It’s my dad’s birthday today (happy birthday, Daddy Lipsy!), which got me thinking about my favorite dads or father figures in YA.
I actually tried to do this feature with mums on Mother’s Day but could hardly come up with any! I’m pleased to say I had more success with dads.
Jack Peak – She is Not Invisible
This one is fresh in my mind because I finished the book earlier in the week (review will be up tomorrow). I absolutely love Marcus Sedgwick but I was worried about SINI because it’s such a departure for him. I needn’t have worried of course. Considering Jack isn’t actually in most of the book, due to being missing, he made a big impact. We get to know him through his daughter Laureth who decides to go and find him in New York.
There were so many things that I loved about Jack, but I think my favorite was that always treated his kids like equals, like adults. He never talked down them, or thought they were incapable, and he trusted them and valued their opinions.
He’s also slighty mad. I think all the best dads are!
Mo Folchart – Inkheart
It’s been a long time since I read Inkheart, but I always think of Mo and Meggie’s relationship as one of the the greatest father/daughter relationships in contemporary fiction.
Both characters are grieving over the disappearance of Meggie’s mom but it only seems to make them stronger.
And, in the words of Dianne Tanner: HE COULD READ CHARACTERS OUT OF BOOKS SO THEY ARE ALIVE IN REAL ACTUAL LIFE !!!!! BEST SUPER POWER
He also passed on his love of books to Meggie, even if he won’t read aloud to her anymore…
BUY ME
Shalom Singer – The Selection
Similar to SINI, Shalom doesn’t get a whole lot of page time in The Selection trilogy but through letters and the occasional visit it’s clear that America is the closest to her dad.
He’s the only one who didn’t push her into entering The Selection despite how much it could help their family.
He also turns out to be pretty badass.
BUY ME
Charlie Swan – Twilight
Oh Chief Swan. I had to go there didn’t I.
So yeah, he might be a bit overprotective as far as boyfriends go but who can blame him, his daughter is seeing a vampire with control issues. Compared to Edward he’s like the mellowist guy ever.
He doesn’t lurk, or pry, and he’s always off fishing. Party Time!
He’s also totally hot, right? RIGHT?
BUY ME
Skulduggery Pleasant
This series is full of great father figures, from Stephanie’s actual father, to her late grandfather Gordon who still manages to help her out when she’s in a pickle, and then of course there’s Skulduggery.
I love how Skulduggery and Stephanie’s relationship develops through the series. They’ll literally do anything for each other.
Plus, who wouldn’t want a sarcastic skeleton detective as a father figure!?
He’s also not happy about Stephanie/Valkyrie dating a vampire. Note to self: Dad’s are not a fan of vampire boyfriends.
BUY ME
You’ll Do Too…
Shout-outs also have to go to Luke in The Mortal Instruments (Werewolf Dad), and Jeb in The Host (bad-ass free-thinking Dad).
Who did I miss?
