29 YA Books You Absolutely Must Read This Spring

    So many great titles!

    Farrah Penn
    by Farrah Penn

    BuzzFeed Staff Writer

    Farrah Penn / BuzzFeed

    1. What I Like About Me by Jenna Guillaume

    Pan Australia, goodreads.com

    Release date: Feb. 26

    What it's about: 16-year-old Maisie Martin believes she's going to have another low-key holiday break with her mom, her best friend Anna, and her crush, Seb. But when she enters and is accepted into a summer beauty pageant, she realizes that loving herself — including her body — has to become priority number one, even if it's not as easy as it seems. This adorable YA contemporary is all about self-love, acceptance, and unapologetically being yourself.

    Get it from The Book Depository for $12 or from the publisher's website for $16.99.

    2. The Fever King by Victoria Lee

    Skyscape, victorialeewrites.com

    Release date: March 1

    What it's about: Set in a dystopian America, the country has divided itself as a result of people becoming infected by a deadly plague. In the rare case someone survives the virus, they possess unique powers. Noam Álvaro is a technopath — someone with the ability to control technology. When this attracts attention from the minister of defense, he's introduced to the magical elite of the nation of Carolinia. Noah doesn't agree with Carolinia's policy of regularly deporting refugees fleeing magical outbreaks, but he believes he can learn from the minister and use that knowledge against the government. But he doesn't expect to fall for the minister's son. This LGBT YA read is gritty and compelling, unafraid of shying away from relevant social issues in today's America.

    Get it from Amazon for $8.49, Barnes and Noble for $9.99, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    3. The Everlasting Rose by Dhonielle Clayton

    Freeform, dhonielleclayton.com

    Release Date: March 5

    What it's about: In this second installment of The Belles series, Camille and her group of allies are trying to find and save Princess Charlotte before she ends up in the clutches of Camille's mortal enemy, Sophia. This enchanting sequel contains just as much adventure and intrigue as the first.

    Get it from Amazon for $10.99+, Barnes and Noble for $16.91+, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    4. Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds

    Katherine Tegen Books, justinareynolds.com

    Release date: March 5

    What it's about: Jack and Kate fell for each other and had their own love story, but it soon ended after Kate's unexpected death. Then, through reasons Jack can't explain, Kate's death sends him into a repetitive time loop, taking him back to the moment they first met. If Jack can take preventative measures to stop Kate's death, he'll do it. But when one of Jack's actions turns deadly for someone else he's close to, he'll have to choose what he must do to in order to save the people he loves. Full of both humor and heart, Opposite of Always isn't one to miss.

    Get it from Amazon for $17.99, Barnes and Noble for $17.99, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    5. Dealing in Dreams by Lilliam Rivera

    Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers, Vanessa Acosta / lilliamrivera.com

    Release date: March 5

    What it's about: Set in a futuristic, matriarchal society, Nalah lives in Mega City where she leads a fierce, all-girl crew. They fight in brawls against other crews not only to survive, but to move up in the world. Nalah's goal is to get off the streets and live in the exclusive Mega Towers. In order to do so, she must find an elusive gang to prove her loyalty to the city's founder. But the closer she gets to reaching her goal, the more she struggles with her own doubts. Rivera pens a smart, speculative read revolving around family and identity.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.91, Barnes and Noble for $17.09, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    6. Internment by Samira Ahmed

    Atom, samiraahmed.com

    Release date: March 19

    What it's about: In the not too distant future in the United States, 17-year-old Layla Amin and her parents are forced into an internment camp for Muslim American citizens. But Layla isn't going to be subdued to this type of imprisonment. Her ultimate goal is to resist, fight for freedom, and lead a revolution. This is a bold, powerful, and reflective read that doesn't hold back any punches.

    Get it from Amazon for $10.54, Barnes and Noble for $11.28, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    7. Night Music by Jenn Marie Thorne

    Dial Books, goodreads.com

    Release date: March 19

    What it's about: Ruby Chertok has trained and grown up within the classical music world for her entire life. It's defined her — but she's not so sure she wants it as her future. Oscar Bell conducts his own compositions and is known for going viral on YouTube. When Oscar goes to study under Ruby's renowned composer father, Ruby and Oscar instantly connect. But Oscar is aware of how the privileged, very white world of classical music might see him — a black guy — falling for Martin Chertok's daughter. This summer rom com is swoony in all the right ways, but also doesn't shy away from discussing the reality of equality, racism, and privilege.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes and Noble for $16.19, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    8. Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan

    Wednesday Books, eaduncan.com

    Release date: April 2

    What it's about: Kalyazin and Tranavia are divided countries because of a holy war that happened for a century. When an attack by the Tranavians forces Nadya (a Kalyazi cleric) to flee the monastery, she finds herself on the run from an enemy who might know her greatest power: She's able to communicate with the gods. This dual point of view YA fantasy is refreshingly atmospheric, allowing readers to escape into a well-crafted world.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.91, Barnes and Noble for $13.29, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    9. The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston

    Quirk Books, ashposton.com

    Release date: April 2

    What it's about: Super fangirl Imogen Lovelace is obsessed with the TV show Starfield and is bound and determined to save her favorite character (Princess Amara) from being killed off. The problem? Jessica Stone, the actress who plays Princess Amara, is over it. She wants to leave the show and fandom behind. But when Jessica and Imogen are brought together by a case of mistaken identity at ExcelsiCon, they decide to swap places in order to find out who leaked an unreleased Starfield script — and end up finding love along the way. This lighthearted, fun, LGBT YA book dives expertly into the world of fandoms and cons.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.91, Barnes and Noble for $13.29, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    10. The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare

    Simon & Schuster, cassandraclare.com

    Release date: April 9

    What it's about: Magnus Bane expected to have a romantic vacation in Paris with his Shadowhunter boyfriend, Alec Lightwood. But when a cult called the Crimson Hand begins wrecking havoc, Magnus and Alec find themselves racing across Europe to stop dangerous demons. Fans of The Mortal Instruments series will enjoy getting more of these two beloved characters through this compelling read.

    Get it from Amazon for $16.50, Barnes and Noble for $17.49, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    11. How Not to Ask a Boy to Prom by S.J. Goslee

    Roaring Brook Press, Twitter: @skoosie

    Release date: April 23

    What it's about: Nolan Grant has never had a boyfriend and never been kissed, but his older sister decides to step in by planning an elaborate “prom-posal” to help Nolan ask out his crush. When Nolan freezes, Bern steps in to save him from his embarrassment by offering to fake date him — but Bern has his own reasons for doing this. Full of humor and tenderness, this contemporary YA will satisfy readers looking to swoon.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes and Noble for $12.52, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    12. If I'm Being Honest by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

    Viking Books for Young Readers, emilyandaustinwrite.com

    Release date: April 23

    What it's about: Cameron Bright has the reputation of being popular, cutting, and sometimes downright bitchy. And when she makes an awful remark about someone in front of her crush Andrew, she knows she's blown any chance she has with him. Vowing to do better, Cameron attempts to "tame" herself like Katherine in Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, and that involves apologizing to those she's wronged, including Brendan, a boy she's ruthlessly bullied. But Cameron will have to work hard to earn forgiveness, which causes her to rethink her plan. Is she only doing this for Andrew, or for herself? Set in Los Angeles, this delightfully feminist rom-com has characters that feel like friends and will surely appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes and Noble for $12.59, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    13. Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak by Adi Alsaid

    Inkyard Press, Peter Ross / Via heypeterross.com

    Release date: April 30

    What it's about: When Lu's longtime boyfriend unexpectedly breaks up with her, she has trouble focusing on her columnist job that's tied to her college scholarship. But then she meets Cal. Cal's girlfriend is going to college at the end of summer, and she doesn't want to do long distance. Inspired by this, Lu has the idea to write about the last months of the couple's relationship. And the more she writes about the relationship, the more she begins to learn about love. This is a witty, tender story about teenage love.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.91, Barnes and Noble for $13.29, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    14. Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan

    Putnam, Amber Hooper / Via jldugan.com

    Release date: April 30

    What it's about: Lou Parker has landed a summer job as a giant, dancing hot dog at Magic Castle Playland. But things won't be too bad, because Lou is bound and determined to set her BFF Seeley up with a cute girl in order to get closer to her crush, Nick. While her intentions might be murky, Lou is also determined to stop Magic Castle Playland from closing by the end of summer. This coming-of-age queer romance is fun and adorable in all the best ways.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes and Noble for $12.59, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    15. With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo

    HarperTeen, acevedowrites.com

    Release date: May 7

    What it's about: Emoni Santiago has a small daughter and plans to graduate high school. With so much responsibility, she lets her true passion run wild in the kitchen. She loves to cook. While Emoni doesn't have the money for culinary classes, or a class trip to Spain, or anything that seems like it might help her dreams — she refuses to suppress her talent. Heartfelt and powerful, Acevedo delivers another satisfying read.

    Get it from Amazon for $17.99, Barnes and Noble for $17.99, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    16. Love From A to Z by S.K. Ali

    Salaam Reads, skalibooks.com

    Release date: May 7

    What it's about: When Zayneb, the only Muslim in her class, gets suspended for confronting her teacher, she goes to her aunt's in Doha, Qatar to begin her spring break early. Angry and saddened, she decides to give herself a personality makeover — one that involves being a "nice" version of herself. Meanwhile, Adam, another Muslim teen, is dealing with his multiple sclerosis diagnosis and trying to keep his mother's memory alive for his sister. And then, the two people mad at the world for different reasons, meet up — and everything changes. This YA contemporary expertly touches on self-discovery and identity in a meaningful way.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.31, Barnes and Noble for $13.21, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    17. Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo

    Farrar, Straus and Giroux, maurenegoo.com

    Release date: May 7

    What it's about: When a K-pop star named Lucky and a tabloid writer named Jack meet in a fancy hotel, Jack accompanies her to find a hamburger. But after realizing who she is, Jack believes that getting to know this megastar might be a way to advance his career — if he doesn't fall for her first. Set over the period of a day, Goo has created a lighthearted and joyful rom com that will leave you with a smile on your face.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes and Noble for $12.59, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    18. Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens by Tanya Boteju

    Simon Pulse, Simon & Schuster

    Release date: May 7

    What it's about: When Nima Kumara-Clark finds herself unexpectedly immersed in the drag scene on the other side of town, she doesn't expect to become closer to a self she never knew she could be. This contemporary LGBT YA is about self-discovery, identity, and finding yourself fitting in for the first time.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.91, Barnes and Noble for $13.29, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    19. Finale by Stephanie Garber

    Flatiron Books, stephaniegarberauthor.com

    Release date: May 7

    What it's about: This is the third installment in the Caraval trilogy. It's been two months since the Fates have been freed from an enchanted deck of cards, and while Legend is planning on claiming the throne, Tella is determined to stop him. She believes her mother is the throne's rightful heir. In the meantime, Scarlett holds a competition between Julian and Count Nicolas d’Arcy where the winner receives her hand in marriage. While Caraval has ended, there are still games to be won — or lost. This is an epic, magical ending to Garber's enchanting series.

    Get it from Amazon for $13.51, Barnes and Noble for $13.99, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    20. The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad

    Scholastic, nafizaazad.wordpress.com

    Release date: May 14

    What it's about: In this Asian-inspired historical fantasy, Fatima lives in the city of Noor, where the Shayateen djinn slaughtered its entire population save for Fatima and two others. A new maharajah now protects Noor from the Shayateen, but when one of the djinn protectors dies, Fatima is drawn to a dark and dangerous world of magic. This is a lush feminist fantasy that will hook you from the very beginning.

    Get it from Amazon for $18.99, Barnes and Noble for $18.99, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    21. We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

    Farrar, Straus and Giroux, hafsahfaizal.com

    Release date: May 14

    What it's about: Set in a world inspired by ancient Arabia, Zafira is the Hunter in the kingdom of Arawiya. In order to feed her people, she disguises herself as a man, entering into a cursed forest to gather food. Nasir, known as the Prince of Death, does not hesitate to assassinate those who defy his father, the king. But Zafira embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover a lost artifact that can restore magic to her suffering world. However, Nasir also has a mission — a mission that includes finding the very same artifact and killing the Hunter. This magical YA fantasy is filled with rich worldbuilding with stakes that will keep you at the edge of your seat.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.91, Barnes and Noble for $13.29, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    22. There's Something About Sweetie by Sandhya Menon

    Simon Pulse, Dana Foster / Via sandhyamenon.com

    Release date: May 14

    What it's about: After Ashish Patel is dumped by his girlfriend (and first love), his parents insists he dates an Indian-American girl. Sweetie Nair loves her parents, but she's tired of them not seeing her full self-worth because she's fat. Told in dual perspectives, Sweetie and Ashish have a lot to prove, yet continue to grow closer with each date they go on. Menon pens another adorable, joyous rom com about identity and love.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.91, Barnes and Noble for $13.29, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    23. I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver

    Push, Trịnh Hồng Hương / Via masondeaverwrites.com

    Release date: May 14

    What it's about: When Ben De Backer comes out as non-binary, they're forced to move in with their older sister Hannah, and her husband, Thomas. Now at a new school for the last half of senior year, Ben attempts to keep a low profile and only comes out to the school's therapist. Then they meet Nathan Allan, who takes Ben under his wing — but their friendship slowly begins to turn into something deeper. Deaver has created an important, tender story that's full of heart.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes and Noble for $12.59, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    24. Let Me Hear A Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson

    Katherine Tegen Books / goodreads.com

    Release date: May 21

    What it's about: After Quadir and Jarrell's best friend is killed, they enlist the help of Steph's younger sister to make his memory live on by promoting his music under a new name: The Architect. But when the mixtape starts gaining traction and attention, the three friends must work together to prove Steph's talent while keeping an enormous secret. Jackson is the queen of writing compelling, intriguing, and fast-paced stories, and Let Me Hear A Rhyme does not disappoint.

    Get it from Amazon for $17.99, Barnes and Noble for $17.99, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    25. Girl Gone Viral by Arvin Ahmadi

    Viking Books for Young Readers, goodreads.com

    Release date: May 21

    What it's about: 17-year-old Opal Hopper attends a boarding school for technical prodigies. She loves coding, but the one thing she desperately wants is to find her father who disappeared after her 10th birthday. But when the world's biggest virtual reality platform announces a contest where the winner gets to meet its billionaire founder, Opal knows she HAS to win. She knows the billionaire worked with her father, and it might be her only opportunity to get answers. But then a hack launches Opal into virility. This futuristic YA novel is uniquely intriguing and perfect for fans of Black Mirror.

    Get it from Amazon for $17.99, Barnes and Noble for $17.99, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    26. Symptoms of a Heartbreak by Sona Charaipotra

    Imprint, goodreads.com

    Release date: May 21

    What it's about: Saira is a 16-year-old medical prodigy starting her first day at a hospital that treats children with cancer. She's used to dealing with all that comes with being a "celebrity Girl Genius," but isn't sure how she'll prove herself to working adults. She also doesn't expect to begin falling for a teen cancer patient named Lincoln. But will she risk everything she's worked for to improve his chances? Fans of YA contemporary don't want to miss this one.

    Get it from Amazon for $17.99, Barnes and Noble for $17.99, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    27. Kingsbane by Claire Legrand

    Sourcebooks Fire, claire-legrand.com

    Release date: May 21

    What it's about: In this sequel to Furyborn, both Rielle Dardenne and Eliana Ferracora — queens in different centuries — must confront a new type of power after being anointed Sun Queen. This YA fantasy is 500+ pages full of heart-pounding adventure and intrigue.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.91, Barnes and Noble for $13.29, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    28. The Voice In My Head by Dana L. Davis

    Harlequin Teen, danaldavis.com

    Release date: May 28

    What it's about: Indigo Phillips's twin sister is terminally ill with plans to die by a medically assisted suicide, and Indigo is broken thinking of a life without her. But when Indigo swears she can hear a voice in her head telling her she can save her sister, she takes a leap of faith and begs her family to road trip to Arizona in hopes of preventing what seems to be inevitable. With a central focus on family, this emotionally resonant novel will inevitably tug at your heartstrings.

    Get it from Amazon for $18.99, Barnes and Noble for $17.09, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

    29. I Love You So Mochi by Sarah Kuhn

    Scholastic, heroinecomplex.com

    Release date: May 28

    What it's about: Kimi Nakamura is obsessed with fashion, creating her own original pieces that make her and her friends feel like the best version of themselves. Her mom, however, sees fashion as a distraction from her art portfolio. So when her estranged grandparents invite her to Kyoto for spring break, she jumps at the chance for an escape. There she meets a cute med student who also moonlights as a costumed mochi mascot. But the longer Kimi is in Japan, the more she learns about the mother she left behind. This sweet contemporary YA is a truly delightful read.

    Get it from Amazon for $12.32, Barnes and Noble for $12.59, or a local bookstore through Indiebound here.