Young Adult Literature

Teen Girls Fight Back: 15 YA Books Featuring Revenge

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Sarah Nicolas

Staff Writer

Sarah Nicolas is a recovering mechanical engineer, library event planner, and author who lives in Orlando with a 60-lb mutt who thinks he’s a chihuahua. Sarah writes YA novels as Sarah Nicolas and romance under the name Aria Kane. When not writing, they can be found playing volleyball or drinking wine. Find them on Twitter @sarah_nicolas.

When it feels like the world is falling apart around me, there is nothing like a great book to help me either escape or inspire me. And right now? I want to read books about teen girls taking revenge, especially against patriarchal or other abusive systems of power. For absolutely no reason at all, having nothing to do with any current events, whatsoever.

The teens in these books may have different ways of approaching it, but they all take back their power and use it against people or systems who try—and fail—to render them powerless.

Because revenge is what it is. Enjoy these 15 YA books about girls getting revenge. book lists | YA books | YA Lit | revenge books | #YALit

The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco

Okiku has wandered the world for centuries, killing murderers and releasing their victims’ spirits. Then she meets Tark, a strange boy with evil trapped inside him.

Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

Inspired by her mom’s Riot Grrrl past, Vivian anonymously creates a feminist zine to take action against her misogynistic small-town Texas high school.

Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand

Three girls—the newbie, the outcast, and the queen bee—take on a terrifying evil that’s been snatching young girls for decades.

The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed

When Grace learns the girl who used to live in her house was run out of town for accusing the popular guys of rape, she forms an anonymous group with Rosina and Erin to fight the sexist culture that permeates their school.

The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis

Like Dexter for angry teenage girls. After her sister’s horrifying murder, Alex goes on a quest for vengeance against rape culture and the patriarchy.

Sadie by Courtney Summers

When Sadie’s sister is murdered and the police botch the investigation, she becomes determined to bring her sister’s killer to justice and sets off with a few small clues to guide her.

Vengeance Road by Erin BowmanVengeance Road by Erin Bowman

Kate’s father is killed for a journal that reveals the location of a gold mine and she disguises herself as a boy to search for answers and seek justice.

Vengeance Bound by Justina Ireland

Cory’s mind is home to the blood-thirsty Furies. To keep them quiet, she brings justice upon the targets they select. When she meets a mysterious boy, the Furies are silent for the first time.

A Darkly Beating Heart by Lindsay Smith

Modern girl Reiko is full of anger and hate, so her family sends her to visit family in Japan hoping it will help. While visiting a historic site, she slips into the life of 19th century Miyu, a woman who may be even angrier than she is.

Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess

When her abusive father is released from jail six years early, 15-year-old Meredith’s mother is thrilled and making plans for a bigger family. Since her mother won’t protect her, Meredith has to do it herself.

burn for burnBurn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

In a postcard-perfect beachy tourist town, three girls are secretly plotting revenge. They can’t do it alone without being suspected, but together…

My Whole Truth by Mischa Thrace

Seelie is attacked by a former high school basketball big shot and instinctively defends herself, saving her own life. She can’t bring herself to tell the whole truth of what happened that night, even when she’s arrested for murder.

And Then There Were Four by Nancy Werlin

Five teenagers barely escape a building that collapses round them. As clues are overturned, they start to suspect their parents are working together to kill them. But why? And how do they save themselves?

Hit by Delilah Dawson

Patsy agrees to be an indentured assassin to save her mother from outstanding debt and is given five days to complete a hit list of ten names—or her mother dies.

Heart-Shaped Bruise by Tanya Byrne

Emily Koll is awaiting trial in a youth psych ward while the police and news outlets paint her as evil. But there’s more to the story. And Emily is ready to tell hers.

 

Did I miss your favorite? Leave me a recommendation in the comments because I have a feeling I’m going to need more books about girls fighting back in the coming months.