2025's Best YA Books REVEALED! You Won't Believe These Stellar Picks!

The “best of” season is officially upon us, and it feels like it arrives earlier each year! While some argue that these lists are perfectly timed for holiday shopping, I can't help but wonder if they overshadow the brilliant releases that hit shelves in November and December. How many fantastic stories are missed simply because they weren’t part of the initial wave? Nevertheless, it's that time of year, so let's dive into some of the buzz surrounding the best YA books of 2025.

2025's Best YA Books REVEALED! You Won't Believe T...

First, we'll explore the incredible database compiled by librarian superstars Jennifer LaGarde, Donalyn Miller, and Martha Hickson. This resource catalogues all the books that received starred reviews throughout the year. For those unfamiliar, a starred review is the highest honor a book can receive from professional trade publications, signifying it as truly exceptional.

Next, we’ll consider several "best of" lists curated by other bookish outlets. This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive compilation, but rather a snapshot of what’s captured the attention of book lovers so far. My aim is to provide a diverse range of recommendations for young adult readers, showcasing literary standouts alongside fun genre fiction and those titles that gained traction through both traditional press and social media buzz.

You'll notice some overlap across these lists, and those recurring titles might be excellent starting points for readers looking to catch up on the must-read YA books of the year. Here at Book Riot, our contributors and staff have also compiled their own list of favorites, adding another layer of perspective to the mix.

One standout pick is a novel in verse that offers a thoughtful and unique take on the afterlife. It reminded me of reading Gabrielle Zevin’s *Elsewhere* as a teenager, but tailored for today’s generation. It follows Gospel, a Keeper who guides newly deceased souls, and her journey with Melody, another Keeper, as they search for a way out of the Leaving Room. – *Andy Minshew*

Another title generating significant excitement is the third installment in The Legendborn Cycle. Rumor has it that this book may be the best one yet. Bree Matthews faces new challenges as she learns to control her powers while navigating her relationships with the Legendborn Order and her ancestral Root magic. This sounds like a thrilling continuation of a beloved series, and I, for one, am eagerly awaiting its release. The best part of this season is finding all the great reading to do!