28 Highly Anticipated YA Books That Are Coming Out In 2020

A new decade is here! Here are all the YA novels we're excited about.

Farrah Penn / BuzzFeed

1. Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez

Page Street Kids, isabelibanezdavis.com

Release date: Jan. 7

Why we're excited: Ximena is set on revenge after Atoc used an ancient relic to take over the land she swore to help protect. Now, when presented with a way to get revenge, Ximena jumps at the chance. However, things get complicated when a vigilante, a princesa, and healer challenge Ximena and she discovers a way to overthrow Atoc without starting a war. But in turn, she must go against her Condesa whom she swore to protect. We're excited to read this gripping tale from this new author.

Get it from Amazon for $13.19.

2. The Night Country by Melissa Albert

Flatiron Books, goodreads.com

Release date: Jan. 7

Why we're excited: This is the sequel to Melissa Albert’s New York Times bestselling debut The Hazel Wood. Alice Proserpine escaped the Hinterland and just wants to have a peaceful life in New York City, but something is stalking the Hinterland’s survivors. This dark fairy-tale world sucked us in when the first book was released in 2018, and we're excited to see where this sequel takes us.

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

3. We Used To Be Friends by Amy Spalding

Amulet Books, theamyspalding.com

Release date: Jan. 7

Why we're excited: This amazing and heartbreaking story is told in two timelines: One of James preparing for college and reflecting on how her friendship with Kat came to an end, and the other of a young first-year named Kat befriending a girl named James. What an interesting narrative technique — one that I can't wait to read for myself!

Get it from Amazon for $17.99.

4. One Of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus

Delacorte Press, instagram.com

Release date: Jan. 7

Why we're excited: The gossip-void is still left open a year after Simon died...until now. This time, it's not an app, but a game of truth or dare, and this game gets personal and deadly for Maeve, Phoebe, and Knox. The first book was a page-turner, so I'm excited to see what this sequel has in store!

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

5. The Conference of the Birds by Ransom Riggs

Dutton Books for Young Readers, instagram.com

Release date: Jan. 14

Why we're excited: Even though his enemies are behind him, Jacob Portman still does not know what lies ahead. Delve deeper into Jacob's story in this next installation of the extremely popular Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series.

Get it from Amazon for $16.09.

6. Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles

HarperTeen, lamargiles.com

Release date: Jan. 21

Why we're excited: When Del inadvertently joins a purity ring club to get closer to his childhood crush Kiera, the last thing he expected to get out of this was learning more about himself and what it means to "be a man." This poignant and important story of masculinity in our modern era is something everyone can learn from.

Get it from Amazon for $17.99.

7. Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

Wednesday Books, goodreads.com

Release date: Jan. 21

Why we're excited: Pepper is a teen living her life in New York City while secretly running Big League Burger’s massive Twitter account. Jack knows Pepper because they go to the same school, and his family owns a local deli. When he finds out that Big League Burger has stolen his grandma’s iconic grilled cheese recipe, the two unknowingly fall into a viral Twitter war with each other. Twitter Queen Emma Lord has penned what sounds like the cutest YA rom-com ever, and we can't WAIT to fall in love with it.

Get it from Amazon for $16.19.

8. Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed

Balzer + Bray, Cylinda Parga / Via publishersweekly.com

Release date: Feb. 4

Why we're excited: Jamie Goldberg and Maya Rehman meet during their political canvassing efforts for the upcoming election. As the polls get closer, so do Maya and Jamie. If they can master local activism, they should be able to master cross-cultural romance — right? These outstanding authors have come together to write what sounds like a timely story with a bit of romance, and we're here for it!

Get it from Amazon for $15.19, Barnes & Noble for $15.19, or from a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

9. The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper

Bloomsbury YA, goodreads.com

Release date: Feb. 4

Why we're excited: 17-year-old Cal is a popular social media journalist, and he's thrown into an even bigger spotlight when his father is selected for a NASA mission to Mars. Cal and his family move to Houston, where he meets Leon. Leon is another son of an astronaut, and the two grow close quickly. But when Cal uncovers secrets about his father's program, he must decide how to move forward without hurting the people he cares about. We were instantly intrigued by the unique premise, and we can't wait to check out the full thing.

Get it from Amazon for $12.59.

10. All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace

Imprint, amazon.com

Release date: Feb. 4

Why we're excited: Set in the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara must prove that she can master soul magic. She meets Bastian, a pirate who agrees to help her as long as she can help him reclaim his stolen magic. This highly anticipated YA fantasy promises to be a gorgeous, atmospheric, high-sea adventure, and we're here for it.

Get it from Amazon for $12.79.

11. Ember Queen by Laura Sebastian

Penguin Random House, goodreads.com

Release date: Feb. 4

Why we're excited: This is the final conclusion to Sebastian's gripping Ash Princess series, and we're rooting for an epic ending. Princess Theodora is the rightful heir to the Astrean crown, but she must free her enslaved people and defeat her enemies if there is any hope in restoring peace.

Get it from Amazon for $13.29.

12. Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon

Simon Pulse, sandhyamenon.com

Release date: Feb. 18

Why we're excited: Jaya Rao is determined to get revenge on the Emerson clan for attacking her sister, and she's got the perfect plan — attend the same boarding school as Grey Emerson, make him fall in love with her, and then break his heart. But things get complex when these star-crossed lovers do, in fact, become lovers, but the secrets they keep and a generations-long curse threaten to keep them apart. We're excited to see this Romeo and Juliet story with a fun and diverse twist.

Get it from Amazon for $13.39.

13. Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales

Wednesday Books, sophiegonzalesbooks.com

Release date: March 3

Why we're excited: Ollie and Will had a whirlwind summer romance, but once summer ended, so did their relationship. A heartbroken Ollie is forced to move across the country after a family emergency, and lo' and behold, Will also goes to this school. But Will isn't the cute and nerdy queer boy Ollie fell for, but rather the closeted class clown who's also a dick. Ollie will NOT fall for Will again, but it's easier said than done. This cute boy-meets-boy love story is already warming my heart.

Get it from Amazon for $12.79.

14. The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu

Penguin Random House

Release date: March 3

Why we're excited: This is Lu's first historical fiction young adult novel, and we can't wait to get our hands on it. Set in 18th century Europe, Nannerl Mozart hopes to become an acclaimed composer, but her father has forbidden her to continue her practice once she reaches a marriageable age. When the future of her younger brother Wolfgang begins to look brighter than her own, she finds a magical stranger who has the power to make her dream come true — but at a cost.

Get it from Amazon for $13.39.

15. Thorn by Intisar Khanani

Hot Key Books, booksbyintisar.com

Release date: March 24

Why we're excited: In this fantasy retelling of Goose Girl, Princess Alyrra is betrothed to a prince in another kingdom and has no control over her future. When a mysterious sorceress steals her identity and role as the new princess, Alyrra believes this is her chance to start over as someone new. But when she uncovers dangerous threats aimed at the princess, she must decide how to act. This intriguing premise officially has us hooked!

Get it from Amazon for $18.99.

16. We Are Totally Normal by Rahul Kanakia

Harper Teen, goodreads.com

Release date: March 31

Why we're excited: Nandan is just beginning his junior year of high school, but he doesn't foresee hooking up with his friend Dave, especially since he's never been into guys. However, Nandan and Dave decide to give a relationship a try, and he finds himself working through his sexuality and how it defines him as a person. Kanakia's queer coming-of-age story sounds like it'll be real, charming, and full of firsts.

Get it from Amazon for $17.99.

17. The Silence of Bones by June Hur

Feiwel & Friends, junehur.wordpress.com

Release date: April 21

Why we're excited: Seol is indentured to the police department for her special abilities. When a noblewoman is murdered, Seol helps a young detective get to the bottom of the case. But when it looks like the detective becomes the prime suspect, Seol's loyalties are tested. This gripping drama is definitely one you're not going to want to miss.

Get it from Amazon for $12.79.

18. Time of Our Lives by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

Penguin Random House

Release date: April 21

Why we're excited: Told in dual points of view, Fitz Holton and Juniper Ramirez paths cross when they meet at a college tour and realize they're spending the rest of the week touring many of the same universities on the east coast. Fitz isn't ready to let go of the comforts of his home, while Juniper is more than ready to get out. Emily and Austin have a reputation for delivering heartwarming, provoking, and real contemporary YA novels, and we're thrilled to get another one from them in 2020.

Get it from Amazon for $17.99.

19. Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Hot Key Books, Twitter: @acevedowrites

Release date: May 14

Why we're excited: Acevedo's newest YA novel is told in dual narratives, following Camino Rios and Yahaira Rios, who've received the tragic news that their father has died in a plane crash as well as the surprising news that they've gained a new sister. The premises feels like it will touch on grief, loss, and family, so we'll bring our biggest Kleenex box as we read.

Get it from Amazon for $17.09.

20. The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

Delacorte Press, naminaforna.com

Release date: May 26

Why we're excited: When 16-year-old Deka's blood shows gold instead of red at her village's ancient ceremony, she's given two choices: stay in her village and face a fate worse than death, or fight for the emperor with the alaki, like-blooded girls who also have special gifts. As she travels to the capital to start her new life, Deka comes to realize nothing and no one is what it seems. Fans of Children of Blood and Bone are going to be excited for this tale.

Get it from Amazon for $18.99.

21. You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

Scholastic Press, Instagram: @byleahjohnson

Release date: June 2

Why we're excited: When the scholarship she was counting on to pay for college falls through, Liz must run for prom queen to win a scholarship. However, things get complicated when Liz starts falling for Mack...who is also running for prom queen. I don't know who I'm rooting for, but I can't wait to see who wins!

Get it from Amazon for $17.99.

22. This is All Your Fault by Aminah Mae Safi

Feiwel & Friends, aminahmae.com

Release date: June 9

Why we're excited: Inspired by Empire Records, Rinn, Daniella, and Imogen learn at the beginning of summer that their beloved local bookstore is closing down and over the next 24 hours must do everything they can to try and prevent it from happening. We've fallen in love with the characters Safi creates in her novels, and we're very eager to get our hands on this one.

Get it from Amazon for $17.99.

23. The Damned by Renée Ahdieh

G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, reneeahdieh.com

Release date: June 9

Why we're excited: This much-anticipated sequel picks up where The Beautiful left off. Bastien and Celine have paid dearly for loving one another, but when danger lurks at every turn, it could be the very love they have for one another that tears them apart. We can't wait to unveil the conclusion to this epic love story.

Get it from Amazon for $18.99.

24. Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Simon Pulse, rachelsolomonbooks.com

Release date: June 16

Why we're excited: Rowan Roth and Neil McNair have been bitter rivals for all of high school, but on the last night of their senior year, they decide to team up while participating in a senior game in order to avoid another group of seniors who have it out for them. That's when they discover that maybe the other isn't so bad. We're big fans of Soloman's contemporary stories, and this next one sounds like it's going to be incredibly cute!

Get it from Amazon for $18.99.

25. Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee

PrettyGeeky Photography

Release date: June 23

Why we're excited: Sirscha Ashwyn is in training to become the queen's next royal spy, but everything changes when she somehow restores her best friend back to life. Sirscha is revealed to be a soul guide and must learn how to master her newfound abilities before war ensues. This YA fantasy has such an intriguing premise and sounds like it will appeal to fans of Leigh Bardugo, so June can't come soon enough!

Get it from Amazon for $17.99.

26. We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

Farrar, Straus and Giroux, hafsahfaizal.com

Release date: July 7

Why we're excited: Following the events and battle from We Hunt the Flame, Zafira and Nasir return to Sultan's Keep where the still have to fight, but this time, they're fighting the demons in themselves. We're excited to see how Zafira and Nasir's story comes to an end.

Get it from Amazon for $13.39.

27. The State of Us by Shaun David Hutchinson

HarperTeen, shaundavidhutchinson.com

Release date: July 21

Why we're excited: When Dean's mother runs for president, the last thing he wants to be a part of is her campaign. But he changes his tune when he meets Dre, the son of the Democratic nominee. Things quickly turn romantic between the two, but when a third-party candidate threatens to expose them, they don't know what to do. Romance + politics? Sign me up!

Get it from Amazon for $17.99.

28. Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar

HarperTeen, instagram.com

Release date: Aug. 11

Why we're excited: Sheetal, the daughter of a human and a star, must go on a celestial quest in order to save her father's life. This Stardust-esque tale is not one you're gonna wanna miss!

Get it from Amazon for $15.53.