2024 YA Starred Reviews (so far)

These 2024 YA reads are all pretty stellar, but don’t just take our word for it!

A FRAGILE ENCHANTMENT by Allison Saft
9781250892836 | Available now | 1/2/24

“Saft breathes enchanting life into this Regency-influenced fantasy world, and the intricate worldbuilding and class politics never come at the cost of the romantic leads’ titillating chemistry or the riveting plot that drives the action forward. Fans of both Regency romances and alternate-Earth fantasies will find much to pour over in this sweeping read.”
Publishers Weekly, starred review

THE GETAWAY LIST by Emma Lord
9781250903990 | Available now | 1/23/24

“In this heartfelt ode to betting on oneself, Lord enriches a familiar “bucket list” premise with leaps-off-the-page atmosphere and a lived-in setting. Introspective depictions of family, friend, and romantic relationships are riddled with humor and rambunctious energy in this inspired carpe diem romp through the city of dreams.”
Publishers Weekly, starred review

INFINITY ALCHEMIST by Kacen Callender
9781250890252 | Available now | 2/6/24

“Occasionally alternating viewpoints, political intrigue, a fascinating magic system, and heart-pounding action propel the plot and, combined with Ash’s unfurling relationships with Ramsay and the rest of the supporting cast, result in a refreshingly affirming and tender standout fantasy.”
Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Callender’s newest novel brings back familiar themes of poverty and systemic inequality and adds gatekeeping, colonization, and political machinations to this richly built fantasy world . . . This is magical.” Booklist, starred review

EVEN IF IT BREAKS YOUR HEART by Erin Hahn
9781250761279 | Available now | 2/6/24

“Case and Winnie’s relationship is a joy to watch unfold, every payoff feels earned, and subtle meditations on grief quietly ground tear-jerking emotional beats, making for a poignant romantic drama.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A deeply satisfying romance in which personal growth and dreams are realized.” Kirkus Reviews, starred review

THIS DAY CHANGES EVERYTHING by Edward Underhill
9781250835222 | Available now | 2/13/24

“[The main characters’] discovery of how to live and love as their authentic selves will hit harder than any shako-wearing percussion section: libraries looking to expand their LGBTQIA+ romance collection should march in double-time toward this title.” Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review

“New York City becomes a third protagonist in the story, with details of landmarks, smells, and sounds told with accuracy and a lovely turn of phrase. Underhill’s writing style is on par with authors like Becky ­Albertalli and Adam Silvera.” —School Library Journal, starred review

THE BAD ONES by Melissa Albert
9781250894892 | Available now | 2/20/24

“The slow unraveling of the present-day mystery keeps pace with the flashbacks, revealing just enough in either time frame to answer one question and create two more, until the threads all pull together as the narratives converge. The romance is subtle but sweet, the supernatural creep factor is extreme, and there are secrets aplenty in this compelling and eerie tale.”
Booklist, starred review

 

 

ELLIE HAYCOCK IS TOTALLY NORMAL by Gretchen Schreiber
9781250892164 | Available now | 3/5/24

“Schreiber’s debut novel is a realistic portrayal of what it means to be visibly disabled and chronically ill . . . While serious medical illnesses could be treated as grim, Schreiber infuses the pain and conflict with hope, friendship, and a romantic interest—someone who can see the real Ellie.”
—Booklist, starred review

IN THE ORBIT OF YOU by Ashley Schumacher
9781250886040 | Available now | 3/19/24

“Schumacher expertly captures the acute experiences of childhood nostalgia, deep romantic longing, and the stressors of teetering on the precipice of adulthood.”
Publishers Weekly, starred review

THE BLACK GIRL SURVIVES IN THIS ONE: Horror Stories by Desiree S. Evans and Saraciea J. Fennell
9781250871657 | Available now | 4/2/24

“This collection provides much-needed representation of Black girls who refuse to be martyrs, sassy sidekicks, or casualties on the path to a white character’s inevitable triumph. An engaging volume that breathes necessary life into the horror genre, showcasing the best of what goes bump in the night.”
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

CANTO CONTIGO by Jonny Garza Villa
9781250875754 | Available now | 4/9/24

“A queer love letter to mariachi music and culture.”
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“In their third teen romance, Garza Villa orchestrates another masterpiece about queer youth redefining traditional customs in Texas . . . A sweet love story with the positive message that not all change is bad.” Booklist, starred review

 

 

THE CALCULATION OF YOU AND ME by Serena Kaylor
9781250908704 (TP) | 9781250908681 (HC) | 6/18/24

“A delightful, richly characterized slow-burn romance about figuring out what you want.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review