From fantastical tales of mysterious rings that cause mayhem, and highly anticipated sequels like Cameron Battle’s second adventure, all the way to insightful stories chronicling the famine of the Soviet Ukraine in the 1930s, 2023 is shaping up to be a marvellous adventure when it comes to middle grade releases! Check out our most anticipated novels from the first half of 2023 and find tons of new books to put on your (probably already messy) TBR!

Be sure to check out our other 2023 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Young Adult, Queer Books, and Romance lists!

JANUARY

The Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian Famine by Katherine Marsh
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From the author of Nowhere Boy comes a brilliant survival story that traces a harrowing family secret back to the Holodomor, a terrible famine that devastated Soviet Ukraine in the 1930s. 

The Carrefour Curse by Dianne K. Salerni
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The Addams Family meets The Westing Game in this exhilarating mystery about a modern magical dynasty trapped in the ruins of their once-grand, now-crumbling ancestral home. 

Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow
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From award-winning author Erin Bow, Simon Sort of Says is a breathtaking testament to the lasting echoes of trauma, the redemptive power of humor, and the courage it takes to move forward without forgetting the past. 

Suitehearts: Harmony and Heartbreak by Claire Kann
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The first in a new series about magical matchmakers, Suitehearts #1: Harmony and Heartbreak is a feel-good light romance about two 13-year-old cousins and their first solo attempts at creating enchanted love connections. Perfect for young readers who love Whatever After, The Jumbies, and The Princess Diaries.

Sincerely Sicily by Tamika Burgess
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From the Desk of Zoe Washington meets Lupe Wong Won’t Dance in Sincerely Sicily, Burgess’s debut follows Sicily Jordan as she learns to use her voice and find joy in who she is—a Black Panamanian fashionista who rocks her braids with pride—while confronting prejudice both in the classroom and at home.

FEBRUARY

Cameron Battle and the Escape Trials by Jamar J. Perry
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It’s time for Cameron Battle’s second epic tale! Inspired by West African and Igbo history and mythology, this middle-grade fantasy celebrates the triumphs and challenges of a boy finding his path to greatness.

Not an Easy Win by Chrystal D. Giles
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A powerful novel about family, forgiveness, and figuring out who you are when you don’t make the rules, Not an Easy Win is the marvelous story of young Lawrence who, after being involved in too many school fights, ends up spending his days at a rec center helping out a neighbor who runs a chess program and learning to bet on himself.

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind by Misa Sugiura
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Acclaimed young adult author Misa Sugiura makes her middle-grade debut with Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind, a thrilling and funny series about a girl who sets out to save her Shinto goddess mother—and the world—by facing down demons intent on bringing chaos. Perfect for fans of the Aru Shah and Fablehaven series.

Ring of Solomon by Aden Polydoros
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This exciting and adventurous start to a middle-grade trilogy follows a queer boy and his family as they try to halt the chaotic effects of a mysterious ring, drawing upon Jewish mythology to navigate magic, mayhem and the search for pride in one’s identity.

The Pearl Hunter by Miya T. Beck
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A stunning, Japanese-inspired debut fantasy in the vein of Grace Lin featuring twin pearl divers, in which one sister goes to the ends of the earth to rescue her twin, who’s been stolen by a ghost whale.

MARCH

Mirror to Mirror by Rajani LaRocca
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In Rajani LaRocca’s breathtaking follow-up to the Newbery Honor– and Walter Award–winning Red, White, and Whole, identical twin sisters with a complicated relationship do everything together—until one day, they break apart. Perfect for readers who love Amina’s Voice and The Lost Girl.

The Alchemy of Letting Go by Amber Morrell
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Twelve-year-old Juniper Edwards can’t stop chasing the endangered butterfly her sister died trying to catch. In her grief, Juniper finds comfort in her family’s study of insects, because science is based on logic, order, and control. But then Juniper’s search for the butterfly nearly kills her, too, and when she wakes up with newfound abilities, she discovers that the line between science and magic-and life and death-is not as solid as she thought.

The Palace of Dreams by Jodi Lynn Anderson
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This third book in the haunting and magical Thirteen Witches series from New York Times bestselling author Jodi Lynn Anderson follows Rosie in her last stand against the Nothing King—perfect for fans of Newbery winner The Girl Who Drank the Moon. 

Catch Me If I Fall by Barry Jonsberg
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Twins Ashleigh and Aiden have always promised to protect each other, but after an accident on a school trip, Aiden starts behaving strangely. Are they just growing apart, or is something more sinister going on? 

What Stays Buried by Suzanne Young
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Perfect for fans of Bone Hollow and The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street, this thrilling yet heartfelt ghost story—following a twelve-year-old medium facing an evil spirit and the loss of her supernatural gift—is New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young’s middle grade debut.

APRIL

The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto by Adrianna Cuevas
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The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto follows a Cuban American boy who’s sent to work on a ranch as punishment for a school prank gone wrong where he is confronted with a troubling supernatural mystery.

A Spoonful of Time by Flora Ahn
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When You Reach Me meets Love Sugar Magic in this unforgettable middle grade novel where time travel, family recipes, and family secrets collide.

The Rhythm of Time by Questlove and S.A. Cosby
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From the Academy Award–winning, Grammy-winning, and bestselling author Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and the New York Times bestselling author S. A. Cosby comes this thrill-a-minute middle grade novel, the first in a series of rollicking time-travel adventures that touch on themes of friendship, family, and otherworldly events.

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomas
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Internationally bestselling superstar author Angie Thomas makes her middle grade debut with the launch of an inventive, hilarious, and suspenseful new contemporary fantasy trilogy inspired by African American history and folklore.

Jude Saves the World by Ronnie Riley
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This fantastic debut follows 12-year-old, queer, nonbinary Jude as they navigate the complexities of identity and friendship after befriending the ex-popular girl at school and try to create a safe space club at their local library, all while juggling familial expectations as they’re planning coming out to their old-fashioned grandparents.

MAY

Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson
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From award-winning author Leah Johnson comes a laugh-until-you-cry, cry-until-you-laugh story about friendship, change, and the power we have to love ourselves.

Vivian Lantz’s Second Chances by Kathryn Ormsbee
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Groundhog Day meets Eighth Grade in this time-loop story set on the first day of school, from the critically acclaimed author of Candidly Cline.

Skating on Mars by Caroline Huntoon
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A heartwarming debut about a young figure skater discovering who they are on and off the ice. Skating on Mars is a tender examination of grief and a hopeful middle grade tale of self-discovery.

The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson
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The Penderwicks meets The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street in New York Times bestselling author Morgan Matson’s middle grade debut about a young girl who gets to know her mom’s side of the family and hunts for hidden treasure over the course of one chaotic summer.

Pack Your Bags, Maggie Diaz by Nina Moreno
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This humorous and heartfelt middle-grade novel by Nina Moreno with illustrations by Courtney Lovett is perfect for fans of Celia C. Pérez and Terri Libenson.

JUNE

Haarville by Justin Davies
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Welcome to Haarville – if you’ve arrived, you’ve survived! This darkly comic, quirky middle-grade mystery adventure is perfect for fans of Malamander and Lemony Snicket.

North of Supernova by Lindsey Leavitt
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Stella North has waited her whole life for a coveted birthday party invite that will guarantee a friend-filled summer in Washington. But those perfect summer plans implode when her Dad returns with a surprise from his business trip: his new fiancée, Whitney. Shaken up by her father’s announcement, Stella decided to take fate into her own hands and sets out to discover the future (and maybe even change it) through astrology, crystals and Magic 8 Balls.

Camp Sylvania by Julie Murphy
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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin’ and Dear Sweet Pea comes a hilarious and spooky middle grade summer-camp story that takes a bite out of fat camp.

Nightmare Island by Shakirah Bourne
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From rising star Shakirah Bourne, author of Josephine Against the Sea, comes a mysterious adventure that explores one of the most chilling tales in Caribbean mythology: the faceless douen children.

Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit by Jesse Q. Sutanto
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Theo Tan doesn’t want a spirit companion. He just wants to be a normal American kid, playing video games, going to conventions, and using cirth pendants to cast his spells like everyone else. But, when his older brother dies, Theo ends up inheriting Jamie’s fox spirit, Kai. After inheriting the grieving fox spirit, Theo must learn to embrace his heritage to solve the mystery of his brother’s death.

What middle grade releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post You Need These Highly Anticipated 2023 Middle Grade Fiction Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Magic, monsters, meddling mothers, mysteries, and more all await you amongst 2023’s upcoming young adult books! From authors such as Marie Lu, Alexandra Bracken, Ibi Zoboi, Steven Salvatore, and Adiba Jaigirdar, along with those making their dazzling debut this year, there are so many books to look forward to.

We’ve rounded up 72 YA books releasing between the months of January and June, so you will definitely find quite a few exciting new reads within this list. Be sure to check out our other 2023 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Romance, Middle Grade, and Queer Books lists!

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below what you are looking forward to!

JANUARY

Cool. Awkward. Black.
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A multi-genre YA anthology of bestselling, critically acclaimed Black authors challenging the concept of the geek, featuring contributions from Amerie, Kalynn Bayron, Terry J. Benton-Walker, Roseanne A. Brown, Elise Bryant, Tracy Deonn, Desiree S. Evans, Isaac Fitzsimons, Lamar Giles, Jordan Ifueko, Leah Johnson, Amanda Joy, Kwame Mbalia, Tochi Onyebuchi, Shari B. Pennant, K. Arsenault Rivera, Julian Winters, and Ibi Zoboi.

A Ruinous Fate by Kaylie Smith
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A Ruinous Fate series will take readers’ imaginations to new heights on an adventure of dark secrets, witches, and forbidden magic.  

Retro by Jarrod Shusterman & Sofía Lapuente
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What starts off as a light-hearted competition to live without modern technology for a year turns into a fight for survival in this unputdownable young adult thriller by New York Times bestselling author Jarrod Shusterman and debut author Sofía Lapuente.

The Buried and the Bound by Rochelle Hassan
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A contemporary fantasy YA debut from Rochelle Hassan about monsters, magic, and wicked fae, perfect for fans of The Darkest Part of the Forest and The Hazel Wood.

Friday I’m in Love by Camryn Garrett
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It’s too late for a Sweet Sixteen, but what if Mahalia had a coming-out party? A love letter to romantic comedies, sweet sixteen blowouts, Black joy, and queer pride.

Brighter Than the Moon by David Valdes
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Lauded writer David Valdes offers a heartfelt, clever, and thought-provoking story about how we figure out who we want to be–online and IRL–for fans of David Levithan and Adam Silvera.

Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman
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Twin sisters, both on the run, but different as day and night. One, a professional rogue, searches for a fabled treasure; the other, a changeling, searches for the truth behind her origins, trying to find a place to fit in with the realm of fae who made her and the humans who shun her. 

City of Nightmares by Rebecca Schaeffer
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Gotham meets Strange the Dreamer in this thrilling young adult fantasy about a cowardly girl who finds herself at the center of a criminal syndicate conspiracy, in a city where crooked politicians and sinister cults reign and dreaming means waking up as your worst nightmare.

The Love Match by Priyanka Taslim
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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets Pride and Prejudice in this delightful and heartfelt rom-com about a Bangladeshi American teen whose meddling mother arranges a match to secure their family’s financial security—just as she’s falling in love with someone else.

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
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The Davenports delivers a totally escapist, swoon-worthy romance while offering a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked.

Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare
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James and Cordelia must save London—and their marriage—in this thrilling and highly anticipated conclusion to the Last Hours series from the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Thorns is a Shadowhunters novel.

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao
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In a fallen kingdom, one girl carries the key to discovering the secrets of her nation’s past—and unleashing the demons that sleep at its heart. An epic fantasy series inspired by the mythology and folklore of ancient China.

FEBRUARY

The Headmaster’s List by Melissa de la Cruz
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Set against the glitz and glamour of an elite LA private school, Melissa de la Cruz’s first YA thriller is an addictive mystery perfect for fans of Gossip Girl and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.

The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa
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El Diablo is in the details in this Latinx pirate fantasy starring a transmasculine nonbinary teen with a mission of revenge, redemption, and revolution.

This Time It’s Real by Ann Liang
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Get ready to fall in love in this hilarious romcom about a girl who begins a fake relationship with the famous actor in her class, perfect for fans of Meg Cabot and Jenny Han.

My Flawless Life by Yvonne Woon
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Yvonne Woon, author of If You, Then Me, has crafted a slow-burn thriller about fixing—our friends, ourselves, and our complicated pasts. For fans of Allegedly and We Were Liars, My Flawless Life features a compelling narrator who grapples with the secrets of her private school classmates as well as her own life.

Revelle by Lyssa Mia Smith
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Inspired by Moulin Rouge! and set on an island in a magical version of Prohibition-era New York, Revelle is a breathtaking YA stand-alone fantasy full of dazzling magic, romance, and mystery from debut author Lyssa Mia Smith.

Out of Character by Jenna Miller
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Dumplin’ meets Geekerella in debut author Jenna Miller’s queer, body-positive love story that explores online and offline relationships in all of their messiness.

Lola at Last by J. C. Peterson
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This Pride and Prejudice–inspired tale, a companion to J. C. Peterson’s Being Mary Bennet, spins a modern Lydia Bennet’s life into a tumultuous and hilarious coming-of-age journey, complete with misadventures, misunderstandings, mayhem, and a romance worthy of Darcy and Elizabeth themselves. 

She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran
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A House with a terrifying appetite haunts a broken family in this atmospheric horror, perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic.

When You Wish Upon a Lantern by Gloria Chao
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Acclaimed author Gloria Chao creates real-world magic in this luminous romance about teens who devote themselves to granting other people’s wishes but are too afraid to let themselves have their own hearts’ desires—each other.

Chaos Theory by Nic Stone
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The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin delivers a gripping romance about two teens: a certified genius living with a diagnosed mental illness and a politician’s son who is running from his own addiction and grief. Don’t miss this gut punch of a novel about mental illness, loss, and discovering you are worthy of love.

Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim by Patricia Park
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The award-winning author of Re Jane makes her young adult debut in a funny, poignant, and powerful novel about a multicultural teen struggling to fit into her whitewashed school, her diverse Queens neighborhood, and even her own home as her family reels from the loss of her father.

Nightbirds by Kate J. Armstrong
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In a dazzling new fantasy world full of whispered secrets and political intrigue, the magic of women is outlawed but four girls with unusual powers have the chance to change it all.

MARCH

Rosewood: A Midsummer Meet Cute by Sayantani DasGupta
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New York Times bestselling Sayantani DasGupta brings her trademark wit and insight to this bright and funny Sense and Sensibility retelling!

Made of Stars by Jenna Voris
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Inspired by the lawless love story of Bonnie and Clyde, Jenna Voris’s heart-stopping tale of passion and crime will have you seeing stars.

Dear Medusa by Olivia A. Cole
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This searing and intimate novel in verse follows a sixteen-year-old girl coping with sexual abuse as she grapples with how to reclaim her story, her anger, and her body in a world that seems determined to punish her for the sin of surviving.

Study Break: 11 College Tales from Orientation to Graduation
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Study Break, a collection of interconnected contemporary Young Adult short stories written by Gen Z authors, explores different parts of “the college experience,” from questioning your major to questioning your identity.

Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa
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A young adult graphic novel about high school wallflower Belle Hawkins, who ends up in a love triangle after tutoring the girlfriend of her crush.

Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell
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Perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Tamora Pierce, this standalone YA debut is a stunning cottagecore fantasy romance about a girl with powerful and violent magic, which she must learn to control—or lose everything she loves.

Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu
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The Hating Game meets Mission: Impossible in this smoldering new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu about a superstar tapped to become a secret agent and the reluctant young spy assigned to be his partner.

Midnight Strikes by Zeba Shahnaz
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In this explosive fantasy debut, a provincial girl must work with an infuriatingly handsome prince to escape a nightmarish curse that forces them to relive the same night over and over.

The Memory Eater by Rebecca Mahoney
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A teenage girl must save her town from a memory-devouring monster in this piercing exploration of grief, trauma, and memory, from the author of The Valley and the Flood.

Royal Blood by Aimée Carter
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An American girl becomes the British Monarchy’s greatest nightmare in this thrilling new series where royal scandals just got deadlier.

There Goes the Neighborhood by Jade Adia
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A raised fist against the destructive forces of gentrification and a love letter to communities of color everywhere, Jade Adia’s unforgettable debut tells the darkly hilarious story of three best friends willing to do whatever it takes to stay together.

Into The Light by Mark Oshiro
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For fans of Courtney Summers and Tiffany D. Jackson, Into the Light is a ripped-from-the-headlines story with Oshiro’s signature mix of raw emotions and visceral prose―but with a startling twist you’ll have to read to believe.

APRIL

An Improbable Season by Rosalyn Eves
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For fans of Bridgerton, a Regency romance by Rosalyn Eves about three young women, their big dreams, and a London Season gone awry.

A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson
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Be swept away by a lush, witchy tale about forbidden magic and missing girls who don’t need handsome princes to rescue them. Perfect for fans of The Hazel Wood.

Forget Me Not by Alyson Derrick
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Perfect for fans of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Five Feet Apart, this tender solo debut by the coauthor of New York Times bestseller She Gets the Girl is a romantic ode to the strength of love and the power of choosing each other, against odds and obstacles, again and again.

This Delicious Death by Kayla Cottingham
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From the author of the New York Times bestselling My Dearest Darkest comes another incredible sapphic horror. When four best friends with a hunger for human flesh attend a music festival in the desert they discover a murderous plot to expose and vilify the girls and everyone like them. This summer is going to get gory.

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
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When two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection, they must face the depths of hell, in a war among gods, to seal their fate forever.

If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie Couch
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From the author of The Sky Blues and Blaine for the Win comes a speculative young adult romance about a teen stuck in a time loop that’s endlessly monotonous until he meets the boy of his dreams.

Never Vacation with Your Ex by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
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The Summer I Turned Pretty meets People We Meet on Vacation in a YA second chance romance from fan-favorite author couple #Wibbroka!

Pieces of Me by Kate McLaughlin
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The next gut-punching, compulsively readable Kate McLaughlin novel, about a girl finding strength in not being alone.

The Other Side of Infinity by Joan F. Smith
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They Both Die at the End meets The Butterfly Effect in this YA novel by Joan F. Smith, where a teen uses her gift of foreknowledge to help a lifeguard save a drowning man—only to discover that her actions have suddenly put his life at risk.

Queen Bee by Amalie Howard
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A teen girl seeking retribution against her backstabbing former best friend finds her plans slightly derailed once she catches the eye of a familiar, handsome marquess. Bestselling author Amalie Howard delivers a delightful, anti-historical Regency-era romp that’s Bridgerton meets The Count of Monte Cristo!

That Self-Same Metal by Brittany N. Williams
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A stunning YA fantasy debut, perfect for fans of Holly Black and Justina Ireland, about a Black girl (and sword expert) fighting a Fae uprising in Shakespearean London.

Silver In The Bone by Alexandra Bracken
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#1 New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Bracken cements her status as one of the top fantasy authors writing today in this stunning series opener inspired by Arthurian legend and fueled by love, revenge, and pure adrenaline!

MAY

If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come by Jen St. Jude
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We Are Okay meets They Both Die at the End in this YA debut about queer first love and mental health at the end of the world-and the importance of saving yourself, no matter what tomorrow may hold.

The Alchemy of Moonlight by David Ferraro
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The Alchemy of Moonlight by David Ferraro is a seductive YA paranormal romance following a runaway queer teen’s deepening and dangerous ties to a mysterious family of werewolves.

Nigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi
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From Ibi Zoboi, bestselling, award-winning author of American Street and co-author of Punching the Air, comes a bold new YA coming-of-age story, which explores race, feminism, and complicated family dynamics, about a girl whose father is the leader of a Black liberation group. The ideal next read for fans of Roxane Gay, Jacqueline Woodson, and Elizabeth Acevedo.

They Hate Each Other by Amanda Woody
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Jonah and Dylan get along like oil and water. Until a fake dating ploy gives them new perspective, and they realize that “falling for your enemy” isn’t as impossible as it seems.

Something Like Possible by Miel Moreland
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In this compelling YA contemporary from author Miel Moreland, a bisexual teen’s path to political staffer stardom is in jeopardy, until she convinces a cute new candidate to team up with her on the campaign trail.

I Like Me Better by Robby Weber
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I Like Me Better is joyful  queer summer romance from the author of If You Change Your Mind.

Court of the Undying Seasons by A.M. Strickland
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Sarah J. Maas meets A Deadly Education in A.M. Strickland’s lush, queer YA dark fantasy novel. Court of the Undying Seasons is a deliciously dark romantic novel and a pitch perfect modern take on classic vampire tropes.

No Perfect Places by Steven Salvatore
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From lauded author Steven Salvatore comes a moving YA novel about twins whose incarcerated father dies and leaves behind a life-changing secret, perfect for fans of I’ll Give You the Sun and Euphoria.

Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian
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From the Stonewall Honor–winning author of Like a Love Story comes a sweeping story of three generations of boys in the same Iranian family. Perfect for fans of Last Night at the Telegraph Club and Darius the Great Is Not Okay.

Secret of the Moon Conch by David Bowles and Guadalupe García McCall
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Award-winning authors David Bowles and Guadalupe García McCall join forces to craft a sweeping fantasy romance about falling in love despite all odds.

When the Vibe Is Right by Sarah Dass
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From the author of Where the Rhythm Takes You comes a delightful enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance set during Trinidad’s Carnival celebration.

In Nightfall by Suzanne Young
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In the quaint town of Nightfall, Oregon, it isn’t the dark you should be afraid of—it’s the girls. The Lost Boys meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this propulsive novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Treatment.

JUNE

Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou
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In a world where the children of the gods inherit their powers, a descendant of the Greek Fates must solve a series of impossible murders to save her sisters, her soulmate, and her city.

Wolfpack by Amelia Brunskill
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Perfect for fans of We Were Liars, Wolfpack is an unforgettable and unputdownable novel that will hold you breathless all the way to its shocking finale.

Kismat Connection by Ananya Devarajan
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In this charming YA debut, a girl who’s determined to prove her star chart wrong ropes her longtime best friend into an experimental relationship—not knowing that he has been in love with her for years.

Sing Me to Sleep by Gabi Burton
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In this dark and seductive YA fantasy debut, a siren must choose between protecting her family and following her heart in a prejudiced kingdom where her existence is illegal.

Some Shall Break by Ellie Marney
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This sequel to the New York Times bestselling None Shall Sleep is an equally electrifying, chilling thriller that brings us back into the lives of junior FBI consultants Travis Bell and Emma Lewis with a new case that may unravel everything they’ve been working for.

You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
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At Camp Mirror Lake, terror is the name of the game . . . but can you survive the night? This heart-pounding slasher by New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron is perfect for fans of Fear Street.

Ride or Die by Gail-Agnes Musikavanhu
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Gail-Agnes Musikavanhu’s adrenaline-packed joyride of a debut is an ode to Gen Z and chaotic teens—perfect for fans of Grace D. Li, Ebony Ladelle, and Baby Driver.

Invisible Son by Kim Johnson
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From the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of This Is My America comes another thriller about a wrongly accused teen desperate to recclaim both his innocence and his first love.

Always Isn’t Forever by J.C. Cervantes
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From New York Times bestselling author J.C. Cervantes comes a sparkling, unforgettable YA romance, perfect for fans of You’ve Reached Sam.

Plus One by Kelsey Rodkey
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Fans of Emma Lord and Rachel Lynn Solomon will revel in Kelsey Rodkey’s latest swoon-worthy YA rom-com as self-proclaimed matchmaker Lahey finally puts her own heart on the line—to find a date in just one week.

The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar
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A pun-filled YA contemporary romance, The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar finds a teenage girl competing in a televised baking competition, with contestants including her ex-girlfriend and a potential new crush – perfect for fans of The Great British Bake Off and She Drives Me Crazy!

Borrow My Heart by Kasie West
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When a girl overhears a guy getting verbally destroyed by his friends for being catfished, she jumps in to save the day—and pretends to be his online crush. A young adult romance from the critically acclaimed author of Places We’ve Never Been.

What YA releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post YA Book Releases To Add To Your TBR In 2023 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Girls With Razor Hearts picks up just after the ending of Girls With Sharp Sticks. Mena and her friends have escaped Innovations Academy to find that the real world is no less cruel than what they experienced within the academy walls. Despite the trauma the girls have experienced, they’re fuelled to seek revenge on those who did them harm, and ultimately take down the corporation that took them prisoner. They start by enrolling in Stoneridge Prep, where the girls are hoping to identify the son of an investor with links to the corporation. Their mission is to take the corporation down from within, with help from Leandra, who’s proven herself to be a double agent, and Winston Weeks who’s gone from academy investor to  rogue agent. The girls are wondering if they are simply trading one form of control for another…along with a voice that keeps sneaking into Mena’s thoughts. The voice whispers about extreme ideas that are both exciting and frightening to Mena, but as they face new questions about their past and future existence…they’ll have to start figuring out what it means to be girls with razor hearts.

This story is fast paced from the beginning, which was exciting for me. If you’re still not sure, but love fast paced stories, you’ll be hooked in the first thirty pages. More importantly, Suzanne Young continues to deliver those insane plot twists from the first book. There were definitely some shocking reveals in this sequel that I’m excited to see others read. It definitely helped build up anticipation for the third book. The plot in this book continues to keep you on your toes, and it seems like nowhere is safe for these girls. Mena is trying to figure out if the voice in her head is a sign that she’s more broken than she already is, all the while also trying to keep it together long enough to take down the establishment that abused her for so long.

Mena continues to be the primary perspective in this book, although reader’s will be delighted to see a new voice come into play at the end. Mena does quite a bit of character development in both good and bad ways. She’s trying very hard to figure out how to play a game where someone else holds all the cards, she’s hearing the voice of someone who might be after more than just liberation, and trying to keep someone she’s interested safe by cutting off communication. There are so many important conversations going on, that it was a bit confusing at times, trying to keep up with all the things going on in Mena’s head. However, she had some stellar badass moments.

Suzanne Young tackles a lot of “-isms” in this book, which was definitely commendable. Sexism, racism, and classism are all subjects that come up frequently in this book. There are also scenes that deal with homophobia, bullying, and PTSD. I can’t speak to the representation of some of these, but what I can say is that at times it felt like there were a lot of messages that were trying to be handled at one time. I do appreciate the willingness to give platforms to these important subjects, and I think that once the third book is out things will be more cohesive. There were some generalisations made that I feel are driving one of the main plot points of this book, and I would love to talk about it more, but you have to read this book! I’d love to discuss it further with someone.

I loved the focus on the girls in this story, while still making a little time for romance. Respectful, consensual romance. On both sides. If you’re not big on romance, it’s definitely not a significant part of the story, and it doesn’t take away from anything that it’s there. I can also see some other relationships forming, and I’m very curious as to how that is going to play out in the next book. I certainly hope it plays out for the better. *fingers crossed*

With such a fast pace, I finished this book in a few hours of a day. If you’re finding yourself with more time on your hands, I definitely recommend adding this to your tbr list. While there are a few mixed messages, it’s a worthy read full of thrills and plot twists that will drive you to turn the page until the very end. This is an 8/10 for me! Add it to your TBR!

Girls With Razor Hearts is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.

Will you be picking up Girls With Razor Hearts? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

It’s time to fight back in this second novel in a thrilling, subversive near future series from New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young about a girls-only private high school that is far more than it appears to be.

Make me a girl with a razor heart…

It’s been weeks since Mena and the other girls of Innovations Academy escaped their elite boarding school. Although traumatized by the violence and experimentations that occurred there, Mena quickly discovers that the outside world can be just as unwelcoming and cruel. With no one else to turn to, the girls only have each other—and the revenge-fueled desire to shut down the corporation that imprisoned them.

The girls enroll in Stoneridge Prep, a private school with suspect connections to Innovations, to identify the son of an investor and take down the corporation from the inside. But with pressure from Leandra, who revealed herself to be a double-agent, and Winston Weeks, an academy investor gone rogue, Mena wonders if she and her friends are simply trading one form of control for another. Not to mention the woman who is quite literally invading Mena’s thoughts—a woman with extreme ideas that both frighten and intrigue Mena.

And as the girls fight for freedom from their past—and freedom for the girls still at Innovations—they must also face new questions about their existence…and what it means to be girls with razor hearts.

The post Review: Girls With Razor Hearts by Suzanne Young appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you have read any of them!

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
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From New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White comes a new fantasy series reimagining the Arthurian legend, set in the magical world of Camelot.

Wicked Fox by Kat Cho
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Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung has a secret–she’s a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
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In a lush, contemporary fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Brigid Kemmerer gives readers another compulsively readable romance perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer.

War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi
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Two sisters are torn apart by war and must fight their way back to each other in a futuristic, Black Panther–inspired Nigeria.

Color Outside the Lines by Sangu Mandanna
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This modern, groundbreaking YA anthology explores the complexity and beauty of interracial and LGBTQ+ relationships where differences are front and center from authors Anna-Marie McLemore, Elsie Chapman, Karuna Riazi, Lydia Kang, L.L. McKinney, Lauren Gibaldi, Tara Sim, Caroline Tung Richmond, Kelly Zekas, Tarun Shanker, Samira Ahmed, Adam Silvera, Eric Smith, Lori M. Lee, and Michelle Ruiz Keil.

Girls With Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young
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Westworld meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this start to a thrilling, subversive near future series from New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young about a girls-only private high school that is far more than it appears to be.

Across A Broken Shore by Amy Trueblood
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The last thing eighteen-year-old Wilhelmina “Willa” MacCarthy wants is to be a nun. It’s 1936, and as the only daughter amongst four sons, her Irish–Catholic family is counting on her to take her vows—but Willa’s found another calling. Each day she sneaks away to help Doctor Katherine Winston in her medical clinic in San Francisco’s Richmond District.

Spin The Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
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Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett
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In a community that isn’t always understanding, an HIV-positive teen must navigate fear, disclosure, and radical self-acceptance when she falls in love–and lust–for the first time. Powerful and uplifting, Full Disclosure will speak to fans of Angie Thomas and Nicola Yoon.

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
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From the New York Times bestselling author of An Enchantment of Ravens comes an imaginative fantasy about an apprentice at a magical library who must battle a powerful sorcerer to save her kingdom.

Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon
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The start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land’s greatest honour…and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave.

We Are Lost and Found by Helene Dunbar
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A poignant, heartbreaking, and uplifting story in the tradition of The Perks of Being a Wallflower about three friends coming of age in the early 1980s as they struggle to forge their own paths in the face of fear of the unknown.

Frankly in Love by David Yoon
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In this moving novel, debut author David Yoon takes on the question of who am I? with a result that is humorous, heartfelt, and ultimately unforgettable.

Dark Shores by Danielle L. Jensen
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High seas adventure, blackmail, and meddling gods meet in Dark Shores, a thrilling first novel in a fast-paced new YA fantasy series by USA Today bestselling author Danielle L. Jensen.

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray comes a gripping, unforgettable portrait of love, silence, and secrets amidst a Spanish dictatorship.

The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
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New York Times bestselling author Renée Ahdieh returns with a sumptuous, sultry and romantic new series set in 19th century New Orleans where vampires hide in plain sight.

Girls of Storm and Shadow by Natasha Ngan
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In this mesmerising sequel to the New York Times bestselling Girls of Paper and Fire, Lei and Wren have escaped their oppressive lives in the Hidden Palace, but soon learn that freedom comes with a terrible cost.

Swipe Right for Murder by Derek Milman
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An epic case of mistaken identity puts a teen looking for a hookup on the run from both the FBI and a murderous cult in this compulsively readable thriller.

Wilder Girls by Rory Power
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A feminist Lord of the Flies about three best friends living in quarantine at their island boarding school, and the lengths they go to uncover the truth of their confinement when one disappears. This fresh, new debut is a mind-bending novel unlike anything you’ve read before.

The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen
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Debut author Margaret Owen crafts a powerful saga of vengeance, survival, and sacrifice–perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Kendare Blake–in The Merciful Crow.

Do you have any other 2019 YA favourites? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The Best YA Books of 2019 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

In the era of the #MeToo movement and Women’s Marches, the rights of women and girls are still up for debate across the world. In many of these debates, the issues that women face daily are often sugarcoated and vaguely described. The same cannot be said for the novel Girls With Sharp Sticks, however. With its abundance of plot twists and well-developed characters, Girls With Sharp Sticks will appeal to a wide variety of readers, from complete feminists to someone looking to educate themselves about the state of our society.

In this book, author Suzanne Young doesn’t shy away from describing the conditioning of young girls into an unjust society in the most direct way possible. She makes it very clear that ignorance surrounding this conditioning needs to end and that we need to be looking more closely at what is generally acceptable in our society. Girls With Sharp Sticks follows a teenager named Mena who is attending Innovations Academy, a very prestigious school whose aim is to teach girls to be the best kind of girls. Young makes it very clear that the Academy’s criteria for qualifying as the best kind of girl includes being silent, obedient, and, most importantly, beautiful. These expectations are made completely transparent, and it gives the story a darker undertone that carries on throughout the novel.

The girls at the Academy have to go through etiquette lessons, ridiculous diets, a lot of unwarranted comments about their appearances, and physical abuse by their professors, and throughout the book, they gradually become more aware of their situation. They realise the emotional and physical abuse that they have been forced to endure, and this realisation was sparked by a book of poems discovered by Mena. The main poem, titled Girls With Sharp Sticks, described the uprising of girls against the men who oppressed and groomed them. The girls realise that they are surrounded by men who want to control them, and they start forming a plan to escape the Academy before they are sold off to various investors. Despite the Academy appearing to be a preppy all-girls school, it contains a very twisted and dark reality that its students must endure until they become the best of society.

The most noticeable thing about Girls With Sharp Sticks is the bond formed between the girls at the Academy. I have read many other novels where there is intense rivalry among girls who all strive to outdo each other, but Mena and her friends do nothing but support each other. This was very refreshing to see, and it is clear that they are protective of each other and find their strength together. As the book goes on, they risk more and more for each other and discover the true inner workings of Innovations Academy. They trust each other unconditionally and united against the men in the Academy who tried to hurt them.

Another unique aspect of Girls With Sharp Sticks is the fact that the girls never truly forget the lies that they were fed throughout their time at the Academy. Even when the girls were in danger, they found themselves being polite to their perpetrators and blaming themselves despite having a sense of self-awareness. They have undergone very intense emotional manipulation, and, much like in real abusive relationships, they were tricked into trusting and confiding in their abusers. The depiction of abuse without consequences is absolutely terrifying yet very real, and it effectively communicates the power that the men of the Academy have over the girls.

One of my favourite overall aspects of the book is that Suzanne Young is not afraid to share this story of a twisted reality that, if you think about it, is very similar to our world. The descriptions of the trauma Mena and her friends have been through will make your skin crawl, and as a reader, I wanted nothing more than for them to just be safe. The Academy kept Mena and her friends from thinking about or questioning anything that they’ve been told. They were barely even allowed to learn math, and they were barred from reading any outside materials. This is the exact reality that girls and women across the world face daily, and to see it finally put into writing is both appreciated and also a glaring reminder that we have to stop the implementations of those practices sooner rather than later. Through this book, Young is encouraging everyone to question the world that we live in and leave no room for ignorance or excuses.

Overall, Girls With Sharp Sticks is a suspenseful novel that truthfully describes the conditioning of young girls. Suzanne Young didn’t take any shortcuts or cut corners, and it definitely pays off. The reader can’t help but be angry at the treatment of Mena and her friends and  feel an overwhelming sense of wanting to help them reach safety. No one should ever be told that their beauty and purity is more important than their freedom and their education, and Young is telling the reader that we can’t remain silent about these backwards priorities any longer. Girls With Sharp Sticks is a much-needed conversation about sexism, rape culture, and the manipulation of young girls, and everyone needs to read it. It gets a 10/10.

Girls With Sharp Sticks is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers. Also be sure to check out our interview with Suzanne Young about this book and what’s next!

Will you be reading Girls With Sharp Sticks? Or have you read it already? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

The Girls of Innovations Academy are beautiful and well-behaved—it says so on their report cards. Under the watchful gaze of their Guardians, the all-girl boarding school offers an array of studies and activities, from “Growing a Beautiful and Prosperous Garden” to “Art Appreciation” and “Interior Design.” The girls learn to be the best society has to offer. Absent is the difficult math coursework, or the unnecessary sciences or current events. They are obedient young ladies, free from arrogance or defiance. Until Mena starts to realize that their carefully controlled existence may not be quite as it appears.

As Mena and her friends begin to uncover the dark secrets of what’s actually happening there—and who they really are—the girls of Innovations will find out what they are truly capable of. Because some of the prettiest flowers have the sharpest thorns.

The post Review: Girls With Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

March 2019 sees a few retellings hitting the shelves with Maid Marian taking over from Robin Hood in Sherwood, while Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy pen a new King Arthur story with a teenage girl being the newest reincarnation of Arthur. What else is instore for you? Brave an alien attack in Laura Pohl’s The Last 8, join a secretive boarding school in Killing November, follow the journey of a young scientist with powers in K.K. Pérez’s The Tesla Legacy, or be enchanted by dark faeries in Sarah Porter’s Never-Contented Things

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you will be reading of them!

Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds
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From debut author Justin A. Reynolds comes The Opposite of Always, a razor-sharp, hilarious and heartfelt novel about the choices we make, the people we choose and the moments that make life worth reliving. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and John Green.

The Last 8 by Laura Pohl
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A high-stakes survival story about eight teenagers who outlive an alien attack—perfect for fans of The 5th Wave

Never-Contented Things by Sarah Porter
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A new YA standalone novel about dark faeries with surefire appeal by Sarah Porter, the critically-acclaimed author of Vassa in the Night and When I Cast Your Shadow. 

Girls With Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young
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Westworld meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this start to a thrilling, subversive near future series from New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young about a girls-only private high school that is far more than it appears to be.

Sherwood by Meagan Spooner
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Fans of Danielle Paige, Marissa Meyer, and Alex Flinn will devour New York Times bestselling author Meagan Spooner’s next fierce fairy tale-inspired story, which Illuminae author Amie Kaufman calls “a kick-ass, gender-flipped feminist retelling.”

The Quiet You Carry by Nikki Barthelmess
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Victoria Parker knew her dad’s behaviour toward her was a little unusual, but she convinced herself everything was fine—until she found herself locked out of the house at 3:00 a.m., surrounded by flashing police lights. Now, dumped into a crowded, chaotic foster home, Victoria has to tiptoe around her domineering foster mother, get through senior year at a new school, and somehow salvage her college dreams . . . all while keeping her past hidden.

Once & Future by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy
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Killing November by Adriana Mather
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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of How to Hang a Witch comes a thriller set at a secretive boarding school where students are trained to carry on family legacies that have built–and toppled–empires.

The Waking Forest by Alyssa Wees
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Pan’s Labyrinth meets The Hazel Wood in this novel about a girl with terrifying visions and a wish-granting witch whose lives collide in the most unexpected of ways.

Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc by David Elliott
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Author David Elliott explores how Joan of Arc changed the course of history and remains a figure of fascination centuries after her extraordinary life and death.

The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe by Ally Condie
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Ally Condie, the international bestselling author of the Matched trilogy, returns with an intricately crafted and emotionally gripping story of one young woman’s journey to move beyond the grief and anger that control her and find the inner strength to chart her own course.

The Tesla Legacy by K.K. Pérez
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An action-packed, young adult coming-of-age adventure, K. K. Perez’s The Tesla Legacy follows a precocious young scientist named Lucy Phelps whose fateful encounter in the Tesla Suite of the New Yorker Hotel unlocks her dormant electrical powers.

Will you be reading any of these books? Tell us in the comments below!

The post March Book Releases: YA appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Suzanne Young is an author that does not shy away from writing about subjects like mental health and oppression in our modern society, and Girls With Sharp Sticks is no exception. This book demands attention and is absolutely riveting, and the author herself has graciously agreed to reveal the motivations and meaning of Girls With Sharp Sticks.

Girls With Sharp Sticks is described as Westworld meets The Handmaid’s Tale and it is start to a thrilling, subversive near future series from New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young about a girls-only private high school that is far more than it appears to be.

What inspired you to be a writer, and how did you develop your writing style?

I’ve always been a writer, but I never thought I’d be an author. It took the right idea, the right timing, and the right amount of patience for my first book to get published. I’d say a lot of my growth since then has come from working with talented editors and reading exciting stories. I’ve also published 16 books in the last ten years, so I think writing helps writing.

What was the whole process like to think of this plot and actually bring it to life in a book?

This book was originally a story about a private school with a secret, but as court cases about abuse filled the news cycle, it started to change my story. I can’t say writing it wasn’t painful – there were days that got pretty dark. There was tears and rage-writing, but eventually, I had to sit down and get it all on the page. I’m one of those writers who outlines after starting a book. It helps me stay on task. And while writing this book, I had to keep reminding myself of the payoff: Girls fighting back.

Girls With Sharp Sticks deals with sex-based oppression in a very direct and honest way. Why did you make the decision to be straightforward about society’s treatment of girls and women instead of taking the more common route of using metaphors and comparisons to get your point across?

Between the abuse of the girls of the USA Olympic gymnastics team to the actresses assaulted by Harvey Weinstein, there wasn’t much room for subtly. Our news cycle is devastating. Every day there is something new and horrible to digest. For the girls of Innovations Academy to fight back, we have to see what they’re really up against. The scariest monsters are the ones we know are real.

The concept of “protecting yourself” with perfect behaviour and manners from men who want to hurt you regardless is one that most girls have been lectured on in their lives. Why do you think so many adults tell this to young girls to this day?

I think some of the bad advice given to girls is based on power (or fear of losing it), or generational teachings that get passed down from ignorance. To be honest, I don’t know why people still tell girls to behave, when clearly, it has spared us nothing. I think we need to be louder and demand better. I think each new generation will free us a little bit more from the backwards thinking of the past, or at least… that’s what I hope. But for now, we need to be loud enough for all the girls to hear until they speak for themselves.

Do you think that sexist words and actions are more detrimental coming from another woman (like Leandra) or coming from the men at the academy and why?

I think they’re both harmful and I won’t put more blame on women. Of course there is internalised misogyny, and that may feel like a betrayal, but ultimately, it’s the entire system that hurts people. It’s all detrimental, especially impacting young girls. As a society, we need to work harder to protect them.

The message for any girls and women that read this book is pretty clear, but what did you want this book to say to any boys or men that read it?

I wanted young girls to feel seen, and so maybe what I want is for the boys to see the girls too. Really see them. This isn’t a book about men, not individually. It’s about a system that treats teenage girls as commodity. What I hope boys/men will get after reading this is that they don’t have to part of that system anymore. I want them to take down the beliefs that also harm them.

In your opinion, why is empowering other women important, and why should we be standing together instead of standing alone?

As we’ve seen over and over, girls are easily discredited by society. From “what she said” to “what she wore,” there will always be a way to victim-blame. But together, girls and women can reject that thinking. We can demand better. Fight harder. Change the world. Society needs to hear us shout until we can’t be ignored anymore, and for that, we need to use our voices together.

What can we expect from future books in this series following Girls With Sharp Sticks?

The next book is called GIRLS WITH RAZOR HEARTS. It’s exciting, terrifying, sad, and cathartic. I think fans of the first book will be horrified and delighted. Although I can’t say much without giving away the ending of SHARP STICKS, we’ll get to see that the controlling behaviour of men in power isn’t limited to a prestigious academy. This series isn’t about changing one school. It’s about changing society.

Girls With Sharp Sticks is available March 19th from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.

Will you be reading Girls With Sharp Sticks? Or have you read other books by Suzanne Young? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Suzanne Young, Author of ‘Girls With Sharp Sticks’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.