Books by Sue Divin

Home to the Blarney Stone — said to bestow “the gift of the gab” — and with a long tradition of valuing bards and wandering storytellers, it is no surprise that Ireland has produced some of the most recognised names in the English language canon. Considering the small population, Irish authors continue to punch well above their weight in publishing. Here we bring you a selection of Irish authors that have been recommended on Five Books by experts, from bestselling and award-winning contemporary writers to both famous and less well-known classic authors.

New books are being published for teens and young adults all the time, but the ones given the most publicity are not always the best. If you don’t have much time to browse or read reviews, it tends to be a safe bet to pick award-winning books for teens that have already been quality checked by judging panels of librarians and other experts.

Realistic fiction depicts situations that could happen in real life, with authentic characters who react in a believable way.

Every year teenagers in Ireland show their enthusiasm for reading quality young adult fiction by voting for their favourite new Irish and international novels. Great Reads Award panellist Breege O’Brien highlights her top teen reads from recent years’ shortlists.