Evangeline discovers that receiving favors from Jacks comes at a steep price.

For additional reading recs, Everless by Sara Holland includes many similar elements as the Twilight series: immortal families, a loyal protagonist, and plenty of secrets. Everless begins with Jules Ember attempting to help her father by returning to Everless, the palace where the wealthy Gerling family lives. In Jules' world, the Gerlings rule through blood iron, which extends their lives into infinity at the expense of their citizens. The first book of the duology does not disappoint with detailed world-building and familiar YA tropes.

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

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What if all of the fairytale heroes and villains went to school to learn how to survive in the woods (and their stories)? The School for Good and Evil explores this question in the six novel series through the perspectives of Agatha and Sophie.

For years, Sophie has dreamed of being kidnapped by the School Master so she could study at the School for Good. Meanwhile, Agatha prefers to stay close to her mother and cat in their home in the town's cemetery. However, when the School Master comes through Gavaldon, Sophie ends up in the School for Evil, and Agatha in the School for Good. The series follows their adventures in finding out why they were sorted into the "wrong" schools and starting their own fairytale adventure.

For fans of a twist on classic fairytales, you likely have a vivid imagination. Creative pursuits are your favorite hobbies, whether that is drawing, painting, writing, ceramics, or anything that speaks to you and your endless list of ideas. When it comes to goal setting, you have no problem reaching for the stars, and for making friends, you are extremely loyal and empathetic.

Book Recommendations

For fairytale themes, A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer takes a modern twist on Beauty and the Beast with a fierce heroine from Washington D.C. and an unstable fantastical world in need of a leader. Similarly, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine adds even more magic to the Cinderella story, exploring the idea of what if you had to say yes to everyone and everything?

In addition to fairytale retellings, I would recommend reading the original stories like Children's and Household Tales by the Grimm Brothers, which includes many classic characters like Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, and Little Red Riding Hood. Many of these centuries-old stories largely differ from the versions known today (forewarning that some of the stories are significantly darker than the modern versions), so reading the original texts is an exciting and new experience for anyone who grew up watching fairytales on-screen.

Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene

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When I think about mysteries, the first thing that comes to mind is the yellow covers of the Nancy Drew series. These popular novels each begin with a thrilling mystery that Nancy Drew, a shrewd teen detective, solves alongside the help of her friends, George Fayne and Bess Marvin. Taking place in a variety of settings, from an amusement park to the bayous of Louisiana, Nancy retraces the crime and ends up catching the culprit.

As a childhood fan of the series, you likely are your friends' go-to for advice. You are very wise and can be counted on to help your friends and family no matter the situation. Like Nancy, decision-making is your strength, and solving mysteries (or fixing problems) comes second nature to you. Whether you have binged true crime shows or if you still pick up a good mystery read, you are extremely observant and can already guess whodunit before the first chapter ends.

Book Recommendations

Sticking with mystery novels, I would recommend any YA book written by Karen M. McManus, the author of the famous One of Us is Lying, to fans of Nancy Drew. Specifically, Two Can Keep a Secret is a thrilling mystery set in a Nancy Drew-esque setting in the small town of Echo Ridge in New England.

Despite the idealistic setting, the town has a secret: its famous theme park has been the site of a disappearance and a murder. Ellery, a true crime superfan, is determined to solve Echo Ridge's mysteries, especially since her aunt disappeared decades prior, and now there are threats made on the upcoming homecoming court, which includes her. With the help of her brother and new friends, Malcolm and Mia, the group sets out to find out what really happened and who is behind the new threats.

Whether you have reviewed hundreds of titles on Goodreads or if you're actively searching for your next reading adventure, I hope that you've found some novel recommendations based on your childhood favorites that speak to you. Now that summer is in full swing, it's the perfect chance to reread your iconic series and finally get around to reading any YA classics that you just haven't had time for. Regardless of when and where your next read takes you, I say may the odds ever be in your favor to find your next 5-star title.