Top 10 Boys of YA
While I was thinking about what my Top 10 list might be, I looked back through our archives and noticed we've talked about heroines who kick ass and couples with sizzling chemistry. Not too long ago, I did a survey--mostly of YA bloggers and other authors--to find out who the favorite guys of YA are. So--with apologies to those of you who might not be interested in guys--I present the Top 10 Boys of YA:
10. Dave the Laugh (Georgia Nicolson series by Louise Rennison)
Even after nine books, it's still anyone's guess who Georgia will end up with. She's done some crazy things to catch the attention of Robbie the Sex God. And remember when she thought she'd just meet up with Masimo the Italian Luuuuurve God in Hamburger-a-go-go Land? But with Dave the Laugh she really doesn't have to try very hard at all. She can talk to him and he makes her (as the name implies) laugh. While hot guys are never a bad thing, a guy who can make you laugh is a keeper.
9. Seth Morgan (Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr)
I have to admit, Seth doesn't make my heart race, but I can see why he's popular with the ladies. He's a rock and refuge for Aislinn. He's strong. Tough. Sweet. Plus, he's heavily pierced, which distinguishes him from other romantic leads.
8. Gale Hawthorn and Peeta Mellark (The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins)
Let's leave the Team Peeta vs. Team Gale debate at the door, shall we? Each of them has his strengths and weaknesses and I think we can all agree we're dying to find out which one Katniss will choose in book three. Along with, of course, whether or not she will defeat the Capitol.
7. Jonah Griggs (Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta)
A couple of Jonah fans suggested him as a top boy of YA. Having never read the book, I took the suggesions at face value. Then I read Jellicoe Road and fell totally, completely, absolutely head over heels for Jonah. He's big, tough, handsome, serious, and capable of beating the hell out of someone, if necessary. When he's bad, he's very very good. But when he's good, he's perfect.
6. Nick Ryves (The Demon's Lexicon series by Sarah Rees Brennan)
He's tall, dark, handsome, and deadly with a sword? What's not to love? What makes him an unorthodox choice comes at the end when we find out he's... well, if you've read the book, you know, don't you? Otherwise, no spoilers here. Find out for yourself.
5. Owen Armstrong, Wes Baker, Nate Cross, Dexter Jones, and Eli Stock (Sarah Dessen's books)
It's impossible to choose just one. Why? Because by choosing Wes, you risk alienating that friend of yours who loves Dexter. Or choose Eli and Owen devotees will be calling for blood. I even put them in alphabetical order so I can't be accused of playing favorites. The one thing on which we can all agree, however, is that Sarah Dessen writes the perfect romantic interest. (Oh, and in case you're wondering, ELI.)
4. Christopher Maloney (Airheads series by Meg Cabot)
As best friend to the main character, Emerson, Christopher is top notch. He's smart and he goes unapologetically against the grain. And as a potential love interest, he's just as good--tall, blonde, and superhot.
3. Spencer Martin (Suite Scarlett series by Maureen Johnson)
Spencer is another unorthodox choice because he's not the romantic lead, but the older brother of the book's title character. But he's cute, loves his family, and gets up to all sorts of crazy hijinx that are laugh-out-loud funny. The bloggers fight over him, so clearly he's got what it takes to make the list.
2. Edward Cullen (Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer)
Love him or hate him, there's no denying that Edward leaves an impression. He's got a veritable army of female fans who, for reasons inexplicable to me, adore him, thereby earning him a spot.
1. Gilbert Blythe (Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery)
I hereby confess: I haven't read the series past the first book, so I can't speak with any authority on Gilbert's excellence as a boy of YA. However, Tenner Karen Healey (not to mention a whole boatload of her friends) say so. Who am I to disagree? Gilbert, welcome to the list.
I suspect by the end of 2010 this list will be obsolete, with characters pushed aside to make room for our boys of YA. Until then, though, who would make YOUR list?