6 YA Books with Awesomely Unique Formats

Why We Broke Up, by Daniel Handler
Half-letter, half-illustrated journal, this novel is Min’s explanation for all the little things that added up to her breakup with Ed. Min’s rambling and pensive (and totally charming) as she goes through the box of stuff she collected over the course of their relationship, before dropping both box and letter off at Ed’s door. Since the writing is all directed at her ex, who already knows what happened, you’ll get the (fun? frustrating?) feeling of being out of the loop, but in the best, can’t-stop-reading sort of way. This book is different right down to the sentence structure (it’s somewhere close to stream-of-consciousness), and if you’re stuck in a romance rut, it makes a nice break from all the happy endings.

Me Being Me Is Exactly As Insane As You Being You, by Todd Hasak-Lowy
If you, like me, love lists, than this book is definitely a must-read. Darren’s life hasn’t exactly been simple recently, what with his parents’ divorce and his brother Nate’s departure to college—and his own unfortunate single-ness. So when his dad drops a huge bombshell on him, there’s nothing for it but a road trip to visit Nate. Told entirely in lists (who doesn’t love lists?), this book manages to capture both the tiny, insignificant details that get stuck in your brain and the huge, life-altering thoughts you can barely wrap your mind around. Plus lists!

The Year of Secret Assignments, by Jaclyn Moriarty
If you haven’t read any of Moriarty’s books, start with this one. When three girls from one school get involved in a pen-pal program with three boys from their rival school, letters turn into secret missions turn into romance and revenge and a lot of chaos. Each character has their own writing style and personality, and watching their very different friendships develop is borderline addictive. The back-and-forth format keeps you in the dark just the perfect amount, and you have to admit you’re already intrigued by the title.

What My Mother Doesn’t Know, by Sonya Sones 
Meet Sophie, a high school freshman who’s working out her love life. Written entirely in verse, this novel addresses something I think (hope) we can all relate to: that completely distracted feeling you get when you’re focused on a new crush, and all the doubts and daydreams that go along with it. And even though Sophie still has a lot to learn about love and lust and everything in between, Sones’ poems will enchant you and remind you of every poem you ever wrote when you were bored in class (only, you know, better).

serafina67 *urgently requires life*, by Susie Day
For a more modern take on the epistolary novel, here’s a book told through blog posts and comments. Serafina has a new laptop, and a new blog to go along with it. Losing her best friend and dealing with her dad’s new fiancé means Serafina needs someone to talk to (other than her crazy therapist, of course), and that someone is the internet–which, it turns out, is a bit of a dangerous move. And as anyone who’s ever had a blog knows, things can go from hilarious to serious in the space of two comments. Plus, of course, there’s the added benefit of seeing how much the internet has changed since the book came out in 2008.

Hung Up, by Kristen Tracey
Lucy won’t stop leaving messages on James’ phone…only, they’re not actually for him. When he finally answers the phone to explain she’s got the wrong number, the two just keep talking. And talking. Told via their phone conversations, this novel is all dialogue. Even though that should be limiting, Tracey manages to craft a compelling love story about two strangers who have more in common than they think. Can you fall in love with a voice? (Hint: if you’ve ever listened to British men read poetry, you know the answer is YES.)
What’s your take on out-of-the-ordinary novels?