New Release Tuesday: YA New Releases February 24th 2026

Young Adult New Releases February 24th 2026

It is your favorite day of the week, New Release Tuesday! Today we are sharing most of the YA new releases hitting the shelves – we hope that if you are planning on purchasing any titles you can check out our amazing indie bookseller affiliates Bookshop or Libro.fm – remember that supporting these alternatives to the billionaires not only helps local bookstores but also the planet and the workers!

The Light That Blinds Us (Descent into Darkness, #1)

by Andy Darcy Theo
Published by: Simon Pulse
on April 25, 2024
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
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When consumed by shadow, even the faintest light can be blinding...

After a childhood haunted by disturbing hallucinations of the Shadow Man, Alexis Michaels’s only comfort is the blue amulet he’s had since before he can remember. Now, the visions have gone, and Alexis craves a normal life.

But when a trip to Stonehenge unites him with three other teens carrying similar gems, normality is abandoned when they are plunged into a hidden world of power-wielding Elementals, and told they are the chosen ones, destined to save the world from an eternal night. Trained by legends and guided by heroes, Alexis and his companions must venture on a perilous quest, facing tests of love, loss, and loyalty.

But a dark past plagues Alexis as they prepare to defeat an adversary more ominous than they could imagine, and a looming secret sets to corrupt the mission, their lives, and his mind.

A high-stakes, speculative romance, which masterfully weaves themes of mental health, psychosis, and found family.

The Twelve

by Joey Graceffa
Published by: HarperCollins
on February 24, 2026
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult
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From New York Times bestselling author and renowned creator Joey Graceffa comes a pulse-pounding YA fantasy where witches hunt witches, magic has a price, and sisterhood is the only thing standing between light and darkness.

Welcome to the coven.

Each month, a Zodiac Witch is born, her magic written by the stars.

Ophelia and Serena—twin sisters born on the cusp of Pisces and Aries—are trapped in the cold confines of an orphanage until fate rips them from obscurity. Suddenly, they are invited into The Twelve, a powerful coven. To join, they must swear to hunt Dark Witches, creatures of spectral beauty and razor-sharp teeth who survive by siphoning magic from young witches.

On a secret island, protected by their new sisters, Ophelia and Serena train to use their powers. Serena commands Lightning, raw and untamed. Ophelia wields Water, quiet and waiting. Their paths shift—one chasing power, the other resisting—as the sisters find themselves caught between two destinies. Some choices can never be undone but they must decide, because magic does not wait, and the darkness is coming for them in ways they could never imagine.

After all, the stars never shine without casting shadows.

The Fall of Iris Henley

by Jennifer Graham
Published by: Wednesday Books
on February 24, 2026
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult
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For fans of Megan Lally and Kara Thomas, a twisty thriller about a Texas teen accused of murder who's desperate to clear her name.

All it takes to ruin someone’s life is the stroke of a key. Just ask Iris Henley. Her life is destroyed when someone posts an anonymous message on her high school’s subreddit thread: “Iris Henley is a killer. I’ve been too scared to come forward until now, but I saw her murder Rocky and Lynette last summer.”

Just like that, Iris loses everything. Her reputation. Her friends. Her hope of getting into college on scholarship. Even, possibly, her freedom, once the police start to investigate. After all, she’s the perfect suspect: Rocky was her boyfriend, and Lynette was her ex-best friend—and the girl he was cheating on her with. But Iris didn’t do it, and now it’s up to her to clear her name by finding out who did—before it’s too late.

Propulsive, sharp, and absolutely twisty from the New York Times bestselling author who brought readers the Veronica Mars duology, Jennifer Graham's YA thriller is unputdownable.

Paradise Coast

by Suzanne Young
Published by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
on Feburary 24, 2026
Genres: Contemporary, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Young Adult
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Rival groups of local and wealthy teens in a small Everglades town confront the secrets that rise from the waters in the wake of a hurricane in this sizzling and suspenseful thriller from New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young—perfect for fans of Outer Banks and The White Lotus.

Some secrets won’t stay buried. Not even in the Everglades.

Deep in the Everglades, there was once a luxurious and legendary hotel enjoyed by the wealthy elite. Until one mysterious night when a fire tore through the building, killing a young socialite and casting blame on a local dock worker. Soon after, the hotel vanished, swallowed up by the wetlands like it never existed at all.

Until now.

When a powerful hurricane unearths the ruins of the long-forgotten hotel, the past is dragged back to the surface as clues to the devasting truth about the night of the fire are revealed.

It’s the truth that die-hard local Noa and her friends have been chasing for years in the hopes of clearing their ancestor’s name and pushing back against the rich families trying to force them out. With the help of Jamie, the rebellious son of a wealthy businessman, Noa and her crew begin a desperate fight for the justice they deserve.

It won’t be easy. Because the wealthy control just about everything on Paradise Coast—including the truth. And they will do whatever it takes, even kill, to make sure the past stays buried.

The Beasts We Raise (The Broken Citadel, #2)

by D.L. Taylor
Published by: Henry Holt & Co. (BYR)
on February 24, 2026
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
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Marry her enemy. Save her realm. Forsake her heart. The heart-shattering conclusion to this dark romantasy duology is perfect for fans of Adrienne Young, Tricia Levenseller, and Brigid Kemmerer.

Newly-appointed Prime Mancella is desperate to keep the peace within her realm and within herself. Having recently acquired the power to physically split into separate versions of herself, her identity is beginning to fracture―along with her land, which is on the brink of war. The only semblance of normalcy in her life is her budding romance with thief-turned-confidant, Silver. . . at least until the mysterious Prime Reltas arrives at her doorstep asking, or rather demanding, her hand in marriage.

If Mance wants to avoid a fight that will devastate her realm, she’ll have to consider the proposal. Even if it destroys Silver. But Mance isn't ready to give up just yet. Desperate to free herself from the betrothal, Mance must seek allyship from other Primes and learn to control her new magic. If she fails, her decision to refuse Reltas's proposal will implode the delicate state of affairs across the realms, setting off a catastrophic war―and shatter two hearts in the process.

Just Between Us: A Graphic Novel

by Adeline Kon
Published by: Dial Books
on February 24, 2026
Genres: Contemporary, Graphic Novel, Young Adult
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In this gorgeous debut graphic novel, Lydia tries to fall back in love with figure skating without falling for her competition

Lydia Chen knows how good she is on the ice. Technically perfect, she’s been the one to beat since her debut years ago.

Except now, something is missing in her performances—a spark that’s been gone for a while. Between the constant training, appealing to sponsors to fund her, and the pressure to perform, Lydia’s passion for skating has disappeared.

When her rival Elaine Yee starts training at the same rink, Lydia’s struck by the emotion in Elaine’s routines and unwillingly finds herself getting closer to her as they compete for a spot in the Olympics.

As the tension between them comes to a head, Lydia’s about to find out how a competitor can become an ally and figure out how to feel alive on the ice again.

The Boyfriend Launcher

by RaeChell Garrett
on February 24, 2026
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Young Adult
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In this sweet teen rom-com, in order to find the right guy, she will have to (fake) date the wrong one first—perfect for fans of Lynn Painter and Kasie West.

When soccer star Dru Eason’s longtime crush Kai finally asks her out, she can’t say no. She also can’t say yes. Not when she knows things with him will end just as they have with all of her exes.

They’ll date, break up, and in a matter of days he’ll become someone else’s perfect boyfriend.

Because Dru is The Boyfriend Launcher.

To buy time to figure out why this keeps happening, Dru negotiates a no-dating pact with her team for the duration of the playoffs—twenty-four days. Then she asks Winston Portis, one of her best friends, to fake-date her.

Maybe after some feedback on what it’s like being her boyfriend, she can take her chance with Kai and keep him far away from the launchpad.

But is twenty-four days enough time to uncover her issues? Or is it just long enough for Dru to wonder: Has she been overlooking the perfect boy, or is she just launching Winston for the next girl? And is she finally brave enough to take a shot at finding out?

Limelight

by Andrew Keenan-Bolger
Published by: Penguin Workshop
on February 24, 2026
Genres: Historical Fiction, LGBTQIA+, Young Adult
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Fame meets Rent in this powerful YA debut about a boy who must reconcile with his identity and insecurity as he steps into the spotlight, from Broadway star Andrew Keenan-Bolger.

The only thing standing between Danny and his dreams is…everything.

For fifteen years, Danny Victorio has kept his head down, kept his mouth shut, and kept everyone out. But an audition for Manhattan’s most prestigious arts school offers him a chance to escape Staten Island—and his crumbling family—for good.

If he doesn’t screw everything up.

At LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, Danny is thrust into a world of fierce talent and even fiercer ambition. As he navigates overwhelming expectations, the ghosts of his past, and, for the first time, real friendship, Danny can’t shake the question: Where do I belong…if I belong at all?

Set against the gritty, vibrant backdrop of 1996 New York City—where peep-show palaces were giving way to Disney stores, “Club Kids” ruled the nightlife scene, and a new musical called Rent was driving teens to sleep on the seediest sidewalks of Times Square in hopes of a ticket—Limelight is a story about discovering your voice, finding your family, and figuring out who, and where, you’re really meant to be.

The Spiral Key

by Kelsey Day
Published by: Viking Books for Young Readers
on February 24, 2026
Genres: Thriller, Young Adult
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For fans of Holly Jackson and Jessica Goodman, this high-stakes thriller is set in a virtual-reality paradise turned hellscape, from a celebrated writer making their YA debut.

At the start of each school year, Madison Pembroke, the most popular girl at Lincoln Academy, sends out invitations to her epic birthday party in the form of custom forged spiral keys. For that one night, a few lucky teens get to enter Ametrine, a virtual paradise that hosts the party of the year—a wild, unforgettable celebration that will secure their social status in the real world. As Madison’s hated ex-BFF, Bree Benson never receives a key.

Until now.

Despite warnings from her boyfriend, Bree sees the invite as an olive branch, the perfect opportunity to rekindle her once-amazing friendship with Madison. But as the party games begin to turn provocative and violent, Bree finds that Ametrine might not be the decadent wonderland she was promised. And that Madison may have let Bree enter Ametrine, but she has no intention of ever letting her leave . . .

Kelsey Day’s gripping debut shows that while best friends know each other the best, ex–best friends know how to hurt each other the worst.

Daughter of the Cursed Kingdom (Witch Hall #2)

by Jasmine Skye
Published by: Feiwel and Friends
on February 24, 2026
Genres: Fantasy, LGBTQIA+, Young Adult
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Two girls, bound by magic, must work together to stop an oncoming war, while grappling with unresolved feelings and terrible secrets in Daughter of the Cursed Kingdom, the thrilling conclusion to Jasmine Skye's queernormative romantasy duology.

“If I ask you to walk into danger with me, Rosamund Holt, will you do it?”

Born a bone witch, with the power to raise the dead, Shaw has spent her life preparing to take her place as Death's Heir, so she can lead her people to victory in an unavoidable, prophesied war. But then she met Rosy, sweet, stubborn Rosy, the most powerful bone familiar she's ever known, and the only person Shaw has never been able to predict. Rosy, who doesn’t believe in the prophesied war that has consumed Shaw’s entire life.

“I won't be their weapon, but I will be yours.”

Shaw has won Rosy's loyalty, but Rosy has made it very clear she's not willing to share her heart, a fact that Shaw is determined to respect... no matter how much it hurts. But now, as tensions with Vinland rise and secrets about the Witch King’s motivations are revealed, Shaw needs Rosy and her entourage more than ever. Will Shaw become the conquering warlord she was prophesized to be, or will she be strong enough to find a new path forward?

Love in Ruins

by Auriane Desombre
Published by: Delacorte Press
on February 24, 2026
Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA+, Young Adult
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After a recent OCD diagnosis, a teen girl embarks on a trip to Greece with her best friend, when she meets a captivating local girl. As their relationship heats up under the Mediterranean sun, she learns to balance the needs of those she loves with that of her own heart.

When Natalie Campbell sets out on a class trip to Greece, she knows that checking off a summer bucket list with her best friend, Liam, is the perfect way to deal (or rather, not deal) with her new OCD diagnosis she’s doing a beautiful job of ignoring.

But when she grows closer with their Greek instructor’s daughter, Melanie, Natalie’s summer plans may be ruined in the best way possible. Natalie soon finds herself sneaking on boat rides to hidden beaches, taking secret midnight hikes to ancient ruins, and jetting off to nearby islands with Melanie as her guide.

Falling for Melanie should be smooth sailing. Only Natalie can’t help but think—and overthink—that love is equally thrilling and terrifying at the same time. Can she learn that sometimes the biggest adventures come with following your heart?

Gone Before You Knew Me

by Renate Wildermuth
on February 24, 2026
Genres: Thriller, Young Adult
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Told through a series of redacted confessions recorded by a secret agency, this is the story of Talya-- a girl who's equal parts Katniss Everdeen and Harriet the Spy.

Sharp-eyed and fiercely independent, she navigates crushes, cliques, bullies, and conspiracies, all while proving one undeniable truth-- high school is pure torture.

Having lost her parents and her memory, Talya's only goal is to survive senior year.

When Axel walks into her English class, she's convinced he's a spy who holds the key to her past and can save her from a sinister plot.

After she stumbles upon a real conspiracy, Axel reluctantly gives her the tools to protect herself.

But Talya has secrets of her own-- and even under interrogation, she won't admit the real reason she's drawn to the enigmatic, attractive new student.

When the homecoming football game explodes into an international crisis, Talya discovers she's not just at risk-- she may be the biggest threat of all.

Onward: 16 Climate Fiction Short Stories to Inspire Hope

by Erin Entrada Kelly, Nora Shalaway Carpenter, Gloria Muñoz, Jeff zenter, Karina Iceberg, Padma Venkatraman, Aleese Lin, Anuradha D. Rajurkar, Xelena González, Aya de León, M. García Peña, Kim Johnson, Sarah Aronson, Heather Dean Brewer, Rin Chupeco
Published by: Charlesbridge Teen
on February 24, 2026
Genres: Anthology, Dystopian, Sci-Fi, Speculative Fiction, Young Adult
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A collection of 16 remarkable short stories for aspiring teen activists centered on the climate crisis, highlighting how small actions can make Earth sustainable against climate change.

Young adult powerhouse authors such as Erin Entrada Kelly and Jeff Zentner come together in this anthology of speculative, dystopian, and contemporary realistic fiction.

This inspiring collection of sixteen short stories is packed with fascinating characters and settings that illuminate current and possible changes to our planet and how humanity responds.

Included here is prose, verse, and personal essays from a wide range of authors diverse in ethnic background, geographic location, and socioeconomic status. A few tales:
–Shayta cares for a tiny green plant in a futuristic world where Earth has become a barren, over-farmed landscape fraught with dirt storms.

–Hana and her father travel by catamaran to the farthest place from land in the entire world—only to discover a giant, floating carcass of trash and a few other surprises.

–William and his family want to protect an endangered fish from a potential dam on a river that’s flowed through their land for generations . . .

There’s also a section where readers can find concrete and practical steps to help curtail the global climate crisis, including resources specific for every story. There’s even a section specifically “For the Severely Overwhelmed.”

This young adult anthology cultivates deep hope and stunning resilience—what we all need in order to make life on Earth more sustainable for us all.

Before We Wake (A Graphic Novel)

by Sophia Glock
on February 24, 2026
Genres: Graphic Novel, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
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With the dreaminess of Lore Olympus and the magic of The Girl from the Sea, here is an ethereal, paranormal romance that plays out between a waking life that feels muted and a world of lucid dreams that sparkles in full color.

Haunted by a recurring dream, Alicia borrows a book about lucid dreaming, and soon learns to take control of her sleeping life. She welcomes the arrival of her best friend's boyfriend in her dreamworld, and soon sparks start to fly. But then he admits, when they are both awake, that he remembers everything that happened while they were asleep. Suddenly, Alicia’s dream life has become as complicated as her waking one.

In this electrifying graphic novel, Glock whisks readers on a head‑spinning romantic dream odyssey, exploring the ways in which we hold ourselves back—and what it will take to let our wildest dreams come true.

Tripping Over You Book 2: A Graphic Novel

by Suzana Harcum, Owena White
Published by: First Second
on February 24, 2026
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Graphic Novel, Young Adult
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A winding romantic relationship between an energetic theater kid, Milo, and his withdrawn classmate, Liam. Perfect for fans of Heartstopper!

Now that they've graduated high school, our secret lovebirds face a whole new set of challenges as their career prospects begin to pull them in different directions. Milo rents a tiny studio near his new university, and throws himself into his goal of becoming an actor. He takes several jobs with the hope of climbing in the industry, and packs his work-study schedule full to bursting.

Liam moves back into his childhood home, begrudgingly following the trajectory his father had long steered him toward: law school, then working for his father's law firm. As the sneaking around, stress from not having enough time to spend with each other, and hurt feelings snowball, the two decide it is finally time to come clean to their families about their relationship and desires for the future.