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The Best Young Adult Books of 2022
Reimaginings, dazzling sequels, and queer stories dominate the year's best YA.
Published on December 1, 2022
Gallant
V. E. SchwabOlivia Prior is a young, mute artist at the Merilance School for Independent Girls when she receives an invitation to move into her uncle Arthur’s manor, Gallant. Though Gallant’s inhabitants — both human and otherworldly — aren’t exactly welcoming, Olivia is determined to unravel the truth of her long-lost family. Award-winning Schwab (author of the “Shades of Magic” and “Villains” series, plus many other works) unites horror and whimsy in this engaging story.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler: A Novel
Casey McQuistonSet in small-town Alabama, McQuiston’s (“One Last Stop,” “Red, White, & Royal Blue”) first YA novel is a lively high school mystery with diverse representation. Popular, pretty Shara Wheeler kisses L.A. transplant Chloe Green, and then disappears. Chloe and classmates Smith and Rory (who Shara also kissed) follow mysterious notes left by Shara, determined to find her before graduation. This fun story of intrigue explores heavier topics like bigotry and identity.
The Sunbearer Trials
Aiden ThomasThomas (“Cemetery Boys”) builds a world in which a caste system of semidiós (demigods) dubbed Gold, Jade, and Obsidian must compete in The Sunbearer Trials every 10 years. The loser faces sacrificial death to fuel the sun god’s continual power. Teo, a trans, teenaged Jade, must battle against more powerful Golds, keeping himself and his friends alive to see the next decade. This queer YA fantasy is rooted in Mexican folklore and explodes with adventure, bravery, and friendship.
The Weight of Blood
Tiffany D. JacksonAfter “Allegedly,” “White Smoke,” and more thrillers, Jackson returns with a reimagining of Stephen King’s “Carrie,” this time reflecting on racism and social justice. Maddy Washington is a white-passing biracial teen in the deep south. Her classmates bully her, her white father demands total whiteness, and Maddy is about to unleash years of pent-up righteous anger on them all.
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School
Sonora ReyesReyes’ touching story of coming into one’s own follows Yamilet “Yami” Flores, a Mexican American teenager recently enrolled in a predominantly white Catholic school. Still reeling from being outed by her ex-best friend, Yami is determined to keep her sexuality a secret from her new peers — and her mother. But her resolve wavers after meeting Bo, a pretty, smart, and openly gay classmate. “The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School” teaches us how to embrace our truth and celebrate our identities.
Loveless
Alice OsemanGeorgia Warr loves love in theory, but in practice romantic escapades feel all wrong. As Georgia heads off to university — where hookups are on everyone’s mind — her feelings of isolation deepen until a mentor introduces her to the asexual, aromantic identity. “Loveless” is an LGBTQIA+ (emphasis on the “A”) YA story of coming into one’s own and discovering the vast definitions of love and intimacy. A worthy read that gives much-needed representation to the aro-ace experience.
The First to Die at the End
Adam SilveraThis prequel to Silvera’s “They Both Die at the End” (a favorite among YA fans and critics) travels back to the initial launch of Death-Cast — a technology that alerts people on the day of their death. Chronically ill Orion Pagan meets up-and-coming model Valentino Prince on Death-Cast’s opening day, but a single phone call changes everything. One may be living their final hours, but the two are determined to spend them together.
We Deserve Monuments
Jas HammondsQueer and biracial high schooler Avery Anderson must relocate from D.C. to Georgia so her mother can care for her ailing grandmother, Mama Letty. Though facing tensions inside the home and out, Avery manages to build friendships and a budding romance — both of which are threatened by dark family secrets and the town’s racist history. Hammonds’ YA debut blends romance, mystery, and historical fiction to reveal the impact of generational trauma.
Rust in the Root
Justina IrelandLaura Ann Langston is a Black, queer mage in an alternative 1937 America. In the wake of a Great Depression-esque catastrophe that nearly destroyed the art of mysticism, Laura Ann settles for a government job to make ends meet. But she soon uncovers a dark plot, leading her on a quest to set things right. Aspects of magical realism, speculative fiction, and political commentary unite beautifully in this new YA historical fantasy by Ireland (“Dread Nation”).
Strike the Zither
Joan HeAuthor He (“The Ones We’re Meant to Find”) reimagines the Chinese classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms in this YA series opener. In 414 during the Xin Dynasty, Zephyr, a brilliant 18-year-old strategist, supports warlordess Xin Ren’s claim to the throne, placing herself at the heart of dangerous political territory to secure Xin Ren’s victory. He’s world-building skills shine in this fast paced, tightly knit tale about an ambitious young woman determined to change the fate of her continent.
A Thousand Steps into Night
Traci CheeFans of anime and manga like “Demon Slayer” and “Blue Exorcist” will find much to love in Chee’s standalone dark fantasy. Miuko’s been cursed and is looking for a way to stop her descent into demonhood, even as she questions what’s worthwhile and good about humanity. “I wanted to write a world with the feel of Japanese folktale … At the same time, I wanted to write about American patriarchy, the ways that sexism and misogyny manifest in our day-to-day lives,” Chee told Geeks of Color about the novel.
Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix
Anna-Marie McLemoreExperience “The Great Gatsby” through a queer lens. “Self-Made Boys” is the latest installment of the Remixed Classics series, which infuses diverse perspectives into the classics. This story follows Nicolás Caraveo, a gay, trans, Latinx teenager who moves from Wisconsin to West Egg, New York and becomes enthralled with society — and his enigmatic new neighbor, Jay Gatsby. McLemore (“Lakelore”) strikes the right balance between familiarity and freshness in this softhearted romance with timely themes.
This Woven Kingdom
Tahereh MafiThis enemies-to-lovers tale has an emotional plot, beautiful prose, and major “Cinderella” vibes when the love interest, a lowly servant, becomes the heir to the Jinn kingdom. Who doesn’t love a long lost queen and a forbidden romance? National Book Award-nominated author Mafi describes this first book in her new fantasy series as “‘Game of Thrones’ set in the Persian empire.”
So This Is Ever After
F.T. LukensAfter slaying the ruler of a kingdom with no heirs, Arek’s celebrations are cut short once he realizes he must soul bond with a mate before his 18th birthday or risk death. Arek wants to choose Matt, his longtime friend, but will Matt choose him back out of obligation or true affection? Escaping to F.T. Lukens’ beautifully imagined world where queer love and polyamory are accepted — and romance proves to still be a delightful comedy of errors — is a treat for fantasy readers looking for something a little less traditional.
Anatomy: A Love Story
Dana SchwartzSchwartz — who ran the satirical Twitter accounts @GuyInYourMFA and @DystopianYA and hosts the podcast “Noble Blood” — effortlessly blends her varying interests in this gothic, feminist love story full of cadavers. Hazel is determined to become a surgeon, and enlists the help of resurrection man Jack, as they both try to survive and stop the Roman Plague. A Reese Witherspoon book club pick for fans of the macabre and My Chemical Romance.
The Ballad of Never After
Stephanie GarberIn the highly anticipated sequel to Garber’s “Once Upon a Broken Heart,” Evangeline Fox is still reeling from betrayal by Jacks, the Prince of Hearts. But a terrible curse on her husband forces Evangeline’s hand, and she finds herself working alongside Jacks to set things right. Not your stereotypical fairy tale, Garber’s YA story highlights the addictive nature of complicated love.