The 100 Greatest Young Adult Writing Prompts of All Time

Are you searching for that perfect spark to ignite your next young adult masterpiece? Whether you’re a seasoned author looking to break into the YA market or a teen writer eager to craft stories that speak to your generation, finding the right inspiration can transform a blank page into a world of possibility. Welcome to “The 100 Greatest Young Adult Writing Prompts of All Time,” a carefully curated collection designed to fuel your creativity and help you craft compelling stories that resonate with readers of all ages.

Within these prompts, you’ll discover the seeds for stories about identity, friendship, first love, social justice, and coming-of-age journeys that define the best of young adult literature. Explore “The Lottery of Memory,” where a teenager inherits forgotten truths in a world that chooses blissful ignorance, or dive into “The House of Forgotten Girls,” where uncovering family secrets leads to profound self-discovery. Inspired by beloved classics like The Giver, The Hunger Games, Looking for Alaska, and The Outsiders, these prompts combine timeless YA themes with fresh, contemporary twists that today’s readers crave.

This isn’t just a random assortment of writing ideas—each prompt has been thoughtfully crafted to encourage authentic character development, meaningful conflict, and the emotional depth that makes young adult fiction so powerful. You might find yourself exploring “The Paper Town Secret,” where following a trail of clues reveals hidden truths about friendship and identity, or “The Night We Set Ourselves Free,” where characters must decide if breaking away from their past is worth leaving everything behind.

Whether you’re working on a contemporary coming-of-age story, a dystopian adventure, a paranormal romance, or a gritty realistic drama, these prompts will help you create stories that capture the intensity, vulnerability, and transformation that define the young adult experience. So grab your notebook, fire up your imagination, and prepare to write—your next unforgettable YA story begins here!

What Makes These the Greatest Young Adult Writing Prompts?

You might wonder what sets these particular young adult writing prompts apart from countless others online. The difference lies in their carefully balanced elements, combining essential YA themes with innovative twists that challenge writers to create stories that are both relatable and refreshingly original.

Authentic Emotional Journeys and Moral Complexity

Instead of simply suggesting plots about high school drama or first crushes, these prompts dive deep into the emotional journeys and moral complexities that define exceptional young adult fiction. “The Lie That Started It All” doesn’t just ask you to write about teenage relationships; it invites you to explore how a single untruth can spiral into consequences that force characters to confront their own values and choices. These emotional depths create stories that resonate long after the final page.

Inspired by YA Classics, Yet Distinctly Modern

While these prompts draw inspiration from beloved young adult classics like The Outsiders, The Giver, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, they aren’t simply rehashing familiar territory. They identify the timeless themes that made these works meaningful—questions of belonging, identity, justice, and self-discovery—and present them through contemporary lenses that speak to today’s readers. This balance between classic influence and modern relevance creates stories that feel both timeless and fresh.

Designed for Character Growth and Social Relevance

Each prompt is structured to encourage deep character development and exploration of relevant social issues, making them perfect for writers who want to create stories that matter. From examining social media’s impact on relationships to addressing systemic inequalities, these prompts provide the foundation for YA fiction that entertains while prompting important conversations.

100 Greatest Young Adult Writing Prompts of All Time

1. The Lottery of Memory (Inspired by The Giver by Lois Lowry) – In a society where painful memories are erased at birth, one teenager is chosen to inherit the truth of the past. But when they learn the cost of this “peaceful” existence, they must decide whether to remain silent or shatter their world’s illusion of harmony.
2. The Reaping Trial (Inspired by The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins) – Every year, a single teenager is selected from each district to complete a grueling test of survival—not for entertainment, but to determine who will rule. When an underdog competitor uncovers the competition’s dark origins, they must decide whether to fight for victory or destroy the system from within.
3. The Shadow Friend (Inspired by Looking for Alaska by John Green) – A new student at an elite boarding school becomes obsessed with unraveling the mystery of a classmate who disappeared years ago. The more they investigate, the more they realize that some people don’t want the past to be uncovered.
4. The Paper Town Secret (Inspired by Paper Towns by John Green) – A teenager follows a trail of cryptic clues left by their best friend, only to discover that the person they thought they knew had been hiding a shocking truth about their life—and the town they both live in.
5. The House of Forgotten Girls (Inspired by Jane Eyre and We Were Liars by E. Lockhart) – Sent to live at a crumbling estate with distant relatives, a teenager uncovers a hidden wing of the house that no one will talk about. The more they search for answers, the more they begin to question their own past—and whether they were brought here for a reason.
6. The Pact That Broke Us (Inspired by The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton) – A group of close friends makes a promise to always protect each other, no matter what. But when a tragic event threatens to tear them apart, they must decide how far they’re willing to go to keep their word—and whether some things should never be forgiven.
7. The Scarlet Brand (Inspired by Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson) – After a humiliating and traumatic event at a party, a girl becomes the subject of rumors that threaten to destroy her life. When she finally decides to tell the truth, she discovers that silence has been protecting more than just her attacker.
8. The Island of Vanished Boys (Inspired by Lord of the Flies and One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus) – A group of students on a class trip become stranded on a deserted island after their ferry capsizes. But as they struggle to survive, they realize that someone among them is ensuring that they never make it home.
9. The Summer of Unfinished Stories (Inspired by Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery and Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson) – When a lonely teen moves to a small town for the summer, they befriend an eccentric artist with a gift for storytelling. As they help bring their new friend’s stories to life, they begin to wonder—what if these stories are real?
10. The Lie That Started It All (Inspired by Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher and A Separate Peace by John Knowles) – A casual lie spirals out of control when it spreads through a tight-knit school community. As the truth unravels, one student must decide whether to confess their part in it or let someone else take the fall.
11. The Unchosen One (Inspired by Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan) – For years, a teenager has trained to be the hero of an ancient prophecy—only to discover they were never the real chosen one. As the world prepares for disaster, they must decide whether to step aside or fight for their place in the story.
12. The Town That Forgets (Inspired by Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver) – Every year, on the same date, a town erases all memory of a terrible tragedy. When a teen starts remembering fragments of the past no one else does, they must decide whether to force their community to confront the truth or let history repeat itself.
13. The Secret Book of Us (Inspired by The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky) – A teenager finds a hidden book filled with letters, confessions, and memories left behind by former students at their school. When they add their own entry, they realize that someone is reading—and responding.
14. The Girl Who Stole Names (Inspired by Divergent by Veronica Roth and The Maze Runner by James Dashner) – In a society where names determine a person’s fate, a girl wakes up without one. As she fights to uncover her identity, she learns that names hold more power than she ever imagined—and that someone has been stealing them.
15. The Game We Can’t Stop Playing (Inspired by They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera) – A new social media app predicts the exact date of a person’s death. When two teens receive their notifications, they decide to play a dangerous game to prove the system wrong—only to discover that someone is ensuring the predictions come true.
16. The River That Calls You Home (Inspired by Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech) – A teenager raised in the wilderness returns to the town that abandoned them, searching for answers about their past. But when a body is found near their old home, they must prove their innocence before the town turns against them again.
17. The Second Best Friend (Inspired by Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell and If I Stay by Gayle Forman) – A teen has always been the sidekick, never the main character in their own life. When their best friend disappears and everyone assumes they know what happened, they realize they have two choices—become the hero or stay in the background forever.
18. The Clockwork Boy (Inspired by The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick and Coraline by Neil Gaiman) – In a forgotten workshop beneath the city, a girl discovers a mechanical boy who claims to have a soul. As she helps him unravel the mystery of his creation, she begins to question what it really means to be alive.
19. The Broken Spell (Inspired by A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer and Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine) – A prince is cursed to relive the same day until he finds true love, but after hundreds of years, he’s given up hope. That is, until a girl immune to magic stumbles into his kingdom and breaks the cycle—only to unleash a worse fate upon them both.
20. The Night We Set Ourselves Free (Inspired by We Are Okay by Nina LaCour and The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros) – A group of teens from different walks of life make a pact to leave their small town together after graduation. But as the day approaches, they start to uncover the secrets that have been holding them back—and must decide if freedom is worth leaving everything behind.
21. The Day the Adults Disappeared (Inspired by Lord of the Flies by William Golding) – When all the adults in a small town mysteriously vanish overnight, a group of teenagers struggles to maintain order. But as tensions rise and rival groups form, they realize that surviving each other might be more dangerous than surviving alone.
22. The One Who Stayed (Inspired by The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger) – A teen runs away from home, determined to escape their past. But when they meet someone who reminds them of everything they left behind, they must decide whether to keep running or finally face the truth about themselves.
23. A Trial by Fireflies (Inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee) – When a local hero is accused of a terrible crime, a young person sets out to prove their innocence. But as they dig deeper into the case, they uncover uncomfortable truths about their town—and themselves.
24. The House That Shouldn’t Exist (Inspired by Beloved by Toni Morrison) – A teenager moves into an old house with their family, only to realize that something—or someone—still lingers there. As they unravel the home’s dark history, they must decide whether to confront the past or let it haunt them forever.
25. The Pact We Never Made (Inspired by The Pigman by Paul Zindel) – Two misfit teens form an unexpected friendship with an eccentric older person in their neighborhood. But when tragedy strikes, they are left with a secret that changes how they see themselves—and each other.
26. A Stranger Named Me (Inspired by I Am the Cheese by Robert Cormier) – A teen wakes up in a hospital with no memory of their past. As they start piecing their life together, they begin to suspect that the truth is being kept from them—and that they may not want to remember at all.
27. The Words We Left Behind (Inspired by Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson) – After experiencing a traumatic event, a teen stops speaking altogether. Through art, music, or writing, they slowly begin to find their voice again—but when the truth comes out, will anyone believe them?
28. The Lottery Winner (Inspired by The Lottery by Shirley Jackson) – In a small town, winning the annual lottery is a great honor—until one teen starts questioning what happens to the winners who never come back. When they start investigating, they realize the town’s darkest secret has been hidden in plain sight.
29. The Night We Danced in the Ashes (Inspired by Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury) – In a world where books are illegal, a group of teens stumbles upon a hidden library. As they secretly read, they realize that knowledge is power—and that power comes with a dangerous price.
30. The Ones Who Didn’t Leave (Inspired by The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton) – In a city divided by wealth and class, two groups of teenagers are caught in an endless cycle of rivalry and violence. But when one teen from each side forms an unlikely bond, they must decide whether to escape together or fight for change in a world that refuses to listen.
31. The Lie That Became the Truth (Inspired by The Giver by Lois Lowry) – In a society where memories of the past are erased, one teenager is chosen to inherit the truth. But when they uncover a secret that could change everything, they must decide whether to risk everything to bring back what was lost.
32. The Summer of Disappearances (Inspired by We Were Liars by E. Lockhart) – A wealthy family spends every summer on a secluded island—until one year, people start vanishing. As one teen digs into the mystery, they uncover shocking truths about their family’s past and their own forgotten memories.
33. The Face in the Mirror (Inspired by Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon) – A teenager who has spent their whole life isolated due to a rare illness starts questioning their reality. When they uncover a long-hidden secret about their condition, they must choose between the life they’ve always known and the terrifying unknown beyond their home.
34. The Distance Between Us (Inspired by Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell) – Two teens from completely different worlds form an unexpected connection through music, books, and late-night conversations. But as their home lives threaten to pull them apart, they must decide if love is enough to defy the odds.
35. The Unfinished Letters (Inspired by The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky) – A teenager finds a box of unsent letters hidden in their school. As they read through the words of a stranger, they begin to realize that the letters are revealing truths about their own life—and leading them to a choice that could change everything.
36. The Day the Sky Turned Red (Inspired by They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera) – In a world where people receive a notification on the day they will die, two strangers are brought together by fate. With just 24 hours left, they decide to truly live for the first time—but what if the system isn’t as flawless as everyone believes?
37. The Other Version of Me (Inspired by Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver) – A teenager wakes up to find themselves reliving the same day over and over. As they try to break the cycle, they begin to uncover the hidden struggles of those around them and realize they may not be the person they thought they were.
38. The Night of a Thousand Stars (Inspired by The Fault in Our Stars by John Green) – Two teens meet at a support group for those who have lost loved ones and form an instant connection. As they embark on a journey to fulfill a final wish, they learn that grief, love, and hope are more intertwined than they ever imagined.
39. The Bookstore Between Worlds (Inspired by Inkheart by Cornelia Funke) – A teenager discovers that the old bookstore where they work holds a dangerous secret—characters from books can come to life. When an escaped villain begins rewriting reality, they must team up with fictional heroes to stop the chaos before their world turns into a nightmare.
40. The Words That Burned (Inspired by Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds) – After their brother is killed in a shooting, a teen is left with a gun and a choice. As they take an elevator down their apartment building, each floor brings them face-to-face with a ghost from their past, forcing them to question the path they’re about to take.
41. The Locked Room (Inspired by Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews) – A group of siblings is locked away in a hidden part of their family estate, told they must stay silent and unseen. As they grow older, they begin to suspect the truth behind their imprisonment is far darker than they imagined.
42. The Summer We Forgot (Inspired by We Were Liars by E. Lockhart) – A group of friends returns to their favorite summer getaway, only to realize they don’t remember anything from their last visit. As strange flashes of memory return, they must uncover what happened before the truth destroys them.
43. The School for Vanishing Girls (Inspired by The Grace Year by Kim Liggett) – In a town where girls are sent away for a mysterious “grace year” to rid themselves of their supposed dark power, one girl refuses to be forgotten. When she returns home, she brings back a secret that could change everything.
44. The House That Wouldn’t Let Us Leave (Inspired by House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland) – After moving into an ancient mansion, a teenager and their family begin experiencing strange occurrences—doors that lead somewhere different each time, whispers in the walls, and eerie reflections in the mirrors. But the scariest part? No one who has ever left this house has come back.
45. The Cursed Twin (Inspired by The Twin by Natasha Preston) – After the sudden death of her sister, a girl moves in with her estranged father and begins to assume her twin’s life. But as she uncovers clues that her sister’s death wasn’t an accident, she realizes someone doesn’t want her asking questions—and they’re closer than she thinks.
46. The Final Girl’s Last Secret (Inspired by A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson) – A teenager is the only survivor of a massacre that left their best friend dead. Years later, they receive a message: You got it all wrong. As they begin to reexamine that night, they realize the real killer is still out there—and watching.
47. The List of People Who Must Disappear (Inspired by One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus) – A group of students stumbles upon a notebook with a list of names—people who have vanished without a trace. When one of their own friends appears on the list, they must race to uncover the connection before it’s too late.
48. The Library of Unfinished Stories (Inspired by The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert) – A teenager inherits an abandoned library from a relative they’ve never met. As they explore, they realize the books are filled with unfinished stories—and some of the characters are still waiting for an ending.
49. The Girl Who Wasn’t There (Inspired by Coraline by Neil Gaiman) – A teenager moves into a new home and discovers an old diary that describes their life in perfect detail—except for one terrifying difference: the writer claims they were erased and replaced by someone else.
50. The Game That Never Ends (Inspired by Warcross by Marie Lu) – A competitive online game dominates the world, with players living and dying by their skill. When a teen hacker finds a secret level hidden in the code, they realize the game isn’t just for entertainment—it’s a recruitment test for something far more sinister.
51. The Outsider’s Trial (Inspired by The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton) – A teenager from the wrong side of town is accused of a crime they didn’t commit. With no one willing to listen, they must decide whether to run, fight, or prove their innocence before it’s too late.
52. The Reaping Game (Inspired by The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins) – Every year, a brutal tradition forces teenagers to compete in a deadly contest. But when one competitor uncovers the true origins of the game, they realize survival means more than just winning—it means changing everything.
53. The Silent Witness (Inspired by Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson) – A girl who hasn’t spoken in months after a traumatic event starts leaving anonymous messages around her school. As the messages gain attention, the person responsible for her silence realizes she’s finding her voice—and will do anything to stop her.
54. The Last Town on Earth (Inspired by The Giver by Lois Lowry) – In a utopian community where everything is controlled, a teenager stumbles upon a hidden door leading to the world outside. When they step through, they discover a truth no one was ever supposed to know.
55. The Secret Letter (Inspired by To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han) – A stack of unsent love letters is accidentally mailed out, exposing years of hidden feelings and forgotten crushes. But when one letter reaches someone unexpected, it changes everything.
56. The Vanishing Friend (Inspired by Looking for Alaska by John Green) – When a beloved and enigmatic friend disappears, a group of teenagers sets out to find the truth. But as they piece together the last days before their friend vanished, they realize they might not want to know the real answer.
57. The Curse of the Cullens (Inspired by Twilight by Stephenie Meyer) – A newcomer to a small town is drawn to a mysterious family with an unearthly secret. But when they uncover the truth, they must choose between the life they know and the dangerous, eternal world that calls to them.
58. The Fault in the Stars (Inspired by The Fault in Our Stars by John Green) – Two teens, both facing life-altering illnesses, make a pact to complete an impossible bucket list together. But as they race against time, they uncover a secret that makes them question everything they thought they knew about each other.
59. The House That Remembers (Inspired by We Were Liars by E. Lockhart) – A teen returns to their family’s summer estate after years away, only to find that no one will talk about what happened the last time they were there. As they piece together forgotten memories, they realize the truth was never meant to be uncovered.
60. The Maze of Secrets (Inspired by The Maze Runner by James Dashner) – A group of teenagers wakes up in a massive labyrinth with no memory of how they got there. As they struggle to survive and escape, they discover they’re part of a deadly experiment—one that only a few will make it out of alive.
61. The Ghost of the Library (Inspired by The Book Thief by Markus Zusak) – In a war-torn town, a teenager begins to notice that the library where they secretly read is haunted by a mysterious figure. As they investigate, they realize the ghost might hold the key to saving their family.
62. The Reversed Heist (Inspired by Ocean’s Eleven by George Clooney (YA crossover inspiration!)) – A group of teens plans an elaborate heist, not to steal something, but to return something stolen from their community. As they navigate this dangerous world, they realize they might be in over their heads—and not everyone is as trustworthy as they seem.
63. The Family Curse (Inspired by The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater) – Every year, a deadly race takes place, with riders competing on dangerous, supernatural creatures. A teenager must decide if they’ll participate, knowing their family has been cursed by a past mistake in the race.
64. The Island of Secrets (Inspired by Lord of the Flies by William Golding) – A group of teens is stranded on an isolated island after a shipwreck. As they struggle for survival, they realize they aren’t alone—something in the jungle is hunting them, and it knows their deepest fears.
65. The Painted Map (Inspired by The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern) – A teenager finds a mysterious, enchanted map hidden in an antique shop. When they follow it, they’re led to a secret carnival that exists only at night, and they soon discover the carnival’s magic is both beautiful and dangerous.
66. The Hidden City (Inspired by City of Bones by Cassandra Clare) – A teenager discovers they belong to a hidden world of shadowhunters, beings who fight dark creatures that inhabit the city. But when they uncover a plot to destroy the barrier between the world of humans and the dark, they must fight to protect both.
67. The Girl Who Painted the Stars (Inspired by Stardust by Neil Gaiman) – A teenager with a talent for painting finds themselves able to create constellations in the sky that change the world’s fate. When a mysterious figure comes looking for one of their stars, they realize their gift could change the course of history.
68. The Last Summer (Inspired by Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver) – A teen relives the same summer day over and over again, watching as their choices begin to unravel the lives of everyone they love. They must find a way to break the cycle and change what’s destined to happen.
69. The Echo of a Song (Inspired by The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller) – In a world where the gods walk among humans, a teen discovers they are the reincarnation of an ancient figure destined to fall in love with a god. As their life unfolds, they must decide whether to defy the prophecy or embrace their fate.
70. The Secrets of the Sky (Inspired by Skyward by Brandon Sanderson) – A teenager who dreams of becoming a pilot in a world at war finds an ancient starship hidden in a forgotten corner of the planet. With enemies closing in, they must unlock the secrets of the ship before it’s too late.
71. The Streets of Dreams (Inspired by The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros) – A teenager reflects on the small, colorful moments of life in their urban neighborhood. As they dream of a future beyond the confines of their environment, they must confront the realities of their family, friends, and their own identity.
72. The Disappearing Act (Inspired by The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen) – A teenager struggling with grief and uncertainty after the death of a loved one becomes entangled in a summer job that forces them to confront their past. Through new friendships, they learn that healing isn’t about forgetting, but about embracing change.
73. The Escape Artist (Inspired by The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky) – A shy and introverted teen starts receiving letters from an anonymous person, encouraging them to break free of their shell and live life more fully. As the letters become more personal, the teen realizes they’re being pushed to confront their darkest secrets.
74. The Last Chance Summer (Inspired by Looking for Alaska by John Green) – A teenager spends one last summer before heading off to college at a secluded boarding school, where they befriend a group of misfits. As the summer unfolds, they uncover a secret that will change everything about their past and future.
75. The Dream Thief (Inspired by The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater) – A group of teenagers discovers that one of their friends has the ability to enter people’s dreams. But when they start to learn how to manipulate the dream world, they uncover a darker force that could alter reality itself.
76. The Mirror of Lies (Inspired by Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell) – Two teenagers from completely different backgrounds form an unexpected bond over shared experiences with bullying and identity. As they navigate their difficult relationship, they start questioning if the way they see each other is the truth, or just a reflection of their insecurities.
77. The Silent Song (Inspired by If I Stay by Gayle Forman) – After a tragic accident, a teenager must choose between staying in a life they no longer recognize or letting go. As they hover between life and death, they are forced to reconcile their past choices and the ones still to come.
78. The Hidden Truth (Inspired by Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher) – A teenager receives a mysterious box of tapes that unravel the events leading to a friend’s tragic death. As they listen, they realize that their own actions might have been part of the cause—and must decide how to make things right.
79. The Space Between Worlds (Inspired by The Space Between Us by Jessica Martinez) – A teenager, trapped in the rules of their society, discovers a world where everything seems possible. When they fall in love with someone from this other world, they must choose between the future they’ve always known and the unknown potential of another life.
80. The Final Note (Inspired by A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle) – A teenager discovers they’re the key to unlocking a mysterious cosmic rift that threatens to tear apart their reality. With the help of three strange visitors, they must embark on a journey across worlds to restore balance—if they can overcome their own doubts and fears.
81. The Forgotten Journal (Inspired by The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas) – A teenager finds a journal belonging to someone who experienced the same struggles with race and identity in their community. As they read the journal, they are forced to confront their own beliefs and take action to change their life and the world around them.
82. The Unwritten Letter (Inspired by To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han) – A teenager’s secret love letters to their crushes are accidentally mailed, causing a whirlwind of emotions and misunderstandings. As they try to navigate the fallout, they must come to terms with the things they’ve never said and the consequences of putting their heart on the line.
83. The Last Dance (Inspired by Sixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan) – A teenager at a prestigious prep school must choose between attending the annual school dance with a potential new crush or taking a stand for something that’s been hidden in the school’s history for years.
84. The Rebel’s Song (Inspired by The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi) – A group of teens with diverse talents must come together to solve an ancient puzzle that has the potential to change the fate of the world. As they battle both external forces and internal conflict, they begin to question what loyalty truly means.
85. The Truth Beneath the Surface (Inspired by We Were Liars by E. Lockhart) – A teenager with a fractured memory returns to the family’s private island, trying to piece together the events of a summer that altered their life. But as they uncover secrets buried by their loved ones, they must decide if they’re ready to face the truth.
86. The Midnight Train (Inspired by Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins) – A teenager takes a last-minute trip to Paris before the end of the school year. On a train, they meet a mysterious traveler who challenges their ideas about love and destiny. By the end of the journey, they must decide if the connection they’ve made is real or just a fleeting moment.
87. The Lost Crown (Inspired by The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot) – A teenager discovers they are heir to a royal family in a far-off kingdom. While struggling to adjust to this new identity, they must navigate political intrigue, family secrets, and their own personal desires about what it means to rule.
88. The Firekeeper’s Legacy (Inspired by Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley) – A teenager discovers they are the descendant of a legendary firekeeper, someone with the ability to communicate with the spirits of their ancestors. As they take on this responsibility, they are confronted by a conspiracy that threatens their entire community.
89. The Wild Hunt (Inspired by Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr) – A teenager finds themselves swept into a world of fairies, curses, and hidden magic when they discover that their bloodline has been chosen to fight in the Wild Hunt. As they struggle to balance their human life with their newfound responsibilities, they must confront what it means to belong.
90. The Color of Music (Inspired by The Fault in Our Stars by John Green) – Two teens who bond over a love of music and poetry begin to fall for each other. But as their health deteriorates and secrets are revealed, they must decide if love is worth the pain and heartache it may bring.
91. The Shadow of Her Past (Inspired by Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver) – A teenager wakes up to relive the same day over and over, each time with a chance to change the tragic events that led to their friend’s death. But as they learn more about the choices they made, they realize their own past holds dark secrets that could unravel everything.
92. The Last Summer on Earth (Inspired by The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey) – After an alien invasion devastates Earth, a group of survivors must work together to navigate a world where humanity is no longer the dominant species. As they uncover the aliens’ true plans, they must decide whether to fight for a future or to let the past die.
93. The Secret Society of the Forgotten (Inspired by A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas) – A teenager stumbles upon a secret society that exists outside of time, dedicated to guarding the world’s forgotten myths and legends. When they’re thrust into an ancient war between magical creatures, they must learn to harness a power they never knew they had.
94. The Light in the Dark (Inspired by One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus) – After a school-wide scandal involving a deadly game of truth or dare, five students are left to uncover the truth behind their classmate’s murder. With everyone hiding their own secrets, they must work together to reveal the identity of the killer before they become the next target.
95. The Moon’s Betrayal (Inspired by Cinder by Marissa Meyer) – A teenager discovers they are the heir to a long-forgotten lunar dynasty, hidden away on a space station for their safety. Now, as tensions between Earth and the Moon reach their peak, they must decide whether to reclaim the throne or to escape the deadly politics of the galaxy forever.
96. The House That Remembers (Inspired by Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt) – A teenager stumbles upon a mysterious house in the woods, where every room holds memories of a different life. Each time they enter, they experience someone else’s past—joy, sorrow, regret. But as they begin to change the memories, they realize that tampering with the past could rewrite their future.
97. The Ocean’s Call (Inspired by The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig) – A teenager inherits a map that allows them to travel across time and oceans, visiting different eras and alternate realities. But with each journey, they risk altering history and losing themselves in the process. When the map goes missing, they must navigate a dangerous web of lies and betrayal to get it back.
98. The Weaver’s Curse (Inspired by The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo) – A teenager discovers they have the ability to manipulate the fabric of reality itself, weaving time, space, and fate. As they struggle to control their powers, a dark force arises to stop them, threatening to unravel everything they know and love.
99. The Song of the Fallen Stars (Inspired by Skyward by Brandon Sanderson) – A teenager living on a distant planet learns that they are the last descendant of a royal line, with the power to awaken an ancient weapon. But the weapon is not a tool of destruction—it’s the key to saving their world from an impending invasion. They must decide whether they’re ready to face the stars themselves.
100. The Truth Beneath the Mask (Inspired by The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer) – A teenager discovers a society where everyone wears a mask that hides their true identity, bound by ancient rituals. As they try to unmask the truth, they uncover a deadly conspiracy that threatens the balance between the two worlds. With their own identity at risk, they must decide whether to expose the truth or protect their world from collapse.

Your Coming-of-Age Adventure Begins: Unleash Your Young Adult Writing Potential Today

You’ve now explored our thoughtfully curated collection of the 100 Greatest Young Adult Writing Prompts of All Time. These prompts, inspired by the transformative stories that have shaped generations of readers, are more than simple writing exercises; they are doorways to emotional journeys waiting to be experienced, characters yearning to find their voices, and conflicts that mirror the complex realities of adolescence. Whether you’re struggling with writer’s block, looking to deepen your young adult character development, or ready to craft a story that speaks truth to the teenage experience, this collection is your roadmap through the wilderness of growing up.

Remember, the true power of young adult fiction lies not just in high school settings or teenage protagonists, but in authentically capturing those pivotal moments when identity forms, boundaries are tested, and the world reveals itself in all its complicated glory. These prompts are designed to challenge you, to inspire you, and to empower you to create narratives that resonate with readers navigating their own transitions between childhood and adulthood. They invite you to remember “what it felt like” and translate that emotional truth into stories that validate, enlighten, and entertain.

Don’t let these young adult writing prompts remain just ideas on a page. Choose one that speaks to you and begin your journey into the heart of what makes YA fiction so powerful. Experiment with different sub-genres—from contemporary realism to fantasy, from dystopian adventures to heartfelt romances. Share your stories, refine your voice, and most importantly, embrace the process of bringing authentic teenage experiences to life through your words.

The most impactful young adult literature has always served as both mirror and window—reflecting readers’ lived experiences while offering glimpses into different perspectives. Your story may be the one that helps a teenager feel seen for the first time or builds bridges of understanding between generations. 

Your next young adult masterpiece isn’t locked behind the gates of adulthood or childhood—it exists in that beautifully messy in-between. The story that only you can tell awaits. Start writing today!