By 2019 is finally here! And with the new year, come new YA book releases that we can lose ourselves in. Below is a list of the titles that I’m most excited about, and trust me, you should be too. This mix of genres will thrill you, sadden you, tug at your heartstrings, and uplift you. So peruse away, my fellow bibliophiles! Let these authors weave their fantastic yarns, and whisk you away on an unimaginable adventure:
1. On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
Release Date: February 5th, 2019.
If you’re a fan of the book, The Hate U Give , then you’ll love On the Come Up. If you’ve read the book, you’ll know that the character of Bri was just a little kid in The Hate U Give, and she made a very small cameo in the book. According to an interview, Thomas announced that Starr Carter will be making an appearance in this book too. In On the Come Up, Bri is sixteen years old, and dreams of being a rapper. She is the daughter of a rap legend and wants to follow in her father’s footsteps. However, when Bri’s mom loses her job one day, making it as a rapper is no longer just a dream but a necessity. As a fan of The Hate U Give, I am super-excited about this book, and from the looks of it this story definitely isn’t one you want to miss!
2. Black Enough by Ibi Zoboi
Release Date: January 8th, 2019.
Zoboi dives deep into the daily hardships that black teens go through across the country. This novel is an anthology that discusses immigrants, rich, poor, and middle-class. If you’re interested in anthologies, then this is the one for you!
3. All for One: Alex & Eliza by Melissa De La Cruz
Release Date: April 9th, 2019.
Fans of Hamilton orthe Alex & Eliza series will be able to look forward to the last book this April. Based in New York in 1785, Alex and Eliza are living their best lives, but when they agree to take in an orphaned teen girl and Eliza’s older brother, John Schuyler, Eliza can’t help but play cupid between the two. It doesn’t take too long before sparks fly, and things might go well if Eliza can stop herself from meddling. Besides, Alex and Eliza have a new addition of their own to worry about as well. From what I have heard about this book, I cannot wait to see how this unfolds, and if you’re into the musical, or any sort of historical fiction, then you should definitely give this one a shot!
4. Again, but Better by Christine Riccio
Release Date: May 7th, 2019.
Shane was doing college wrong. It was all studying, sleeping, eating, and repeat. She makes the dean’s list, but she goes home every weekend since she has no one to hang out with. When she signs up for a semester abroad in London, she makes a promise to herself that she’ll do better this time. She’ll find a boyfriend, make some new friends, and go on an adventure! Except, it’s easier to say those things than to do them. Shane realizes that reality can be harsh, but her determination and fate is stronger than that. If she can find the courage to believe in herself, anything is possible. Who can’t relate to at least ONE of those issues? Personally, I have been watching Christine’s videos on Youtube for a long time, but this is one of the few Youtube book releases that I am extremely excited for, particularly since Christine took us through her writing process, and I can’t wait to see it come to life! If you’re a fan of Stephanie Perkins, or To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, then you don’t want to miss this YA rom-com novel.
5. Love from A to Z by S.K. Ali
Release Date: May 7th, 2019.
Zayneb’s the only Muslim in her class, and her teacher constantly reminds everyone how awful “those Muslims” are. But Zayneb isn’t a bad person, and she’s certainly not evil. She’s angry about the biases her teacher seems to be instilling, and when she gets suspended for speaking out, she looks to her friends, consequently getting them in trouble too. Fed up with everything, Zayneb heads out to Qatar to visit her aunt. She’s consumed by the guilt of getting her friends in trouble, and attempts to be a more muted version of herself, for the sake of her friends. But then, Zayneb meets Adam. Adam’s dealing with a recent MS diagnosis, and having to hide it from his father, who’s mourning his wife. Separately, Adam and Zayneb are acting for others. Their thoughts are hidden in their journals. Until a marvel and oddity occurs, bringing them together. After Saints and Misfits, readers will have this new book to look forward to and I can’t wait to read it. If you’re looking for a diverse new YA novel, you should definitely get a copy of this!
6. Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo
Release Date: May 7th, 2019.
Lucky is a well-known K-POP star who just finished a concert for thousands of screaming fans. She’s about to go on the The Tonight Show in America. But, as she’s attempting to fall asleep in a lavish hotel, all she wants is a burger. Meanwhile, Jack is on an assignment for a tabloid job that he’s hiding from his parents. When he’s leaving the hotel, he sees a girl, determination in her expression, and there’s something about her that reminds him of someone. She’s pretty. He’s baffled. When the clock strikes midnight, nothing will ever be the same for them. As a K-POP fan, I’m really thrilled about this book release, and I hope it lives up to my expectations. If you’re into K-POP, or sweet, uplifting YA novels, then this is the book for you!
7. The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad
Release Date: May 14th, 2019.
Fatima resides in the city of Noor, which is near the Silk Road. There is music of different languages in the air. People of various faiths interact. The city is still healing from its past with the Shayateen djinn tribe that killed the entire population of Noor, except for Fatima and two other humans. A new muhajirah is present, and the city of Noor is shielded from Shayateen by the Ifrit. However, when one of the Ifrit dies, Fatima’s life will change in ways that even she couldn’t imagine. As a Muslim, I am looking forward to seeing how Fatima is portrayed in this mystical tale, and how this fantasy novel stacks up to the ones I’ve already read. If you’re into fantasy and history, then look no further than The Candle and the Flame.
8. We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizel
Release Date: May 14th, 2019.
According to the author’s own Twitter page, this Arabian-inspired novel centers around the fierce character of Zafira the Hunter, who disguises herself as a man in order to hunt in a mystical forest to provide for and protect her family. This story of a fiercely determined woman, set against the rich background of an imaginary Arabian land, is sure to appeal to a wide audience. I, for one, can’t wait to read Hafsah’s portrayal of this mystical place, and the ferocious Zafira, as she fights for everything she values.
9. I Love You So Mochi by Sarah Kuhn
Release Date: May 28th, 2019.
What started out as a trip to run away from her own problems, Kimi Nakamura begins to learn more about her mother, and what her heart wants. Akira is a cute med student who spends time as a mascot. The two meet when Kimi embarks on a trip to Japan. This sounds similar to the plot of a Korean drama, and I’m all for it. If you’re a fan of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, or any type of K-drama, you will probably adore this one!
10. Wicked Fox by Kate Cho
Release Date: June 25th, 2019.
This novel takes place in Seoul, and it is a fantasy romance. Based on the existence on Miyoung and her mom, Miyoung is a fox who eats the souls of men to live. She targets the men who are criminals, but have escaped the justice system. After Miyoung saves Jihoon’s life from a goblin, the two form an unlikely friendship. When romance occurs between the two, Miyoung has to pick between her immortal life, or living with Jihoon. Without a doubt, this fantasy novel is sure to take the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions, and I, for one, can’t wait.
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With that, I conclude my list! I hope you have had a wonderful start to the new year, and that these books give you something to look forward to in the months ahead!