Think "Young Adult" (YA) and the mind instantly conjures up images of vampires and blood-sucking leeches. While that's not entirely true, it's not completely incorrect either. YA novels do have a bizarre yet imaginative storytelling style, whether utopian or dystopian, but that's only one angle in this genre (albeit a very popular one). There are tons of stories out there which have no vampires and zero teen drama. Say hello to the very compelling world of non-fiction YA books! Real-life conversations, real-life stories and real-life issues, these books don't require fantasy to reel you in.

If you love reading non-fiction and you'd like to try a new genre, here are five YA-NF books that need to be on your bookshelf this summer.

1. I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

One of the most incredible and inspiring stories of recent times, I Am Malala gives you the perfect insight into the life of one of the youngest crusaders for women's right to education. This book is a must read for every girl who thinks she CAN'T.

2. Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi

Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi's memoir told in a graphic, novel form. It focuses on her childhood in Iran during the Islamic revolution. The book is a complete eye-opener, which takes you right into the heart of war and how it affects ordinary life.

3. Rapture Practice by Aaron Hartzler

Rapture Practice is the story of Aaron Hartzler and his struggles while growing up in a religious family and finding his own identity of being gay. The book narrates the journey of a young Aaron, who is excited about the idea of every day being his last day on earth, to becoming a teenager who wants to do things differently.

4. Becoming Maria by Sonia Manzano

Famous for her role as Maria in Sesame Street, Sonia Manzano's Becoming Maria is the story of Sonia growing up with an alcoholic father and eventually, becoming a leader for all women. #RESPECT!

5. Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way) by Sue Macy



Who would have thought that a simple bicycle would turn out to be such an important icon of women empowerment? Wheels of Change is meant for teenagers, but is a delightful read that documents the history of women's rights with the humble bicycle as the hero. It talks about how a bicycle gave women the mobility to move out of their comfort zones to conquer the world.