Must Read Young Adult Fiction of 2025: Top Picks for Teen Readers

The year 2025 has brought a wave of captivating young adult fiction, offering readers a diverse array of stories that explore themes of identity, resilience, and adventure. From debut authors to seasoned storytellers, these novels have captured the imaginations of readers worldwide.

Scarlet Morning by N.D. Stevenson

Acclaimed author N.D. Stevenson, known for Nimona, returns with Scarlet Morning, a fantasy novel that began as a personal project during his teenage years. Revised and completed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the story follows two orphans and a pirate crew on a journey to save their world. Stevenson infuses the narrative with themes of youth inheriting a damaged world, reflecting his own journey of growth and resilience.

In the Company of Wolves by Paige Tyler

Set against the backdrop of the New Mexico desert, In the Company of Wolves tells the story of Jaime, a boy who moves to a small town after his father died in the Vietnam War. Living with his father's family, Jaime navigates grief and change, forming a bond with a special wolf named Graybeard. This coming-of-age tale explores themes of loss, healing, and the power of connection.

Fledgling by S.K. Ali

In Fledgling, S.K. Ali presents a post-apocalyptic world where history is manipulated, and society is divided. The narrative alternates between multiple perspectives, each voice distinct and consistent, adding emotional depth to the story. Ali explores urgent contemporary issues, including the exploitation of land and people, as well as the use of technology to subjugate society.

The Payback Girls by Alex Travis

A gripping thriller, The Payback Girls centers on a revenge plot involving a star basketball player who has been romantically involved with three girls. The story unfolds with a sapphic love triangle bubbling beneath the surface, adding complexity to the narrative. This novel is perfect for fans of suspenseful tales with unexpected twists.

Sanskari Sweetheart by Ananya Devarajan

Ananya Devarajan's Sanskari Sweetheart offers a fun twist on the Groundhog Day concept, featuring a high school heroine determined to win a Bollywood dance competition. She aims to prove to her mother that dance is a viable career path and to win back her boyfriend. The story delves into themes of perfectionism and self-discovery.

I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang

In I Am Not Jessica Chen, Jenna Chen faces a classic consciousness swap, leading her to navigate life in someone else's shoes. The novel explores themes of identity and self-perception, offering readers a thought-provoking journey through Jenna's experiences.

These six young adult novels, published in 2025, showcase a rich tapestry of storytelling, each offering unique perspectives and narratives that resonate with readers. Whether you're drawn to fantasy adventures, heartfelt romances, or thought-provoking explorations of identity, this year's selections provide a plethora of options to dive into.

Author Jocelyn Bleu, known for her dark romantic narratives, is gaining attention with her newly released novel, Wings of Ash. Her unique blend of lyrical prose and intricate world-building is anticipated to resonate with fans of epic fantasy.

Dahlia Adler has also released her latest literary offering, The Rest of Us, a finely crafted anthology, perfect for keeping avid readers entertained during the holidays.

Whether you're drawn to dystopian worlds, magical realms, or heartfelt romances, this year offers a wealth of stories to explore.