Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt coming-of-age tales, mystery-driven plots, or summer flings, this year’s young adult (YA) contemporary releases have something for everyone. We’ve curated a list of the 12 best new Young Adult Books of the year, full of emotion, drama, friendship, and unforgettable characters.
These books are perfect for teens, young adults, or anyone who enjoys compelling, modern storytelling.
Table of Contents
List of Assorted Young Adult Books Collection May 19, 2025
If I Could Go Back by Briana Johnson
An achingly compassionate and beautifully empathetic novel exploring the intersections of race, mental health, and the meaning of family—perfect for fans of Robin Benway’s Far from the Tree and Jas Hammonds’ We Deserve Monuments.
Eliza, from Scratch by Sophia Lee
Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Rachel Lynn Solomon, this charming, poignant rom-com follows an academics-obsessed teen who learns big truths about love, family, and herself when a scheduling snafu lands her in a culinary arts class.
Hot Young Royals by Katy Birchall
Wardrobe? Couture. Classmates? London’s Elite. Parties? Scandalous. The most glamorous and steamy romance of the year, where girlmeets boy with a royal twist.
Death in the Cards by Mia P. Manansala
The young adult debut from the award-winning author of Arsenic and Adobo! When a high school tarot reader’s latest client goes missing after a troubling reading, she must apply everything she’s learned from her private investigator mother to solve a case of her own.
Kat’s Greek Summer by Mima Tipper
For fans of Jenna Evans Welch and Barbara Dee, a timely and uplifting contemporary YA story of a young girl risking all for self-truth, family, and first love over one sun-drenched Greek summer.
Love, Canter, Action by Katie Gilbert
Saddle up for this swoony enemies-to-lovers romance, full of giggles, snark, and heart, perfect for fans of Kasie West and Emma Lord.
Of Earthly Delights by Goldy Moldavsky
Here is a contemporary YA gothic romance about a dark family secret, a lush, mysterious garden, and a love that never dies, from New York Times bestselling author Goldy Moldavsky.
The Education of Kia Greer by Alanna Bennett
How can you trust your heart in a world that’s plastic? The story of a teen girl who longs to escape the spotlight, and the PR relationship that helps her find real happiness.
One of the Boys by Victoria Zeller
Grace Woodhouse has left a lot behind. She used to have a great friend group, an amazing girlfriend, and a right foot set to earn her a Division I football scholarship—before she came out as trans.
The Summers of Us by Taylor Crooks
Quinn Kessler has known this since her first summer at her aunt’s beach house in Piper Island. For eight transformative summers, the ocean gave her sun-kissed adventures with best friends, bike rides, katydid songs, fireworks.
Out of Air by Rachel Reiss
Wilder Girls meets Outer Banks where a group of scuba diving friends stumbles across lost treasure, a legendary cave, and a new type of power… that comes at a price.
When We Go Missing by April Henry
New York Times bestselling author April Henry delivers a true-crime-style mystery featuring a teen determined to save a missing girl she sees in a disturbing photo. What if you found evidence of a crime, but no one believed you?
Conclusion
These 12 Young Adult Books offer an exciting mix of emotional depth, clever twists, and heartfelt storytelling. Whether you’re in the mood for a beachy summer romance or a thrilling page-turner, there’s a book here that will resonate with you. These 12 new YA contemporary novels offer an exciting mix of emotional depth, clever twists, and heartfelt storytelling. Whether you’re in the mood for a beachy summer romance or a thrilling page-turner, there’s a book here that will resonate with you.