Books I am Grateful for *nostalgic version*
As a fellow Gen-Z 2009-born child, it’s safe to say the 2010s were full of whimsy, excitement, and color. From Vine, slime, the bottle-flip challenge, slap bracelets, fidget spinners, squishy toys, chokers, skinny jeans, neon colors, galaxy jeggings (I have more), #yolo, selfie-sticks, Silly Bandz, Heelys, Justice, to even out first iPads. Truly, nothing could beat that era. Growing up during that time was very enjoyable for an avid reader, especially as dystopian fiction was rising. So let me take you guys on a nostalgic blast from the past as I introduce the books that shaped the reader I am today.
Dork Diaries ~ Rachel Renée Russell
Starting off strong with a fan favorite… Dork Diaries by Rachel Renée Russell was that series. With its stylish icons, pink covers, doodles everywhere, and drama that somehow mimicked what felt life-or-death in middle school. Nikki Maxwell’s diary entries captured friendships, crushes, and insecurities in a way that felt real and vividly personal, like you were reading a best friend’s notebook. It was messy, funny, and comforting, and for many readers (including me), it made growing up feel a little less awkward and helped me overcome many insecurities I thought were abnormal or uncomfortable to talk about.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid ~ Jeff Kinney
Another wildly popular comic-style series was Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, which perfectly embodied the humor of the average 2010s middle-schooler. Greg Heffley’s brutally honest and very unhinged narration made the series impossible to put down. Even though he was just a stick figure, man, did he have a lot to say. The chaos and laughter from that book was universal and very soon became a library and classroom staple.
The Land of Stories ~ Chris Colfer
Then there’s the series that’s especially near and dear to my heart: The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer. This fantasy series blended my love for fairy tales with something that felt more real and raw. These reimagined classics were now told with more depth, emotion, and stakes, which definitely turned my childhood stories into an epic adventure. The blend of magic, family, and bravery made it unforgettable, and it was one of those series that truly made me fall in love with fantasy.
Junie B. Jones ~ Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park may have started earlier, but she absolutely dominated early-2010s classrooms. I thought Junie B. was an absolute hoot. With her snarky remarks and whimsical outfits, everything about her was hilarious. I admired her mainly for her blunt honesty. Junie B. made reading fun and relatable for younger readers. She didn’t try to be perfect, and that’s exactly why she was so lovable.
My Weird School Daze ~ Dan Gutman
My Weird School Daze series by Dan Gutman was pure fun. His books were the perfect length for a quick feel-good read. They were short, silly, and perfect for readers who just wanted to laugh. Each book leaned into absurd humor, exaggerated characters, and school scenarios that felt familiar yet ridiculous. It was the kind of series you could pick up anytime and enjoy right away. I even had the honor of interviewing Dan Gutman for the Literary Spotlight series, who had some very interesting thoughts to share.
Geronimo Stilton ~ Elisabetta Dami
Geronimo Stilton by Elisabetta Dami was an absolute book fair icon. I almost always used those $20 my parents gave me to purchase a book from this series. I loved this series because of its colorful fonts, illustrations, maps, and so many interactive elements, which made it feel more like an experience than a book. The lighthearted adventures made reading exciting, fun, and accessible, especially for younger readers discovering their love for books in the 2010s.
The Darkest Minds ~ Alexandra Bracken
The Darkest Minds series by Alexandra Bracken was one of the first series that made me interested in the intense, emotionally heavy dystopian wave of the 2010s. The plot of the book engrossed me from the first page as it was centered around teens with dangerous abilities imprisoned by the government. The series blended action, trauma, and found family in a way that felt both thrilling and heartbreaking. It was the kind of coming-of-age series that made readers feel more mature, pulling them into a newer and more rebellious world.
Divergent ~ Veronica Roth
The Divergent seriesby Veronica Roth hit that perfect combination of dystopia and identity crisis that I loved in YA during the 2010s. The concept of factions and choosing who you were, or who you wanted to be, was thrilling and relatable at the same time. I spent hours imagining myself in the story, thinking about which faction I’d belong to and how I’d survive the trials the characters faced. The moral questions and high-stakes action made it more than just a fun read; it challenged me to consider courage, loyalty, and the consequences of my choices, even in fictional worlds.
The Maze Runner ~ James Dashner
The Maze Runner series by James Dashner was edge-of-your-seat reading at its finest. The mystery of the Maze, the tense dynamics among the Gladers, and the constant sense of danger made it impossible to stop reading. I’d lie awake thinking about the twists and turns, imagining myself running through the labyrinth with them, and it felt thrillingly real. The pacing, suspense, and constant revelations made it one of those series that completely sucked me in, leaving me breathless and craving the next book.
Shatter Me ~ Tahereh Mafi
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi was wild for me. I remember reading Juliette’s story and just… feeling every single thing she felt—her fear, her anger, her loneliness—but also her tiny moments of hope. The writing style made it so intense, with all the crossed-out thoughts and broken sentences, like you were actually inside her head. I stayed up way too late reading, my heart racing every time something went wrong, and honestly, I felt like I understood her in a way I couldn’t explain. It was dark, messy, emotional, and a little bit chaotic, but that’s exactly why I loved it. It made me feel alive while reading.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio stood out in a different way. I remember reading it for the first time in a classroom. I loved the fact that it was quieter, more emotional, and deeply impactful. The story’s focus on kindness, empathy, and acceptance resonated with readers of all ages. It wasn’t just a book you read; it was a book that stayed with you, teaching lessons about humanity that felt especially powerful during the 2010s. And when the movie came out, everybody was hooked.
Fish in a Tree ~ Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt made me feel deeply understood, even as a reader who had never personally experienced dyslexia. Ally’s struggles with learning, frustration, and self-confidence hit home in a universal way, and the story’s focus on empathy, acceptance, and finding your own strengths was inspiring. I remember finishing the book and thinking about how much courage it takes to be yourself in a world that doesn’t always understand you. It was emotional, empowering, and unforgettable.
Holes ~ Louis Sachar
Holes by Louis Sachar was a mix of cleverness, mystery, and absurd humor that I could get lost in for hours. The interwoven timelines, the quirky characters, and the twists kept me hooked, while the underlying themes of justice, friendship, and resilience gave it depth. I remember rereading it just to catch connections I’d missed the first time, marveling at how effortlessly the story balanced humor, charm, and heart.
Out of My Mind ~ Sharon M. Draper
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper was heartbreaking in the best way. Melody’s brilliance trapped inside her body, her frustration at not being understood, and her determination to communicate struck me on a level I hadn’t expected from a middle-grade book. I remember feeling a mix of anger, admiration, and awe while reading, and it pushed me to consider how I treated others and what it really means to “listen” and empathize.
Restart & Ungifted ~ Gordon Korman
Restart and Ungifted by Gordon Korman were my go-to book report reads when I wanted to present something funny but meaningful. Chase’s journey in Restart taught me about the weight of past actions and the possibility of change, while the chaos and humor of Ungifted celebrated creativity, individuality, and emotional intelligence over grades or labels. Both series made me laugh, think, and reflect, exactly what I wanted in middle-grade fiction.
Front Desk ~ Kelly Yang
Front Desk by Kelly Yang gave me a perspective I could relate to as an immigrant living in the US. Mia’s determination to help her family while navigating racism, economic hardship, and responsibility was inspiring. I remember feeling admiration and hope as I read, realizing that courage isn’t always about grand gestures; it can be about persistence, cleverness, and kindness. The book made me care about people and situations outside my own life, in a way that felt gentle but powerful.
Refugee & Other Alan Gratz Books ~ Alan Gratz
Refugee and other novels by Alan Gratz helped me to understand difficult topics about society, history, and global crises feel immediate and personal. Reading about children fleeing conflict, struggling to survive, and finding hope in impossible situations was emotional and eye-opening. I remember being so invested in the characters’ journeys and reflecting on the real-world events they were based on. His books weren’t just stories; they were lessons in empathy, resilience, and understanding the wider world.
Harry Potter ~ J.K. Rowling
Though the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling began before the 2010s, its presence during the decade was unavoidable. Harry Potter was the foundation of my childhood reading, even deep into the 2010s. Hogwarts felt like home, and the adventures of Harry, Hermione, and Ron taught me about friendship, courage, loyalty, and standing up for what’s right. I remember rereading chapters late at night, imagining the magic, and feeling like I was part of a world that existed just for readers like me. It was formative, comforting, and endlessly inspiring, the series that made me believe in the power of stories.
Looking back, the books I grew up with were little worlds I could get lost in whenever I needed one. Some made me laugh so hard I forgot everything else, while others kept me up late, heart racing, completely hooked. They taught me about friendship, courage, and figuring out who I am, even when life felt messy or confusing. Reading felt like stepping into someone else’s mind, seeing the world through new eyes, and somehow understanding myself a little better. Those books weren’t perfect, and I wasn’t perfect either, but together they made growing up feel bigger, wilder, and a lot more unforgettable than it probably would have been without them.
