If you're feeling a little drained as the year winds down (and truly, who isn't?), the best new YA books of November [1] truly are a balm for the soul. As always, YA remains an all-encompassing genre [2] that's just as likely to serve up a timely novel grounded in today's social issues as it is an intricate fantasy, but this month truly feels like it's all about the love. With romantic new titles from the likes of Jenn Bennett, Marissa Meyer, and David Yoon, stories of first loves are plentiful this November. Not in the mood for romance? That's okay too, because there's also a Gothic-flavoured supernatural tale and an exciting fantasy coming your way, plus so much more. And hey, if you still need more suggestions on what to pick up next after you blaze through all of our November picks, check out October's selections for even more YA reccomendations [3].
Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer
Best known for her fantasy novels like The Lunar Chronicles, Marissa Meyer tries her hand at a contemporary love story in Instant Karma [4], albeit one with a magical touch. Prudence Daniels is more than a little judgmental toward the people who live in her small coastal town, so she's delighted when she wakes up one morning to find she can now serve up karmic justice. Weirdly, there's one person her powers won't work on: the charming Quint Erickson — also known as the lab partner who totally stabbed her in the back.
Out Nov. 3
The Ravens by Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige
Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige team up for a tale of witchcraft and backstabbing in The Ravens [5]. Set against the backdrop of Savannah, Georgia, the novel follows two Kappa Rho Nu pledges as they learn what it takes to join the elite sorority populated entirely by young witches.
Out Nov. 3
Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett
Chasing Lucky [6] by Jenn Bennett is a cosy, small town romance about a girl who just can't resist the bad boy — although in truth, Lucky Karras isn't really bad, he simply doesn't fit into his small New England town. If anyone understands that it's his childhood best friend Josie Saint-Martin who has spent years moving from place to place with her mom. Now that they've returned to their hometown, Josie unexpectedly reconnects with Lucky and realises the sweet little boy she knew as a kid has gone through some interesting changes since she last saw him.
Out Nov. 10
A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey
Dreaming of a holiday to England? Then pick up A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow [7] by Laura Taylor Namey as soon as possible. This charming story follows Lila Reyes, a young woman whose parents send her to stay with family friends in England after all of her carefully constructed plans for the future come crashing down. For her part, Lila doesn't immediately fall for gloomy Winchester, England, but when an adorable local boy appoints himself her personal tour guide, her summer begins looking up.
Out Nov. 10
How to Pack for the End of the World by Michelle Falkoff
How to Pack for the End of the World [8] by Michelle Falkoff perfectly taps into our collective anxiety over the state of the world as seen through the lens of the next generation. Amina can't stop worrying about the future, but when she transfers to the prestigious Gardner Academy she finds a group of like-minded friends who are just as eager to prepare for the many disasters that could be looming in their future as she is.
Out Nov. 10
Love and Olives by Jenna Evans Welch
Love and Gelato author Jenna Evans Welch is back with another lush travel-centric tale in Love and Olives [9]. Inspired by Mamma Mia!, Love and Olives is the story of a young woman's quest to reconnect with her absentee father as they film a documentary in Greece. Along the way she soaks in the culture of Santorini, reluctantly falls for her dad's protégé, and begins to realise her father may have a secret reason for reaching out to her so unexpectedly.
Out Nov. 10
Malcolm and Me by Robin Farmer
Malcom and Me [10] by Robin Farmer is an evocative coming of age story set against the backdrop of the Watergate era. When 13-year-old Roberta is told she's ineligible to compete in an essay contest at school, she responds with an outrage that speaks both to her frustration surrounding her parents' crumbling marriage and her growing interest in activism in this novel about the messy process of growing up.
Out Nov. 17
Rebel Sisters by Tochi Onyebuchi
Rebel Sisters [11] by Tochi Onyebuchi is the highly anticipated sequel to War Girls. Set five years after the end of the Biafran War, Ify is now a medic living in the Space Colonies, but when a mysterious illness begins affecting children, Ify is drawn back to Nigeria and all of the people she left behind.
Out Nov. 17
Super Fake Love Song by David Yoon
Sweet and funny, Super Fake Love Song [12] by David Yoon is a rom-com about a case of mistaken identity. When the nerdy Sunny Dae meets cool girl Cirrus Soh, she mistakes his rock and roll loving brother's room for his, and he's too embarrassed to correct her. Soon, Sunny loops his friends into forming a fake band with him so he can impress Sunny, only to find his new persona feels more and more real with every lie he tells.
Out Nov. 17
This Is Not a Ghost Story by Andrea Portes
This Is Not a Ghost Story [13] by Andrea Portes is a creepy, twist-filled story with a central message that appears to be beware of any job that sounds too good to be true. During the summer before college, Daffodil Franklin lands a job housesitting a mansion for a wealthy couple, but it doesn't take long for her to realise there's someone or something that doesn't want her in the house.
Out Nov. 17