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    23 YA Books That You'll Absolutely Want To Pick Up This Fall

    Cozy book weather is almost here!

    Farrah Penn
    by Farrah Penn

    BuzzFeed Staff Writer

    Farrah Penn / BuzzFeed

    1. I Am Still Alive by Kate Alice Marshall

    Viking Books for Young Readers, Twitter: @kmarshallarts

    Release date: July 24

    What it's about: 16-year-old Jess finds herself alone in the Canadian wilderness with Bo, her father's dog, as a companion. Her father has somehow died, and Jess unfolds her survival story within the pages of her journal in before/after segments, all while wondering if she'll ever be rescued. Jess knows her father was involved with some shady people — people who have come to this quiet, middle-of-nowhere place to search for something he had. But what was it? And if they come back...will Jess be able to make a grand escape before winter sets in? This is a compelling survival story mystery that will have you flipping through the pages until you finish.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes & Noble for $13.18, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    2. Finding Yvonne by Brandy Colbert

    Little, Brown, goodreads.com

    Release date: Aug. 7

    What it's about: Yvonne has been playing her violin since she was seven and always thought it was the one thing she'd be passionate about. But with graduation around the corner, she begins wondering if playing violin is what she really wants to do. Then she meets Omar, a Venice street musician, who seems to get her struggle, and he's different from her boyfriend, Warren, in many ways. But when Yvonne finds out she is pregnant, she has to make the hardest decision about her future. This beautiful, relatable YA contemporary will resonate with those who've ever been uncertain about their own futures.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes & Noble for $15.29, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    3. #Murdertrending by Gretchen McNeil

    Freeform, @GretchenMcNeil / Twitter / Via Twitter: @gretchenmcneil

    Release date: Aug. 7

    What it's about: Set in the near future, something called the Postman app exists. It's where people can live-stream executions of society’s most infamous convicted felons. Enter 18-year-old Dee Guerrera. When she wakes up in the dilapidated warehouse, she knows she's about to be the next victim of the app. The problem is, Dee is being framed for a crime she did not commit, and she refuses to die for it. McNeil's talent for creating an enticing plot paired with heart-pounding pacing shines in her latest.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes & Noble for $14.39, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    4. Ignite the Stars by Maura Milan

    Albert Whitman, ignitethestars.com

    Release date: Sept. 4

    What it's about: Told in three points of view, notorious criminal mastermind, Ia Cocha, has made it her mission to bring down the Olympus Commonwealth — the imperialist nation that destroyed her home. But when she's caught, her punishment is to serve in the Commonwealth’s military academy with the strict flight master, Knives, watching her every move. There she rooms with Brinn — another student who holds a deep secret — while planning her escape. Milan expertly pens a thrilling, yet incredibly timely and relevant sci-fi adventure. Not only will this heart-hammering story captivate you, but you'll want to follow these strong characters until the very last page.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes & Noble for $15.95, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    5. Sadie by Courtney Summers

    Wednesday Books, Twitter: @courtney_s

    Release date: Sept. 4

    What it's about: This solid, gripping mystery is told in alternating sections. The first is from the point of view of 19-year-old Sadie, who is on a journey to find her younger sister's killer. The other perspective tells the same story as a true crime podcast, covering what happened to Sadie five months after her departure. Summers has penned a dark, gritty, but truly captivating novel that will appeal to fans of true crime.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes & Noble for $13.18, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    6. Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani

    Katherine Tegen Books, blogs.african-writing.com

    Release date: Sept. 4

    What it's about: In April of 2014, Boko Haram gained national media attention when he kidnapped 276 girls from Chibok in Nigeria, 50 of whom were able to escape. Although Nwaubani tells a story of a fictionalized girl, the events are true to reality. The nameless narrator of this story is determined to gain a government scholarship in order to attend university for free and help her family, but then her village is attacked by Boko Haram. She and her best friend are kidnapped and forced to serve their captors’ radical beliefs. Yet, despite everything, she is determined to escape. This is a must-read for everybody. It is poignant, powerful, and heartbreakingly real.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes & Noble for $15.29, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    7. A Room Away From The Wolves by Nova Ren Suma

    Algonquin Young Readers, en.wikipedia.org

    Release date: Sept. 4

    What it's about: Due to unfortunate circumstances, Bina finds herself at Catherine House — a young women’s residence in Greenwich Village where her mom lived several years ago. There Bina meets Monet, an intriguing girl who lives downstairs. Over the month that Bina lives there, she uncovers strange, dark, and magical secrets that both the house, and the girls, hold. This beautiful story is full of magical-realism and luscious, lyrical writing.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.86, Barnes & Noble for $16.11, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    8. A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna

    Sky Pony Press, sangumandanna.com

    Release date: Sept. 11

    What it's about: In this sci-fi retelling of the Mahabharata, Esmae enters a contest where the winner will be gifted the unbeatable warship Titania. Abandoned at birth, Esmae's plans include leaving Wychstar and going to Kali to help her brother win back the throne. But will all go as planned? This is the first in Mandanna's YA space opera trilogy, and its rich world building and epic, fast-paced plot won't disappoint.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes & Noble for $15.29, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    9. Escaping from Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco

    Kelli Maniscalco @ Dogwood Lane, Jimmy Patterson Books / Little, Brown

    Release date: Sept. 18

    What it's about: In the third installment in Maniscalco's Stalking Jack the Ripper series, Audrey Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell are on their way to New York aboard the opulent RMS Etruria. But when privileged young women begin to go missing, Audrey and Thomas team up to solve the gruesome investigation at sea — before anyone else is stain. Filled with the same murder, mystery, and all-around swooniness as the first two, fans of these dark, yet thrilling books won't be disappointed.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.91, Barnes & Noble for $16.14, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    10. Pride by Ibi Zoboi

    Balzer + Bray, ibizoboi.net

    Release date: Sept. 18

    What it's about: This Pride and Prejudice retelling follows Zuri Benitez and her Haitian-Dominican sisters who live in a gentrifying neighborhood in Bushwick. When a wealthy family and their two sons, Ainsley and Darius Darcy, move into a newly renovated "mini mansion" across the way, Zuri's older sister, Janae, immediately falls for Ainsley — but right off the bat Zuri can't stand his arrogant brother. Determined to hate Darius, Zuri focuses on her college plans and gaining attention from another cute boy named Warren. However, Zuri and Darius slowly begin to discover that they might have more in common than they initially think — if they can just set aside their pride and figure it out. This swoony retelling is perfect for fans of the original.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes & Noble for $15.29, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    11. For a Muse of Fire by Heidi Heilig

    Greenwillow Books, goodreads.com

    Release date: Sept. 25

    What it's about: This Asian/French-inspired fantasy follows Jetta and her family, who are a famed troupe of shadow players — those who perform with puppets for entertainment. Except Jetta has a secret: she can see the souls of the recently departed, so she binds them to the puppets with her blood in order to perform. She hopes to earn a spot with her family on the royal ship to Aquitan, where the King is said to have a spring to mend all illnesses. Jetta is hoping for a cure for her bipolar disorder. Except all goes wrong when a rebellion strikes once she and her family are on their journey. Jetta is introduced to Leo, who runs his own theater, and must decide what her next move will be. Heilig weaves a captivating narrative with lush, fascinating world building in this striking new series.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes & Noble for $15.29, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    12. Broken Things by Lauren Oliver

    HarperCollins, laurenoliverbooks.com

    Release date: Oct. 2

    What it's about: When Mia and Brynn were 13, their best friend Summer was murdered. At the time, the girls were obsessed with a novel called The Way into Lovelorn, and investigators suspected Mia and Brynn sacrificed their friend in the woods after getting swept up in the dark and twisted novel. The thing is, Mia and Brynn didn't do it — but they don't know who did. Now, five years later, Mia and Brynn are brought back together, where they slowly begin to unravel new clues as to what really happened to Summer. Get ready to swallow this book in one sitting, because this dark, atmospheric mystery is hard to put down.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.91, Barnes & Noble for $16.14, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    13. The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

    Harper, amazon.com

    Release date: Oct. 2

    What it's about: This is the companion novel to The Gentleman's Guide To Vice And Virtue told from the point of view of Felicity, Monty's younger sister. Her story begins a year after her whirlwind adventure with Monty and Percy. Determined to become a doctor, Felicity's goal is to convince an all-male administration that she deserves to study in medical school amongst male scholars. When she is repeatedly denied, she clings onto her last string of hope. Her former best friend, Johanna, is supposed to marry Doctor Alexander Platt — one of Felicity's biggest medical idols. When a mysterious young woman named Sim says she'll pay to transport Felicity from London to Germany, where Johanna will be wed, Felicity jumps on the opportunity. However, the quest leads to the three uncovering dangerous secrets Felicity never imagined. This is a beautifully brilliant story about feminism, female friendship, privilege, sexism in the 17th century, and doing all you can to fulfill your passion and dreams.

    Get it from Amazon for $17.09, Barnes & Noble for $18.80, Indiebound ,or find a copy at your local library.

    14. Odd One Out by Nic Stone

    nicstone.info

    Release date: Oct. 9

    What it's about: Coop has been in love with his best friend, Jupiter Sanchez, for as long as he can remember. Except Jupiter identifies as gay, and she might just be interested in the new girl, Rae Chin. But Rae has eyes for Coop...and maybe also Jupiter? Told in three different perspectives, Stone's authentic writing about sexual identity, labels, fitting in, and fluidity are as realistic as her characters. It's a must-read for anyone who's felt like they can't quite pinpoint their identity.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes & Noble for $15.29, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    15. What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

    K.W. Strauss. / goodreads.com, HarperTeen

    Release date: Oct. 9

    What it's about: Ben is a NYC native, whereas Arthur is only staying for the summer to help his mother out in her law office. When the universe offers them a meet-cute at the U.S. Post Office, their exchange leads them to NOT exchanging phone numbers. Ben is trying to get over his ex, so is it worth even searching for Arthur? Arthur's never had a boyfriend, so is he crazy for wanting to find Ben? In this adorable contemporary by YA superstars Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli, we get dual point of views and a truly feel-good story about love and friendship.

    Get it from Amazon for $17.09, Barnes & Noble for $17.43, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    16. A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

    Harper, @TaherehMafi / Twitter

    Release date: Oct. 16

    What it's about: Set in post-9/11 2002, Shirin is 16, Muslim, and tired of being stereotyped. Shirin, her older brother, and her parents are constantly moving from city to city, and when Shirin starts her new school, she's greeted with whispers about her hijab. Worst of all, she has to put up with degrading comments and harassment from her peers. Her outlet is forming a breakdancing club with her brother and his friends, but still, Shirin has learned to build walls. She doesn't see the good in any of her classmates — that is, until a boy named Ocean James sincerely puts forth an effort to be her friend. And the closer the two become, the more conflicted Shirin feels. This deeply moving story is a work of fiction based on personal experiences from the author, but it is powerful in the way it tackles white privilege and racism.

    Get it from Amazon for $16.71, Barnes & Noble for $18.05, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    17. An Assassin's Guide To Love and Treason by Virgina Boecker

    Little, Brown, virginiaboecker.com

    Release date: Oct. 23

    What it's about: Lady Katherine's father has been murdered for treason, but she soon discovers he was involved in a plot to murder Queen Elizabeth I. To fulfill her father's mission, she disguises herself as a boy and goes to London with one motive: Kill the queen. She believes she's found an opportunity to do so by joining a troupe who will perform Shakespeare's play in front of the queen. But even the play has a hidden motive — to destroy the rebellion. Toby Ellis is behind it all. He's been cast as the play's lead, Katherine as his opposite. But as they become close, will they be able to keep their dangerous motives from each other? Boecker magnificently creates a historical fiction novel that's vibrant, bold, and highly enjoyable.

    Get it from Amazon for $17.99, Barnes & Noble for $17.99, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    18. This Is Kind of an Epic Love Story by Kheryn Callender

    Balzer + Bray, Twitter: @kheryncasey

    Release date: Oct. 30

    What it's about: Nathan Bird is trying really hard to get over Florence, his best-friend-turned-girlfriend-turned-best-friend-again, when something unexpected happens: Oliver James Hernández, his childhood best friend, moves back into town. Nathan and Ollie didn't exactly depart on the right foot, but as Ollie is welcomed into Nathan's friend group, they become close again. And in turn, the feelings Nathan once had for Ollie start to slowly come back. But will he risk messing everything up again? This sweet, queer rom-com is adorable and swoony in all the right ways.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes & Noble for $15.29, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    19. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

    Jimmy Patterson Books / Little, Brown, natashangan.com

    Release date: Nov. 6

    What it's about: Set in the Asian-inspired fantasy world of Ikhara, eight girls are chosen to become the Demon King's concubines every year — something considered to be a true honor. This year, Lei is forcibly taken from her village to serve as the King's ninth. Oppressed, Lei can think of nothing but escape to be with her family again, yet she doesn't expect to find comfort in another girl, Wren, who she slowly begins to fall for. But when Wren reveals a deep secret, Lei must make a fight or flight choice. Filled with female empowerment, f/f romance, and complex characters, Ngan takes readers to a dark, yet enriching world she's successfully created.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.91, Barnes & Noble for $16.14, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    20. This Is What It Feels Like by Rebecca Barrow

    HarperTeen, goodreads.com

    Release date: Nov. 6

    What it's about: Told in multiple points of views, Hanna, Dia, and Jules used to be in a band together — until it dismantled. Dia has the responsibility of her baby, Hanna has struggled with alcohol and rehab, and Jules is trying to figure out her first relationship with a girl. But the Sun City Originals competition is a chance for the band to come back together to attempt to win its grand prize: 15 grand and an opportunity to place with one of the greatest bands of all time. Can they let go of their past and get back to the flow of their friendship? Barrow crafts a contemporary story that's full of heart and portrays friendship in the most honest way.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes & Noble for $15.29, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    21. Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean

    HMH Books for Young Readers, goodreads.com

    Release date: Nov. 6

    What it's about: In this compelling Ancient Japan-inspired YA fantasy, there is a search to find a new empress of Honoku through a competition. Told in three different points of view, there is Taro, who has no interest in inheriting the imperial throne. Then there is Mari, who has trained most of her life for this moment, but there is one problem. She is a yōkai — someone with the ability to transform into a terrifying monster. Yōkai are not able to compete, but Mari believes she can keep her secret safe. Finally there's Akira, a half-human, half-yōkai outcast. Each plays a different role in struggling to obtain what they want most from the empire in this lush, extraordinary novel.

    Get it from Amazon for $17.99, Barnes & Noble for $17.99, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    22. Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix by Julie C. Dao

    Philomel Books, Jonathan Dao / Via juliedao.com

    Release date: Nov. 6

    What it's about: This is the sequel to Forest of a Thousand Lanterns. Set in an East Asian-inspired fantasy world, Princess Jade has made it her mission to dethrone the empress of Feng Lu — her step-mother, the ruthless Xifeng. Jade doesn't want the crown, but she knows it is the only way to save her kingdom and her people...if she can escape the same darkness that controls Xifeng. Filled with the same magic and lush world building as her debut, Dao knocks it out of the park with this fascinating sequel.

    Get it from Amazon for $18.99, Barnes & Noble for $18.99, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.

    23. This Splintered Silence by Kayla Olson

    Harper, bookpeople.com

    Release date: Nov. 13

    What it's about: In this riveting sci-fi mystery, Lindley Hamilton is thrust into the position of captain of the space station Lusca after her mother and crew of the Lusca die from a mysterious but deadly virus. Now all Lindley wants to do is keep the people on her ship alive. But when more people begin dying, Lindley starts to expect it might not be from the virus, but that someone on board might be responsible. Olson pens an enthralling, out of this world space adventure that's sure to keep you intrigued.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes & Noble for $15.29, Indiebound, or find a copy at your local library.