40 May 2026 Young Adult Books You Need to Read

Body Count by Codie Crowley

Seven years after making a deadly deal with a monster, Sundae Valentine is forced back to the Jersey Shore—the very place her nightmare began. As prom weekend unfolds, she tries to focus on friends, parties, and a girl she can’t stop thinking about, but something sinister is watching from the shadows. With one final wish left to claim, the monster is ready to collect—and this time, it won’t leave without a price.

Change of Plans by Sarah Dessen

I am so excited for Sarah Dessen’s next release! Finley has always followed someone else’s lead, especially when it comes to her boyfriend and her plans for the future. But a summer trip with her mom introduces her to a new world of family, unexpected friendships, and a boy who makes her see things differently. As everything she thought she knew begins to shift, Finley is finally forced to discover who she is on her own. I have high hopes for this one!

Fatally Yours by Jessica Lacy

For Katie Rose, life has always meant wealth, attention, and getting away with just about anything—even murder. But when her estranged sister returns home engaged, Katie is suddenly pushed aside as her mother focuses on the wedding of the century. As tensions rise and secrets threaten to spill, Katie Rose is determined to reclaim her place—no matter how messy things may get.

Hear Ye Mortals by Yamile Saied Méndez

If you’re looking for a historical fiction to read this month, try Hear Ye Mortals. Set in 1970s Argentina under a dangerous military regime, brothers Daniel and Adrián dream of making music, even though artists are seen as enemies of the state. When their band unexpectedly gains attention, they’re forced to choose between staying silent or risking everything to follow their passion. But when someone close to them disappears, the stakes become far more real than they ever imagined.

Holloway by Elana K. Arnold

After losing nearly everything, Nora travels to Paris to honour a promise to her mother—but her journey takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself in another time altogether. Alone in an unfamiliar world shaped by fear and loss, she must navigate both her surroundings and her grief. Along the way, Nora searches for a way to honour her mother while finding a path forward for herself. This one sounds like a great blend of contemporary and magical realism!

Like We Were in Paris by Stephan Lee

I absolutely love contemporary romance set in Europe, especially in spring and summer! After being locked out of their hostel on a school trip, Ben is forced to spend the night wandering Paris with his former friend and current nemesis, Tyler. What starts as a frustrating situation quickly turns into an unexpected adventure through the city’s most magical spots. Perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Jenny Han, this swoony rom-com explores first love, second chances, and the spark that can change everything in a single night.

Oh My Affogato! by Daphne Ang and Donna Ghorbanpoor

This title is so cute, and the story sounds great, too! Soraya heads to the Amalfi Coast with one goal: finally turn her situationship with Wes into something real. But between messy friendships, unexpected truths about the boy she thought she wanted, and a charming local who wasn’t part of the plan, her perfect vacation starts to unravel. For fans of Love & Gelato and Emily in Paris, this fun summer romance proves that love rarely goes as planned.

Rolls and Rivalry by Kristy Boyce

Hazel has her senior year perfectly planned—until her former best friend and longtime crush suddenly reappears, throwing everything off track. When Max joins her D&D campaign, their constant bickering starts to feel a lot like unresolved feelings. As game nights and real life begin to overlap, Hazel may have to rethink what she really wants. You don’t want to miss the next book in the Quest for Love series!

Shards of Silence by Brian Lee Young

Derrick leaves his home in New Mexico for an elite boarding school, hoping to make the most of a life-changing opportunity. But as he struggles to fit in and faces subtle racism, he’s drawn back to his great-grandmother’s painful past at a federal boarding school. As their stories intertwine, Derrick must confront generational trauma and find his own voice. This may be Brian Lee Young’s first young adult novel, but he’s an award-winning author for a reason, and this book will be a strong representation of why.

Storm Breaker by Nisha J. Tuli

In a city where obedience means survival, Poet Graves enters a brutal academy, knowing her future has already been chosen for her. But as deadly trials push her to her limits, she’s forced to hide a dangerous secret—her power may be stronger than anyone suspects. When a mysterious outsider challenges everything she’s been taught, Poet must decide whether she’s willing to risk it all for freedom. The next book is set to release in September, so there’s a lot to look forward to!

That Which Feeds Us by Keala Kendall

When her twin sister goes missing, Lehua travels to a luxurious Hawaiian resort to find her—only to be trapped on the isolated island. As she digs into the disappearance, she uncovers a dark history beneath the resort’s idyllic surface. With eerie warnings and supernatural forces closing in, Lehua must uncover the truth before the island claims her too. That Which Feeds Us is perfect for those looking for a little suspense in their May reading plans.

The Beckett Effect by Nashae Jones

Looking for a contemporary romance this May? Try The Beckett Effect! It’s perfect for fans of Clueless and John Tucker Must Die. Wren is determined to take down Beckett Lane after he humiliates her sister—and she has the perfect plan. By getting close to him and documenting his worst behaviour, she’s sure she can expose the truth to everyone. But the more time she spends with him, the harder it becomes to separate revenge from something far more complicated.

The Summer of Second Chances by K.L. Walther

Feeling left behind as her friends head off to college, Olivia chooses to stay close to home to support her grandmother. But a summer trip to Martha’s Vineyard, guided by her grandmother’s memories, opens the door to something new. As she reconnects with a boy from her past, Olivia must decide whether she’s ready to hold on to the present while learning to let go. This sounds like the perfect book to read on a sunny May day!

Until Next Summer by Allison Ashley

Until Next Summer sounds like a lovely seaside romance, perfect for picking up when the warmer months arrive. Amelia expects another carefree Cape Cod summer until her best friend leaves for tennis training. The boy they always considered off-limits suddenly doesn’t seem so out of reach. Working at Pearl’s puts her directly in Myles’ path, and getting to know him for real complicates everything she and Kat once promised each other. Just as Amelia begins to sort through her feelings, a new boy in town pulls her in a completely different direction.

Young World by Soman Chainani

After a viral stunt lands him in the White House, teenager Benton Young becomes the face of a global movement led by young leaders. But when a fellow teen president is murdered at an international summit, Benton becomes the prime suspect. As the world watches, he must uncover the truth behind the killing before everything he helped build falls apart. How interesting does Young World sound?

In Between Days by Camryn Garrett

After discovering that her late father had a boyfriend she never knew about, Mira reaches out in hopes of understanding this hidden part of his life. As the two grow closer, Mira begins to explore her own identity and navigate her grief in unexpected ways. But keeping their connection secret forces her to question what it truly means to honour her father—and be true to herself.

In the Blood by April Henry

If you’re looking for a suspenseful mystery, you’ll want to pick up In the Blood. Tessa has always wondered about her biological family, so when she turns eighteen, she takes a DNA test hoping for answers. Instead, she uncovers a link to a long-unsolved serial-killer case—and suddenly finds herself in danger. As the truth comes into focus, Tessa must piece together her past before it puts her future at risk.

My Wonderful Disgrace by Angourie Rice and Katie Rice

Amy Middleton has the perfect vision for her senior-year ball—especially if her crush finally agrees to be her date. But one unexpected message sets off a chain of events that turns her carefully planned night into complete chaos. Told through texts, interviews, and more, this darkly funny story unravels what really happened behind the scenes. I love books told in different formats, so I’m looking forward to the texts and interviews in this one!

Royal Summer by Kass Morgan

Hannah heads to Scotland for a dream internship, only to see her plans unravel almost immediately. But a chance meeting with a charming stranger lands her a new job—at a royal castle, where she discovers he’s actually the Prince of England. For fans of Jenny Han and literary tourism, this swoony summer romance follows Hannah as she navigates unexpected love, royal drama, and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. I’ve travelled to Scotland a number of times, so this book is definitely on my must-read list!

Seconds to Spare by Rachel Reiss

Trapped on a flight caught in a terrifying 28-minute time loop, Evelyn is forced to relive the same deadly sequence. But when one passenger suddenly breaks the pattern, everything she thought she understood begins to unravel. As the mystery deepens, Evelyn must race to piece together the truth before time runs out. Time-loop stories are always so interesting, but I’m especially intrigued that this one is set on a plane.

Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights by Celeste Dador

After a headline-making mishap sends First Daughter Abby into exile at a small-town inn for the summer, she’s determined to live a “normal” life for once. Between bucket-list adventures and life out of the spotlight, she finds herself drawn to Gabriel—the boy who couldn’t care less about her status. As sparks fly, Abby begins to discover who she is beyond the White House and what she really wants.

The Hanging Bones by Elle Tesch

Every few years, the Scavenge Moon rises—and with it, a deadly hunt for a mythical stag that can grant a single wish. When her cousin becomes the target of a dangerous baron, Katrin enters the hunt with one goal: the baron’s death. But as the forest grows more sinister and bodies pile up, Katrin realizes something far more terrifying may be waiting in the shadows.

You’re Dead to Me, Reed Walker by Gwenyth Reitz

After an unexpected death leaves them both haunting the same mansion, academic rivals Tessa and Reed are forced into an uneasy afterlife together in this supernatural rom-com. But when they realize there’s a mystery behind what really happened to them, they have no choice but to team up. As they investigate, their rivalry begins to shift into something far more unexpected. This one sounds so fun!

An Expanse of Blue by Kauakanilehua Māhoe Adams

Feeling lost between family expectations, faith, and fractured friendships, Aouli turns to her journal to make sense of what she can’t say out loud. But when a devastating truth about her father comes to light, even her safe spaces begin to crumble. Perfect for fans of The Poet X, this powerful novel-in-verse explores identity, grief, and finding your voice.

I’m Gonna Get You Back by Eva Des Lauriers

Back in their small hometown for a drama-filled Legacy Weekend, exes Clara and Reid are forced to confront the fallout from their explosive senior year. As an anonymous account begins exposing everyone’s secrets, old tensions and unresolved feelings resurface. For fans of Lynn Painter, Tillie Cole, and Gossip Girl, this messy, addictive story proves that some pasts refuse to stay buried.

I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers

After a near-romance at junior prom, best friends Natalia and Ethan are barely holding it together as senior year begins. But when private letters meant to stay hidden are scattered across the beach, the two are forced to team up to track them down before their secrets are exposed. For fans of Lynn Painter and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, this re-release of a 2024 favourite, featuring a brand-new cover, delivers a swoony, high-stakes second chance at love.

Queerleaders by Olivia A. Cole and Ashley Woodfolk

At Oak Haven High, the cheer squad is proudly queer—until their captain is forced to recruit a “straight” athlete to keep the team afloat. Enter Kendall, the new girl who seems to fit the bill—until she doesn’t. As secrets mount and feelings grow, this sharp, sapphic rom-com proves that love doesn’t always follow the rules, even when the stakes are high. Queerleaders is the perfect book to read at the end of May, as Pride Month in June approaches!

Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel by Arushi Avachat

I’m particularly excited about this one! Rani Deshpande has her summer carefully planned as she reinvents herself before transferring schools. But when she’s stuck taking driving lessons with her childhood crush, Kush, her perfectly mapped-out plans start to go off course. As old assumptions shift and feelings resurface, Rani begins to realize that some of the best moments can’t be planned.

Spur of the Moment by Juliana Smith

After an accident forces Lottie to give up the bull-riding life she loves, she’s left to figure out who she is without it. When her former best friend—and first love—returns for the summer, he offers to help her tackle a bucket list to help her find her way back to herself. As old feelings resurface, Lottie must decide which risks are worth taking. Spur of the Moment is perfect for fans of contemporary romance!

Stops Along the Way by Anna Sortino

Iris is used to relying on logic and probability—especially with a life-changing diagnosis hanging over her family. But when a road trip brings her together with her longtime rival Declan, their usual competition starts to feel more complicated. As the miles pass, Iris begins to realize that some of life’s biggest moments can’t be calculated. Road trip stories are so much fun to read as the weather starts to warm up, and I think Stops Along the Way will be a perfect addition to your TBR!

The Neon Sky by Alyssa Villaire

After a summer of magic and secrets, Penny thought she finally had everything under control—especially her relationship with the charming witch Alonso. But as darkness falls over their town, the cost of magic grows harder to ignore, and Alonso begins to change in unsettling ways. For fans of Stephanie Garber and Maggie Stiefvater, this sequel raises the stakes with dangerous choices, shifting loyalties, and a love that may not survive the truth.

This Could All Go Bad by Spencer Hall

Jensen Chapman has always played it safe—but the night before graduation, he’s determined to finally face his fears. What begins as a series of ridiculous dares quickly becomes an unforgettable adventure of chaos, surprises, and unexpected challenges. Along the way, Jensen learns that bravery isn’t just about taking risks—it’s about showing up for the people who matter most.

Behind Five Willows by June Hur

In this romantic historical YA inspired by Jane Austen, a book-loving girl and a secret writer find themselves on opposite sides of society—and drawn to each other anyway. Set in a world of censorship and hidden identities, their connection deepens as they unknowingly share a love of forbidden stories. As tensions rise, they must decide if love and literature are worth the risk.

How to Love You When You’re Gone by Gabriela Gonzales

Mayte has too much on her plate to worry about love—until a disastrous blind date keeps drawing her back to Auggie, the last person she expected to connect with. As their reluctant friendship deepens, both are forced to confront grief, family pressures, and what it means to truly be seen. For fans of Ann Liang and Lynn Painter, this heartfelt story balances first love with the messy reality of healing.

In Case I Go Missing by R.N. Swann

When amateur teen detective Sarah goes missing, her best friend Fenny refuses to believe she simply ran away. Armed with a binder Sarah left behind, Fenny sets out to finish the investigation that may have put Sarah in danger. With vibes of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder meets Fargo, this fast-paced mystery uncovers a dark, long-buried secret someone will do anything to keep hidden.

Lake Life by Tanya Boteju

Maya is stuck spending the summer in a place full of memories she’d rather forget—especially after confessing her feelings to her best friend. When she teams up with the equally reluctant Gabe for a fake-dating scheme, it seems like the perfect solution to both their problems. But as their plan starts to feel too real, they begin to question what they truly want from love and from each other.

Meet Me at the Picket Line by Jasper Sanchez

Eli is counting on his summer job to help pay for top surgery—until he discovers the workplace is a total disaster and his coworkers are trying to unionize. That plan puts him at odds (and in very close quarters) with his frustratingly attractive rival, Efraín. As sparks fly on the picket line, Eli must decide what he’s willing to risk for both the future he wants and the feelings he didn’t expect.

The Last Best Quest Ever by F.T. Lukens

Ellinore has built her reputation as the kingdom’s top quester on carefully staged victories—but she’s ready to leave the lie behind. That plan falls apart when her brother’s life is on the line, forcing her into a final, very real quest alongside her royal rival. As the stakes rise, Ellinore must decide whether she’s willing to become the hero she’s only ever pretended to be.

This Must Be the Place by Kelly Quindlen

When Louisa unexpectedly inherits a gay bar in her conservative hometown, she’s determined to keep it open—even if she has no idea what she’s doing. Aubrey, the coach’s daughter with her own complicated ties to the bar’s future, stands in her way. For fans of Casey McQuiston and Jennifer Dugan, this sharp, heartfelt rom-com blends enemies-to-lovers tension with a story about community, identity, and fighting for what matters.

We Could Be Anyone by Anna-Marie McLemore

Siblings Lola and Lisandro have perfected their con—scamming the wealthy by posing as a ghost and a spiritualist. But their latest job at a glamorous estate quickly spirals into eerie, unexplainable events. With vibes of The White Lotus meets Mexican Gothic, this twisty thriller blurs the line between performance and reality—and may be their most dangerous act yet. Anna-Marie McLemore’s books are not to be missed!