15 Best Young Adult Books 2023
We’re halfway through 2023 and book lovers have, of course, one continued thought on their minds… What new books will I add to my TBR? School’s out, the beach is calling, and luckily, there are so many incredible YA books to pore over and pre-order for the rest of the summer. From fascinating fantasies to enchanting romances and spine-tingling murder mysteries, your favourite authors deliver new and exciting titles to add to your growing book collection.
While exploring important subjects such as love, loss, identity, and race, the best young adult books tell stories that often impart poignant life lessons. So, where do you start in adding to your TBR list for the rest of the year? There are tons of titles, but we’ve narrowed it down for you. Here are the best and most anticipated young adult books of 2023.
1
“The Stolen Heir” by Holly Black
Holly Black’s The Stolen Heir is the first book in a duology series from the author. The novel returns to Elfhame and chronicles the perilous adventures of a prince and a changeling queen.
Release date: January 3, 2023
2
“French Kissing in New York” by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
One night in Paris, Margot meets Zach and falls head over heels in love. One year later, she arrives in New York to start her career as a chef, and hopefully, reunite with Zach. But then she meets the line cook at her restaurant, Ben, and begins to question whether Zach is her one true love after all.
Release date: January 3, 2023
3
“Cool. Awkward. Black.” by Karen Strong
This multi-genre anthology edited by Karen Strong shares captivating stories that feature exclusively Black characters and per the book’s official description, “challenge the concept of ‘the geek.’” Contributors include Elise Bryant, Leah Johnson, Terry J. Benton-Walker, and Ibi Zoboi.
Release date: January 10, 2023
4
“Live Your Best Lie” by Jessie Weaver
Summer Cartwright is a high school student and social media influencer who chronicles her seemingly perfect life in beautifully curated posts. She’s even landed a book deal, but during her annual Halloween party, Summer is found dead — and it’s up to those closest to her to find out what happened.
Release date: January 24, 2023
5
“Begin Again” by Emma Lord
Andie Rose transfers to Blue Ridge State from community college, making her one step closer to her dream of becoming a self-help guru. But upon her arrival on campus, her plans fall apart when she learns that her boyfriend has transferred out of Blue Ridge, her roommate needs a major and Andie has no idea how to help, and her grumpy RA is seemingly determined to ruin her outlook on love and relationships.
Release date: January 24, 2023
6
“Promise Boys” by Nick Brooks
J.B., Ramón, and Trey attend the prestigious Urban Promise Prep School, where they adhere to high expectations and strict discipline. But when their principal is murdered, the three students become the prime suspects. To prove their innocence, they must unmask the true killer.
Release date: January 31, 2023
7
“The Davenports” by Krystal Marquis
This is a historical romance perfect for Bridgerton fans. Inspired by the real-life story of C.R. Patterson (the first African American automotive manufacturer) and his family, The Davenports follows four young Black women — Olivia, Helen, Amy-Rose, and Ruby — living in the United States in 1910 and learning how to forge their own path in following their dreams and finding love.
Release date: January 31, 2023
8
“Always the Almost” by Edward Underhill
Miles Jacobson is 16, trans, and determined to win back his ex-boyfriend, Shane McIntyre. He’s also intent on defeating his number one opponent in the upcoming piano competition. While Miles has never felt like enough, he then meets new kid Eric Mendez, who seems to understand him better than anyone.
Release date: February 14, 2023
9
“Chaos Theory” by Nic Stone
A thoughtful, realistic take on mental health as told through the lens of two teens, Andy and Shelbi, who form a friendship and find love while navigating their own sets of challenges.
Release date: February 28,2023
10
“The Next New Syrian Girl” by Ream Shukairy
This dual narrative takes the perspective of Khadija Shami, a Syrian-American high school student who cannot wait to escape her sheltered life, and Leene Tahir, a Syrian refugee who feels lost in her new suburban Detroit high school. Although their backgrounds are different, the two girls are bonded in the pressure they feel to be the perfect Syrian daughter and soon discover a life-changing truth that brings them even closer together.
Release date: March 14, 2023
11
“Stars and Smoke” by Marie Lu
Winter Young is a pop sensation who’s been recruited by a private intelligence company, The Panacea Group, to help take down a criminal billionaire. Sydney Cossette, the organization’s youngest agent, poses as Winter’s bodyguard for the mission, and what starts out as palpable tension between the two, soon develops into something more.
Release date: March 28, 2023
12
“Chaos & Flame” by Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton
Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton team up to deliver Chaos & Flame, book one in a fantasy duology. After Darling Seabreak’s entire family is murdered by House Dragon and her adopted father is kidnapped in battle, she becomes intent on saving him. She soon comes across Talon Goldhoard, a War Prince for House Dragon. But rather than fight, the two learn that they must band together to save their world.
Release date: March 28, 2023
13
“Never Vacation with Your Ex“ by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
Lauded as a book perfect for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty, Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka’s Never Vacation with Your Ex follows 17-year-old Kaylee Jordan and the boy she recently dumped, Dean Freeman-Yu. Kaylee can’t wait for the sanctity of summer… the only problem? She and Dean will be together all summer, as their families vacation together.
Release date: April 4, 2023
14
“Not Here to Stay Friends” by Kaitlyn Hill
Reality TV lovers, this one is for you. Kaitlyn Hill’s Not Here to Stay Friends follows two childhood friends, Sloane and Liam, who reunite after five years when they both end up on a Bachelor-esque teen dating show.
Release date: April 4, 2023
15
“Queen Bee” by Amalie Howard
Another historical romance set in a Bridgerton-esque setting? Yes pls. After she was betrayed by her best friend and her reputation was ruined, Lady Ela Dalvi returns home under the guise of a mysterious heiress, intent on getting revenge on all who played a part in her downfall. But Ela’s reunion with her one true love, Lord Keston Osborn, makes her falter in her plans.
Release date: April 4, 2023
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