I love a good young adult read. There is something about that coming of age, learning as you go experience that I still find myself relating to, even as someone in her late twenties. I think it’s high time that everyone accepts it — young adult books are awesome, fun, and definitely acceptable reading. Gone are the days that we relegate our amazing YA books to the “guilty pleasure” pile — own that pleasure! Without further ado, here are some young adult books that I’m looking forward to reading in 2022.
The Chosen One: A First-Generation Ivy League Odyssey by Echo Brown
Echo is a young woman settling in at Dartmouth College. The demands of college immediately settle upon her in a way that she wasn’t prepared for as valedictorian of her high school in Cleveland. Matters are made even more difficult when she is given the choice to take on the role of “The Chosen One” and has to access a different dimension entirely. Along the way, Echo has to learn how to ask for help and navigate the ins and outs of her new world, all while confronting mental health, racism, grief, and new friendships. Somewhat of a personal narrative, Echo Brown’s sophomore novel is a must-read for all those who want to read a story of triumph over racism in academia and over generational trauma.
Expected publication date: January 4, 2022
No Filter and Other Lies by Crystal Maldonado
It’s absolutely no secret that I could not shut up about Maldonado’s debut novel, Fat Chance, Charlie Vega. Unsurprisingly, I’m excited for No Filter and Other Lies, which follows Kat Sanchez, a 16-year-old moonlighting as Max Monroe, a 21-year-old. Being a bona fide catfish, Kat lives out the life she wishes she could live through Max. When one of her posts goes viral, though, the imaginary world she’s built for herself all comes crashing down like a house of cards. Maldonado examines the effects of social media on the teenage self-esteem through this coming-of-age novel.
Expected publication date: February 8, 2022
Ophelia After All by Racquel Marie
Racquel Marie is coming out with her debut novel this February about a hopeless romantic named Ophelia. Ophelia’s high school years are coming to an end, and she’s coming to a realization: she might have a crush. On Talia Sanchez. Ophelia’s self-discovery of her sexuality means making a choice between being who she truly is or being who other people think she is. Reviewers note that not only is Ophelia a wonderful character, but there are several other characters from all backgrounds in the book that make this a must-read. Can’t wait!
Expected publication date: February 8, 2022
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
More of a serious, heart-wrenching novel, All My Rage takes place in both Pakistan and California, following Misbah, Toufiq, Salahudin, and Noor. Salahudin and Noor must face the struggles of their respective family lives, while also attempting to stay afloat themselves. All My Rage is about young love, emotional turmoil, and the struggles of being from an immigrant family. I expect this book to devastate me.
Expected publication date: March 1, 2022
Heartbreak Symphony by Laekan Zea Kemp
Back in April 2021, we were excited for the release of Kemp’s book, Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet. Around the same time in 2022, she’s back with another young adult romance to break our hearts with. Heartbreak Symphony is about navigating first love and grief with the help of music. Aarón Medrano has recently lost his mother and is working hard to escape his worries with a scholarship to the Acadia School of Music. Mia Villanueva struggles with anxiety and feelings of not being good enough to pursue music. When the two cross paths, they connect and attempt to support each other.
Expected publication date: April 5, 2022
She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick
Author of Five Feet Apart, Rachael Lippincott, has teamed up with debut novelist Alyson Derrick to give us a super cute young adult lesbian romance. Alex Blackwood is very flirtatious and spontaneous. Molly Parker is… not. But Molly is in love with Cora Myers from afar and needs help. When Alex discovers Molly’s crush after a bad breakup, she decides that they can help each other – Alex can help Molly get the girl, and Alex can show her ex that she’s not actually selfish. Perfect! Until they fall for each other along the way.
Expected publication date: April 5, 2022
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
Casey McQuiston is back at it again! This time she’s trying her hand at a romantic comedy that follows Chloe Green who’s one goal is to be valedictorian. Her only competition? Prom queen Shara Wheeler. A month before they graduate, Shara kisses Chloe and disappears. WTF?! Chloe has to work with the other two people that Shara has kissed, forming an odd trio, following Shara’s cryptic trail of clues to find her. Funny, queer, and mysterious, I Kissed Shara Wheeler does it all!
Expected publication date: May 3, 2022
TJ Powar Has Something to Prove by Jesmeen Kaur Deo
Another rom-com, TJ Powar Has Something to Prove is recommended for fans of Netflix’s Never Have I Ever (AKA me). TJ is conventionally pretty and popular, while her cousin Simran chooses not to remove her body hair. When they’re compared as “expectation vs. reality” in a meme that makes the rounds, TJ decides to take a stand and let her hairy self blossom. Kaur Deo’s novel strikes back against societal expectations of body hair in a book that also celebrates friendships.
Expected publication date: June 7, 2022
Meet Me in Mumbai by Sabina Khan
Fans of Zara Hossain is Here and The Love & Lies of Rukhsana Ali will be excited to hear that Sabina Khan is coming out with another novel this year (it’s me, I’m fans!). Meet Me in Mumbai is a story told in two acts: one follows Ayesha and the second follows her daughter, Mira, after an unplanned pregnancy forces Ayesha to put Mira up for adoption. Adopted by two women, 17-year-old Mira has no shortage of moms; but she’s always felt out of place in her white community. When she comes upon a box of letters from her birth mom, she finds an opportunity to meet her mom – but will she regret it?
Expected publication date: July 19, 2022
