13 Must-Read YA Books Out in January
While most people are making New Year’s resolutions to follow the latest fitness trends and eat the new major superfoods in 2017, we’ve decided to make a vow to start reading more. (Kale salads, be damned!) But instead of starting off our resolution by tackling a hefty classic read, we’re easing into our goal with a few amazing young adult titles that are just as page-turning, transporting and exciting. Here are a dozen brand-new YA books we can’t wait to read in January.
1. Snowbirds by Crissa-Jean Chappell ($18): If the only things you know about the Amish you learned from TLC, you might want to check out this amazing new novel pronto. Following several teens as they embark on Rumspringa — a time of life when Amish teens try out forbidden temptations — it’s perfect for the gal who loves to explore new cultures.
2. The Life Fantastic by Liza Ketchum ($18): Set at a time when vaudeville was America’s most popular form of entertainment, Ketchum’s new read stars a teen whose beautiful voice takes her out of her family home to the great New York City. Filled with young dreams and the realities of racial discrimination, it’s a story that’s as relevant today as ever.
<em>Carve the Mark</em>
Divergent series, this new sci-fi fantasy has been hyped by book bloggers and reviewers for what seems like forEVER. Everyone in Roth’s new society is born with a “currentgift,” something that is supposed to shape the future. But when two protagonists who have unusual currentgifts are thrust together by fate, an epic story begins. Fair warning: You’re going to want to read the whole thing in one sitting.
4. The You I’ve Never Known by Ellen Hopkins ($19): This book will bring you to tears, let you catch your breath and then make you ugly-cry all over again. Hopkins’ portrait of two young women struggling to find themselves in this messy world is definitely worthy of a space on your January to-read list.
<em>Caraval</em>
The Hunger Games, you’re going to want to pick up this book ASAP. Two sisters escape their cruel father and enter a legendary game that’s supposed to be just a performance… yep, get ready to stay up all night with this one!
6. History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera ($19): When Griffin’s ex-boyfriend dies in a tragic accident, his life is forever altered. Now he must confront his own hope, grief and history in an attempt to get his life back.
<em>You Don’t Know My Name</em>
accidentally fallen in love. Now she has to choose between two worlds in this amazing debut novel.
8. Loving vs. Virginia by Patricia Hruby Powell and Shadra Strickland ($22): This book of poetry tells the story of the landmark 1955 civil rights case in which two teenagers of different races fell in love and came to fight for marriage equality. Sharing the beautiful and important story of Richard and Mildred Loving through spellbinding free verse, illustrations, photos and more, it’s a must for teens and adults alike.
<em>A List of Cages</em>
Room, raves about this book, and it’s not hard to see why. Detailing the complexities and necessity of friendship though the lives of two teenage foster kids, the story is beautifully written and will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
10. Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley ($19): Akai knows that she’s bisexual, but up until now she’s only dated guys. That is, until she goes to a small Mexican town for the summer and meets Christa. Get ready for a summer of exploration, awkward encounters and the complexities of love.
<em>The Edge of Everything</em>
The Maze Runner, wasn’t kidding when he said, “Every human alive should read this book.” After Zoe and her brother are saved from a brutal attack by a mysterious bounty hunter named X, they set off on an adventure that you’re just going to have to read to believe.
