Tag: Summer Round-Up

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.

2026 Great Graphic Novels for Teens 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.

–Kim Keown Farnsworth, Great Graphic Novels for Teens Coordinator

Blades of Furry, vol. 1 by Emily Erdos & Deya Muniz, 2025. 512 p. Little, Brown Ink, $21.99 (9780316459938). Gr. 9-12.

Emilie is a battle skater, a mashup of ice skating and martial arts, and in his first senior competition is pitted against reigning champ, Radu. In that match, not only does he figure out Radu’s secret, but they also start crushing on each other. 

The Boy Wonder by Juni Ba, 2025. 185 p. DC Comics, $29.99 (9781799500322). Gr. 9-12.

Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne’s son and the newest Robin, was raised as the successor to his grandfather’s League of Assassins. Damian is sent to his father’s world and makes a big mistake that he tries to recover from, meeting his “brother” Robins along the way.

Brielle and Bear, vol. 1 by Salomey Doku, 2025. 176 p. Random House Graphic, $17.99 (9780593711187). Gr. 9-12.

Brielle and Bear meet, fall in love, and learn to be themselves in this cozy fairytale romance.

Cry Out Loud by Tara O’Connor, 2025. 256 p. Random House Graphic, $17.99 (9781984892393). Gr. 6-12.

Nell has been neglected by her mother her whole life and just wants to get out and be free. When she visits distant relatives in Ireland, she discovers that she was born to be sacrificed for a generational blood ritual and has to confront her ancestors to try and save herself.

Dan in Green Gables: A Graphic Novel: A Modern Retelling of Anne of Green Gables by Rey Terciero and Claudia Aguirre, 2025. 256 p. Penguin Workshop, $17.99 (9780593385586). Gr. 8-12.

In this gender-bent, queer, reimagining of Anne of Green Gables, 15-year-old Dan has been moving from town to town with his mother as she finds new boyfriends and booze. After arriving in a rural town in Tennessee, Dan finds that love, safety, home, and found family are something you get the power to choose.

Fall in Love You False Angels, vol 2 by Coco Uzaki, 2025. 176 p. Kodansha Comics, $13.99 (9798888773789). Gr. 9-12.

Otogi and Toki’s friendship continues with Otogi realizing that she has a crush on Toki. She starts to see Toki’s kindness in a new way, and starts to consider if he might like her too.

The Flip Side: A Graphic Novel by Jason Walz, 2025. 304 p. Rocky Pond Books, $17.99 (9780593618011). Gr. 8-12.

When Theo’s best friend dies of cancer, he falls into a deep depression that manifests as an upside down world. He’s alone until he meets Emma and they must figure out how (and if) they want to survive.

I Witnessed: The Lizzie Borden Story by Jeramey Kraatz and Crystal Jayme, 2025. 208 p. HarperAlley, $15.99 (9780063247277). Gr. 7-12.

14-year-old Charlie witnesses someone brutally murdered at his neighbor’s home, but no one will believe him. After being told to keep quiet and stay out of the investigation, Charlie takes matters into his own hands to try and make things right. 

Little Moons by Jen Storm and Ryan Howe, 2024. 60 p. HighWater Press, $20.95 (9781774921074). Gr. 9-12.

One year after the disappearance of Ojibwe teen Reanna’s sister, her family members deal with the grief in their own ways.

Phoenix, vol. 1: Orbital Resonance by Stephanie Phillips and Alessandro Miracolo, 2025. 128 p. Marvel Comics, $17.00 (9781302960179). Gr 10 and up.

As one of the founding X-Men, Jean Grey is getting her spotlight in a redemption story where one woman in space must do what no one else can. Will her efforts save innocent lives, or will they crumple the universe into blackness?

Soma by Fernando Llor and Carles Dalmau, 2025. 288 p. Oni Press, $19.99 (9781637156124). Gr. 10 and up.

Maya, a comic book artist, is struggling to find joy in her life, personally and professionally. In the mix of all of this, Maya is met with an extraterrestrial visitor, Soma, who is searching for her help in stopping a life-altering alien invasion.

Suitor Armor, vol. 1 by Purah, 2024. 224 p. Ten Speed Graphic, $17.99 (9780593835654). Gr. 7-12.

Fairy in hiding, Lucia spends her days waiting on Lady Kirsi. Lucia’s world takes an enchanting turn when she attends the royal tournament and immediately falls in love with the enchanted suit of armor – who she later (lovingly) names Modeus.

Teen Titans: Starfire by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo, 2024. 196 p. DC Comics, $16.99 (9781779517999). Gr. 8-12. 

Sisters Kori and Kira Anders develop supernatural powers after joining a clinical trial for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome diagnosis.

This Place Kills Me by Mariko Tamaki and Nicole Goux, 2025. 272 p. Abrams Fanfare, $19.99 (9781419768453). Gr. 10-12.

When Elizabeth Woodward, member of the Wilberton Theatrical Society, otherwise known as. the WTS, is found dead in the forest transfer student Abby Kita sets out to solve the mystery behind her death.

You Belong Here by Sara Phoebe Miller and Morgan Beem, 2025. 256 p. First Second, $17.99 (9781250822307). Gr. 10-12.

Essie Rosen thought she had her life all figured out, but her senior year is turning out to be surprising in many ways.

Dear Jackie by Jessixa Bagley and Aaron Bagley, 2025. 288 p. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $14.99 (9781534496576). Gr. 3-7.

Jackie makes up a secret admirer in order to feel more accepted among her middle school friends.

Family Force by Matt Braly and Ainsworth Lin, 2025. 232 p. Image Comics, $16.99 (9781534340336). Gr. 7-12.

Maise is trying to find balance between her school life, falling in love, and being a superhero.

I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner, 2024. 288 p. HarperAlley, $18.99 (9780358682387). Gr. 9-12.

Described as Jane Austen meets Heartstopper, this beautifully queer graphic novel challenges the societal expectations of Georgian England while a group of teens discover their places in the world. Charming, frustrating, joyful.

Kill the Villainess by Your April, 2025. 284 p. Ize Press, $20.00 (9798400902864).Gr. 7-12.

Reincarnated into a novel villianess, Eris Miserian does everything in her power to go back home.

Leap by Simina Popescu, 2025. 304p. Roaring Book Press, $17.99 (9781250838308). Gr. 9-12.

Ana has been a dancer since she was little, but her heart is no longer in the craft. Carina only has her eyes set on being the perfect ballerina, which means keeping her relationship with Ana a secret. As each of their dreams begin to become clearer, Ana and Carina question if their futures include each other.

Little Moons by Jen Storm and Ryan Howe, 2024. 60 p. HighWater Press, $20.95 (9781774921074). Gr. 9-12.

One year after the disappearance of Ojibwe teen Reanna’s sister, her family members deal with the grief in their own ways.

Rebis: Born and Reborn by Irene Marchesini and Carlotta Dicataldo translated by Carla Roncalli Di Montorio, 2025. 192 p. First Second, $17.99 (9781250359070). Gr. 9-12.

An albino boy, Martino, runs away from home before being sent away. He moves with a woman in the forest, where he is treated as an equal, but learns some witchy ways.

Space Punch, vol. 1 by ZD, 2025. 216 p. Kana, $12.99 (9781419777943). Gr. 9-12.

Zack is the “accomplished” brother who works for the police force, and Joe is a food delivery man but it’s…not going well. After being placed on the radar of a local mafia, Joe and Zack discover mysterious artifacts that just may change their lives forever.

Tall Water by SJ Sindu and Dion MBD, 2025. 256 p. HarperAlley, $18.99 (9780063090156). Gr. 9-12.

16-year-old Nimmi has spent years wanting to meet her mother after they were separated due to war. After sneaking on a flight to Sri Lanka, Nimmi has the chance to reconnect with her mother and help rebuild a community while finding herself along the way.

Thief of the Heights by Son M. and Robin Yao, 2024. 240 p. HarperAlley, $18.99 (9780063067325). Gr. 8-12.

Lifelong friends and inventors Basem, Mustafa, and Aarfah dream of climbing their way up from the disease-infested life they know to the top of their vertical city to save their families. 

Trumpets of Death by Simon Bournel-Bosson, 2025. 232 p. Graphic Universe, $17.99 (9798765644324). Gr. 9-12.

Antoine’s dad drops him off to live at his grandparent’s house in the woods. When he goes out to find mushrooms, he faces mysterious forces that bring out the conflict between him and his grandpa and force them to see their differences.

Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2026) Nominees Quarterly Round-Up: Summer Edition

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.

–Molly Dettmann, BFYA Coordinator

All the Noise at Once. By DeAndra Davis. 2025. 384 p. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $19.99 (9781665952651) Gr. 8 – 12.

Aiden’s brother gets him a second chance to be on the football team, but not all of Aiden’s new teammates welcome the autistic teen with open arms. When a physical fight leads to police intervention, Aiden’s brother is unjustly arrested – leaving Aiden to fight to clear his name.

Pick the Lock. By A.S. King. 2024. 383 p. Dutton Children’s Books, $19.99 (9780593353974). Gr. 9 – 12.

16-year-old Jane’s mother, a feminist punk-rock legend, is trapped in her husband’s system. To free her, Jane must pick apart the lies and manipulation to root out the truth and process by writing a punk opera.

The Otherwhere Post. By Emily J. Taylor. 2025. 416 p. G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, $20.99 (9780593404546). Gr. 9 – 12.

Years ago, Maeve lost everything when her father destroyed an entire world. Present day, Maeve receives a mysterious letter claiming her father’s innocence. To learn the truth, Maeve infiltrates The Otherwhere Post as an apprentice to learn Scriptomancy, which allows carriers to enchant letters and travel between worlds.

This is the Year. By Gloria Munoz. 2025. 368 p.Holiday House, $18.99 (9780823458363).

After the death of her twin sister, Juli must now decide to join the five year space excursion to colonize the moon, or stay with her mother and friends who also lost a friend with the death of her sister.

They Bloom at Night. By Trang Thanh Tran. 2025. 272 p. Bloomsbury, $19.99 (9781547611119). 

Noon and her mother have been searching the algae bloom-infested waters near their home in coastal Louisiana for Noon’s missing father and brother ever since a catastrophic hurricane tore through the area, but something else lurks in the water, calling out to Noon.

Under the Same Stars. By Libba Bray. 2025. 471 p. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, $24.99 (9780374388942). Gr. 9 – 12. 

In three tumultuous and interconnected settings- late 1930’s/early 1940’s Germany, West Berlin in 1980, and New York City in 2020 – three teens find their paths to resisting oppression in the face of extraordinary circumstances.

The Unfinished. By Cheryl Isaacs. 2024. 336 p. Heartdrum, $19.99 (9780063287389). Gr. 7 – 12.

After unwittingly unleashing a malevolent force on her town, Avery must use the wisdom of her Kanyen’kehá:ka ancestors to save her town and her friends.

When We Ride. By Rex Ogle. 2025. 336 p. Norton Young Readers, $24.99 (9798886051780). Gr. 9 – 12.

Benny and Lawson are more than best friends, they’re brothers. Benny gives Lawson rides as long as Lawson is not carrying, but their brotherly bond is tested when Lawson digs himself even deeper into dealing while Benny just wants a better life and future after graduation.