We hope you're in the mood for something spooky this September, because the best YA books of the month [1] are full of haunted houses, mysterious murders, and stalkers. Sure, it's not quite spooky season yet, but these standout reads will have you cosying up with a warm blanket and a mug of hot cocoa anyway. And hey, if you're not quite ready to go straight for the scares, this month's best books also include a novel about a teen chasing his dreams [2], a beautiful story about two teens bonding on a snowy night, and a pandemic-set read that will actually make you swoon. Need even more suggestions? Don't forget to check out the best YA books of August [3], too.
Act Cool by Tobly McSmith
One of the most powerful YA books of the year, Act Cool [4] by Tobly McSmith follows trans teen and aspiring actor August Greene as he tries to navigate following his heart with his conservative parents' demands. When August's parents allow him to stay with his aunt in New York City to chase his dream of acting as long as he promises not to transition, he'll have to find the courage within himself to live his truth.
Out Sept. 7
Hello (From Here) by Chandler Baker and Wesley King
Hello (From Here) [5] isn't just a book about the pandemic. Chandler Baker and Wesley King have teamed up to tell a sweet love story between two teens that happens to unfold during these strange times we live in. Maxine and Jonah meet just as California goes into lockdown, but over the course of the next few months, their relationship blossoms even as mental health issues, the toll of the pandemic, and social distancing threaten to keep them apart.
Out Sept. 7
The Last Beautiful Girl by Nina Laurin
Get an early start on the spooky season with The Last Beautiful Girl [6] by Nina Laurin. After her parents move the family from New York City to a small town in the middle of nowhere, Isabella finds a bright side to their decision when she begins to explore the rambling old mansion they now call home. Within its walls, she finds vintage clothes and jewels, which are perfect for Instagram photo shoots, but as her social media profile rises, it becomes impossible for Isabella to ignore the growing darkness in the house — and in herself.
Out Sept. 7
Major Detours by Zachary Sergi
Choose-your-own-adventure books get a much-needed modern update in Major Detours [7] by Zachary Sergi. Set during the summer before college, four friends embark on a road trip inspired by a tarot deck one of them inherited from their grandmother. Along the way, you get to make decisions for the friends, which will lead them to one of four different outcomes.
Out Sept. 7
Tides of Mutiny by Rebecca Rode
Tides of Mutiny [8] by Rebecca Rode is a high-seas adventure full of swashbuckling goodness. At 16, Lane dreams of becoming a ship's captain like her father, even though she knows any woman found to be a sailor will be executed. As a result, she has lived her whole life as a boy. But the unexpected arrivals of a pirate and a prince might just lead Lane to find a way to change the system.
Out Sept. 7
The Corpse Queen by Heather M. Herrman
Full of haunting imagery and Gothic flourishes, The Corpse Queen [9] by Heather M. Herrman is a historical mystery that will give you goosebumps. At 17, orphan Molly is sent to live with an aunt she's never heard of who teaches her a new skill: grave robbing. Soon, Molly is digging up graves and sitting in on anatomy lessons, but with a killer lurking the streets of 1850s Philadelphia, there's no doubt danger is on the horizon.
Out Sept. 14
It All Comes Back to You by Farah Naz Rishi
When their younger siblings announce they're dating, a pair of exes can't stop themselves from meddling in It All Comes Back to You [10] by Farah Naz Rishi. In the wake of her mother's death, Kiran has taken it upon herself to keep her little sister from getting hurt, so when she discovers her sister is dating her ex-boyfriend's little brother, she can't help but worry. After all, her ex ghosted her, and she's not about to let his brother hurt her sister — even if it means facing him again.
Out Sept. 14
White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson
Bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson's White Smoke [11] is a timely modern haunted-house tale. When Marigold's family moves from California to the Midwest for a fresh start, the last thing she expects is to end up living in a haunted house. But between the mysterious occurrences and her stepsister's insistence that her new friend wants Marigold out of the house, it's clear something isn't right in her new home.
Out Sept. 14
All These Bodies by Kendare Blake
Clearly Halloween [12] has come early for YA fans this year, because we have yet another spooky must read in All These Bodies [13] by Kendare Blake. Set in the summer of 1958, the prime suspect in a series of gruesome murders is a 15-year-old girl who was found surrounded by bodies drained of their blood. The girl, Marie, is only willing to talk to an up-and-coming journalist named Michael, who is about to hear a hair-raising tale.
Out Sept. 21
Maybe We're Electric by Val Emmich
Set in a small museum over the course of one snowy night, Maybe We're Electric [14] by Val Emmich is a story about finding a connection in the most unexpected place. Both the deeply quiet Tegan and star athlete Mac are looking for an escape when they find themselves at the abandoned Thomas Edison Museum during a snowstorm, but as the night wears on, they'll find so much more.
Out Sept. 21
As Good as Dead by Holly Jackson
Holly Jackson's A Good Girl's Guide to Murder trilogy concludes this month with As Good as Dead [15]. This time around, Pip is heading off to college, but a series of threatening messages make it clear someone is watching her. Pip goes to the police, but they refuse to help, leaving her to solve the case before she becomes a victim.
Out Sept. 28
Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray
Beasts of Prey [16] by Ayana Gray is the first book in a new epic fantasy series about two Black teens on a collision course with destiny. Indentured at the Night Zoo, Koffi possesses a magic that could get her killed, but it also makes her capable of warding off a monster known as the Shetani. Meanwhile, Ekon dreams of becoming a warrior, something he believes will become a reality if he and Koffi can bring down the Shetani for good.
Out Sept. 28
Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat
Set in 19th century London, this engrossing new fantasy novel draws readers into a world of intrigue, magic, and deadly battles for the fate of the world. In Dark Rise [17] by C.S. Pacat, Will is on the run from the men who killed his mother when he stumbles upon his own secret destiny. Now he'll join forces with a group known as the Stewards to save the world from a coming darkness.
Out Sept. 28