Perhaps more than any other genre, YA books are inclusive, inventive, and trailblazing as a default. Don't believe me? Just check out 10 of the best new YA books coming out this August [1]. From Own Voices novels that tackle subjects like systemic racism and identity to LGBTQ+ romances [2] and dense fantasy adventures, the sheer breadth of unique stories on offer is astonishing. Whether you're an avid YA fan or brand new to the modern world of young adult fiction, each one of this month's new releases offers up a unique perspective on the world. Remember, YA books are for everyone, and the 10 novels on this list will delight readers of any age.
The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed
Despite its 1992 setting, Christina Hammonds Reed's The Black Kids [3] couldn't be more timely. Ashley Bennett is a wealthy young Black woman with a summer of hanging with her friends ahead of her when the four police officers who brutally beat Rodney King are acquitted. As protests spread across Los Angeles, Ashley begins to realise that even though her family is wealthy, she's not immune to America's systemic racism.
Out Aug. 4
Court of Lions by Somaiya Daud
Somaiya Daud's Mirage duology is set to conclude with Court of Lions [4], a clever story of courtly intrigue and uneasy alliances. The rebel Amani is feeling more alone than ever before as the story begins, but she soon strikes a deal with the Princess Maram to exchange places with her before she marries Idris. Now Amani is on the inside of the royal family, and in a position to protect those she cares for the most.
Out Aug. 4
Some Kind of Animal by Maria Romasco-Moore
Some Kind of Animal [5] by Maria Romasco-Moore is an eerie thriller about the power of sisterhood. Each night Jo enters the woods to spend time with her wild twin sister, a girl who no one else knows exists. But when her twin attacks a boy in town, Jo is accused of a crime she didn't commit, leaving her with the impossible choice to either expose her sister or sacrifice herself.
Out Aug. 4
They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman
Fans of Pretty Little Liars [6] and Gossip Girl [7] will devour They Wish They Were Us [8], a deliciously dark story set within the walls of an elite prep school. Three years ago Jill Newman's best friend was murdered, and her friend's boyfriend confessed to the crime shortly after the fact. However, he's now recanting his story, leaving Jill with the unenviable task of exposing the real murderer among her group of secret society friends.
Out Aug. 4
Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar
Drawing on Hindu mythology for inspiration, Shveta Thakrar's Star Daughter [9] is as luminous as the night sky. Sheetal is half-human and half-star, and despite her desire to be normal, she can't stop one of her flares from injuring her human father. Now the only way she can heal him is if she convinces her star mother to return to Earth.
Out Aug. 11
Don't Ask Me Where I'm From by Jennifer De Leon
Balancing humour and honest conversations about race with ease, Don't Ask Me Where I'm From [10] by Jennifer De Leon is one of the year's best YA books so far. Liliana Cruz is trying everything to fit into her almost entirely white school, but when she discovers the real reason why her father can't return home to his family, she decides it's time to own her truth.
Out Aug. 18
The Faithless Hawk by Margaret Owen
The Faithless Hawk [11] is the highly anticipated sequel to Margaret Owen's The Merciful Crow. The intricate fantasy series's latest chapter finds Fie facing down a power hungry queen as she struggles to protect her fellow Crows and devise a plan that will end the queen's reign before she destroys the nation of Sabor.
Out Aug. 18
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
Raybearer [12] by Jordan Ifueko is an exciting fantasy debut that drops the reader into an exquisitely detailed world. Tarisai longs to belong somewhere, and if she's chosen to be one of the Crown Prince's Council of 11 she'll get her wish. Unfortunately, her mother has other plans: she wants to use Tarisai to kill the prince and force her daughter to break a sacred promise in the process.
Out Aug. 18
Six Angry Girls by Adrienne Kisner
Fierce and full of young women forging their own paths, Six Angry Girls [13] by Adrienne Kisner is a delight. With their senior year plans falling apart, Raina Petree and Millie Goodwin find a sense of community at a politically active yarn store that inspires them to create their own mock trial team in order to teach the all-boys team (and the rest of the school) a lesson about underestimating women.
Out Aug. 18
Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorram
Adib Khorram's companion novel to Darius the Great Is Not Okay is possibly even better than the first book. In Darius the Great Deserves Better [14], Darius's perfect life begins to unravel due to his dad being away, his best friend not answering his calls, and a former bully catching his eye on the football team and distracting him from the boyfriend he's pretty sure he loves. Suddenly, Darius has all kinds of tough decisions to make, whether he's ready to make them or not.
Out Aug. 25