The Best YA Books Of 2022

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Some readers might hear the term young adult literature and turn up their noses to it. While the genre does include themes for and about teenagers, as explained by Jim McCarthy, Vice President at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management to The Atlantic, the genre is much deeper and highly enjoyable for readers of all ages. Some of your favorite books may be looped into the YA genre. "The Hunger Games," "Holes," and "The Giver" are some popular books beloved by all ages and categorized under YA fiction (per Time).

The YA genre has become a cultural phenomenon. Readers across age ranges have fallen in love with authors and stories this year. If you're a follower of #BookTok looking to expand your library over the holiday break, look no further. We have compiled a list of the best young adult novels to hit shelves this year. With a wide range of subgenres included — from queer literature to fantasy books — there is something on this list for every bookworm.

"The Honeys" is the latest young adult novel by author Ryan La Sala. The story surrounds a pair of twins, Mars and Caroline. Caroline was always the perfect twin. However, when Mars wakes up to his sister trying to kill him, he is forced to make a decision that traumatizes him. Now, as he is attempting to get to the bottom of what happened that night, he meets with a girl group called The Honeys (via Goodreads).

Mars' gender fluidity adds another layer to his story as he navigates loss and the strain within his politically-connected family. La Sala shared on Instagram that the storyline surrounding loss was inspired by the death of his own sister.

Are you a fan of gothic, fantasy novels? Then "Gallant” by V.E. Schwab should be added to your reading list ASAP! The story is about Olivia Prior, a 14-year-old who has lived the majority of her life in a home for girls. She returns to her family home after receiving a letter, only to find out she is far from wanted there, and humans are not the only beings occupying the manor (per Amazon).

"Finished this at 2:00 AM on a Thursday because once I reached the halfway mark, I could not put this down," one reviewer wrote.

"The Sunbearer Trails" is a powerful novel by Aiden Thomas that combines "Mexican-inspired fantasy" with a queer storyline. The main characters, Teo and Xio, have to compete in trials to prevent themselves from becoming sacrifices to the sun. Teo's identity as a trans man brings a layer of depth to the storyline.

"Clever, vibrant, & convention-shattering. 'The Sunbearer Trials' is my favorite kind of YA fantasy ― spectacular worldbuilding, a charming & supremely lovable main character, & a found family I would die for!" shared Romina Garber, a New York Times-bestselling author (per Amazon).

Are you looking for a young adult novel with LGBTQ+ characters and a haunting storyline? Look no further than "I Kissed Shara Wheeler” by Casey McQuiston. The story follows Chloe Green, who falls for her valedictorian rival and the prom queen, Shara Wheeler. However, it all changes when Shara suddenly disappears. Chloe finds herself searching for answers.

Fans on Goodreads can't get enough of the novel, ranking it an impressive 4.25 stars out of 5. "A book couldn't have been written so impeccably by addressing so sensitive issues: identity crisis, youth problems with multi-layered characterization and perfect LGBTQ representation," one reviewer wrote.

Calling all historical fiction fans! "I Must Betray You" by Ruta Sepetys is a powerful account of European historical fiction. The thrilling story takes place in Communist Romania, where citizen spies have taken over and devastated the area.

Cristian, a teenager living in the area with his family in 1989, is struggling. He pens his issues in a notebook, which he will use to fight back against the constant surveillance he is under in his communist-controlled country. The story is thrilling and will keep you glued to the pages.

From Karen M. McManus, the author who brought us "One of Us Is Lying," comes "Nothing More to Tell," a spooky mystery novel. The lead character, Brynn, left Saint Ambrose School for a terrifying reason: her favorite teacher was murdered. It was a group of students who found his body in the woods.

Now, Brynn is returning to her old stomping grounds and is determined to help solve the murder, and her former best friend seems to have all the answers.

Melissa de la Cruz is bringing a lively twist to the story of Cinderella with her latest novel, "Cinder & Glass." This is not your Disney version of the fairytale. Cendrillon de Louvois, who was the most beautiful and sought after girl in her town, is left to become a servant to her family following the death of her family, shaking up her whole life.

While the prince does fall for Cinder, like in the traditional story, there is a love triangle twist to de la Cruz's story that will keep you turning the pages all night.