The Best YA Books of 2026 (So Far)

We’re only halfway through the year and YA page-turners keep coming. Whether you’re in the mood for love, fantasy or a little bit of mystery, our list of the best YA books of 2026 (so far) has something for you. From fairytale reimaginings and fae romantasy to dangerous secrets, dystopian worlds and high school crushes, this year’s favorite reads for teens are packed with magic, adventure and unforgettable characters. 

 

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Two students at Green Bank High School communicate through an old textbook using notes, drawings and secrets to bring them together for a heartfelt story of connection and self-discovery.

 

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Playing by the rules has always been her motto, but when Audrey’s dreams are on the line, she’s forced to rewrite them and maybe even find love along the way.

 

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When a young man’s rise to the White House sparks a global revolution, teenagers everywhere seize power. Twists, action and sharp, witty storytelling make Soman Chainani’s new book a thrilling ride from start to finish.

 

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On an escape room-themed reality show, a real murder takes center stage as a group of teenage contestants fights for survival while piecing together a puzzling mystery.

 

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When a billionaire ends up dead, there’s no shortage of suspects. Even his own children have motives. Family drama runs deep in this locked-room mystery, and finding the killer won’t be easy.

 

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This gorgeous reimaging of Sleeping Beauty calls upon ancient magic to tell the story of two sisters who reunite in a magical realm where things are not as perfect as they seem.

 

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Years after a monster granted her wish, Sundae is forced to face the consequences as a killing spree erupts in a shore town where nothing on the boardwalk is what it seems.

 

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Sweet meets danger in this charming sapphic romantasy. When a supposed princess discovers she's actually a changeling, her life is turned upside down, and she may just fall for her enemy in this enchanting fae love story.

 

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In a world where the coveted Players are granted immortality and worshipped by others, one girl strikes a deal to save herself from succumbing to a curse in this dark fantasy.

 

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In this deadly spin on a classic tale, the March sisters investigate Beth's death and begin to turn on each other in this fresh rendition of Little Women.

 

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In a world where bodies are bought, used, and then discarded, Ana is trapped in a decaying form and must make an impossible choice to save herself and stop dark forces from taking over her kingdom.

 

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The woods of Foxfire are full of magic and mystery… but don’t forget to follow the rules. A brave young witch-in-training must harness her power to break a dangerous curse and save her town from a lurking monster in this exhilarating adventure.

 

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In a world of Hunters and Wielders, Alissa Paine knows how to keep out of trouble. But when debutante season begins, Alissa doesn't know which mysterious suitor she can trust with her dangerous secret in this gripping romance filled with twists and tension.

 

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Chilling and thrilling, this horror retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray is a fresh and haunting look at a classic story about beauty and identity.

 

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Calisa escapes to rural Vermont to help her stubborn Aunt Zee fix up her bed-and-breakfast, but she soon learns that there are magical secrets hidden inside the house just waiting to be uncovered in this charming fantasy.

 

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Years after the events of Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi returns to her dystopian world with another action-packed tale. New characters, high-stakes tension and complicated alliances — enemies might even become lovers in this gripping continuation of the series.

 

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This sweeping fantasy follows two young humans who fight for survival in a land consumed by mindless beasts, dragon hunters and dark secrets.

 

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Love, friendship and self-discovery collide in Sarah Dessen’s latest. When her high school relationship ends unexpectedly, Finley finally notices the person who has been there all along — herself.

 

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She tries to escape her past, but secrets have a way of catching up with you. Ryan Shipley may be the daughter of a serial killer, but that doesn't mean anyone else has to know.

 

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When Khalani is accused of a crime she didn’t commit, her future depends on trusting the enemy. But what if the brutal prison captain is more than the monster he seems?   

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