Nine teen novels selected by Kirkus Reviews

On the Kirkus Reviews web-site there is a list of nine teen novels that are touted as being good despite being popular (which stance I am not sure that I understand). It interests me because I have read none of them despite working in a library with a large YA section. Does anyone have any comments on the merits of these books?

Here is the link: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/lists/9-teen-novels-good-they-are-popular/

The books are:
Legend by Marie Lu
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Uglies by Scott Westerfield
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Matched by Ally Condie
Divergent by Veronica Roth
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima

I'll read anything by Scott Westerfeld. His books are filled with the important questions of existence and challenges to culture.
His vampire book, Peeps is quite the opposite of the typical glamorous vampire novel. So Yesterday investigates current materialist culture. Midnighters deals with right action and sacrifice. The Uglies series deals with questions of body image, along with lots of other social questions.
Kids should be reading and discussing these books.

I wasn't impressed at all with Divergent. It seems a Hunger Games knock-off, with very little world building and cardboard-y characters.

I did like Divergent, but I was disappointed by the sequels. I liked Graceling (and sequels), too.

I have heard of Matched, City of bones and The demon king, but I haven't read them.

Thank you. It sounds like I should try Uglies and Graceling.

Of the ones I've read, I liked Matched the least.