Tag: Best Fiction for Young Adults

2027 Best Fiction for Young Adults Summer Round-Up

Each quarter, the Selected Lists teams compile the officially nominated titles to date. These titles have been suggested by the team or through the title suggestion form, read by multiple team members, and received approval to be designated an official nomination. At the end of the year, each team will choose the final list of nominations and determine the Selected List’s Top Ten from these titles.

– Erica Schimmel, 2027 BFYA Coordinator

You Pierce My Soul. By Jessica Mary Best, 2026. 320 p. Quirk Books, $12.99 (9781683695004 ). Gr. 9-12.

When the “perfect match” promised by the government’s Heartsong program proves to not be Zada’s actual love, she turns to the one person she can trust: Daphne, the former friend who makes Zada’s heart skip a beat. Together, they’ll fight to uncover the lies at the foundation of their society.

Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer. By Paige Classey, 2026. 400 p.Random House Books for Young Readers, $17.99 (9780593905647). Gr. 3-7.

Anna-Jane is headed back to summer camp where her days will be filled with swimming, reading, crafts and friends. But when townspeople start disappearing and the internet and phones go out, the campers must work together to survive what just might be the end-of-the-world.

What We Did to Survive. By Megan Lally, 2026. 288 p. Sourcebooks Fire, $12.99 (9781728270173). Gr. 9-12

Hannah is enjoying spring break in Mexico with her best friend Emmy and Emmy’s older brother, Jackson. After Emmy meets Ben at the resort, the four mark their final day of vacation by chartering a sailboat. As they cruise into open water, a storm brews and tensions rise.

In Case I Go Missing. By R.N. Swann, 2026. 400 p.Viking Books for Young Readers, $20.99 (9780593695333 ). Gr. 7-12.

Convinced their friend’s disappearance is more than the “teenage runaway” police are claiming it to be, Fenny and Sam dig into an investigation that will uncover more secrets and scandals than they ever expected from their small town.

The Game of Oaths. By S.C. Bandreddi, 2026. 432 p. Candlewick, $19.99 (9781536252637 ). Gr. 9-12.

When she’s chosen to compete in this year’s Game of Oaths, le Cirque des Ombres performer Falan believes it’s her chance for revenge on the circus’ Enchanteur Jean-Pierre for murdering her best friend in the previous year’s games. But to get her revenge, she must first survive the brutal games.


An Expanse of Blue. By Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams, 2026. 464 p. Heartdrum, $19.99 (9780063417953 ). Gr. 8-12.

Native Hawaiian teen, Aouli, lives in the Pacific Northwest, where the gloomy weather mirrors problems with her family, friends and the expectations placed on her. But with love and guidance from Aunty Ehu and others in her community, Aouli finds her voice and her inner strength.

Postscript. By Cory McCarthy, 2026. 240 p. Dutton Books for Young Readers, $1.99 (9780593618240 ). Gr. 11-12.

A ragtag community of apocalypse survivors becomes found family when West, a teen who has been on his own since the age of twelve, comes into their lives.

Change of Plans. By Sarah Dessen, 2026. 368 p. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $21.99 (9798347108770 ). Gr. 7-12.

Finley has her life all figured out, but that life is tied to her boyfriend Colin. When he breaks up with her just after graduation, Finley discovers she can create her own story, even if it means a change of plans.

Augusta Pine Does Not Exist. By Emily Lloyd-Jones, 2026. 416 p. Balzer + Bray, $20.99 (9781250410528). Gr. 8-12.

Choosing to give up her identity after accidentally killing someone, Augusta Pine becomes a trained secret agent. Undercover in Portland when a group of cyberterrorists take over her smart building home, Augusta must use all her skills to save herself and residents, including her grandmother, in this high-stakes, high-action thriller.

Together We See. By Ari Tison, 2026. 320 p. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), $20.99 (9780374389512). Gr. 7-12. 

After their land-activist father’s suspicious death, Bribri-American Ulá and her brother travel to Costa Rica to investigate as they make final arrangements. 

Tested. By Anna Monders, 2026. 336 p. Aladdin, $17.99 (9781665972796 ). Gr. 5-12.

Following the Great Dying, fate is determined by a genetic aptitude test. Mikayla’s results are in and her score is low enough to completely derail her future. If she can’t figure out a way to improve her score, her Elite life may turn into exile life.

The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue. By Zoulfa Katouh, 2026. 368 p. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $19.99 (9780316351942 ). Gr. 7-12

Navigating the grief of losing her mother and the loss of her “blessing”, Syrian American Jihad is sent to an elite school to finish senior year. There she deals with bullying and isolation as the only Muslim there. Jihad finds a way to process the tragedy with a special sketchpad.

Sundown Girls. By L.S. Stratton, 2026. 320 p.G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers , $19.99 (9798217004942 ). Gr. 7-12.

When sixteen-year-old Naomi embarks on a mountain vacation with her newly reunited family, she encounters a terrifying ghost and the spectre of girls gone missing.

The Sun and the Starmaker. By Rachel Griffin, 2026. 448 p. Sourcebooks Fire, $19.99 (9781728256184). Gr. 9-12.

When 18-year old Aurora discovers she holds the rare ability to control light from the sun, she leaves everything behind to begin training as the next Starmaker, and finds love and adventures along the way.

The Escape Game. By Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss, 2026. 416 p. G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, $22.99 (9798217006120 ). Gr. 9-12.

A group of rag-tag teens are selected to participate in the popular television show, The Escape Game, but more than just money is at stake if they don’t win. Can they survive?

Medicine Wheels. By Byron Graves, 2026. 352 p. Heartdrum, $19.99 (9780063160422 ). Gr. 7-12. 

Riveting and dealing with heavy topics such as grief, loss and dysfunction as well as joy in first love, friendship and family. This book would appeal to fans of realistic fiction as well as sports literature.  Recommended for fans of Angelline Boulley and Eric Gansworth.

Check out our personal interview with Byron Graves!

Ambrosia Lee Drops the Mic. By Patricia Park, 2026. 304 p. Crown Books for Young Readers, $19.99 9798217029761 ). Gr. 9 -12.

With her childhood acting career drying up, Ambrosia decides to try a new path: stand-up comedy. As she navigates family drama, new and old love interests, and stereotypes, she’ll find her own voice may be stronger than any role she’s ever played.

Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2027) Featured Review: Augusta Pine Does Not Exist by Emily Lloyd-Jones

At 15 years old, a teenager did the unthinkable: she killed someone. Though accidental, her hacking mistake directly led to her crush’s death. Faced with life in prison, she accepts an alternative offer from a secretive government agency: give up your identity, and become Augusta Pine, a highly trained undercover operative. Three years and countless missions later, she’s undercover again and living in the building where her grandmother lives, hoping for time to watch her grandmother even if she can’t contact her. When cyberterrorists take over the building, Augusta has to use all of her training to save herself, her grandmother, and the other residents.   

A compelling plot and fast-paced action combine to make this a page-turning read. Augusta is not only likeable and funny, but is also a well-defined, engaging character whose motivations and emotions will be relatable for teen readers. The setting blends sci-fi and realism, with worldbuilding and technology descriptions that bring the reader into Augusta’s world. Flashbacks enhance the present-day story, adding depth to the narrative. All combined, a fun read for young adults.

Augusta Pine Does Not Exist will appeal to teen readers who enjoy high stakes, suspenseful stories woven with humor. It will also appeal to readers who appreciate fast-paced stories. The high action and developed plot will appeal to both reluctant and advanced readers.

Readers who enjoyed The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe or Teen Killers Club by Lily Sparks will also enjoy Augusta Pine Does Not Exist. It may also appeal to fans of mystery writers like Holly Jackson or action series like Alex Rider by Anthony Horowitz.

-Erica Schimmel

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Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2027) Featured Review: What We Did to Survive by Megan Lally

High School Senior Hannah is enjoying spring break with her best friend, Emmy, and her family in Mexico. Unfortunately, this includes Emmy’s older brother (and Hannah’s crush), Jackson. After Emmy meets Ben at the resort, the four of them decide to mark their final day of vacation by chartering a sailboat. As they cruise into open water, a storm kicks up and tensions rise. 

Megan Lally turns a getaway in paradise into a claustrophobic thrill ride in What We Did to Survive. This survival thriller is filled with interesting characters, like the Nickelback-loving boat captain, and tense relationships. With the popularity of YA thrillers, this book has tons of teen appeal. 

Teens who have a taste for thrillers and survival stories will appreciate What We Did to Survive. 

If you enjoyed Don’t Let In the Cold by Keely Parrack, Under the Surface by Diana Urban, or Five Survive by Holly Jackson, you may enjoy What We Did to Survive by Megan Lally.

-Alejandria Garcia

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Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2027) Featured Review: The Danger of Small Things by Caryl Lewis

Many years have passed since the last bee died and the world as we know it took a sharp turn for the worst. Now, young girls are sent off to live in facilities where their duty is to hand-pollinate plants with a small paint brush. Jess is one of those girls, but she’s different from the rest. She was raised in a home where creativity was allowed, and is one of the few that knows how to read and the power of creativity and the written word. When a surprising ally smuggles paint into the facility, Jess knows it falls on her to inspire change where it may seem impossible.

The Danger of Small Things features a story that will appeal to teens with its strong world-building and character development. Readers will be drawn in by the intensifying plot and eager to read how Jess’s story concludes.

Teens that appreciate dystopian and sci-fi stories will enjoy this book. 

Similar books include Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Lily Braun-Arnold’s The Last Bookstore on Earth, and of course, Suzanne Collin’s The Hunger Games.

–Amy Kilkenny

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Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2027) Featured Review: An Expanse of Blue by Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams

  • An Expanse of Blue
  • by Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams
  • Heartdrum
  • Publication Date: May 19, 2026
  • ISBN: 978-0063417953

Native Hawaiian teen, Aouli Smith, lives in the Pacific Northwest, where the gloomy weather mirrors her problems with her family,  her friends and the expectations her family and church place on her. But with love and guidance from Aunty Ehu and others in her Native Hawaiian community, Aouli finds the courage and strength to spread her wings and choose something different for herself and her sister.   

This novel-in-verse is written as if you are reading Aouli’s song journal. Above all else, this book is character driven with lines that hit you with an emotional gut punch. Readers will genuinely feel that Aouli is a real person–she just leaps off the page. While not an action-centered plot, the format and structure are immersive and the pages just fly by. The use of white space on the page represents the emotional depth in a compelling way without getting heavy-handed and bogged down with prose. It wrestles with real emotions and questions about identity. While you see growth on the page and the story ends on an uplifting note, readers are free to guess what happens next. This would be an excellent choice for book clubs or as a buddy read. Much like real life, not everything is tied up at the end with a bow on it, but the ending is still satisfactory for the reader. 

Fans of novels-in-verse and coming-of-age stories will gravitate toward this one. 

This is a great readalike for fans of All the Fighting Parts by Hannah Sawyyer, The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo and Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo.

-Megan Nigh 

Check out our blogpost featuring a personal interview with Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams, “Verse as a Comfort Blanket“!

2027 Best Fiction for Young Adults Spring Round-Up

Each quarter, the Selected Lists teams compile the officially nominated titles to date. These titles have been suggested by the team or through the title suggestion form, read by multiple team members, and received approval to be designated an official nomination. At the end of the year, each team will choose the final list of nominations and determine the Selected List’s Top Ten from these titles.

– Erica Schimmel, 2027 BFYA Coordinator

The Secret Astronomers. By Jessica Walker, 2025. 304 p. Viking Books for Young Readers, $19.99 (9780593692677). Gr. 7-12.

Two students find an unexpected friendship when they begin communicating through notes and drawings in an old, abandoned astronomy textbook in their high school library. Using code names, the two develop a closer relationship than either would ever expect – and discover a mystery tied to the town’s past.

The House Saphir. By Marissa Meyer, 2025. 432 p. Feiwel and Friends, $19.99 (9781250320957). Gr. 9-12

Legend has it that Bluebeard killed his wives. Mallory uses that legend to con people to pay for a tour of Bluebeard’s house. One night Bluebeard’s heir joins the tour and wants to hire Mallory to solve the mystery of who is murdering people at his haunted family estate.  Is the killer a ghost or alive?

Sisters in the Wind. By Angeline Boulley, 2025. 384 p. Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), $19.99 (9781250328533). Gr. 9-12

When severely injured due to a pipe bomb explosion, 18-year-old Lucy is forced to reckon with her dangerous past and learn about her Indigenous heritage while on the run.

K-Jane. By Lydia Kang, 2025. 326 p. Quill Tree Books, $19.99 (9780063354623). Gr. 7-12.

With the impending arrival of a new baby brother, 17-year-old Jane Choi questions her family’s lack of Korean-ness. To save her baby brother from the same fate, Jane begins exploring everything Korean on a private social media channel. When more people find out about the channel, everything falls apart.

The Last Resort. By Erin Entrada Kelly, 2025. 240 p. Scholastic, $17.99 (9781546132431). Gr. 3-7.

The Last Resort will appeal to fans of many genres (such as horror, supernatural, mystery and realistic fiction) and across many grade levels. Lila’s grandfather passes and her family inherits his old house, which happens to be a portal for ghosts (that only Lila can see) to cross to the other side.


Season of Fear. By Emily Cooper, 2025. 352 p. Christy Ottaviano Books, $19.99 (9780316581639). Gr. 9-12.
Ilse is unable to feed fear she doesn’t feel to the terrifying Saint of Fear, endangering both her sister’s and her own life. In her quest to shield her sister from certain death, Ilse discovers the truth behind her fearlessness.

Winter White. By Annie Cardi, 2026. 272 p. Union Square & Co., $18.99 (9781454960584). Gr. 9-12.

Pia and her family live in isolation, earning money by selling eggs in town. When an accident sidelines her father, Pia must make the deliveries on her own. But what is really being delivered underneath the egg cartons? Is Pia’s entire life a lie?

Reasons We Break. By Jesmeen Kaur Deo, 2025. 416 p. Disney Hyperion, $18.99 (9781368113748). Gr. 9-12.

In the midst of personal setbacks, against a background of a gang war, Simran and Rajan find themselves pursuing an risky star-crossed romance.

The Faraway Inn. By Sarah Beth Durst, 2026. 384 p. Delacorte Press, $14.99 (9798217024308). Gr. 7-12.

Calisa just wanted to escape her bad breakup by escaping to Vermont for the summer. She planned to stay at her Great Aunts bed and breakfast, but she arrives to a failing inn. There are some very odd things happening at the Inn. Things like a swirling portal in the broom cupboard, a very strange reptile, and whispers coming from under the porch.

Freddie and Stella Got Hot. By Maggie Horne, 2026. 336 p. Feiwel & Friends, $19.99 (9781250377371). Gr. 9-12.

Freddie and Stella enter a school contest to take down their former bestie, Levi. When Stella turns ruthless, taking down every popular girl in their class, Freddie starts to get uncomfortable. The only way she can stop Stella is by befriending the enemy that started this whole mess–Levi.

Last Chance Live! By Helena Haywoode Henry, 2025. 544 p. Nancy Paulsen Books, $21.99 (9780593625309). Gr. 7-12

Eternity Price enters the popular reality TV show Last Chance Live, hoping to earn her freedom and amnesty following a crime that leaves her on death row, but when she starts to make friends for the first time in her life, she’s forced to make the difficult decision of which she wants more: companionship or freedom?

The Lion’s Run. By Sara Pennypacker, 2026. 288 p. Balzer + Bray, $18.99 (9781250392817). Gr. 4-6.
Though others call him a coward, 13-year-old Lucas proves his bravery by rescuing kittens, aiding the French Resistance, and helping mothers. Determined to help his friend’s horse evade Nazi capture, he embarks on an extraordinary journey of courage.

One Word, Six Letters. By Adib Khorram, 2026. 224 p. Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), $19.99 (9781250405555). Gr. 7-12.
On a dare, Dayton yells a gay slur at school. Farshid hears and wonders if it was directed at him. If he gets stronger, maybe no one will question him. As the school year continues, the incident looms over both boys as they question the men they are becoming.

Check out our interview with the author of One Word, Six Letters, Adib Khorram!

Beth is Dead. By Katie Bernet, 2026. 400 p. Sarah Barley Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $19.99 (9781665988698). Gr. 7-12.

Told through alternating POVs of the famous Marsh sisters from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, Beth Is Dead reimagines everyone’s favorite sisters as they grapple with the death of the second youngest, Beth, and band together to solve the mystery of how their sister died in the woods.

The Danger of Small Things. By Caryl Lewis, 2026. 272 p. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $19.99 (9781665977517). Gr. 7-12.

In this near-future dystopian novel that takes place after the last bee has died, a young girl uses the power of Art to incite change during what feels like the darkest of times.

Soundtrack. By Jason Reynolds, 2026. 336 p. Crown Books for Young Readers, $19.99 (9798217231591). Gr. 7-12.

Emotional and fast paced, Soundtrack will immediately draw readers in. Those involved in the arts will relate to the band that becomes a family. A message that a family doesn’t always have to share blood will resonate with readers. Reynolds has mass market appeal and this book will be no different.

Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2027) Featured Review: Season of Fear by Emily Cooper

  • Season of Fear
  • by Emily Cooper
  • Christy Ottaviano Books
  • Publication Date: September 2, 2025
  • ISBN: 978-0316581639

Ilse has known since childhood that she was different from the other girls and women in Heulensee; even her own mother looks at her differently. When the time comes to perform her rite in worship of the Saint of Fear, Ilse is unable to conjure the necessary terror within herself to satisfy the Saint that protects the town. Her failure puts her entire family in danger, particularly her sister Thea, whose life is threatened by the Saint as punishment for Ilse’s failure. When the town turns against her, she flees into the Hexenwald, a forest from which nobody returns. With her sister’s life hanging in the balance, Ilse must confront her true nature to survive the Hexenwald and save her sister.

Season of Fear is a high-stakes dark fantasy with strong, well-developed characters and a fast-moving plot. While the main storyline focuses on Ilse’s bid to save her sister, the action-packed plot incorporates a compelling Sapphic romance as a strong subplot. 

Readers who enjoy rooting for strong, but believably flawed female main characters and don’t mind a bit of gory violence will devour this thrilling tale. Read-Alikes include My Throat an Open Grave by Tori Bovalino and A Girl Walks Into the Forest by Madeleine Roux.

-Katy Henderson 

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Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2027) Featured Review: One Word, Six Letters

On a dare, Freshman Dayton yells a slur at a school assembly and is labeled the school’s resident homophobe. But he’s definitely not and it’s just a word (right?). When Farshid hears that word in their freshman assembly, he wonders if it was directed at him. Maybe if he goes to the gym more and becomes the picture of masculinity, no one will think of him and that word together. As the school year continues, the incident continues to loom over Dayton and Farshid.  

Like many of Khorram’s YA books, One Word, Six Letters deals with some sensitive, but important topics with a side of humor. The second-person POV allows readers to see the incident and the fallout from both Dayton and Farshid’s perspectives and dig deeper into the lives and issues that impact these well-developed characters. This books tackles homophobia, misogyny and body dysmorphia as they relate to teen boys, and it does it well. At just over 200 pages, it is also perfect for teens looking for a quick read.  

Give to teens looking for a quick but reflective realistic story about high school life. If you enjoyed Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli or How It All Blew Up by Arvin Ahmadi, you may like One Word, Six Letters by Adib Khorram.

-Alejandria Galarza

Check out interview with the author of One Word, Six Letter Adib Khorram!

Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2027) Featured Review: Winter White by Annie Cardi

  • Winter White
  • by Annie Cardi
  • Union Square & Co. 
  • Publication Date: January 27, 2026
  • ISBN: 978-1454960584

Pia and her younger brother live with their father, Leo, on an isolated farm in rural Maine. Their father says they must stay on the farm for their own safety. Leo has a temper so it’s best that they do as their father says. An accident puts Leo out of commission and for the first time, Pia must go to town by herself and continue her dad’s mysterious delivery service. While in town, Pia befriends librarians and a cute boy named Felix. She also starts to question what is really being delivered underneath the cartons of eggs and if her father is telling the truth about their life. While this is a retelling of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, readers don’t need to be familiar with the play to enjoy and understand this retelling.  

Winter White is an introspective, well-paced read. The book has a strong sense of place and believable characters. Serious topics like domestic abuse and drug trafficking are handled realistically, but sensitively. Teens will find Pia relatable. The depiction of the public library and the librarians that work there is a spot-on. If teen readers aren’t already using their library, this book is a wonderful introduction to the power and support they can find there.       

With short chapters and clocking in at just over 250 pages, this is an approachable, well-paced story for selective readers looking for a gritty, realistic tale. The modern retelling will also hold appeal for students reading Shakespeare in their literature classes, including as an assigned text to complement literature curriculum. Winter White is a great readalike for fans of Strong Like You by T.L. Simpson and The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen. 

–Megan Nigh

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Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2027) Featured Review: Last Chance Live! by Helena Haywoode Henry

Eighteen-year-old Eternity Price is on death row, so she decides to take her chances and become a contestant on the country’s most popular reality TV shows, Last Chance Live!, a show where the winner is forgiven of their crimes and can go back to society, but all of the contestants voted off the show are executed within a week. On the show, Eternity must convince the country that she deserves a second chance, but when she begins making strong connections with fellow contests and finds herself with friends for the first time in her life, she must grapple with the tough decision of whether she should take the risk and betray the only friends she’s ever had to survive, or protect her new found companions, no matter the cost.

Last Chance Live! has strong character development and will keep teens on their toes while also addressing some of the social issues in the criminal justice system. Mature teens interested in social justice, dystopias, and that liked Squid Games will enjoy this book.

Readers of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, Truth Is… by Hannah V. Sawyerr, and The Story of My Anger by Jasminne Mendez will enjoy this book.

-Amy Kilkenny

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