The Most Anticipated Young Adult Books of Fall 2026

The highly anticipated first book of The Wicked Powers, the final Shadowhunters trilogy! #1 New York Times bestselling author Cassandra Clare brings the saga that began in The Mortal Instruments to a stunning conclusion.

The breathtaking conclusion to Philip Pullman’s landmark new trilogy The Book of Dust! Return to the world of His Dark Materials and discover what fate has in store for Lyra, “one of fantasy’s most indelible heroines” (The New York Times Magazine).

A falling empire. An ancient evil. A lost homeland. A lie that could destroy the world … The gripping conclusion to the action-packed, ruthless, and romantic fantasy duology that began with Heir, from the #1 New York Times bestselling and National Book Award–winning author Sabaa Tahir. Empire weaves a story of legacy and rebellion, loyalty and freedom, and what it means to confront the monsters that lurk within us all.

Hallie and her friends wanted a carefree ski getaway — powdery slopes, cozy cabins, endless laughs. But when a storm traps them and someone falls from the lift, their dream week spirals into a nightmare. Cut off from help, they turn to strangers: A friendly young couple, two brothers, and a mysterious worker at the lodge. Then bodies start piling up in the snow …

From Brandon Sanderson, the #1 New York Times bestselling author who redefined modern epic fantasy, and acclaimed coauthor Janci Patterson delivers the explosive first installment in a thrilling new Skyward Flight trilogy, as the legendary team embarks on a perilous mission to a mysterious alien world that could change the fate of the galaxy.

Step into the mysterious, gothic world of Blackwood Academy eighteen years prior to the events of the New York Times bestselling Immortal Consequences in this darkly enchanting prequel novella that traces the origins of fan-favorite couple August and Wren’s heated rivalry and eventual romance.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the We Were Liars series comes a love story full of simmering darkness and astonishing twists, following two teenagers whose lives are shattered by a shocking transformation.

Timed to the 75th anniversary of Disney’s enduring classic Alice in Wonderland, this young adult sequel follows teenage Alice on a curious new adventure down the rabbit hole, many years after her first visit to Wonderland.

A stunning YA debut from gothic master Isabel Cañas, bestselling author of The Hacienda, Vampires of El Norte, and The Possession of Alba Díaz. “This is gothic storytelling with teeth: A lyrical and devastating tale of one maid caught in a spiderweb of loyalty, courage, revolution, and monsters both dead and alive” (Marissa Meyer, author of The House Saphir).

In the first book of a heart-pounding new YA fantasy series, an orphaned teen is thrust into a divine war — and must decide whether awakening his true powers is worth risking his soul.

Ten couples. United by love. Divided by danger … Ten original love stories by the reigning queen of romantasy, featuring fan-favorite couples from her #1 New York Times bestselling Shadowhunter Chronicles — one of the most popular series of all time, with more than 50 million copies in print worldwide. Now in paperback!

In a world where love is forbidden, one girl must fight for her heart and freedom through deadly trials in the first book of a new dystopian romantasy duology from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Elle.

This searing romantasy and heart-stopping follow-up to Her Hidden Fire finds Éadha a desperate fugitive, hopelessly torn between fear and defiance, human and dragon, and Ionáin and Gry. Each impossible choice will take her further down a path from which she may never return.

In Gilded Age New York, a fierce 17-year-old Irish girl joins forces with a notorious gangster to hunt down her sister’s killer. Told from both perspectives, their search for justice pulls them from the city’s darkest corners to glittering ballrooms, where a secret can mean death, and love comes at a perilous price.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Erin A. Craig comes a reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, spotlighting Christine Daaé as she rises to fame while torn between love, ambition, and the haunting secrets.

Luminary is more than just a school. It is a test of moral fiber, strength of will, and human resilience … Squid Game meets boarding school in this electric young adult thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Two Sides to Every Murder and How to Survive Your Murder.

What if Mirabel and her sisters had to leave the Encanto? Mirabel’s worst fear is confirmed — she is responsible for the faltering powers of the Familia Madrigal. Guilt-ridden and feuding with her sisters, Mirabel decides to save the magic herself. Sure, she may be the only gift-less member of her family, but she knows she can put their crumbling pieces back together again. But what starts as a rescue mission turns into a magical quest with a band of brothers whose family has a deep secret connection to theirs. A magical addition to the New York Times bestselling Twisted Tale series about Disney’s Encanto.

Perfect for readers of Powerless and House of Marionne, this sweet fantasy romance with a mystery follows a teen girl forced into servitude in an enemy kingdom.

A year ago, Rose was in an accident that nearly claimed her life. In the chaos of that night, a mysterious boy pulled her from the brink of death, then vanished before anyone else could see him. No one believes he was there. But Rose knows the truth … A steamy paranormal YA romance with deadly stakes for a new generation of Twilight and Vampire Academy readers.

The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant robots that battle the aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall of China. It doesn’t matter that the girls die from the mental strain. When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, it’s to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister’s death. But when she gets her vengeance, it becomes clear that she is an Iron Widow, a rare kind of female pilot who can sacrifice males to power up Chrysalises instead … A stunning special edition of the instant #1 New York Times bestseller. A collector’s paperback that includes new cover effects and a full-color art print!

A heart-wrenching yet vividly hopeful novel about a Black girl’s struggle to find the quiet beauty in life and friendship amid the chaos of grief and mental illness by New York Times, USA Today, and Indie bestselling author Frederick Joseph.

Two rivals from opposing gangs grow dangerously close in this dazzling YA debut set in 1940s San Francisco Chinatown.

In this funny and tender finale to the Huda F series, Huda has a plan to find love — but she might need to find herself first!

Every school has its secrets — but at the exclusive Ellison College, the past might prove deadly — in this twisty puzzlebox mystery. The past is catching up to Ellison College. And maybe, so is a killer …

From the #1 New York Times bestselling creator of Hooky comes a thrilling YA dark fantasy series about a teenage girl who is magically resurrected into a traveling circus by a sinister deity. Adapted in print from the viral Webtoon phenomenon, this first volume delivers exclusive new content, including never-before-seen illustrations and the first chapter of a new original story that fans can’t read online.

The Golden Flight happens once every ten years — a gala to honor elites fallen in service of maintaining Upper Earth’s powerful hold on earth’s remaining populace and dwindling resources. It’s also a party Raisa and Nayf plan to infiltrate to bring down Upper Earth for good … Concluding S. K. Ali’s powerful duology, The Keeper’s Records of Revolution, Golden Flight returns to a divided world with war on the horizon.

What if Tiana made a deal that changed everything? Now in a deluxe paperback edition featuring gorgeous printed edges! Dig a little deeper into a tale inspired by The Princess and the Frog, from the New York Times bestselling series that reimagines beloved Disney films.

What if Anna and Elsa never knew each other? Now in a deluxe paperback edition featuring gorgeous printed edges! Repair a frozen heart in this tale inspired by Frozen, from the New York Times bestselling series that reimagines beloved Disney films.

Her story begins once upon a nightmare … A spine-tingling young adult horror about the untold origins of Maleficent’s dark magic — because evil is seldom what it seems from New York Times bestselling author Delilah S. Dawson.

At a hidden magical HBCU, a teen boy must confront evil spirits, family secrets, and tested loyalties. In this haunting finale to the New York Times bestselling Blood at the Root trilogy, bloodlines, betrayal, and legacy collide in a battle that may cost everything.

Meng Lingxi and her grandmother run a legendary auction house, Meng Wu — the House of Dreams. But when a mysterious traveler arrives bearing a fragment of a soul, all that Lingxi knows changes in an instant. Her grandmother mysteriously vanishes, and restless spirits descend upon Meng Wu … The start of a new duology from Of Jade and Dragons author Amber Chen, perfect for fans of The Scorpion and the Night Blossom and A Forgery of Fate!

Two dead princesses must find true love’s kiss to be brought back to life in this heart-stopping romantic fantasy debut. Now in paperback!

In this sweeping WWII historical romance threaded with magic and myth, two star-crossed Japanese American teenagers find a love more powerful than the gods — inspired by the author’s true family history of internment and resilience.

Princess Delana will do anything to save her kingdom — even marry a stranger. With her realm’s memory magic fading and her grieving father using the last of his powers to relive the past, Delana agrees to a political union with a rival prince. What she doesn’t expect is Bastian. Once her childhood friend, now her brooding, fiercely loyal bodyguard, Bastian awakens everything Del must suppress, even as she dances in her fiancé’s arms. As danger closes in and forbidden desire ignites, Del must decide: What will she risk for Bastian — and what might it cost the kingdom? Because their passion may be more lethal than the killer.

In this heartfelt and hilarious coming-of-age romance, Sean discovers his bisexuality and his true voice while chasing his dream as a stand-up comedian. With wit and emotional depth, My Own Kind of Person explores the courage it takes to speak your truth — even when your voice shakes.

Will she fall for the big-city guy, or swoon under the mistletoe for her hometown friend? A holiday romance with all the warmth and charm of your favorite Hallmark Christmas movie!

A searing own-voices story accented by poignant childhood flashbacks and stunning poetry. A quietly powerful portrait of a young woman’s journey to confront the medical trauma inflicted to “fix” her — and heal her heart in the process. Now in paperback!