Andrea Tang
[isbn]
This deliciously compelling magical whodunit reads like a Knives Out film led by an Asian American Nancy Drew. Despite her mother's hopes for law school and her father's wishes for engineering, Tabatha has devoted herself to the art of sorcery, and landed an apprenticeship with the renowned Sorcerer Solomon to boot. But when Solomon is murdered, Tabatha and his youngest son must work together to clear their names by finding the real... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Melinda Salisbury
[isbn]
Salisbury's retelling of the origins of Persephone through her protagonist, Corey, is a gripping tale of grief, betrayal and friendship. Her Dark Wings is an origin story, focusing on Corey becoming Persephone, Queen of the Underworld. How does one go from regular teenager to Queen of the Underworld? It all unravels in this page-turning tale.
Recommended by Veronica A
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Susan Dennard
[isbn]
Winnie Wednesday is back! She's passed the Hunter trials, and the forest is still holding onto its secrets and sending monsters her way. Is there really a Whisperer monster? Why does nobody believe her when she says it's not the werewolf, and what are those Dianas really up to. Get ready for some slow-burn romance, changing friendships, changing family dynamics... and is being a Luminary really all it's cracked up to be? I'm still... (read more)
Recommended by Mecca A.
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Kendare Blake
[isbn]
Behind every great hero is an Aristene. Mythical female warriors who are sent by the Goddess, to guide their heroes to victory and Glory. They are the Heromakers. Reed's trials will resonate the most with the "horse-girls," the ones that want to be immortal, that want their horses to live with them forever, and go into great battles together. This was such a fun, unputdownable fantasy read that will leave you longing for the next installment.
Recommended by Mecca A.
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H. E. Edgmon
[isbn]
PNW author Edgmon follows up his Witch King duology with this series starter about a nonbinary Seminole teen who happens to be a reincarnated god. With the weight of lifetimes on their shoulders, Gem needs to face down their pasts to choose their future. But what futures do you have when the world will only see you as a monster?
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Lex Croucher
[isbn]
Arthur and Gwendoline attempt to live up to their namesakes in this medieval romcom that is, delightfully, not an "enemies-to-lovers" tale, but an "enemies-to-queer-solidarity-that-bucks-tradition-and-arguably-fate" romp. If you thought the only thing A Knight's Tale was missing was a queer love story, or if you did time in the BBC Merlin fandom, this one's for you.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Andrew Joseph White
[isbn]
Andrew Joseph White blew me away with Hell Followed With Us, so I was on board for this one before ever reading the synopsis. Need to know: somehow, AJW has asserted a new corner of queer horror that is retrograde, demented, deeply personal, and in the BioShock wheelhouse. Del Toro but make it YA, trans, and more bloody. This book!
Recommended by Stacy W.
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Tricia Levenseller
[isbn]
This is a fast-paced action-adventure story with a fierce female heroine and a fiery enemies-to-lovers romance. I finished the book in one night and immediately bought the next in the series.
Recommended by Sarah B.
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Edith Pattou
[isbn]
A wonderful folktale retelling inspired by the oft-forgotten fairy tale, "East of the Sun, West of the Moon," infused with wit, romance, and adventure!
Recommended by Grace B
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Jaha Nailah Avery
[isbn]
This preservation of stories over 300 years in the making should be required reading, especially considering in 2023 we have conservative podcasters and talking heads stating that African American history, specifically involving slavery, is "embellished." Avery's mission to herald history as truth — bare, brutal, and beautiful as it is — sees its accomplishment met here, burning bright as the sun.
Recommended by Stacy W.
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Sacha Lamb
[isbn]
Oh, how this book made my heart sing! When the Angels Left the Old Country is so deeply Jewish and queer and full of love; reading it felt like coming home. And if that isn't enough to sell you on this book, how about this: imagine the wit and dynamic of Good Omens mixed with Jewish folktales, a ragtag story of belonging, and a murder mystery all rolled into one. If you let it into your heart, I'm sure it will change yours.
Recommended by Nicole S
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Katie Henry
[isbn]
Fun, funny, engaging, and uplifting. You'll root for Gideon as he tries to solve two mysteries — one a classic, noir-inspired whodunnit and one the mystery of how to be a person in the world.
Recommended by Claire A.
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Ivelisse Housman
[isbn]
Unseelie is the story of Isolde and Iselia who are on the run from the fae when a heist goes awry. Iselia (Seelie) is an Autistic changeling trying to figure out how to control and utilize her magic in order to save herself and her sister. This is the Autistic representation in young adult sci-fi/fantasy we've been waiting for.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Sylvia Plath
[isbn]
This book is one of my favorite works of fiction. However, stating that has earned me more than one concerned glance over the years. The thing about this book is, even sixty years after its publication, it is something that many young girls, and young people in general, still relate to. Truly the most wonderful thing about this novel is its truth and vulnerability, both of which are often the reason people turn away from it. It is meant to be... (read more)
Recommended by Aster A.
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Siri Pettersen, Sian Mackie, Paul Russell Garrett
[isbn]
A refreshing take on Norse-inspired fantasy with no Vikings or Thor sightings to speak of! Instead we have Hirka, a girl without a tail with a secret past that could destroy the magic of her world, and we have Rime, the boy she grew up with who will do anything to protect her. Plus, ravens! Don't let the young adult categorization dissuade you — this is a fantasy that adult readers will enjoy just as much as teens.
Recommended by Carly J.
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Mara Rutherford
[isbn]
Just like the mysterious folk on the island, this book will put a spell on you. The writing is beautiful and atmospheric. Secrets unravel slowly and to surprising ends. The two main characters, Leelo and Jaren, are both so kindhearted, but that doesn't stop them from making devastating mistakes.
Recommended by Carly J.
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Roshani Chokshi
[isbn]
Set in 1800s Paris, treasure hunter Severin enlists a crew to help him steal magical artifacts from a secret society. It's Dan Brown meets Six of Crows with intriguing puzzles, high stakes, and a dynamic and diverse ensemble cast. Chokshi delivers lush prose to craft a world that's both glittering and gritty.
Recommended by Carly J.
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Angeline Boulley
[isbn]
This is a powerful story about an eighteen-year-old biracial Native American woman who confronts deep pain and corruption in her community, navigating her own sense of self and what it means to belong to a history, a lineage, to your people, and yourself. I couldn't put it down.
Recommended by Claire A.
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Jessica Goodman
[isbn]
Camp Alpine Lake is a pristine New England summer camp where kids come from all across the country to spend the best months of the year. It is idyllic, perfect, and safe — until the dead body of a local boy is found in the camp's lake and Goldie Easton becomes suspicious of the police's "accidental death" call. Jessica Goodman does an excellent job at crafting engrossing characters and emotional twists and turns.
Recommended by Sarah B.
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Mackenzi Lee
[isbn]
I am a huge fan of Bucky Barnes, and I absolutely love that Mackenzi Lee drew from his comic origins as a teen sidekick. The book flashes back and forth between young Bucky just coming into his role as a covert operative, and his later life as the Winter Soldier. It's a nailbiter of an adventure with a side of heart... and heartbreak.
Recommended by Lesley A.
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Rivers Solomon
[isbn]
An Unkindness of Ghosts is a beautiful and visceral story about Aster, a neurodivergent queer person aboard the low decks of the HSS Matilda. She and the other residents of the ship fly towards the supposed Promised Land. While this novel is hard sci-fi among the stars, it is also an analysis of racism, classism, and ableism. Aster is definitely one of my favorite neurodivergent characters.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Alexandra Christo
[isbn]
It's The Little Mermaid with a twist... They both want to kill each other!
Recommended by Taylor W.
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Chelsea Sedoti
[isbn]
The truth can look different through five different sets of eyes. Five high schoolers go camping in the woods; four come back. Each one of the survivors tells the police their version of the truth. But which truth is what really happened? Remember, just because someone's an unreliable narrator, doesn't mean they're lying.
Recommended by Lindsay P
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Angeline Boulley
[isbn]
A companion novel set in the same world as Firekeeper’s Daughter is a reason to celebrate! Ten years after the events of the first book, we meet Daunis’s niece, Perry Firekeeper-Birch. Perry’s summer takes an unexpected turn when she accepts an internship at the tribal museum and soon realizes that she wants to help recover her tribe’s stolen history. With the help of her friends, she decides to take matters into her own hands. I really... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Margaret Owen
[isbn]
If we had the option for audio-clip blurbs, this one would be me squealing at a pitch only dogs can hear. I immediately fell madly in love with Owen’s 2021 masterpiece Little Thieves, a smart, snarky, thoughtful retelling of “The Goose Girl” fairy tale grounded in female agency. (I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, when the payoff of the literal “Find the Lady” game happened, I lost my mind.) That book stands wonderfully on its... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland
[isbn]
Gratton (Queens of Innis Lear) and Ireland (Dread Nation) combine their considerable skills to craft a fantasy world of warring Houses, prophetic doom, and ancient magic in this fantastic duology opener! If you’re a fan of Leigh Bardugo or Sabaa Tahir and you’re watching House of the Dragon, you’ll want to pick this one up. War Prince Talon Goldhoard is determined to uphold his family’s (House Dragon’s) rule. But when the young woman his... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Sarah Underwood
[isbn]
This YA debut is justifiably being compared to Madeline Miller’s Circe for its focus on undersung women of Greek myth. On a deeper level, like Miller, Underwood’s poetic turn of phrase gives the novel a racing heartbeat that will have you reading as quickly as you can from the first line: “A silent maid braided Leto’s hair into an elaborate crown for her execution.” Underwood has here crafted a new myth, grounded in the tragic tale of... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Joy McCullough
[isbn]
McCullough showed her historical skillset with National Book Award Longlist debut Blood Water Paint, a novel in verse that fiercely told the story of painter and survivor Artemisia Gentileschi. Here, she turns those skills to Shakespeare’s dead heroines (primarily Lavinia, Juliet, Cordelia, and Ophelia, though plenty of others appear as well), who open this combination novel-in-verse/script-style tale, meeting in the liminal space under... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Elise Bryant
[isbn]
I don't know HOW Elise Bryant manages to keep pulling at my heart strings with every new book she releases, but maybe I don't want to know. Maybe I want to continue finding bits of pieces of myself within these multi-dimensional characters who are on their own journeys to figure out who they are becoming. Reggie and Delilah are so adorable, that I audibly squealed while reading this book (#softie). You're going to love this book if you love... (read more)
Recommended by Katherine M.
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Russell Hoban
[isbn]
Two clockwork toy mice, fused at the hands, set out to become "self-winding," finding cruelty and kindness in equal measure. Poignant, darkly funny, and not just for kids.
Recommended by Miranda T.
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Kara Thomas
[isbn]
Instead of going to sleep, I stayed up all night and finished this book in one sitting. Kara Thomas does an excellent job at writing female protagonists that feel real and relatable. This is the first book I recommend when anyone is looking for something new to read and it's perfect for fans of Karen McManus, Holly Jackson, or Courtney Summers.
Recommended by Sarah B.
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Alice Oseman
[isbn]
If you’re into the Heartstopper series (and if you’re not, I strongly recommend that you become so!), you’ll want — you’ll need — this novella about love and doubt and growing up.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Holly Black
[isbn]
So excited to return to Elfhame in the first part of a new duology! Forgotten child queens, too-charming princes, and snow monsters, oh my!
Recommended by Matt K.
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Morgan Parker
[isbn]
This book is so heartening, hilarious, and real. It grapples honestly with the suffocating feeling of not being seen for who you are and with the freedom of becoming yourself through accumulation of little moments of rightness — songs, friends, protests, real conversations, perfect Saturday nights.
Recommended by Claire A.
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Mackenzi Lee
[isbn]
This book is SO much fun — narrated by a lovable, bisexual disaster, it's full of action, adventure, historical intrigue, queer romance, pirates, alchemy, and more. Fast-paced and hard to put down!
Recommended by Claire A.
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Catherine Bakewell
[isbn]
If you can’t tell by the cover, this is a cottagecore, flower-filled read. Clara is the sweetest main character, whose magic is abundant, chaotic, and inextricably a part of her. When her magic turns deadly, her ex-best friend agrees to help her, but only at a cruel price. Reading this feels like being transported into a Studio Ghibli movie. This slow-burn romantic fantasy is one you’ll want to cozy up with to read in one sitting.
Recommended by Charlotte S.
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Robin Mckinley
[isbn]
O Robin Mckinley, light of my life! This book fully ruined reality for me at 15 and I've reread it obsessively in dark times ever since. If only life were as simple as stepping into your magically imbued spiritual inheritance and going head to head with a demon king...
Recommended by SitaraG
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Morgan Matson
[isbn]
Every Morgan Matson book is genuinely funny and layered without being heavy. If you're in the mood for a light, heartwarming read, this is the YA book for you.
Recommended by Sarah B.
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Kendare Blake
[isbn]
I was immediately hooked by the premise of this book — three sisters forced into a competition and a fight to the death for the crown. This book was recommended to me by a friend who reads YA fantasy nonstop and it's one of her favorites and now mine.
Recommended by Sarah B.
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Susan Dennard
[isbn]
Back in 2019, Susan Dennard started a choose your own adventure storyline in her Twitter feed. For months, hundreds of fans logged on daily to "Sooz-Your-Own Adventures" and helped Winnie Wednesday on her way to becoming a hunter, dealing with friendships and family, and trying to get "boops" for Jay Friday. This book is Susan's new take on Hemlock Falls, Winnie's quest to become a hunter and all the monsters that go bump in the forest. I had so... (read more)
Recommended by Mecca A.
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Erin Beaty
[isbn]
A fascinating medieval-vibe story that revolves around an orphaned girl who stumbles upon a murdered body. With a sect of the population worshipping the moon, blood magic, and "Ripper"-styled murders, this was a fun mystery with a touch of romance that kicked me out of my reading slump.
Recommended by Mecca A.
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Tori Bovalino
[isbn]
Disguieting, gothic splendor and a deeply robust reimagining of the classic Goblin Market poem. I adore this book. This is the eerie tale read in creaky corners of an old house on a blustery day with tea brewing. Tori Bovalino's voice and prose far exceed the musings of your typical YA gothic fiction. I don't care how toxic it is I WANT TO GO TO THE GOBLIN MARKET AND PEEP AT GOBLIN MEN.
Recommended by Stacy W.
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Aiden Thomas
[isbn]
Portland author Aiden Thomas (Lost in the Never Woods, Cemetery Boys) is bringing all my favorite YA things in this duology opener: rich mythology, perilous competitive trials, teen drama, witty banter, found family, joyful queerness, and dazzling worldbuilding. Plus, if that wasn’t enough, there are so many fun birds. More YA books should have fun birds.
Recommended by Sarah R.
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Elise Bryant
[isbn]
I have been singing the praises of Happily Ever Afters for months, and I'm still just as excited to share my feelings about this book with you as I was in January. Happily Ever Afters is such a charming and refreshing story, one that I think of often and smile. When Tessa suddenly develops writer's block after transferring to a prestigious arts school, her best friend Caroline comes up with a brilliant idea: turning Tessa's life... (read more)
Recommended by Katherine M.
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Shannon Stocker, Devon Holzwarth
[isbn]
Evelyn Glennie has long been a personal inspiration of mine, and now with this lavishly illustrated book, the younger generation can be introduced to the joy of a life dedicated to music.
Recommended by Fletcher O.
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Emily Lloyd-Jones
[isbn]
Part heist novel, part Welsh fairytale, this magnificent standalone follows the kingdom’s last water diviner, Mer, on a quest for vengeance and freedom from the prince that abused her powers. With a former spymaster, a fae-marked fighter, and a princess of thieves, Mer sets out to destroy a prince — but ends up carrying the fate of a kingdom.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Ann Weil
[isbn]
Lyrical and mysterious, one of my childhood favorites! Michele's peaceful island life is disrupted when three travelers come to Capri in search of the fabled (and potentially cursed) Blue Grotto. Humorous, warm, and thoughtful, you'll want to seek out the grotto yourself by the end of the book.
Recommended by SitaraG
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Naomi Novik
[isbn]
Uprooted by Naomi Novik is one of those stories that you feel has somehow always existed. I mean that as a highest compliment. It captures the essence of a classic fairy-tale: what is really in that tower? and just how dangerous are those woods exactly? Novik has proven time and time again that she’s a fantasy collection must-have with napoleonic dragons, magic schools, fable, and more. Still, Uprooted is where... (read more)
Recommended by Sarah R.
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Sunya Mara
[isbn]
The perfect new book to tide you over until the second season of Shadow and Bone! In this YA fantasy debut, Vesper is desperate to keep her revolutionary father from being executed like her mother was. To save his life, she'll need to catch the eye of a cruel prince — and perhaps even brave the fantastical, deadly Storm.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Andrew Joseph White
[isbn]
Blood, spit, innards, and bone brought to genesis by the religious nightmares of trans youth. An infernal Dies Irae for the gays. Queer horror at its most unholy and blasphemous. I could go on and on. This book is the dormant eruption that lies within every queer soul in existence. Be not afraid to let it burst from thee.
Recommended by Stacy W.
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E Lockhart
[isbn]
I'm usually pretty good at spotting surprise endings, but this one is so well done I'm glad I didn't see it coming. Beautifully written, emotionally powerful, and a scathing exploration of the corrosive effect of privilege.
Recommended by Warren B.
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Isabel Ibanez
[isbn]
Think about the history of bullfighting — then imagine that, but with dragons and magic and a fierce female heroine who believes there's a better way. Add a hint of romance and betrayal, and you've got yourself a fantastic summer read!
Recommended by Beth C
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Sabaa Tahir
[isbn]
A beautifully compelling coming-of-age tale that offers an important glimpse into the immigrant experience. Tahir elegantly explores the complicated nuances of trauma with incredibly honest writing and such richly drawn characters, I felt I knew them personally after finishing.
Recommended by Tawney E.
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Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli and Isabel Roxas
[isbn]
It is super important to me that my children understand consent. I want to keep them safe and help them keep others safe. This book does a wonderful job of using age appropriate language and examples to show how to say 'yes' and 'no.' I really appreciated the part where they highlight that sometimes a 'yes' can later turn into 'no.' And I am so happy they used the proper names for body parts.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Judy I Lin
[isbn]
I promptly fell in love with the dreamy cover of A Magic Steeped in Poison, and the story itself. Ning's strength and determination are perfectly balanced with her vulnerability and grief. Plus, this duology has one of the most unique magic systems I've seen. Luckily for me and many other YA fantasy fans, we won't be waiting years for the sequel, A Venom Dark & Sweet, a miracle! We'll rejoin Ning on her journey and see how her... (read more)
Recommended by Charlotte S.
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Casey McQuiston
[isbn]
Beloved queer romance author McQuiston (Red, White & Royal Blue, One Last Stop) has penned their first YA novel. I can’t recommend it enough! Reminiscent of Green’s Paper Towns with a fem romance twist, Chloe is on the hunt for answers when popular girl Shara kisses her and then vanishes.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Ryan La Sala
[isbn]
Midsommar meets The Heathers in this kaleidoscopic YA horror from queer author Ryan La Sala. Enchanting and noxious all at once, The Honeys is the sticky-sweet summer scare you didn't know you needed. Quite frankly, when it comes to queer YA fiction, Ryan just gets it.
Recommended by Stacy W.
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Mark M Perry
[isbn]
There's a lot of story and depth packed into this small volume, striking an impeccable balance between a character-based coming-of-age story, a multicultural folklore exploration, and a dark fantasy. It also helps that this book is set in the Pacific Northwest, a region I live in and love, and is a perfect location, I'd imagine, for all kinds of fantastic happenings.
Deep within the woods, in a region called the Dark Divide (which is a... (read more)
Recommended by Nicholas Y.
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Krystal Sutherland
[isbn]
House of Hollow is a culmination of every book I wanted to write, and in turn, every book I wanted to read throughout my life, but was never able to find. I have never read a novel quite so original. It contains every strange detail I have wanted a novel to have, from other worlds and creatures to characters and how their relationships develop beautifully throughout, and still manages so many twists I never saw coming. House of... (read more)
Recommended by Aster A.
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Tomi Adeyemi
[isbn]
Adeyemi is an entrancing storyteller whose characters hold as much magic as sweet humanity. In Children of Blood and Bone, fantasy is a portal to considering present realities of police brutality, oppressive regimes, and generational trauma. Amidst it all, Black Girl Magic shines as Adeyemi's protagonist reclaims her voice, her community, her magic, and her self. An unmissable wonder.
Recommended by Alexis B.
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Kelly Quindlen
[isbn]
The queer girl high school sports rom-com of my dreams! After a fender bender, Scottie has to carpool with her nemesis, Irene. At least it’s an opportunity to pretend-date to get back at Tally, her ex. Only, Irene has a lot more depth than Scottie’s ever given her credit for…
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Phil Stamper
[isbn]
This book is a warm hug to queer teens everywhere, and a shoulder to sob on for queer adults who never got one. I wish this adorable story could go down in history like Hinton's The Outsiders, but with state governments and school systems working hard to "not say gay," it doesn't seem likely. Heartbreaking to think that a book so pure in form could be seen as something worth banning. Hold this book tightly.
Recommended by Stacy W.
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Schele Williams, Tonya Engel
[isbn]
I was so excited to share this book with my children. It is beautiful and moving. The author did a great job writing honestly about one of our country's darkest moments in history while keeping it age appropriate. It opened up some great conversations in our family. I can't wait to share it with my friends and their children.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Adib Khorram
[isbn]
New YA from Adib Khorram? Sign me up! New YA from Adib Khorram about boy bands, the pressures of being queer in the public eye, complex and supportive friendships, and existing on your own terms even under a spotlight? Sign me up an extra time somehow! A dazzling and delightful read. Queue up a playlist of your favorite boy band tracks and buckle up, you won’t want to leave this tour bus.
Recommended by Sarah R.
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Tahereh Mafi
[isbn]
A Persian-inspired, Cinderalla-esque tale with sumptuous prose and fiery characters you'll fall hard for! (I adored the witty banter between the Alizeh and Kamran). With all the beautiful clothes and scrumptious food, I didn't want to leave this world.
Recommended by Carly J.
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Sarah J. Maas
[isbn]
I was expecting some spice (four chili peppers) and touch-her-and-you-die trope. I was not expecting the emotional journey this would take me on. This dives into emotional trauma and the importance friendship has on healing. Not to mention these women are BAs who are not afraid to challenge the ideals of others.
Recommended by Mariette E.
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Daniel José Older
[isbn]
The Rick Riordan Presents imprint is a platform for authors of color to craft modern myths based in their own cultures, heritages, and experiences. Ballad and Dagger marks the imprint’s first foray into YA, and Daniel José Older is the perfect author for the job. The Brooklyn diaspora community of the (fictional) sunken island of San Madrigal — once home to Cuban Santeros, Sephardic Jews, and pirates — is vibrant, full of real joy and... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Judy I. Lin
[isbn]
I immediately fell in love with this unforgettably unique debut (first in a duology) from Judy I. Lin. Young teamaker Ning is determined to join the competition to choose the next shénnóng-shi (a master of the magical art of tea) of the Imperial court. Ning cares more about the favor granted to the winner; she’s determined to save her sister, suffering from a poisoned tea that killed their mother. But that poison is part of a larger plot, and... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Genzaburō Yoshino
[isbn]
Buy one copy of this book for yourself and one copy for every child in your life. I would argue that How Do You Live? is perhaps a perfect book. It's wholesome, it's kind, and it thinks critically. It just makes better people. It's wonderful to experience Copper's stories followed by his uncle's philosophical journal entries. You witness the concepts that will ultimately form an undoubtably good person. This book explores so much... (read more)
Recommended by Jun L.
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Akwaeke Emezi
[isbn]
In this standalone prequel to Emezi’s masterful, award-winning Pet, we see the revolution that shaped Jam’s mother, Bitter, and turned the town of Lucille into a supposed utopia. The best speculative fiction holds a mirror to modern society, and Emezi unflinchingly reflects the contemporary struggles of Black Americans, the queer community, and other marginalized groups in their insightful, poetic writing.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Kyrie McCauley
[isbn]
This book grabbed me from the first line of chapter one. My father's mental illness made parts of my upbringing chaotic and I related to a lot in this novel. Powerful and painful. Heartbreaking and haunting. A deep exploration of domestic violence and a beautiful reminder that there is a sunrise waiting for you tomorrow.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Maggie Tokuda Hall and Lisa Sterle
[isbn]
Clever as it is harrowing, Squad is a powerful, feminist thriller with enough bite to contend with adult works in the same genre. Though its tone bears some semblance to teen favorites Riverdale and Mean Girls, make no mistake. Squad is wholly unique and good-for-her horror at its best. Sink your teeth into this one!
Recommended by Stacy W.
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Tricia Levenseller
[isbn]
Ziva sounds like your typical heroine — a talented bladesmith who forges magical weapons — except she also suffers from severe social anxiety. To keep one of her blades out of a ruthless warlord's hands, Ziva flees with the help of her sister, a scholar, and a super sexy mercenary. Both her inner and outer journeys are so compelling — probably because I could relate to her mental turmoil SO MUCH. The characters and representation in this book are... (read more)
Recommended by Carly J.
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Dana Schwartz
[isbn]
The setting: 1800s Edinburgh. The set-up: a lady who dreams of being a surgeon has a chance encounter with a resurrection man just trying to survive. The result? A gothic YA debut that truly has everything: ambition, medicine, murder, romance, science, romance WITH science, and yes, some casual grave digging. Anatomy: A Love Story is clever, thrilling, fun, and gross (in a good way).
Recommended by Sarah R.
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Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin
[isbn]
Jason Reynolds’s poem about living through the tumult of 2020, about the experience of Black America as life was changing in some ways and maddeningly unchanging in others, is made all the more powerful by being in dialogue with Jason Griffin’s breathtaking art.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Vanessa Len
[isbn]
A blockbuster fantasy debut! Joan’s family are monsters: not-quite-humans that can travel through time by stealing minutes and years off the lives of the mundane. Joan doesn’t learn the family secret until the day her family is murdered by a monster hunter prophesied to bring an end to her kind — who just so happens to be the coworker she’s been crushing on all summer. On the run with a monster from a rival family, Joan is quickly entangled in... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Nicki Pau Preto
[isbn]
I actually read this whole trilogy in 2021 and was thoroughly obsessed with it from start to finish. The world-building is top-notch, the characters are so compelling, and I loved every point of view that was introduced (a rarity for me). These books are that perfect blend of heart-pounding action and heartbreaking personal stakes that I need to really fall in love with a story, and this final installment was so satisfying. Secrets, sibling... (read more)
Recommended by Carly J.
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Preston Norton
[isbn]
One of the best, most original, compelling YA reads I’ve ever had the profound luck to pick up. Hope Cassidy and her sisters, Faith and Charity, have been raised in an ultra-conservative mega-church. When Faith is outed, she runs away to avoid being sent to conversion “therapy,” and Hope finds solace in rock 'n' roll. Channeling her inner Joplin, Hope forms a band with Danny — her newly out, longtime crush — performing anti-establishment... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Nicki Pau Preto
[isbn]
Phoenix. Riders. Why hasn't this been done before?! I was instantly hooked by this world and its compelling characters. Fans of Throne of Glass will be swept away by the high stakes, personal and political intrigue, and the swoon-worthy romance. The whole trilogy is released, so sit down and prepare for an awesome ride!
Recommended by Carly J.
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Diana Wynne Jones
[isbn]
I don't think I've read from anyone able to paint an atmosphere the same way (or as well) as Diana Wynne Jones. The characters are so lovable, and the character development?? Chef's kiss. This is my favorite place to escape to; I've read it over six times at this point. I'm about five seconds away from writing an entire essay/analysis on why this book is good, but I'll stop here.
Recommended by Seb D.
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Darcie Little Badger
[isbn]
Darcie Little Badger burst onto the YA scene with 2020’s indie fave Elatsoe. In her mesmerizing sophomore novel, she again draws on her Lipan Apache identity and heritage, as Lipan girl Nina (believer of the old tales) and cottonmouth kid Oli (denizen of the land of spirits and monsters) are drawn together when their worlds collide.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Marissa Meyer
[isbn]
Can there be too many retellings of Rumpelstiltskin? (Trick question, the answer is no.) An unlikely and wonderful combination of Grimm Brothers fairy tale, Persephone myth, and the curse of Cassandra, Gilded is a cancel-all-plans adventure story born of lies, love, and desperation.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Margaret Rogerson
[isbn]
I stayed up until 2 a.m. finishing this book and I regret nothing. Rogerson’s Sorcery of Thorns was my favorite read of 2019, and I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting to see what she’d do next. This gorgeous, atmospheric series starter does not disappoint! Born with the Sight, Artemisia was trained by the Gray Sisters to subdue spirits. When her convent is attacked, she comes to its defense by taking up a revenant: an ancient, violent... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Alexandra Overy
[isbn]
Set in the backdrop of a glittering winter palace, Alexandra Overy's debut novel is a stunning retelling of a Russian folktale, The Firebird. Twin sisters, ripped away from each other by fate, their lives once again collide when the Queen Mother dies under mysterious circumstances. Struggling to find the killer, both sisters begin to realize perhaps it wasn't just fate that kept them apart, but something more sinister. Stuck between... (read more)
Recommended by Taylor C.
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Chloe Gong
[isbn]
I cannot rave about this book enough. I cannot rave about this book enough! Set in Shanghai during the 1920s, Chloe Gong writes a story that is impossible to put down after the first sentence.
Plagued by the possibly imaginary fear that Juliet Csai doesn't belong at home after living abroad in America, the real fear of a monster destroying her city and killing the ones she loves while all she can do is watch forces her hand to work with the one... (read more)
Recommended by Taylor C.
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Erin A Craig
[isbn]
Steeped in forgotten coastal lore and pages ruffled with a salt breeze off of a dark storming coast, The House of Salt and Sorrows is a brilliantly twisted version of the classic Twelve Dancing Princesses. Reminiscent of Poe's famous works like Annabel Lee and mixed with the somber, eerie tones of Wuthering Heights, Erin A. Craig writes with a fantastical whimsy that sweeps you into a world and leaves you haunted but... (read more)
Recommended by Taylor C.
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David Levithan and Jennifer Niven
[isbn]
When Bea Ahern runs away, she makes sure to check every box on her hastily searched "how to run away from home" list, except one. She can’t quite "cut all contact and don’t look back," not when her younger brother Ezra is now alone in their abusive household. Written by two masters of YA storytelling, this riveting and moving story of siblinghood and trust, told in back-and-forth emails, will capture your heart.
Recommended by Sarah R.
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Courtney Gould
[isbn]
There’s something dark in Snakebite. In this supernatural thriller debut, Logan’s ghost-hunter dads drag her to their rural Oregon hometown just as a local teen disappears. As Logan starts to fall for Ashley, the missing boy’s girlfriend, she also circles closer to the terrible truth of why her family left in the first place.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Kacen Callender
[isbn]
Finally! The book demigender folk have been waiting for!
Felix Love is a demiboy who is going through interpersonal turmoil at school, at home, and online.
While Felix's story touches on subjects such as being Black, queer, and trans, it also involves a love triangle, school bullies, and online drama.
I highly recommend this book for everyone, but especially demigender folks and trans young adults who have been waiting for a young adult fiction... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Richard Adams
[isbn]
My dad used to read to me and my brother almost every night before bed, and those nights are some of my favorite childhood memories. Many of the books we read together have stuck with me through the intervening years, but I have particularly fond memories of listening to him read Watership Down. 25 years later, I can still remember the feeling of being completely absorbed in the story. I was so enthralled that, when he had to go on a... (read more)
Recommended by Emily B.
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Rainbow Rowell
[isbn]
I am so, so excited for the conclusion to Rainbow Rowell’s Simon Snow trilogy! And I know that I’m going to be so, so satisfyingly sad when I finish it.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Elizabeth Lim
[isbn]
To save her brothers from her stepmother’s curse, Shiori must learn to control the magic inside of her and somehow find help without speaking a word. Pulling from European fairy tales and East Asian folklore alike, this kickoff to Elizabeth Lim’s new duology is a fantastic original fantasy not to be missed!
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Angie Thomas
[isbn]
The Hate U Give has left such an indelible mark on YA fiction and the culture at large that it is hard to believe it was only published four years ago. This powerful, nuanced, and inspiring story of personal struggle amidst injustice and societal upheaval was both propelled by, and a catalyst for, current events. It wasn’t the first young adult book to speak truth to power — YA is a genre primed for such statements — but in speaking... (read more)
Recommended by Sarah R.
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Sandra Cisneros
[isbn]
In the introduction to the 25th Anniversary edition, Sandra Cisneros refers to the collection of vignettes that make up The House on Mango Street as “a jar of buttons.” Mismatched “little stories” that came together in the telling into one of literature's most enduring portraits of a neighborhood, a time, a coming-of-age. The House on Mango Street was my first brush with vignettes — how exciting to find that a novel could be... (read more)
Recommended by Sarah R.
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Richard Adams
[isbn]
My dad used to read to me and my brother almost every night before bed, and those nights are some of my favorite childhood memories. Many of the books we read together have stuck with me through the intervening years, but I have particularly fond memories of listening to him read Watership Down. 25 years later, I can still remember the feeling of being completely absorbed in the story. I was so enthralled that, when he had to go on a... (read more)
Recommended by Emily B.
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David Larochelle
[isbn]
Right now, my 5-year-old is working on how and why we apologize. He doesn't always get it. I love that this book validates his feelings and fears but also emphasizes the importance of saying sorry. It also gives examples of how NOT to apologize and I think that's just as important. A difficult topic with simple explanations and cute illustrations. Honestly, I think some adults could benefit from reading this book as well.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Gayle Forman
[isbn]
Since his brother died and his mother left, the only book Aaron’s been able to read is about the extinction of the dinosaurs. Stuck working with his father at their floundering bookstore, it feels apropos. When a chance encounter grants him a new friend and his father a renewed vigor to save the store, he starts to wonder: Is that looming asteroid really inevitable?
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Bethany C. Morrow
[isbn]
Set partially in Portland, A Chorus Rises is Naema's story, a young Black woman with magical powers. She travels to the Southwest for a family reunion and to get away from the repercussions of being an influencer. A rich mix of fantasy and social justice.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Maggie Stiefvater
[isbn]
Experiencing the unfolding of this second book in the Dreamer Trilogy is so rewarding, so compelling, that I'm reticent to provide anything that might count as a spoiler. I'll just say that as we follow Ronan's and Jordan's journeys to unravel the secrets of dreams and dreamers, we find ourselves in a gorgeous meditation on the power of art, and the tension between human advancement and the preservation of the (magical, miraculous) natural world.... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Tyler Feder
[isbn]
Tall bodies, short bodies, fuzzy bodies, smooth bodies, Bodies Are Cool celebrates them all! Bright and jubilant illustrations paired with zippy text exemplify all the ways in which each and every body is beautiful, a message both kiddos and their grown-ups need to hear sometimes.
Recommended by Tina M
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