The Best New YA Books of April 2021
The 12 Best YA Books of April Include Everything From Parisian Getaways to Werewolves
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A new month means it's time for another selection of must-read YA books, and April is definitely a big month for the genre. Whether you've been not-so-patiently waiting for the sequel to 2020's Anna K or you're looking for a book to sweep you away to Paris for a little book getaway, this month's new reads have you covered. From hard-hitting stories to adorable rom-coms that will give you major spring vibes, there's a YA book to fit your every mood in this month's roundup. (And just in case you need a few more suggestions, don't forget to check out March's selection of must-read YA books, too.)
1 Blessed Monsters by Emily A. Duncan
Emily A. Duncan's dark fantasy series Something Dark and Holy comes to a bloody end in Blessed Monsters. The final instalment is set to see the girl, the monster, the prince, and the queen unite one more time in a last-ditch effort to save the world, but if this densely plotted series has taught us anything, it's to always expect things to go wrong for these tortured protagonists.
Out April 6
2 The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris
The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris uses a dash of magic to explore what it means to be a young Black man growing up in modern America. Alex wants nothing more than to protect his family, be a good boyfriend, and do his best at his job in the local ice cream shop. But when he begins having visions of the future, Alex is overwhelmed — until one vision reveals his little brother's death, leading to a race against time to save his brother before it's too late.
Out April 6
3 House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
Wonderfully creepy and full of unnerving supernatural flourishes, House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland is the story of three sisters who disappeared from a street in Scotland only to return one month later seemingly unharmed. But while they weren't hurt, the Hollow sisters were changed, and 10 years later the truth about their disappearance is finally on the verge of being revealed.
Out April 6
4 Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
If you're looking for a Parisian escape this spring, then look no further than the enchanting confection that is Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau. Mia wants nothing more than to be a professional ballerina, and now that she's spending the summer in Paris, she finally has her chance. But unfortunately making her dream come true won't be easy thanks to a new rival, a relentless instructor, and a cute boy and his way-too-tempting Vespa.
Out April 6
5 The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch
Robbie Couch's debut novel, The Sky Blues, is a warmhearted tale about an openly gay teen whose classmates rally around him after his promposal plans are exposed in a homophobic email blast. With 30 days left until prom, Sky and his classmates are on the hunt to find the person behind the email, but more importantly, Sky is learning how to be his most authentic self, even within the confines of his small town.
Out April 6
6 Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp
Another astonishing debut, Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp follows two teens who are exploring their identities and falling in love for the first time. Penelope Prado has dreams of opening up a pastelería next to her parents' restaurant, but when her dreams collide with her parents' expectations, Pen is stuck between disappointing them or following her own path. Meanwhile, Xander Amaro is a new employee at the restaurant who sees right through Pen's tough exterior, but he has problems of his own as he searches for his father and deals with his precarious immigration status.
Out April 6
7 Zara Hossain Is Here by Sabina Khan
Sabina Khan's latest novel, Zara Houssain Is Here, delves into what it means to be an immigrant in America, and how much courage it takes to stand up against racism. Zara Hossain's family have been waiting nine years for their green cards to come through, and during that time, she's worked extra hard not to make waves at her school. But when one bully goes too far, everything Zara and her family have worked to build could be ripped away from them.
Out April 6
8 In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens
This LGBTQ+ romance has it all: adventure on the high seas, pirates, magic, and lots of swoon-worthy moments between the book's central characters. In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens focuses on a young prince whose coming-of-age tour is interrupted by a charming, swashbuckling stranger who might just be able to help him with his magical secret.
Out April 20
9 Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli
Becky Albertalli's latest rom-com, Kate in Waiting, is as much about the bonds of friendship as it is about young love. Kate and Anderson's friendship runs deep, so deep they even fall for the same guys. And that's fine when their hypothetical crushes live far away, but when their latest object of affection shows up in town, their rock-solid friendship is shaken.
Out April 20
10 She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
Enemies to lovers and fake dating in a sweet queer YA romance? Yes, please. She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen centres on basketball player Scottie Zajac, who starts the season off in the worst possible way when she has a minor crash with the head cheerleader, mean girl Irene Abraham. Soon, the girls end up carpooling together, which leads to Scottie convincing Irene to pretend to be her girlfriend in hopes of annoying her ex. What could go wrong, right?
Out April 20
11 Anna K Away by Jenny Lee
Anna K Away by Jenny Lee picks up where the bestselling Anna K left off: with all the characters grappling with the aftermath of Vronsky's death. In Anna's case that means heading to South Korea, where her father hopes she'll connect with her roots and process the events of the previous school year.
Out April 27
12 Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses by Kristen O'Neal
Books featuring characters with chronic illnesses are still far too rare, which makes Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses by Kristen O'Neal all the more special. After a Lyme disease diagnosis derails Priya's premed dreams, she finds solace in an online group for people with chronic illnesses. But when one Priya's closest online friend goes missing, she sets out to find her, which leads her to make a shocking discovery: her pal appears to be an actual werewolf.
Out April 27
