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30 Best Books With A Yellow Cover: YA, Romance, Sci-Fi + More!

Last Updated on November 30, 2023 by Louisa

Books with yellow covers stand out. They exude a vibrant aura and catch the eye in a sea of books.

A yellow-covered book can brighten up even the dreariest of bookshelves, and evoke feelings of happiness, youthfulness, and warmth.

Hence, having a book with a yellow cover on your shelf not only adds character to your collection, but it’s a sure way to brighten up your living space and mood.

For all you avid readers who need a little color on your bookshelf, but you want a book that’s equally enjoyable to read, then these are the best books with a yellow cover.

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Acclaimed Books with A Yellow Cover

Let’s begin our list with the best highly acclaimed books with yellow covers. These are some of the world’s best sellers and award-winning authors.

1. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – J.K. Rowling


After the success of the Harry Potter series, fans wanted to know what happened to Harry in the future. Well, their prayers were answered in the form of a play.

The play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child follow Harry’s children, as they go back in time to fix the events of the Harry Potter series and save Cedric Diggory from dying.

Only, their efforts are in vain, and they soon learn that messing with time is not always a good idea.

On top of that, it’s not just Harry, Ron, and Hermione who have had children. They also meet the offspring of one of the meanest, most cunning dark wizards in the series…


2. Swing Time – Zadie Smith


Swing Time follows two girls of color who dream of becoming dancers. Tracey is talented but her best friend (the narrator) has different ideas about rhythm, how to move black bodies and move to black music.

Their close childhood friendship is complicated by their cultures, and in their early twenties, the two girls go their separate ways.

Tracey ends up dancing in the chorus line while her friend leaves to become the assistant to a famous singer, Aimee, living a life of luxury.

When Aimee becomes interested in philanthropy, Aimee and her assistant end up in West Africa, where women dance like Tracey. Eventually, they return to London where they are reconnected with Tracey.

The story captures the history and culture of West Africa and how it intertwines with modern-day London.


3. Big Law – Ron Liebman


Carney Blake is a young lawyer in one of New York’s prestigious law firms who represents high-profile clients, sometimes even defending the biggest corporate bad guys.

Along side this, his father resents his success and his brother is hell bent on self-destruction. 
 
When he’s asked to be the chairman to represent the Plaintiffs —not the usual bad guys—he accepts. It’s a major case with a billion dollar payout, a huge deal for Carney.
 
But as he digs deeper into their case, he finds corruption and schemes that lead back to the law firm. Now Carney has a moral crisis, does he continue to represent the Plaintiffs for the money or tell the truth?

The author Ron Liebman, is a former lawyer turned author. Big Law is gripping, fast-paced and full of plot twists.


4. The Measure – Nikki Erlick


Imagine a world where you wake up to a box on your front door, containing only a number – the number of years you will live.

That’s what happened to eight ordinary people, from suburban houses to tents in the desert, each person received the same box, just a different number.

Who gave them the box? What does it mean and is it true what they say?

But more than that, it begs the ultimate question; do you want to know how long you have left to live?

The Measure follows an unforgettable trope of characters who make different decisions about what to do with their information. As they make new choices, their lives interweave.

If you loved books like The Midnight Library or books like The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, then you’ll love The Measure.


5. Beach Read – Emily Henry


Beach Read follows romance novelists who have given up on love and hit writer’s block.

Augustus Everett and January Andrews are both acclaimed authors, but with different styles. She writes bestselling romance and he kills off all the characters.

For three months, the two writers must live in neighboring beach houses to find a muse for their next book.

To help them out of their creative ruts, they form a deal: Augustus will write about something happy, and January will create a Great American Novel.

She takes him on field trips to inspire his rom-com story and he takes her to interview surviving members of a cult.

The plan was to finish the books. Not, fall in love.


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Non-Fiction Books with A Yellow Cover

If non-fiction is more your vibe, don’t worry. These are the best non-fiction books with yellow covers.

6. The Wrong Way Home – Peter Moore


The Wrong Way Home is a hilarious travelogue about when Peter Moore tackled the Sixties hippie trail. A journey from the UK to Australia without the use of planes.

Using buses, trains, hitchhiking, and walking, Peter Moore recounts the incredible journey, as well as introduces all the lovable characters he meets along the way.

If you love reading about off-the-beaten-track adventures and books about travel and self discovery, then you’re going to love this memoir.


7. The Happiness Industry: How the Government and Big Business Sold Us Well-Being – William Davies


In 2014, the world leaders gathered in Davos to hear a Tibetan monk lecture about Happiness. Since then, the DSM-5 was introduced – a manual detailing all diagnosable mental illnesses from shyness to grief.

There’s no denying that Happiness is widely talked about in the 21st century.
 
Political economist William Davies has detailed how the philosophy of happiness has dominated political debates.

He discusses how business strategies use “happiness” to motivate employees and how it is used to increase the level of surveillance on every part of our lives.

The Happiness Industry offers insight into the marketization of modern life and how the science of happiness is not science but part of hyper-capitalism.


8. A Short History of Nuclear Folly – Rudolph Herzog


This is a dark and sardonic history of near misses and atomic blunders throughout history.

Rudolph Herzog is best known for his book, Dead Funny, but his novel A Short History of Nuclear Folly is perhaps one of his most important books by Herzog.

It details the devastating and irresponsible use of nuclear technology throughout history.

From the nightmare of “Broken Arrows” where 40 nuclear weapons were lost during the Cold War, to “Operation Plowshare” where a proposal for the Panama Canal should be constructed using 300 H-Bombs.

Herzog’s historical account brings the most long-forgotten nuclear projects that could have led to complete disaster, back to light.

Though this is non-fiction, it is written like fiction, so it’s as enjoyable to read as it is enlightening.


9. We Are Never Meeting in Real Life – Samantha Irby


We Are Never Meeting in Real Life is a comical true memoir of Samantha Irby who is undergoing a disastrous pilgrimage to Nashville to spread her father’s ashes.

Along the way, she discusses how her difficult childhood has impacted her adult life, especially when it comes to making budgets.

She shares her awkward intimate encounters along the road and shares advice on how to navigate friendships with friends who used to party with you but are now suburban moms.

It’s half joking about the ghosts of her and half capturing the emotional truths of her life today.


10. Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art – James Nestor


Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art is a scientific novel that teaches the importance of breathing and how to breathe propery.

Every day, we breathe in and out twenty-five thousand times. But according to James Nestor, humans have lost the ability to breathe correctly.

To figure out why, James Nestor travels the world to understand where humans stopped breathing correctly and figure out how to fix it.

The answers come from muddy ancient burial sites, New Jersey choir schools, secret Soviet facilities, and the streets of São Paulo.

He uncovers the hidden science behind breathing practices that date back thousands of years, such as Pranayama, Sudarshan Kriya, and Tummo.

The way we breathe can impact athletic performance; rejuvenate organs; help with snoring and asthma problems, and also autoimmune diseases.

Based on thousands of years of research, Breath will make sure you never breathe incorrectly again.


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Young Adult Books with A Yellow Cover

Looking for a young adult book with a yellow cover? Then you’re going to love these YA novels!

11. The Girl with All The Gifts M.R. Carey


Melanie is special, in fact, she’s a genius. But she’s contained. She lives in a facility, where every morning she wakes up in her cell and is taken to class by the Sergeant who keeps his gun pointed at her.

Meanwhile, she’s strapped into a wheelchair. She jokes that she won’t hurt them but they never laugh. There’s something about Melanie, the girl with all the gifts.

This is the story of how one girl’s act of kindness and love can save humanity, or wipe it out, leaving civilization in ruins.


12. Pretty Little Liars – Sara Shepard


Pretty Little Liars is the first of four books in the New York Times bestselling series of the same name by Sara Shepard.

The story revolves around four stunning girls with ugly secrets, in high society in Rosewood, Pennsylvania.

Only one person knows all their secrets and is threatening to reveal all.

This is the book that inspired the ABC Family TV show Pretty Little Liars.

View it on:


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13. This Woven Kingdom – Tahereh Mafi


Alizeh’s lineage as the heir to the jinn realm has been lost to the passage of time. She is now an easily forgotten servant who goes to great measures to maintain her anonymity.

Meanwhile, crown prince Kamran is hearing whispers of a prophecy foretelling the king’s death.

What he does not foresee is that the unforgettable servant girl with unusual eyes would be the one to topple her kingdom. What happens next is anyone’s guess, but it will undoubtedly transform their entire world.

This Woven Kingdom is a story of clashing empires, forbidden romance, and a long-forgotten queen destined to save her people inspired by Persian mythology.


14. Nick and Charlie: A Solitaire Novella – Alice Oseman


Nick and Charlie is a short novella based on Alice Oseman’s debut novel Solitaire.

Charlie and Nick have been dating for two years and their relationship is kinda boring. Everyone thinks they’re the perfect couple, and inseparable.

But Nick is leaving for university, and Charlie is left behind. Will they stay together or is the time to say goodbye nearing closer?

This is the heartbreakingly warm story of two young first lovers trying to make it work long distance.

Written by the author of the Bookseller’s Young Adult Book Prize in 2021 for her novel, Loveless.


15. The Past and Other Things That Should Stay Buried – Shaun David Hutchinson


This is a heartfelt story about two teenagers who are given extra time to fix unfinished business after one of them suddenly dies.

Dino’s parents own a funeral home so he’s used to being around death. When Dino’s ex-best friend July suddenly passes away, only to come back to life, he’s a little surprised, to say the least. Only she’s not quite back to life, not quite dead either.

While Dino and July start to understand what is happening, they also confront why their friendship broke down in the first place. They then embark on a journey of understanding and letting go.

It’s a beautiful tale that covers themes of love and loss and touches on what it means to love someone through their faults.


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Romance Books with A Yellow Cover

If you love a good romance book, you’ll be pleased to know that not all romance books come in red. These are the best romance books with yellow covers…

16. Conversations with Friends – Sally Rooney


Frances is a strong and observant woman who is studying in Dublin whilst pursuing a writing career.

Her best friend, Bobbi, is beautiful and self-obsessed. One night at a poetry reading, they meet well-known photographer, who brings the girls into her world of sophistication.

Frances is impressed by her home, and more so, by her handsome husband, Nick. When Frances and Nick start a strange, flirtatious relationship, it forms into something more…intimate.


17. Frankly In Love – David Yoon


Frankly In Love is a fake dating romance novel about a Korean man who falls in love with a white girl.

Frank Li, Sung-Min Li, is of Korean descent but has lived his whole life in Southern California. His parents pressure him to settle with a nice Korean girl, but his heart has chosen Brit Means – a girl as geeky as him, and who’s white.

His parents have sacrificed everything so he can grow up in America and their traditions are important to them.

So, to be with Brit without his parents knowing, Frank enters a fake relationship with a family friend, Joy Song, who has a similar problem.

But the fake relationship may not be the solution after all, and when life throws a curve ball, he questions everything.


18. The Summer of Everything – Julian Winters


Wes Hudson is a comic book geek who is good at slacking off and failing at adulthood. He also has a secret crush on his best friend, Nico.

No advice from anyone is helping him handle his secret crush, and to make matters worse, his dream job is threatened after a coffee shop franchise offers to buy the indie bookshop where he works.

His family keeps badgering him about college. There are too many problems at once. And Wes is slowly learning that adulthood is tough.


19. The Unhoneymooners – Christina Lauren


Olive Torres is attending her twin sister’s wedding, and while she puts on a brave face, she has to deal with the annoying best man – Ethan Thomas.

The entire wedding party is struck by food poisoning, leaving no one to take the honeymoon.

Ethan jumps at the chance, but Olive won’t let her nemesis have all the fun in Maui on his own.

Despite their clashing personalities, they find that pretending to be newlyweds isn’t as hard as they expected; perhaps it even starts to feel… too comfortable?

The Unhoneymooners is a light-hearted rom com following two unlikely individuals as their pretend relationship blossoms into something more real than either of them anticipated.

As they get closer and closer, will they both realize what they truly feel?


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20. The Bride Test – Helen Hoang


Khai Diep struggles to comprehend major emotions like grief and love, and he thinks there’s something wrong with him. But his family understands him better, they say his autism makes him process emotions differently.

When Khai decides to actively avoid relationships, his mother decides to return to Vietnam to find him a bride.

Esme Tran lives in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, and when the opportunity to move to America to meet a potential husband arises, she jumps at the chance.

Seducing Khai is not easy. Esme falls for Khai but he’s convinced he could never return her feelings.

But when Esme’s time in America starts to come to an end, Khai is forced to confront his feelings and learn a valuable lesson on what it means to love.


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Fantasy/Sci-Fi Books with A Yellow Cover

Looking for a story from another world? Then you’ll love these fantasy and sci-fi novels with yellow covers!

21. Recursion – Blake Crouch


After an epidemic breaks out and spreads across the lands, the disease makes its victims go mad as they recount memories they never had.

But the disease is no pathogen and they can’t figure out how it’s spreading. It’s not only the minds of the human race on the line but time itself.

A New York City Detective Barry Sutton is close to finding the truth. Working in a remote laboratory with neuroscientist, Helena Smith, the pair could just be holding the answer to the unsolvable question, and have the tool to fight back.


22. Miss Mayhem – Rachel Hawkins


Miss Mayhem is the second novel in the Rebel Belle series by Rachel Hawkins.

Harper Price’s life is starting to get back to normal after the Ephors disappeared after the deadly attack some months ago. But now her best friend, Bee, has returned after going missing months ago.

But as Harper settles back to normality, her supernatural life catches up with her. The Ephors have returned and are plotting to train David, her former enemy and now boyfriend. But in order for them to do that, Harper must join him.


23. It Devours – Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor


From the creators of the #1 international podcast, It Devours, comes a novel of mystery and the intersections of faith and science.

The story follows Nilanjana Sikdar, an outsider to the small town, Night Vale. She’s working for the town’s top scientist, Carlos, who gives her the assignment to investigate a mysterious rumbling noise in the desert.

the growing relationship between two young people who want desperately to trust each other, and the terrifying, toothy power of the Smiling God.

Her investigation leads to the discovery of the Joyous Congregation of the Smiling God, a religious cult. Here she meets Darryl, a committed member.

Her interactions with the Congregation forces her to confront her spiritual beliefs and her beliefs in science. Meanwhile, she finds herself becoming more attracted to Darryl.

However, she suspects the Congregation may be planning something that could threaten the lives of the people living in the town.

Nilanjana and Darryl must find common ground in order to save the town.

She must undergo an ancient ritual that could either break her or make her stronger.


24. The Cage – Megan Shepherd


Cage is the first book in a trilogy by the same name, written by Megan Shepherd. It’s a story about teenagers who are held captive in a human zoo by an alien race.

Cora Mason wakes up in a desert, not knowing why she’s there or who put her there. Soon, she finds an impossible selection of environments, from tundra to desert to a farm to jungle.

Each environment is a strangely empty place, all watched by eerie black windows.

She’s not alone. Four other teenagers have also been taken. One, a beautiful model, another a tattooed smuggler, there’s the sensitive genius and the military boy who gets on everyone’s nerves.

All of them are unsure how they got there. But as they struggle over leadership, they realize they need to trust each other, despite them all keeping secrets.

When they finally meet their capture, they learn their captivity is more frightening than they had imagined…


25. Kingdom of Ash – Sarah J. Maas


The seventh and final novel in the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, Kingdom of Ash is the highly-anticipated, gripping and unforgettable conclusion to the series.

Aelin Galathynius was once a slave to a king’s assassin and is now the queen of a once-great kingdom. Once again, Aeilin must risk everything to save her people but at a terrible cost.

Locked up by the Queen of the Fae in an iron coffin, Aelin must utilize her fiery Maeve or undergo months of endless torture. There’s a possibility Maeve will doom those she loves, but she’s out of options…

Aedion and Lysandra are the last line of defense, and the many allies they have may not be enough to save them.

Everyone is preparing for war, the odds are against them, will they prevail or will they crumble?


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Children’s Books with A Yellow Cover

Finally, here’s something for the little ones. Here are the best children’s books with yellow covers!

26. Curious George – Margret Rey and H. A. Rey


Curious George is a monkey who lives with his human family. George has a talent for causing mischief and getting into trouble.

There have been several works of Curious George novels throughout the decades, but now there is one book with seven of the original stories printed in a gorgeous book with a yellow cover.

The stories included are; Curious George, Curious George Rides a Bike, Curious George Takes a Job, Curious George Gets a Medal, Curious George Learns the Alphabet, Curious George Flies a Kite, and Curious George Goes to the Hospital.


27. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl


One of the most famous and widely loved Roald Dahl novel is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. If you’re looking for a copy with a yellow cover, then you’ll want to set your eyes on the Puffin Modern Classics.

The story follows a young boy named Charlie, whose family struggles to make ends meet.

When Willy Wonka announces that five children can win a tour of his chocolate factory by finding a golden ticket in a Wonka Bar, it has been all Charlie has been able to think about it.

After Charlie wins a golden ticket to see the factory, he and his fellow contestants learn this is no ordinary factory, but one full of adventure, magic, and oompa loompas.


28. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom – Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault


If your child is ready to start learning their ABCs, then Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is the best resource out there!

The story follows the letters of the alphabet as they race each other up a coconut tree. Through rhythm and rhyme, children can learn the letter names and sounds of the alphabet in a fun and engaging way.

This is not just an educational resource, but a cherished book with a yellow cover on any childs bookshelf.


29. One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish – Dr Seuss and Theodor Seuss Geisel


This educational novel by Dr Seuss is designed to help children with counting.

As readers explore the zany world through this iconic picture book, they learn to count through silly rhymes and song.

They also learn opposites and colors by the bumpy Wump, singing Ying, and winking Yink.

The colorful characters are both funny and memorable, the perfect way to encourage your child in their educational journey.


30. Mr Stink – David Walliams


Another favorite by children’s author David Walliams is Mr Stink. This exciting book with a yellow cover features illustrations by Quentin Blake, the famous illustrator behind the Roald Dahl novels.

Mr Stink was the smelly local tramp. But Chloe decides to make friends with him. When it looks Mr Stink is about to get run out of town, she hides him in the garden shed.

Chloe must now make sure nobody finds him and uncovers her secret. And if that wasn’t secret enough, it turns out there’s more to Mr Stink than you might expect.

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Books with a yellow cover

Final Word on Best Books With A Yellow Cover

So there you have it, 30 of my favorite books with a yellow cover! I hope that you found something on this list that is not only enjoyable to read, but looks great on your book shelf.

Did I miss anything from my list? Let me know in the comments!

Headshot of Louisa

About Louisa Smith

Editor/Founder - Epic Book Society

Louisa is the Founder, Editor, and Head Honcho of Epic Book Society. She was born and raised in the United Kingdom and graduated from the University for the Creative Arts with a degree in Journalism. Louisa began her writing career at the age of 7 when her poetry was published in an anthology of poems to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. Upon graduating university, she spent several years working as a journalist writing about books before transitioning to become a Primary School Teacher. Louisa loves all genres of books, but her favorites are Sci-Fi, Romance, Fantasy, and Young Adult Fiction. Read more Louisa's story here.

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