40 Highly Anticipated YA Books Releasing In The First Half Of 2022

Rash decisions, new crushes, Scrabble, at least one Leo, and an ahead-of-schedule apocalypse await you in these new releases.

1. One True Loves by Elise Bryant

HarperTeen, Joseph Sebastia Photograph

Release date: January 4

What it's about: This is the companion novel to Happily Ever Afters, but you can read them independently of each other. In this delightful contemporary, we follow Lenore, whose future at NYU is set in stone, at least according to her parents. But she's not entirely sure what she wants for herself. As their family heads off for a Mediterranean cruise post-graduation, the last thing she expects is for her parents to immediately bond with another family...who have a son her age. Alex is a hopeless romantic golden boy with the next decade planned out and is everything Lenore is not looking for. But with her best friend Tessa's voice in her ear, she might just be able to open herself up to love.

Preorder from Bookshop, Target, or through your local indie bookstore through Indiebound here.

2. The Kindred by Alechia Dow

Inkyard Press, Nadine Rodler

Release date: January 4

What it's about: Alechia Dow returns with another delectable sci-fi adventure! Joy is a commoner from the planet Hali who lives a simple life. I mean, she's also Kindred (mind-paired) to Duke Felix, the nobility's notorious playboy. And technically, he's now next in line for the throne after the assassination of the royal family. Also he's being accused of the murder. Oh, and the first time Joy and Felix meet in person occurs as they are stealing a spacecraft that's crash landing onto Earth. You know, the simple life.

Preorder from Bookshop, Target, or through your local indie bookstore through Indiebound here.

3. Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves by Meg Long

Wednesday Books, Via meglongbooks.com

Release date: January 11

What it's about: The perfect winter read might just be this inventive and atmospheric debut. Sena has been trying to find a way off her frozen planet of Tundar, her desperation leading to a mistake that puts her in danger with a local gangster. An escape is presented by a team of scientists. Their bargain: She competes for them in Tundar's yearly dogsled race, and they pay for her way out. With no other choice, she and her prize-fighting wolf, Iska, must compete in the treacherous race...knowing that it claimed both her mothers' lives.

Preorder from Bookshop, Target, or through your local indie bookstore through Indiebound here.

4. Akata Woman by Nnedi Okorafor