2023 YA Book Preview - Penguin Teen (2024)

Get ready for your sneak peek at YA books coming in 2023!

The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be by Shannon Gibney

Part memoir, part speculative fiction,The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Beexplores the often surreal experience of growing up as a mixed-Black transracial adoptee.

Cool. Awkward. Black. edited by Karen Strong – Jan 10

A multi-genre YA anthology of bestselling, critically acclaimed Black authors challenging the concept of “the geek,” featuringcontributions from Amerie, Kalynn Bayron, Terry J. Benton-Walker, Roseanne A. Brown, Elise Bryant, Tracy Deonn, Desiree S. Evans, Isaac Fitzsimons, Lamar Giles, Jordan Ifueko, Leah Johnson, Amanda Joy, Kwame Mbalia, Tochi Onyebuchi, Shari B. Pennant, K. Arsenault Rivera, Julian Winters, and Ibi Zoboi.

Another Dimension of Us by Mike Albo – Jan 17

The Breakfast Clubmeets Brit Marling’sThe OAin this thrilling science fiction story about teens from the past and the future who travel across the astral plane save the ones they love.

As You Walk On By by Julian Winters – Jan 17

The Breakfast ClubmeetsCan’t Hardly Waitwith an unforgettable ensemble cast in another swoony YA contemporary from award-winning author Julian Winters!

How to Be a (Young) Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and Nic Stone – Jan 31

The #1New York Timesbestseller that sparked international dialogue is now a book for young adults! Based on the adult bestseller by Ibram X. Kendi, and co-authored by bestselling author Nic Stone,How to be a (Young) Antiracistwill serve as a guide for teens seeking a way forward in acknowledging, identifying, and dismantling racism and injustice.

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis – Jan 31

The first in a breathless YA series set in 1910 Chicago,The Davenportsoffers a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked, while delivering a totally escapist, swoon-worthy read

The Severed Thread by Leslie Vedder – Feb 7

Clever, bookish Fi and her brash, ax-wielding partner Shane are backin this action packed sequel to the bestsellingThe Bone Spindle, the gender-flipped Sleeping Beauty retelling, perfect for fans ofSorcery of ThornsandThe Cruel Prince.

This One’s for You by Kate Sweeney – Feb 7

A gorgeous contemporary romance about two ex-best friends, Cass and Syd, on a life-altering road trip following the reunion tour of the Darlas—the band Cass’s mom was in when she died. Perfect for fans of Nina LaCour, Mary H.K. Choi, and Jandy Nelson.

When You Wish Upon a Lantern by Gloria Chao – Feb 14

Acclaimed author Gloria Chao creates real-world magic in this luminous romance about teens who devote themselves to granting other people’s wishes, but are too afraid to let themselves have their own hearts’ desires—each other.

Last Chance Dance by Lakita Wilson – Feb 21

An utterly charming YA romance perfect for fans of Elise Bryant and Leah Johnson. Leila is devastated when her high school boyfriend breaks up with her right before graduation, but when she gets paired with four unrequited crushes in the lead-up to her school’s annual Last Chance Dance, she might just fall in love with someone new.

Nightbirds by Kate J. Armstrong – Feb 28

In a dazzling new fantasy world full of whispered secrets and political intrigue, the magic of women is outlawed but four girls with unusual powers have the chance to change it all.

Chloe and the Kaishao Boys by Mae Coyuito – March 7

When Dimple Met RishimeetsLoveboat, Taipeiin this hilarious YA rom-com about a Chinese-Filipina girl in Manila whose father sets her up on a marathon of arranged dates in hopes of convincing her to stay close to home for college.

The Memory Eater by Rebecca Mahoney – March 14

A teenage girl must save her town from a memory-devouring monster in this piercing exploration of grief, trauma, and memory, from the author ofThe Valley and the Flood.

Enter the Body by Joy McCullough – March 14

In the room beneath a stage’s trapdoor, all of Shakespeare’s tragically dead teenage girls—Juliet, Ophelia, Cordelia, and others—compare their experiences and retell the stories of their lives in their own terms.

Free Radicals by Lila Riesen – March 21

Afghan-American Mafi’s sophom*ore year gets a whole lot more complicated when she accidentally exposes family secrets, putting her family back in Afghanistan in danger in this smartly written YA debut.

The Future King by Robyn Schneider – March 21

Welcome back to the great kingdom of Camelot! Scandal, betrayal, and courtly crushes abound in this highly anticipated sequel toThe Other Merlin, one ofPublishers Weekly’s Best Books of the Year!

by Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland – March 28

FromNew York Timesbestselling author Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton comes the first book in a ferocious YA fantasy duology featuring ancient magic, warring factions, and a romance between the two people in the world with the most cause to hate one another.

Made of Stars by Jenna Voris – March 28

Inspired by the lawless love story of Bonnie and Clyde, Jenna Voris’s heart-stopping tale of passion and crime will have you seeing stars.

The Quiet and the Loud by Helena Fox – March 28

Aheartbreaking, hopeful, and timely novel about holding too tight to family secrets, healing from trauma, and falling in love, from the award-winning author ofHow It Feels to Float

Danger and Other Unknown Risks by Ryan North and Erica Henderon – April 4

A twisty, spellbinding adventure about a girl and her dog who want to save the world,Danger and Other Unknown Risksis the highly anticipated YA graphic novel debut from Eisner Award-winning andNew York Timesbestselling creators Ryan North and Erica Henderson.

Never Vacation with Your Ex by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka – April 4

Forgetting Sarah MarshallmeetsCrazy Stupid Lovein a YA second chance romance from fan-favorite author couple #Wibbroka!

Viva Lola Espinoza by Ella Cerón – Apr 11

Adebut young adult novel that’s Pride & Prejudice with a dash of magic, about a booksmart teen who spends the summer in Mexico City, meets two very cute boys, attempts to learn Spanish, and uncovers a family secret that changes her life forever.

Where to Start – Apr 11

A comforting and useful resource for anyone who’s struggling emotionally and looking for help, from the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness

by Melissa de la Cruz – April 18

Love is stronger than poison in this lush retelling of “Snow White” by #1New York Timesbestselling author Melissa de la Cruz.

Queer Power! by Dom&Ink- Apr 18

An inspiring, expansive anthology that celebrates some of the LGBTQIA+ community’s trailblazers, champions, and icons from across the rainbow.

Star Splitter by Matthew J. Kirby – Apr 25

Crash-landed on a desolate planet lightyears from Earth, seventeen-year-old Jessica Mathers must unravel the mystery of the bloody destruction all around her—and the questionable intentions of a familiar stranger.

Lying in the Deep by Diana Urban – May 2

A juicy mystery of jealousy, love, and betrayal set on a Semester at Sea-inspired cruise ship, with a diverse cast of delightfully suspicious characters who’ll leave you guessing with every jaw-dropping twist.

Chasing Pacquiao by Rod Pulido – May 2

Experience the extreme joys, sorrows, and triumphs of a queer Filipino-American teenager struggling to prove himself in an unforgiving world. A poignant coming-of-age story, perfect for fans ofPatron Saints of NothingandJuliet Takes a Breath.

They Hate Each Other by Amanda Woody – May 9

Jonah and Dylan get along like oil and water. Until a fake dating ploy gives them new perspective, and they realize that “falling for your enemy” isn’t as impossible as it seems.

You: The Story by Ruta Sepetys – May 16

Perfect for fans ofBurn After WritingandBird by Bird,You: The Storyawakens the emerging writer and reveals that with some reflection, curiosity, and courage, you have a story to tell.

From Here by Luma Mufleh – May 16

In her coming-of-age memoir, refugee advocate Luma Mufleh writes of her tumultuous journey to reconcile her identity as a gay Muslim woman and a proud Arab-turned-American refugee.

Bound by Sword and Spirit by Andrea Robertson – May 16

Game of ThronesmeetsShadow and Bonein the final book in this action-packed fantasy from Andrea Robertson, the internationally bestselling author of the Nightshade series.

Ever Since by Alena Bruzas – May 23

This intense, beautiful debut—perfect for fans of Nina LaCour and Kathleen Glasgow—is about the power of finding your voice and sharing your story after trauma.

Her Good Side by Rebekah Weatherspoon – May 30

A swoony, heart-melting YA romance from beloved author Rebekah Weatherspoon about two awkward teens who decide to practice dating in order to be good at the real thing.

Always Isn’t Forever by J.C. Cervantes – June 6

FromNew York Timesbestselling author J.C. Cervantes comes a sparkling, unforgettable YA romance, perfect for fans ofYou’ve Reached Sam.

Legends and Liars by Morgan Rhodes – June 13

This riveting sequel toEchoes and Empiressees Joss and Jericho team up with some of their greatest enemies—including two of the most powerful mages in the world—to bring an end to the queen’s empire of lies, fromNew York Timesbestselling author Morgan Rhodes.

Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou – June 13

In a world where the children of the gods inherit their powers, a descendant of the Greek Fates must solve a series of impossible murders to save her sisters, her soulmate, and her city.

A Crooked Mark by Linda Kao – June 20

A dark and sinister debut YA novel about a teen boy who must hunt down those marked by the devil – including the girl he has fallen for.

(Cover coming soon!!!)

The Legacies by Jessica Goodman – July 25

A glitzy YA thriller set in New York City elite social circles, filled with backstabbing and blackmail, twisty secrets, and a dead body, fromNew York Timesbestselling author Jessica Goodman.

True True by Don P. Hooper – Aug 1

In this powerful and fast-paced YA contemporary debut, a Black teen from Brooklyn struggles to fit in at his almost entirely-white Manhattan prep school, resulting in a fight and a plan for vengeance.

The Narrow by Kate Alice Marshall – Aug 1

A ghost haunting her boarding school uncovers a teen girl’s best kept secrets in the Queen of Scream’s deliciously terrifying new novel.

Holly Horror by Michelle Jabès Corpora – Aug 15

After her parents’ painful divorce, Evie Archer hopes that moving to Ravenglass, Massachusetts, is the fresh start that her family needs. But Evie quickly realizes that her new home—known by locals as the Horror House—carries its own dark past after learning about Holly Hobbie, who mysteriously vanished in her bedroom one night.

Forty Words for Love by Aisha Saeed – Aug 22

In this luminous young adult novel byNew York Timesbestselling author Aisha Saeed, two teen protagonists grow from friends to something more in the aftermath of a tragedy in their magical town.

Just Do This One Thing For Me by Laura Zimmermann – Aug 22

Hilarious, heartbreaking, and sneaky suspenseful,Just Do This One Thing for Me isa timely novel about a rule-following daughter trying to hold her family together after her scammer mother disappears.

Strange Unearthly Things by Kelly Creagh – Aug 22

A hauntingly romantic paranormal Jane Eyre reimagining, by the author ofPhantom Heart.

Forgive Me Not by Jennifer Baker – Aug 15

In this searing indictment of the juvenile justice system, one incarcerated teen weighs what she is willing to endure for forgiveness.

Suddenly a Murder by Lauren Muñoz

Seven friends throw a 1920s–themed party, where it’s all pretend—until one of them is murdered.One of Us Is LyingmeetsKnives Outin this killer locked-room mystery.

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