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23 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Winter 2025

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23 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Winter 2025

23 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Winter 2025

I’m wildly late getting this post together, but there are some amazing middle grade books coming winter 2025 that I desperately want to talk about, so here we are. Better late than never, I guess!

This is a pretty eclectic list, ranging from horror to fantasy to historical to contemporary to memoir. There are novels in verse and some more experimental formats. Pretty much something for everyone.

These are the books I’m most looking forward to, so there are bound to be some other highly anticipated books that I don’t have on my radar. Please leave a comment and let me know if you’re looking forward to some upcoming releases from January to March that aren’t on my list.

Note: This post contains affiliate links that do not cost you anything but help support this blog. Thanks for using them to do your shopping.

23 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Winter 2025

Mixed Up by Kami Garcia and Brittney Williams

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Kami Garcia knocks it out of the park with this sweet, encouraging story about friendship and learning with dyslexia. The illustrations are bright, friendly, and emotive. It’s brilliant.

Published January 21, 2025 | My Review

Safe Harbor by Padma Venkatraman

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A moving novel in verse about a girl who helps rescue a harbor seal and learns to deal with her own feelings as an immigrant to the US.

Published January 21, 2025 | My Review to Come

Doomsday Vault (Everwhen: School of Time Travel (and Other Odd Sciences) #1) by Thomas Wheeler

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Inventive students from different time periods attend a special school where they face the threats of a missing dean, a time paradox, and a secret space society.

Published January 28, 2025 | My Review to Come

City Spies: London Calling (City Spies #6) by James Ponti

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The sixth book in the popular City Spies series takes the team to Rome and back as the newest member searches for his missing sister.

Published February 4, 2025 | My Review to Come

All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Renée Watson is one of those authors whose name alone gets a book added to my reading list. In this novel in verse, Sage wrestles with guilt and unresolved grief over the sudden death of her best friend. Moving, heartfelt, and absolutely beautiful.

Published February 4, 2025 | My Review

Away by Megan E. Freeman

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: In this companion novel to Away, a group of kids investigates the mysterious threat responsible for large-scale evacuations. Can they unravel the conspiracy and expose the truth? Told from multiple points of view with verse, newspaper clippings, movie scripts, production diary entries, and letters.

Published February 11, 2025 | My Review

The Labyrinth of Souls by Leslie Vedder

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl with a rare gift to see Nightmare creatures discovers that the monsters have begun to seep into the Waking World. She and her friends must find a way to stop them. I loved Leslie Vedder’s young adult trilogy, so I’m excited to see what she brings to this haunting middle grade series opener.

Published February 11, 2025 | My Review to Come

Investigators: Agents of S.U.I.T.: Wild Ghost Chase by John Patrick Green

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Investigators and Agents of S.U.I.T. are quite popular around my house just now, so I know we’ll be reading this one as soon as possible. This time, Zeb the sheep joins the cast of agents tracking down the ghost of the General Inspectre to conclude his unfinished business.

Published February 18, 2025 | My Review to Come

Max in the Land of Lies: A Tale of World War II by Adam Gidwitz

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Max returns to Berlin as a British spy to infiltrate the center of Nazi propaganda and find his parents. I heard so much about the first book in this series that I have to read this one.

Published February 25, 2025 | My Review to Come

Cousins in the Time of Magic by Emma Otheguy

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Three cousins time travel to 1862 and race to deliver a sword to the general for the Battle of Puebla (which became the reason we celebrate Cinco de Mayo). Along the way, they learn how Latine communities have shaped US history. I love the inclusive look at history here and the spin on time travel adventure!

Published February 25, 2025 | My Review

Pablo and Splash: Frozen in Time (Pablo and Splash #2) by Sheena Dempsey

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Pablo and Splash return with more zany adventures. This time they must rescue Professor O’Brain from the Ice Age. This graphic novel series is a ton of fun with a little bit of science and history threaded throughout.

Published March 4, 2025 | My Review

Right Back at You by Carolyn Mackler

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A boy from 2023 facing a school bully writes a letter for a school assignment and throws it in his closet, only to be surprised when a girl from 1987 writes back. Looks cute, poignant, and full of heart.

Published March 4, 2025 | My Review to Come

Bree Boyd is a Legend by Leah Johnson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: In the follow-up to her middle grade debut, Johnson tells the story of Ellie’s best friend, Bree, whose orderly life is turned upside down when a lightning strike grants her the ability to move things with her mind. This looks like it will be hilarious and heartwarming.

Published March 4, 2025 | My Review to Come

The Trouble with Sunshine by Yamile Saied Méndez

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What you need to know: A girl reeling from the unexpected loss of her mother finds solace in caring for a skittish horse. Méndez is a brilliant writer who deftly writes about complex emotions. I’m betting this one will be a winner.

Published March 4, 2025 | My Review to Come

One Wrong Step by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: When a boy and girl witness an avalanche on Mt. Everest, they set out looking for survivors, but sickness, bad weather, and a possible Nazi spy put their mission at risk. I keep missing out on the amazing books by this author– this year, I’m going to read one!

Published March 4, 2025 | My Review to Come

A Song for You and I by K. O’Neill

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I loved The Moth Keeper and have been trying since then to catch up on other books by K. O’Neill. This one, about a driven ranger with an injured horse and a laid-back shepherd, explores unlikely friendship and the possibility of something more.

Published March 4, 2025 | My Review

We Need to Talk About Divorce by Kate Scharff and Annika Le Large

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: As a divorced parent, I’ve read a lot of books for kids about divorce. It’s such a complex experience for parents and kids alike. I’m always glad to see more resources available for kids especially, and especially ones that talk about blended families. I’m looking forward to this one.

Published March 4, 2025 | My Review to Come

Vanya and the Wild Hunt by Sangu Mandanna

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I can’t say it better than the cover copy: Amari and the Night Brothers meets Nevermoor in this enchanting middle grade fantasy, inspired by Indian mythology and British folklore, about a neurodivergent heroine, a mysterious school, and a world of magical creatures. — Who could resist that?

Published March 11, 2025 | My Review to Come

Whale Eyes by James Robinson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An illustrated memoir told through anecdotes and interactive visuals. Helps readers confront discomfort with disability. I’m excited for this one. It sounds incredibly different, timely, and necessary.

Published March 18, 2025 | My Review to Come

Cincinnati Lee, Curse Breaker by Heidi Heilig

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The great great (great?) granddaughter of a famous explorer must return relics he collected to break the curse on her family. I love the inclusive spin on the Indiana Jones-type story.

Published March 25, 2025 | My Review to Come

The Girl and the Robot by Oz Rodriguez and Claribel A. Ortega

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl who can fix electronics prepares to enter a contest, hoping for the prize money to bring her Papi home. Then a robot crashlands from space, broken, alone, and in need of Mimi’s help, even if it risks everything she’s worked for. Ortega is another author whose books are irresistible great.

Published March 25, 2025 | My Review to Come

The Underwild: River of Spirits by Shana Targosz

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The cover copy says this is perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and the series Greenwild, which is one of my favorites. I love the cover and the story’s themes about friendship.

Published March 25, 2025 | My Review to Come

My Mummy vs. Your Ghost by Paul Tobin

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Hayden and Gabe bring a mummy to the battlefield for another fight, this time against new coaches and a ghost. This series is packed with creepy crawly fun. Definitely something to read purely for fun.

Published March 25, 2025 | My Review to Come

What middle grade books coming winter 2025 are you most looking forward to reading?

Are you looking forward to any of the middle grade books on my list? Have you had a chance to read any of them yet? What else needs to be on my reading list this season? Leave a comment and let me know!

25 Most-Anticipated YA Books Coming Winter 2025

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25 Most-Anticipated YA Books Coming Winter 2025

Now that the season is practically half over, I’m finally ready to post my list of my 25 most-anticipated YA books coming out in winter 2025. I’ve had my eye on some of these books since early last year. Others were recent discoveries. The list spans various genres from historical to fantasy to contemporary and even a few horror novels.

I’d love to know if any of these books are on your reading list, so be sure to comment below if they are or if you’ve read them already. Let me know if I’ve left off any sure winners you’re looking forward to reading this season, too!

Note: This post contains affiliate links that do not cost you anything but help support this blog. Thanks for using them to do your shopping.

25 Most-Anticipated YA Books Coming Winter 2025

The Devourer by Alison Ames

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I’m a huge fan of this author, so all I had to see was her name on the cover to add this to my reading list. However, the plot about pirates seeking a missing enemy (brother) and monsters attacking ships has me deeply intrigued.

Published January 7, 2025 | My Review to Come

King: A Life by Jonathon Eig

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: If you read one book for Black History month, this would be a good one. It explores Dr. King’s life and puts many popular quotes in context. Highly recommended.

Published January 7, 2025 | My Review

After Life by Gayle Forman

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl who has been dead for seven years returns to her family. The people she left behind grapple with her return and the ways her death impacted them. I couldn’t put this down.

Published January 7, 2025 | My Review

The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A boy with a bit of a Holden Caulfield vibe and grieving a girl he was secretly dating for a year finds letters she wrote to him before she died. This has big emotions and complicated grief.

Published January 7, 2025 | My Review

Breath of the Dragon (Breathmarked #1) by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A novel based on teachings by Bruce Lee. A young man enters a contest that will name the nation’s leader in martial arts. Political intrigue, magic, and romance weave through the intricate fantasy world crafted here.

Published January 7, 2025 | My Review

Liar’s Kingdom by Christine Calella

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Ell didn’t attend the ball, but when the Prince’s mystery love’s shoe fits her foot, she jumps at the chance to escape an abusive family. When she discovers a plot to harm the prince, she vows to stop it, even if it exposes her true identity. Cinderella as you’ve never seen her before! This was a really fun read.

Published January 14, 2025 | My Review

A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight Over Science in Schools by Debbie Levy

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A timely, carefully researched walk through the Scopes Trial and its impact on school curriculum. The parallels between this moment in history and conflicts over teaching science and history in school will be impossible to ignore.

Published January 14, 2025 | My Review

Bingsu for Two by Sujin Witherspoon

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An enemies-to-lovers romcom about two people trying to save a family-owned Korean coffee shop. An inclusive cast filled with great friendships and fun moments. A charming, romantic read.

Published January 14, 2025 | My Review

Build a Girlfriend by Elba Luz

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl uses the mistakes in her dating history to make herself the perfect girlfriend and perhaps get revenge on the boy who broke her heart. A debut rom-com that looks smart and funny.

Published January 14, 2025 | My Review to Come

True Gretch: Lessons for Anyone Who Wants to Make a Difference (Young Adult Edition) by Gretchen Whitmer

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What you need to know: Key wisdom from the governor who survived a kidnapping plot and led her state through a global pandemic for teen who want to make a difference. Funny and insightful.

Published January 28, 2025 | My Review to Come

Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer

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What you need to know: The second book in the Forging Silver into Stars series follows the now nineteen-year-old Tycho as he seeks to preserve peace between two kingdoms as the courier to the king. Cursebreakers fans will love revisiting the familiar cast of characters and the romantic developments.

Published January 28, 2025 | My Review

Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl who can sense tangible things people need uses her ability to find her missing best friend– though the ability may place her in the same danger her friend was in. A debut speculative mystery that explores justice, friendship, and family.

Published February 4, 2025 | My Review

The Underwood Tapes by Amanda DeWitt

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl running from grief over her mom’s death realizes she can communicate with a boy who lived thirty years earlier through voice recordings. Explores the ripple effects of unresolved grief. Grab your tissues for this one!

Published February 4, 2025 | My Review

All Better Now by Neal Shusterman

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What you need to know: What if there was a deadly pandemic that… made you happy? Shusterman brings a whole different spin on a pandemic and explores the meaning of and happiness and what price people are willing to pay for it in this fascinating novel.

Published February 4, 2025 | My Review

Why On Earth: An Alien Invasion Anthology by Vania Stoyanova and Rosiee Thor

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An absolutely adorable story collection in which each story connects through characters and/or events. I loved every single page. Favorite anthology so far. If you need some humor and hope in your life, grab this one!

Published February 4, 2025 | My Review

A Traitorous Heart by Eric Cotter

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A historical romance set in the late 1500s French court featuring a secret society of spies, forbidden love, and political intrigue. Sounds irresistible to me.

Published February 11, 2025 | My Review

The Six: The Untold Story of America’s First Women Astronauts by Loren Grush with Rebecca Stefoff

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: History prominently remembers Sally Ride, but what about the other five women at her side, helping to blaze the trail for female astronauts? This timely book reveals their stories.

Published February 11, 2025 | My Review

I am the Cage by Allison Sweet Grant

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: After a massive snowstorm, a girl who has shut out the world reaches out for help. Contains flashbacks to childhood trauma, haunting poetry, and a sense of hope and possibility for the future. If the blurbs for this one are any indication, it is too good to miss.

Published February 18, 2025 | My Review

Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers Rights edited by Ashley Hope Pérez

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A powerful anthology that explores the impact of book bans through fiction, essays, graphic narratives, memoir, and poetry from fifteen acclaimed authors.

Published March 4, 2025 | My Review

Divining the Leaves by Shveta Thakrar

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Hindu and Buddhist folklore abound in this beautiful contemporary fantasy about a magical forest that may destroy the future and the once-friends who can save it.

Published March 4, 2025 | My Review to Come

They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh Tran

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What you need to know: After a catastrophic hurricane submerges a town, the wildlife mutates, and a monster tries to drown the remaining townsfolk until a girl is tasked with saving them. Looks inescapably haunting.

Published March 4, 2025 | My Review to Come

How to Survive a Slasher by Justine Pucella Winans

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I’m not usually a fan of slasher stories, but I’m always intrigued by the ones that turn the tropes on their heads. A mysterious manuscript predicts new murders in a town that is no stranger to massacres. CJ vows to save the first girl slated to die, but in doing so becomes the story’s new lead.

Published March 11, 2025 | My Review to Come

What Wakes the Bells by Elle Tesch

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What you need to know: Bells awake a monster in a sentient city, and Mina has to decide how far she’s willing to go to stop the evil in this gothic fantasy. Something about this reminds me of Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek, which I loved.

Published March 11, 2025 | My Review to Come

The Deathly Grimm by Kathryn Purdie

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: In the conclusion to the Forest Grimm duology, Clara and Axel must return to the forest to find out why villagers continue to disappear. Monsters, riddles, and more dark fairytale-ish things abound. I cannot wait for this one!

Published March 25, 2025 | My Review to Come

The Fragments That Remain by Mackenzie Angeconeb

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A bereft sibling writes letters to her brother exploring her identity. She discovers a cache of secret poetry from her brother and reads it to try to make sense of his death. Looks heartfelt and poignant.

Published March 29, 2025 | My Review to Come

What YA Books Coming Winter 2025 are you most looking forward to reading?

Are you looking forward to any of the books on my list? Have you had a chance to read any of them yet? What else needs to be on my reading list this season? Leave a comment and let me know!

30 Most-Anticipated Young Adult Books Coming Spring 2023

Lists, News and Fun, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , ,

Spring is here! And with it comes some amazing YA books. I’m so excited about SO MANY titles coming out this season. This list contains authors I’ve been following closely, plus some authors I’ve wanted to read PLUS debut or new-to-me authors. All I can say is that I’m going to spending a lot of time reading this season. We have a hammock under the trees in the backyard, and I can tell I’m gonna be using it! Here are my top 30 most-anticipated young adult books coming spring 2023.

30 Most-Anticipated Young Adult Books Coming Spring 2023

My Dear Henry: A Jekyll and Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: A retelling of the story of Jekyll and Hyde set in 1880s England with queer Black main characters. I really enjoyed her middle grade novel, THE VANQUISHERS, last year, so I was excited to read more of her books. I think she knocked it out of the park with this one.

Release Date: March 7, 2023 | My Review

Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: A missing girl who was never found. A true crime podcast featuring the case. Two girls who must decide whether the secrets they uncovered would destroy an innocent man or identify Clarissa’s murderer. Twisty and intense! Read if you loved SADIE or THE AGATHAS.

Release Date: March 7, 2023 | My Review

I Will Find You Again by Sarah Lyu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A best friend and first love disappears, leaving only snapshots of grief and secrets behind. This one looks like the kind of book that can wreck you. I’m totally in.

Release Date: March 14, 2023 | My Review

The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A Renaissance Faire under new management. A girl who liked the old faire better. A boy who pulls her into the new theatrical experience. I have loved both Ashley Schumacher’s other novels, so I’m dying to read this one.

Release Date: March 14, 2023 | My Review

Stateless by Elizabeth Wein

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl chosen to represent Britain in Europe’s first air race for youth. Sabotage and secrets. Maybe even… murder?? I’ve loved both the books I read by this author before, so I’m expecting the same great storytelling and unforgettable characters here.

Release Date: March 14, 2023 | My Review

Castelon (Wraithwood #3) by Alyssa Roat

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: CASTELON is the final book in the Wraithwood series, which I’ve really been enjoying. It’s got some Merlin-based lore and magic. A slow-burn romance. I have to know how it all ends.

Release Date: March 15, 2023 | My Review

You Wouldn’t Dare by Samantha Markum

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A best friendship nearly wrecked by a summer fling. A surly new stepsister. A community theater production in jeopardy. Sounds like Junie is juggling a lot of big things, and they’re all about to come crashing down. I loved Markum’s debut, and this one looks like it’ll deliver the same sparky tension and hilarity.

Release Date: March 28, 2023 | My Review

Last Sunrise in Eterna by Amparo Ortiz

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This looks like magical realism or maybe a portal story? A girl who supports her family by scavenging elf corpses. The elf prince whose fate is tied to hers. Looks like it could have some THE LUMINARIES vibes?

Release Date: March 28, 2023 | My Review

Greymist Fair by Francesca Zappia

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Described as “a suspenseful and inventive murder-mystery inspired by the lesser-known fairytales of the Brothers Grimm.” I read KATZENJAMMER last year and absolutely loved Zappia’s vivid, powerful writing. As soon as I saw her name on this cover, I was in.

Release Date: March 28, 2023 | My Review

Spell Bound by F. T. Lukens

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What you need to know: Two rival apprentices team up when their mentors are both attacked. Looks like an enemies-to-allies-to-lovers story with magic? I like all those words.

Release Date: April 4, 2023 | My Review

The Hunt for Eden’s Star by D. J. Williams

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Secret supernatural societies. A global adventure. Diverse cast. This one sounds like an edge-of-your-seat read.

Release Date: April 4, 2023 | My Review

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown (Adapted for Young Readers) by Heather B. Moore and Allison Hong Merrill

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Based on the true story of two friends who help rescue immigrant women and girls in San Fransisco’s Chinatown in the late 1890s. I love the trend lately of novels inspired by little-known female heroes in history. I’m super excited to read this one.

Release Date: April 11, 2023 | My Review

The Other Side of Infinity by Joan F. Smith

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl with a gift of foreknowledge uses it to save a life… and inadvertently puts the rescuer’s life in danger. Described as “THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END meets THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT.” I liked both, so I’m super excited to read this one.

Release Date: April 25, 2023 | My Review

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Transition to college! Fake dating! Friends to… more? I enjoy Becky Albertalli’s books so much, and this one looks packed with fun, depth, and heart.

Release Date: May 2, 2023 | My Review

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A team of teens determined to return ancestral remains from a museum to their tribe amid mysteries and secrets possibly connecting to missing women. I love that this story draws attention to a very real issue, and I’m excited to read the book.

Release Date: May 2, 2023 | My Review

The Last One to Fall by Gabrielle Lepore

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Six teens were present when someone was murdered, but which one is guilty? I really enjoyed Lepore’s debut, THIS IS WHY WE LIE, which came out last year. This looks like one to read if you loved ONE OF US IS LYING.

Release Date: May 9, 2023 | My Review

Beauty Reborn by Elizabeth Lowham

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Beauty and the Beast retold with Beauty as an assault survivor, who retreats to the Beast’s castle following her attack. I’m always interested in reimagined fairy tales, and I am really curious about this one.

Release Date: May 9, 2023 | My Review

You Don’t Have a Shot by Racquel Marie

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Rivals to lovers. Soccer. Summer camp. All packaged up in a story penned by the incredible Racquel Marie, whose debut is an absolute favorite of mine.

Release Date: May 9, 2023 | My Review

If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come by Jen St. Jude

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl in love with her best friend and clinically depressed (undiagnosed) finds her plans to take her life thwarted by an announcement that there are only 9 days left before a life-ending asteroid strikes the Earth. Looks like one that will plumb the depths of the heart.

Release Date: May 9, 2023 | My Review

Julieta and the Romeos by Maria E. Andreu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Described as “YOU’VE GOT MAIL meets a YA BEACH READ” which sounds like lots of fun. A writer trying to uncover the identity of a mysterious online collaborator. Sounds super cute and just what I need after some of the more serious titles on here!

Release Date: May 16, 2023 | My Review

The Secret of the Moon Conch by David Bowles and Guadalupe García McCall

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Two people, two timelines, connected by a magical conch shell…. communicating across time, and falling in love. I love a good time-travel/time-pretzel romance, so I can’t wait for this one.

Release Date: May 16, 2023 | My Review

Don’t Ask If I’m Okay by Jessica Klara

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Complicated grief. A boy who’s desperate to prove he’s not grieving when he absolutely is, and what happens when his broken heart is truly laid bare. There’s something really special and brave about a book that explores a soul-crushing grief. I really want to read this.

Release Date: May 16, 2023 | My Review

All the Dead Lie Down by Kyrie McCauley

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl escaping her own grief takes a job as a governess in a haunted house. The description of this one reminds me a lot of THE TURN OF THE SCREW by Henry James. I loved McCauley’s last novel, so when I saw her name, I couldn’t wait to read this.

Release Date: May 16, 2023 | My Review

Venom & Vow by Anna-Marie and Elliott McLemore

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A transgender prince doubling for his brother. A queen’s lady-in-waiting who is also a boy assassin, determined to destroy the prince’s brother. Looks like this is packed with political drama and identity exploration, and no one could do it better than this author duo.

Release Date: May 16, 2023 | My Review

Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success by Jessica Parra

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl desperate to keep up appearances for the high-achieving expectations of her parents faces a crossroads when a baking competition she’s sure she could win comes to town. This reminds me a little bit of SALT AND SUGAR by Rebecca Carvalho, and looks like tons of fun!

Release Date: May 16, 2023 | My Review

Constellations by Kate Glasheen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A graphic novel set in 1980s New York. A portrait of a queer teen living on the margins and recovering from alcohol addiction. Looks heartbreaking yet hopeful.

Release Date: May 23, 2023 | My Review

A Starlet’s Secret to a Sensational Afterlife by Kendall Kulper

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Enemies to allies to lovers set in 1930s Hollywood. Described as having “romance, vengeance, and a hint of the supernatural.” Yes, please!

Release Date: May 23, 2023 | My Review

Something Like Possible by Miel Moreland

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A high school election campaign leads to the discovery of a pattern of harassment within the student government. From Goodreads: SOMETHING LIKE POSSIBLE is a love letter to ambitious girls, queer solidarity, and how to keep moving forward when the world seems set on pushing you back.

Release Date: May 23, 2023 | My Review

The Night in Question by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The sequel to THE AGATHAS! Alice and Iris are back to solve another murder mystery in Castle Cove when a school dance at the site of an infamous unsolved murder is interrupted by a violent assault. I loved the first book in this series, so I’m thrilled about this one.

Release Date: May 30, 2023 | My Review

No Perfect Places by Steven Salvatore

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: From the cover copy: A thought-provoking novel about grief, family secrets, and figuring out how to belong against the odds. Salvatore is an auto-buy author for me. I’ve loved both their previous books, and this one hits a lot of elements I tend to love, namely grief and siblings.

Release Date: May 30, 2023 | My Review

What are your most-anticipated young adult books coming spring 2023?

Are you looking forward to any of the titles on my list? What’s coming out that I didn’t list but absolutely must add to my TBR? Leave a comment and let me know! I’d love to add more books to my list.

19 Fantastic Books for Your Spring 2021 Reading List

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19 Fantastic Books for Your Spring 2021 Reading List

It’s finally spring! And there are so many amazing books coming out this season. What’s on your Spring 2021 Reading List so far?

My list feels completely out of hand, packed with so many amazing books to read and so many more that I hope I’ll be able to squeeze into my reading time. I’ve broken the list into two groups: middle grader for readers 8-12 and young adult for readers 12+. You can also find this list on Bookshop, where you can browse either the whole middle grade or young adult list and support indie bookstores.

8 Middle Grade Books for Your Spring 2021 Reading List

Breathing Underwater by Sarah Allen

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Sisters. Photography. A cross-country road trip in an RV to reclaim lost memories.

Available March 31, 2021

Thornwood by Leah Cypess

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A young princess desperate to protect her older sister from the curse that will put the whole kingdom to sleep. The first in a three-book series of fairy tale retellings.

Available April 6, 2021

Girl Warriors: How 25 Young Activists are Saving the Earth by Rachel Sarah

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Tells the story of 25 female activists under 25 years old who are making a difference for the planet.

Available April 6, 2021

Ways to Grow Love by Renée Watson

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Ryan Hart is back with new adventures like waiting for a new baby, summer camp, and hoping her new recipes turn out great.

Available April 20, 2021

Six Feet Below Zero by Ena Jones

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: “A dead body. A missing will. An evil relative. The good news is, Great Grammy has a plan. The bad news is, she’s the dead body.” (from Goodreads)

Available April 20, 2021

Rea and the Blood of the Nectar by Payal Doshi

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Friendship, magic, and a quest through a portal to find a missing twin brother.

Available May 4, 2021

Glitter Gets Everywhere by Yvette Clark

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A New York City newbie battles grief over losing her mom, starting over, and discovering how to remake her family in this heartwarming debut.

Available May 4, 2021

The Firebird Song by Arnée Flores

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A mysterious message, a missing princess, and a powerful sorceress who must be defeated.

Available May 4, 2021

11 Young Adult Books for Your Spring 2021 Reading List

Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Set in Paris and features an American ballerina and a charming French boy.

Available April 6, 2021

Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Best friends and theater buds discover they have a crush on the same boy.

Available April 20, 2021

These Feathered Flames by Allison Overy

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Notes.

Available April 20, 2021

Sky Breaker by Addie Thorley

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Called WICKED SAINTS meets the Grishaverse. The first book in the duology was inspired by THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME.

Available May 4, 2021

The People We Choose by Katelyn Detweiler

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Unexpected love, family, and friendship.

Available May 4, 2021

The Ones We’re Meant to Find by Joan He

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Sci-fi fantasy with mind-blowing twists from the author of DESCENDANT OF THE CRANE about a girl who only remembers her missing sister.

Available May 4, 2021

Lucky Girl by Jamie Pacton

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: An underage winning lotto ticket holder frantically hides the truth from her hoarder mother and suspicious small-town neighbors.

Available May 11, 2021

Every Body Shines edited by Cassandra Newbould

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: “An intersectional, feminist YA anthology from some of today’s most exciting voices across a span of genres, all celebrating body diversity and fat acceptance through short stories.” (from Goodreads)

Available May 11, 2021

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Opposites Hani and Ishu fake date for personal gain… and then start to develop feelings for each other.

Available May 25, 2021

The Hollow Inside by Brooke Lauren Davis

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A small town. A family that must be taken down. Secrets that change everything Phoenix believed to be true.

Available May 25, 2021

Misfit in Love by S K Ali

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A summer of love goes sideways at Janna’s brother’s wedding.

Available May 25, 2021

What’s on your Spring 2021 Reading List?

Have you read any of the titles on my list already? Are there any on your list that I didn’t mention? Leave me a note in the comments!

17 Amazing YA Books Coming Out Winter 2021

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17 Amazing Books You Need to Read Coming Out Winter 2021

It took me so long to post this that the title probably should read, “Books You May Have Missed From Winter 2021.” I’m still trying to find my normal after a miscarriage right at the end of the year, so many of my best laid plans have just not come about. Not going to lie– it was rough, and some days I’m still overwhelmed thinking about it.

Having new books to celebrate and look forward to has helped, though. I’m excited to talk about a few of my favorites here, and I hope you’ll check them out.

You can find a complete list of these books on Bookshop, a site which helps fund local bookstores, so please feel free to browse and buy there!

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

You Have a Match by Emma Lord

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: I laughed. I cried. I needed this book about sisters and finding the courage to be your true self.

Available January 5, 2021 | My Review

Every Single Lie by Rachel Vincent

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A small town packed with secrets. A dead baby found in a school locker room. Hailed as a must-read for fans of SADIE.

Available January 12, 2021

Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: One of my favorites so far this year! I sat on the edge of my bed and started reading page one just to get a feel for the book and didn’t stop to get comfortable until page forty-something.

Available January 12, 2021 | My Review

Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Takes place seventeen years before THE HATE U GIVE and follows Starr’s dad as he wrestles with how to finish school, help his mom, and take care of his new baby.

Available January 12, 2021

We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: The fantastic conclusion to the Sands of Arawiya duology and follow-up to WE HUNT THE FLAME. Packed with barely controlled magic, undeniable love, and a desperate quest to free a kingdom from evil.

Available January 19, 2021

Written in Starlight by Isabel Ibañez

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A companion novel to WOVEN IN MOONLIGHT, which was one of my favorites last year! Inspired by Bolivian history and politics. Adventure, magic, and romance in the jungle. So much fun!

Available January 26, 2021 | My Review

A Vow So Bold and Deadly by Brigid Kemmerer

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: The final book in the Cursebreakers trilogy. I’ve been holding my breath waiting for this one!

Available January 26, 2021

The Project by Courtney Summers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Two sisters. One lost to a cult, the other desperate to find her. I couldn’t stop reading this one until the very last word.

Available February 2, 2021 | My Review

All the Tides of Fate by Adalyn Grace

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Second in the All the Stars and Teeth series. A queen with a curse in her bloodline. A boy who holds half her soul. A mythical artifact that could save her kingdom– if she can find it.

Available February 2, 2021

Iron Raven by Julie Kagawa

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: New adventures with your favorite mischief-maker Puck. This book is the first in a new Iron Fey series that promises loads of fun.

Available February 9, 2021 | My Review

Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: This is the book I wanted so many other books to be. I loved every minute of it, from the friendships, banter, and tiny Michigan town to the raw grief, tender first love, and daring hope.

Available February 16, 2021 | My Review

Love is a Revolution by Renee Watson

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: From Goodreads: In Love Is a Revolution, plus size girls are beautiful and get the attention of the hot guys, the popular girl clique is not shallow but has strong convictions and substance, and the ultimate love story is not only about romance but about how to show radical love to the people in your life, including to yourself.

Available March 2, 2021

Down Comes the Night by Allison Saft

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A magic-gifted medic must cure a mysterious illness to prevent her people from going to war. Part fantasy, part mansion mystery, and part swoony romance. This is a must-read for sure!

Available March 2, 2021 | My Review

Can’t Take that Away by Steven Salvatore

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Genderqueer theatre kid. Swoony romance with a guitar player. A group of kids who come together to push back against prejudice.

Available March 9, 2021

Fragile Remedy by Maria Ingrande Mora

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A genetically engineered boy on the run must make a terrible choice: to work for a terrorist organization or face his own death with the boy he loves.

Available March 9, 2021

The Last Secret You’ll Ever Keep by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A kidnapping survivor hunts for clues to prove what happened to her. A girl with a similar story disappears, leaving the survivor wondering if she’ll be next?

Available March 16, 2021

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: The second in the King of Scars duology which follows Nikolai (remember him from the Shadow and Bone series?). This comes out just in time to get us through the final weeks of waiting for the Shadow and Bone Netflix series which comes out in April.

Available March 30, 2021