Loading...

Book cover of A Stolen Heart

leiana52

From Leiana's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Unknown Author Why Leiana loves this book

This book. This book has it all. Fluff. Banter. Realistic scenes of life not being fair because it isn't. And characters who choose the right thing to do because it's the right thing to do. Bonus points for retelling The Goose Girl without killing an innocent horse. In this book, 'tis but an illusion. And we have a cute baby gryphon too! I loved this book, so much. It's the final book to a series but can be read as a standalone (although it has spoilers for the other books, so if you're planning on reading them, read those first).

By Selina R. Gonzalez ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Stolen Heart as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

She was given a second chance to live a peaceful life.
She should have guessed the world wouldn't be so kind.

With her vengeance complete, enchantress Callista has settled into a quiet life. Her routine is shattered when a visitor arrives—the brother she left to die is alive.

Callista's joy is short-lived. A new king has been crowned, but not everyone is pleased, including a lord who needs a witch for his plans. To save her brother's life, Callista switches places with the king's prospective bride using the dark magic she swore to abandon.

But neither Callista nor her villainous…


Book cover of Crushing It

Caroline Huntoon Author Of Skating on Mars

From my list on best sports books that center queer youth.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an accidental sports writer. While I played a few sports as a child and went as Sporty Spice for one ill-advised Halloween, I didn’t grow up on a steady diet of sports stories. I just didn’t get it. Sure, I heard stories of triumphant soccer seasons and rag-tag baseball teams, but they didn’t capture my interest. But then I grew up… and books became more diverse. I started revisiting sports novels after writing my debut novel. Seeing authors use sports as a way to explore queerness has changed my understanding of sports stories and given me a new appreciation for the genre. I can’t get enough!

Caroline's book list on best sports books that center queer youth

Caroline Huntoon Why Caroline loves this book

Look, if this book had been around when I was in middle school, it would have been a game changer (pun absolutely intended). This book has it all: lesbian-enemies-to-the-middle-school-equivalent-of-lovers, heart-pounding descriptions of soccer, complex family dynamics, and fraught friendships! Yes, all of those trope-y pieces might feel like a delightful, frothy treat, but this book packs a real emotional punch.

The dual point-of-view gives readers the chance to understand the complex relationship between Mel and Tory—and fall in love with both characters! Becker also sprinkles in some great conversations about self-expression. Beware: this is a read-in-one-sitting kind of book!

By Erin Becker ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Crushing It as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

From debut author Erin Becker comes an action-packed but tender novel about first romance, queer identity, and learning how to be brave when it matters the most.

On the soccer field, Magic Mel is in her element. She's ready to lead her team to victory at the city championship in her new role as captain. Off the field, however, is a totally different story. Mel can't get a handle on her class presentation, her friend group has completely dissolved, and her ex-friend-current-teammate, Tory, is being the worst. The only place she feels like herself is in her text conversations where…


Book cover of We Got the Beat

Christen Randall Author Of The No-Girlfriend Rule

From my list on young adult books that put fierce, fabulous fat girls front and center.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up as a fat kid, I hardly ever saw myself reflected in the media I consumed. If I did, it was by someone relegated to the side character status as the funny fat friend or the cautionary tale. Now, it’s my great joy to spread the word about books that put fat people in the spotlight—living our best lives, falling in love, and just having our much-deserved Main Character Moments.

Christen's book list on young adult books that put fierce, fabulous fat girls front and center

Christen Randall Why Christen loves this book

Jenna Miller’s books read like the best sort of secret between friends, except the friends are anyone who is at least a little bit nerdy—and as a fat nerdy person, I was instantly in.

The main character Jordan felt so relatable to me; everything from the Doctor Who references to being kind of in love with your ex-best friend to the realistic fears of a queer, fat teenager just trying to get by hit just right. As someone who also grew up queer and fat, I had to finish this one in a day!

By Jenna Miller ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked We Got the Beat as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

"Charmingly wry and sharply perceptive. An ode to first love, complicated friendships, and the messy joy of rewriting your own story." -Becky Albertalli, New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Jordan Elliott is a fat, nerdy lesbian and the first junior to be named editor in chief of the school newspaper. Okay, that last part hasn't happened yet, but it will. It's positive thinking that has gotten Jordan this far. Ever since Mackenzie West, her friend-turned-enemy, humiliated her at the start of freshman year, Jordan has thrown herself into journalism and kept her eyes trained…


Book cover of Soar

Isla Ryder Author Of Second Chance at the Water Jump

From Isla's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Horse trainer Photographer Traveler

Isla's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Isla Ryder Why Isla loves this book

This book was an easy choice for me. I always want more books in my genre and I knew the author was a HorseGirl too, so I had high hopes... and all expectations were met! I would describe this the way I do my own work: 50% romance, 50% horse book and that is a magic combination for me! It kept me turning pages to see not only how the characters came together and got over their initial impressions, but how the show season would turn out!

This is a series book, but can be read as a stand-alone (another favorite feature for me that I emulate) though I definitely did not wait long to dive into the rest of the series. They could all make it to this list, but Soar was my first, so it got the spot!

By Tiffany Noelle Chacon ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Soar as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

Can they soar in the arena…and beyond?

Grand Prix show jumper Trina Powers has one goal: make it to the Olympics. After nearly a decade of failed attempts, injured horses and broken relationships, she's finally a (very partial) owner of the horse that can take her to the top. And she's learned her lesson: no man will stand in her way this time.

That is until Grayson J. Sterling shows up as the new majority owner of her horse. He's brusque and disgustingly rich—the two worst features a man could have, according to Trina—and devastatingly handsome. Can Trina and Grayson…


Book cover of The Hedgewitch of Foxhall

D.C. Contor Author Of A Change of Tide: The Legend of the Salt of the Earth

From D.C.'s 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

D.C.'s 3 favorite reads in 2025

D.C. Contor Why D.C. loves this book

I fell completely in love with the characters and world Anna created. Her system of magic feels old and established yet new and incredible at the same time. Her characters are full and wonderfully crafted, and unlike so much of media these days, it kept me on my toes plot-wise. As a fellow writer, I'm pretty good at anticipating where the story will go and what the flow of things will be, but Anna kept surprising me and that kept the story fresh and interesting!

By Anna Bright ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Hedgewitch of Foxhall as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

In this gorgeous stand-alone cozy fantasy romance perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Allison Saft, a rebellious witch undertakes a last-ditch quest to restore magic to medieval Wales-as two princes vie for her heart.

Magic is fading from Wales-choked off by King Offa's Dyke, the enemy earthworks that spans the entire border. Even the dragons have disappeared. And now an attack is imminent.

Prince Taliesin would love to watch magic die. Prince Dafydd fears it, and the throne. But when their father promises the crown to whichever son can destroy the dyke and restore magic to Wales, the brothers…


Book cover of The Dividing Sky

Alana Oxford Author Of A Modern Midlife Christmas Carol

From Alana's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Librarian Reader Anglophile Beatles fan

Alana's 3 favorite reads in 2025

Alana Oxford Why Alana loves this book

This book was like a masterclass in how to write a compelling plot with plenty of conflict and action. I loved the world Tew created and her fast paced style of storytelling. She's a very masterful writer and I can't wait to read her latest book.

By Jill Tew ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Dividing Sky as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY AND KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • “[A] high-stakes story packed with slow-burn pining and plentiful tension.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review


A cunning teen memory merchant falls for the handsome rookie officer on her tail in this swoony dystopian romance that's “one to watch” (Amie Kaufman, New York Times bestselling author of The Isles of the Gods)

In 2364, eighteen-year-old Liv Newman dreams of a future beyond her lower-class life in the Metro. As a Proxy, she uses the neurochip in her brain to sell memories to wealthy clients. Maybe a few illegally, but money equals…


Book cover of Courtesy of Cupid

Laurie Morrison Author Of Keeping Pace

From my list on middle grade novels with romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always loved books, movies, and shows that feature swoony, satisfying romances. As a middle school teacher and upper middle-grade author, I know it can be tricky to find novels with romance for the middle-grade set. But I also know firsthand that there are many kids who crave these kinds of stories–and that there are major benefits to giving kids a chance to read and hopefully talk about crushes and relationships in all their complexity. I’m always on the lookout for realistic stories with just the right amount of romance to delight middle-grade readers, and these five are some of my favorites.

Laurie's book list on middle grade novels with romance

Laurie Morrison Why Laurie loves this book

It isn’t easy to find middle-grade rom-coms, but this book checks all the boxes!

I love the concept–an intensely driven eighth grader who scorns the idea of romance and finds out she’s a Cupid–and Nashae Jones delivers with a laugh-out-loud enemies-to-crushes tale. A bit of magic and plenty of hilarious shenanigans make this one a winner.

By Nashae Jones ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Courtesy of Cupid as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

In this funny and romantic story sprinkled with a dash of magic, a thirteen-year-old girl uses her newfound ability to make people fall in love to sabotage her rival.

Erin Johnson’s thirteenth birthday unfolds like any other day, from her mom’s quirky and embarrassing choice of outfit to racing her nemesis, Trevor Jin, to the best seat in class—front row, center. But her gifts this year include something very out of the ordinary: magical powers.

Erin discovers her mysterious father is actually the love god Cupid and she’s inherited his knack for romance. It’s not the most useful ability for…


Book cover of Girls Who Burn

Elena Taylor Author Of All We Buried

From my list on female sleuths in small, rural towns.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started reading crime fiction when I was a very young child. My granny introduced me to mysteries through authors like Tony Hillerman, who wrote books set in the Four Corners region of the American Southwest. That early introduction into mysteries set in small towns and rural areas stuck. My books also focus on smaller towns and rural areas, which I love to visit through fiction or in real life. I have often made my home in a small town and work as a crime fiction author and a developmental editor, so I have an eye for both solid mysteries and life in a rural community.

Elena's book list on female sleuths in small, rural towns

Elena Taylor Why Elena loves this book

I loved the twisty way this debut author stayed ahead of me with her plot. This is a YA novel, but I found the characters, especially the protagonist Addie Blackwood, instantly accessible, even though my teen years are far behind me. The prose was tense and active, taking me on a nonstop rollercoaster ride.

The author deftly combined the very real danger to the characters with the complexity of teen love, which kept me guessing what would happen next. It made me nostalgic for my own teenage years while simultaneously glad I never had to face a terrifying situation like Addie does! 

By MK Pagano ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Girls Who Burn as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Eighteen-year-old Addie Blackwood regrets nothing more than one horrible, mistake-filled night last summer. Hours after she hurled the worst words she could think of at her sister, Fiona was found dead at the bottom of a ravine. The police ruled her death an accident, but Addie's never bought it. Her ballet-prodigy sister didn't slip and fall; she was pushed. And Addie's number one suspect: Thatcher Montgomery, the rich kid down the street who always had a thing for Fiona.

But when Thatcher is found dead in the same ravine, Addie must admit she was wrong. And now her only ally…


Book cover of A Tempest of Tea

Derek Murphy Author Of The Scarlet Thread

From Derek's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Derek's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Derek Murphy Why Derek loves this book

This book felt like stepping into a world full of shadows and secrets, where every character is carrying some kind of hidden agenda. I loved how the protagonist, an orphan girl trying to protect the kingdom she built, was both vulnerable and fierce.

By Hafsah Faizal ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Tempest of Tea as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

An intoxicating brew of vampires, secrets and romance. A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal, bestselling author of TikTok sensation We Hunt the Flame, is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows.

'A riveting page-turner, A Tempest of Tea is brewed to perfection' - Rebecca Ross, author of Divine Rivals

'If you like vampires, romance, and kick-ass characters with magic weapons, look no further and you'll be delighted! - Ali Hazelwood, author of The Love Hypothesis

On the streets of White Roaring, Arthie Casimir is a criminal mastermind and collector of secrets. Her prestigious tearoom transforms into an…


Book cover of Night Owls

Darlene Marshall Author Of Sea Change

From Darlene's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Romance Reader Regency Romance Fan History Buff SF & Fantasy Fan

Darlene's 3 favorite reads in 2025

Darlene Marshall Why Darlene loves this book

This is a novel that I wish had been available when I was a teen, when YA books for Jewish teens were mostly sad Holocaust tales. Important books, but not always what a teen wants to read. Night Owls instead is a wonderful, romantic vampire story that draws heavily on Jewish folklore, both Ashkenazi (Eastern European) and Middle Eastern (Syrian). At its core it's a love letter to Yiddish theater on New York's 2nd Avenue, an art that peaked in the early 20th century and produced stars who went on to mainstream theater and film.

Clara and Molly (once herself a star of the Yiddish theater), were turned into estries, vampire owls, at the moment of their deaths at the hands of men. They created a found family and Clara's the big sister, constantly on-guard against discovery, while Molly is the risk taker. When Molly's girlfriend Anat comes back into…

By A. R. Vishny ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Night Owls as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

* National Jewish Book Award Winner * Green Mountain Book Award Nominee * Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner *

In this thrilling paranormal YA romance debut steeped in folklore, two estries-owl-shifting female vampires from Jewish tradition-face New York's monstrous underworld to save the girl one of them loves with help from the boy one of them fears before they are, all of them, lost forever.

Clara loves rules. Rules are what have kept her and her sister, Molly, alive-or, rather, undead-for over a century. Work their historic movie theater by day. Shift into an owl under the cover of night.…