10 New Young Adult Books Perfect for Cozy September Reading
Ashley Macey
Ashley Macey
Ashley Macey is a lifestyle freelance writer who loves all things fitness, wellness, and creativity. When she's not exploring her home in the Pacific Northwest with her dog Max, you'll probably find her curled up with a good book and some hot tea. Follow her daily jaunts on Twitter.
Despite going through puberty a hot minute ago, we strongly believe that you're never too old to get lost in a good young adult book — hey, we can't be the only ones who regularly revisit the Harry Potter series and John Green's back catalogue when we need a good literary pick-me-up! So now that summer is officially over and we're starting to feel a bit blah with our bookshelves, we suggest curing your summer literary hangover by cuddling up in your fave autumn wear, ordering yourself a cheeky PSL, and treating yo'self to a few of these spectacular young adult books being released this September.
Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu ($18): Vivian Carter is fed up with her small-town Texan high school — with sexist dress codes, ongoing harassment in the hallways, and lewd comments toward her and her classmates. But instead of staying silent and ignoring the problem, Vivian takes a page from her mom's '90s punk rock upbringing by creating a feminist zine and distributing it anonymously to her class.
If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L. Armentrout ($19): Lena Wise was looking forward to every part of her senior year. She was anxious to catch up on much-needed girl time, turn in her exciting college applications… heck, she even made plans to let her childhood BFF know how she really feels about him. Unfortunately, one split-second choice (sorry, no spoilers!) potentially destroys everything Lena has ever worked for. Armentrout's newest emotional novel about hard choices and moving on is definitely one to watch this fall.
The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo ($19): Many readers have already visited Bardugo's darkly magical world through the novels of the Grishaverse. Now, longtime fans and first-time readers are being treated with a brand new collection of short stories about betrayal, revenge, and love all set in Bardugo's fantastical world. From a young mermaid whose voice can summon deadly storms to a river who does a love-struck boy's bidding, these delicately illustrated stories are entirely transporting.
Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart ($19): After falling in love with New York Times bestseller We Were Liars, we were ecstatic when heard that Lockhart was coming out with a brand new book this September. This new psychological suspense novel follows the life of a diabolically smart young woman who uses her skills to charm herself into a new life. Packed to the brim with murder and romance, we can't wait to get our hands on this hot new read.
I Hate Everyone But You by Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin ($19): As Ava and Gen head to their first semesters of college on opposite sides of the country, they do what any modern BFFs would do — they start a series of texts and emails to help stay in touch while they're apart. Gushing about everything from campus crushes to mental illnesses, this relevant novel from YouTubers and YA masterminds Allison Raskin and Gaby Dunn will resonate with readers of all ages and make you want to call your bestie ASAP.
There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins ($18): If you're looking for a creepy book to binge this autumn, look no further. It's been a year since Makani Young came to live with her grandmother in Nebraska. But now that she's feeling a little more comfortable in the town, the students of her new small town high school begin to die in a series of murders… each more grotesque than the last. In this teen slasher story, everyone is a suspect.
The Best Kind of People by Zoe Whittall ($28): The Woodburys are just an ordinary all-American family — George is a prep school science teacher who once took down a gunman, Joan is a dedicated ER nurse, and their children have thrived in their beautiful and warm home. But this all changes when a police car pulls up to their home and George is charged with sexual misconduct with students from his daughter's school. Whether the accusations are true or false, this one momentous event will change the lives of this seemingly perfect family forever.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng ($27): The Shaker Heights community is a place of wealth and careful planning — something that Elena Richardson takes extremely seriously. So when artist and single mother Mia Warren rents a house from the Richardsons, everyone in their family becomes drawn to the exciting new pair. Now, as an adoption scandal leaves both families at war, Elena tries to uncover the secrets that live in Mia's mysterious past in this can't-put-down novel that is definitely on our TBR list.
A Semi-Definitive List of Worst Nightmares by Krystal Sutherland ($18): Everyone in the Solars family has been doomed to suffer one great fear in their lifetime ever since Esther's grandfather was cursed by death. Even though everyone else in her family has figured out their fear (her father is an agoraphobic, her twin brother is afraid of the dark, and her mother is terrified of bad luck), Esther hasn't quite figured out what she is supposed to be afraid of yet. So, in an attempt to get answers, she decides to keep a record of all her potential fears in her aptly named semi-definitive list of worst nightmares.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera ($18): A little after midnight on September 5, Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio, two total strangers, learn that they are going to die that day. They are both looking to make a new friend on their last day, and, luckily, there's an app for that: Last Friend. Follow this relatable duo on their last whirlwind adventure in this touching novel that will leave your pillow stained with mascara tears.
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Ashley Macey
Ashley Macey is a lifestyle freelance writer who loves all things fitness, wellness, and creativity. When she's not exploring her home in the Pacific Northwest with her dog Max, you'll probably find her curled up with a good book and some hot tea. Follow her daily jaunts on Twitter.