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    24 YA Books Releasing Before Spring That You Need To Pick Up

    Spring might be just around the corner, but these new book releases will keep you company until then!

    Farrah Penn
    by Farrah Penn

    BuzzFeed Staff Writer

    1. We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

    Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr), hafsahfaizal.com

    Release date: Jan. 19

    What it's about: From this New York Times bestselling, award-winning author comes the second book in the Sands of Arawiya duology. Though the battle on Sharr is over and the Arz has fallen, Zafira, Nasir, and Kifah are on a mission to bring magic to all of Arawiya. While Nasir struggles with controlling magic within him, Zafira struggles with a creeping darkness. With time running out, can they successfully restore both order and magic?

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local indie through Indiebound here.

    2. The Project by Courtney Summers

    Wednesday, Megan Gunter / Via courtneysummers.ca

    Release date: Feb. 2

    What it's about: After Lo Denham's parents died, her sister Bea joined the Unity Project, a charity and community group. But Lo knows there's something sinister about this organization, and she's determined to prove it. So when a man comes forward proclaiming that the Unity Project killed his son, Lo sets off on a mission to expose the group. Summers' highly anticipated YA mystery will absolutely take you on one hell of a ride, so buckle up.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local bookstore via Indiebound here.

    3. Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

    Dutton Books for Young Readers, Sharona jacobs / Via malindalo.com

    Release date: Jan. 19

    What it's about: Lo's latest is set in San Francisco's Chinatown during the 1950s. Lily Hu is a 17-year-old Chinese American who is questioning her sexuality. She finds acceptance through another teen named Kath at the Telegraph Club, a lesbian nightclub. As their romance grows, so does the Red Scare paranoia that surrounds them. Lo brilliantly captures the intense feelings of inner turmoil, belonging, and identity.

    Get it from Bookshop or from your local indie through Indiebound here.

    4. As Far as You'll Take Me by Phil Stamper

    Bloomsbury, Krystal Balzer Photography / Via philstamper.com

    Release date: Feb. 9

    What it's about: Marty finds an escape from the judgmental eyes of his parents when he sets off to London, where he's excited to explore his sexuality and land his dream job. It's going to be perfect. And it is — for a little while. But Marty's savings will only go so far, and his homesickness and anxiety are worsening. Will he be able to figure it out, or will everything fall apart?

    Get it from Bookshop or from your local bookstore via Indiebound here.

    5. Chlorine Sky by Mahogany L. Browne

    Crown, mobrowne.com

    Release date: Jan. 12

    What it's about: Browne pens a stunningly told coming-of-age novel-in-verse about one girl's journey to self-discovery while navigating a tumultuous friendship that's falling apart. The lyrical prose captivates the emotional struggle of trying to figure out who you are and where you fit in. If you're a fan of Elizabeth Acevedo and Jason Reynolds (who blurbed it!), you don't want to miss this one.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local bookstore via Indiebound here.

    6. The Electric Kingdom by David Arnold

    Penguin, davidarnoldbooks.com / Via Stephanie Arnold

    Release date: Feb. 9

    What it's about: In Arnold's latest YA, we dip into a postapocalyptic novel that parallels our contemporary 2020. A dangerous Fly Flu has swept the globe, leaving few survivors. Among them are 18-year-old Nico and her dog, who are on a quest to find a mythical portal that her father told her about. Along the way, Nico meets other survivors, navigating life and all its meaning as she searches for answers.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local indie through Indiebound here.

    7. This Will Be Funny Someday by Katie Henry

    Harperteen, Chris Macke / Via katiehenrywrites.com

    Release date: Jan. 19

    What it's about: Sixteen-year-old Izzy hasn't quite found her voice at home or at school. She doesn't typically say what's on her mind, even though she wants to. So when she accidentally enters a stand-up comedy club and performs, everything begins to change for her. Stand-up brings out a boldness in Izzy, and she finds herself fitting in with a crew of college students who perform there. The problem? They also think Izzy is in college, and Izzy's controlling boyfriend isn't exactly sure what's going on with her lately. Surely, nothing will go wrong while she tries to keep this secret. Henry threads a smart and insightful commentary on sexism, especially in comedy, paired with funny, sharp characters in this fresh, feminist novel.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local indie through Indiebound here.

    8. Yesterday Is History by Kosoko Jackson

    Sourcebooks, Sara Nicole Lemon / Via kosokojackson.com

    Release date: Feb. 2

    What it's about: If time travel is your jam, don't miss out on this queer, romantic, and captivating novel. After Andre Cobb receives a liver transplant, he gains the unexpected gift of time travel, which is how he's dropped into 1969. He ends up making a connection with a boy named Michael, and torn between present and past, Andre must find out where he belongs before time travel consequences begin to sneak up on him.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local bookstore via Indiebound here

    9. This Is Not the Jess Show by Anna Carey

    Quirk Books, Josie Simonet / Via annacareybooks.com

    Release date: Feb. 2

    What it's about: Carey's YA thriller is The Truman Show meets Black Mirror and is chock-full of '90s vibes. It's 1998, and Jess Flynn is a normal high school student in the small town of Swickley. But her world tips upside down when she finds a mysterious device with an apple logo, which leads her to question everything and everyone she's ever known.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local indie through Indiebound here.

    10. A Taste for Love by Jennifer Yen

    Razorbill, jenyenwrites.com

    Release date: Feb. 2

    What it's about: A Taste for Love is a loose Pride and Prejudice retelling with an added splash of The Great British Baking Show. Liza Yang agrees to help her mother with her bakery's annual junior competition, but there's one catch: Her mother has handpicked eligible Asian American guys as contestants without her knowing in order to set her up. And to Liza's surprise, she finds herself attracted to the impenetrable (and sexy) James Wong. How is she supposed to deal with conflicting feelings over her mother's approval — and James? Yen's debut is an absolute delight and a perfect comfort read. Bonus: You'll be craving boba by the time you finish reading.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local indie through Indiebound here.

    11. The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

    Delacorte Press, naminaforna.com

    Release date: Feb. 9

    What it's about: You're definitely going to want to immerse yourself in this dazzling, lush, West African high-fantasy (and New York Times bestselling!) novel. In 16-year-old Deka's village, a blood ceremony is performed to find those worthy of becoming a member of the village. Those with red blood are deemed worthy, while those with gold blood face terrible consequences. When Deka's blood is found to run gold, she is treated as a demon — until a woman frees her. Deka is introduced as an alaki, those blessed with a rare gift that can stop the empire's enemies. Now, despite many dangers that lie ahead, Deka must prepare for a battle to save the empire.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local indie through Indiebound here.

    12. Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant

    Balzer + Bray, elisebryant.com

    Release date: Jan. 5

    What it's about: Don't miss Bryant's sweet and heartfelt contemporary YA debut. 16-year-old Tessa Johnson has been accepted into a creative writing program, and while she loves crafting stories, she has never seen herself as the protagonist in the romance novels she reads. That's when her BFF steps in with romance novel–inspired steps to a happily ever after. But the more Tessa follows this guide, the further she feels from her true self. Also? There might just be something there with boy next door Sam.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local bookstore via Indiebound here.

    13. Wings of Ebony by J. Elle

    Simon & Schuster, authorjelle.com

    Release date: Jan. 26

    What it's about: In this thrilling YA fantasy by New York Times bestselling author J. Elle, we step into a world of gods — and a girl who must save it. Rue's life in Houston changes when her mother is murdered and her estranged father takes her to Ghazan, a secret country of gods, away from her sister. In Ghazan, Rue is different: She is half god, half human, and she discovers that the leaders of this secret country thrive on human suffering. But when Rue escapes back to Houston, she finds it in chaos, and worse, there's evil plaguing her neighborhood of East Row. Will Rue be able to embrace her powers before everything she loves is gone?

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local bookstore via Indiebound here.

    14. Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas

    Balzer + Bray, Imani Khayyam / Via angiethomas.com

    Release date: Jan. 12

    What it's about: In Concrete Rose, set 17 years before the events of The Hate U Give, Maverick Carter deals for the King Lords in order to help his overworked mother while his father is in prison, but everything changes when Mav finds out that he's going to be a father. When he gets an opportunity to go straight, he's determined to amount to something. But escaping gang roots isn't easy when loyalty and revenge threaten to break Mav.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local bookstore via Indiebound here.

    15. Soul of Cinder by Bree Barton

    Katherine Teigen, breebarton.com

    Release date: Jan. 12

    What it's about: This is the third and final book in Barton's Heart of Thorns series, and it wraps up an adventurous and epic tale that fantasy lovers will deeply enjoy. Back in the river kingdom, Prince Quin is ready to reclaim the throne and plans to destroy Mia, Pilar, and Angelyne if they oppose him. Meanwhile, Mia and Pilar are struggling in their own ways. But when rumors of a misty island promise to provide the answers they seek, they'll have to determine if they're willing to pay the cost.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local bookstore via Indiebound here.

    16. Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi

    Simon & Schuster, choitotheworld.com

    Release date: March 2

    What it's about: Choi is a must-read author for us, and her latest beautifully explores the complicated relationship between two very different sisters. Jayne Baek is attending fashion school in New York City and struggling with an eating disorder, and she can't seem to move on from her deadbeat boyfriend. Her sister, June, seemingly has it all: She's rich, and she has a job in finance and a giant apartment. But when June is diagnosed with uterine cancer, Jayne moves in, and these estranged sisters begin to get to know each other better.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local bookstore via Indiebound here.

    17. Your Corner Dark by Desmond Hall

    SimonTeen, Twitter: @authordesmond

    Release date: Jan. 19

    What it's about: In this YA contemporary novel that's American Street meets Long Way Down, Frankie joins his uncle's gang in exchange for him paying his father's medical bills after he's shot — even though Frankie has received a scholarship that will give him a future outside of Jamaica. Now Frankie is forced to face the truth of his family and future.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local indie through Indiebound here.

    18. Like Home by Louisa Onomé

    Delacorte Press, Linda Arki

    Release date: Feb. 22

    What it's about: Nelo loves her neighborhood, Ginger East, but after a deadly incident at the local arcade, things changed. Nelo's friends moved away — well, except for her BFF Kate. But when Kate's parents' corner store is vandalized, the police and media are quick to point fingers. And as the incident gains national attention, Nelo finds herself at the center of the drama. Worse, her friendship with Kate is becoming distant. Will things ever go back to the way they were? Get ready to fall in love with Onomé's authentic, vivid characters.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local bookstore via Indiebound here.

    19. The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe

    G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, Tess Sharpe

    Release date: Jan. 26

    What it's about: The Girls I've Been has already generated hype after Millie Bobbie Brown announced that she's set to star in the adaptation. This is a promising, suspenseful thriller that follows Nora O'Malley, the daughter of a con artist, who is taken hostage in a bank heist. Get ready for a lot of twists and turns as she attempts to navigate her way out!

    Get it from Bookshop or your local indie through Indiebound here.

    20. Roman & Jewel by Dana L. Davis

    Inkyard Press, danaldavis.com

    Release date: Jan. 5

    What it's about: Step into this fun and dramatic Romeo and Juliet–inspired hip-hopera, featuring a diverse cast and modern twists on the play. Jerzie is aiming for the female leading role, but she's crushed when she only lands understudy. But when an entanglement with Zepp — who's playing Roman — leads to the whole world seeing a viral video, the people decide to speak on whom they want to play Jewel.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local bookstore via Indiebound here.

    21. Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo

    Make Me a World, Aris Theotokatos / Via safia-mafia.com

    Release date: March 2

    What it's about: Elhillo's novel-in-verse follows Nima, a Sudanese American Muslim teenager who is struggling to fit into her suburban town. When the rug is pulled out from under her, Nima begins to explore another life she could have had, living by another name, while searching for what identity truly means.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local indie through Indiebound here.

    22. Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado

    Holiday House, Crystal Maldonado

    Release date: Feb. 2

    Why we're excited: All Charlie wants is to have a good relationship with her body, but it's hard when her mother thinks she should fit a beauty standard that she does not subscribe to: being slim, white, and quiet. Luckily, her BFF Amelia always has her back. When a cute classmate starts to notice Charlie, she's over the moon — until she learns that he asked Amelia out first. At its core, Fat Chance, Charlie Vega takes readers on a journey of navigating friendships and relationships, insecurities and vulnerabilities. In a debut that is both hilarious and heartfelt, author Maldonado is a breakout voice to watch in YA this year.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local bookstore via Indiebound here.

    23. Reaper of Souls by Rena Barron

    HarperTeen, Aaron Gang / Via renabarron.com

    Release date: Feb. 16

    What it's about: In this sequel to the epic Kingdom of Souls, we find out what's next for Arrah. She's the last surviving witch doctor, and her kingdom is in shambles. She decides to return to the tribal lands in search of her parents' people, but her connection to the Demon King isn't something she can fully escape.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local bookstore via Indiebound here.

    24. Once Upon a Quinceañera by Monica Gomez-Hira

    HarperTeen, lasmusasbooks.com

    Release date: March 2

    What it's about: Carmen Aguilar's summer consists of an unpaid summer internship in Miami, which forces her to help plan her cousin Ariana's extravagant quinceañera. And as if things couldn't get any worse, her dance partner is Mauro Reyes, the ex she regrets the most. Is it going to be the summer of disasters, or will Carmen get her happily ever after? This heartfelt story about learning from your mistakes is the perfect winter pick-me-up.

    Get it from Bookshop or Target or from your local bookstore via Indiebound here.