Although the NYPL branches are currently closed, the members of our Best Books committees are still hard at work, getting excited about the books that are coming out in 2020. Here are a few YA novels that have them buzzing already. 

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko (August 2020 release)

Tarisai was raised by a mysterious woman referred to as only “The Lady.” She has always craved belonging and might find it if she can be chosen as one of the Crown Prince’s Council of 11. Is she strong enough to defy her destiny and fulfill her own vision for her life? A sweeping fantasy tale of family, loyalty, and power. Incredible world-building, moral complexity and fully realized characters who are strong in diverse ways, and fully engrossing settings.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo (May 2020)

A novel-in-verse of two young women, one in New York City and one in the Dominican Republic, whose lives are permanently linked by tragedy and family secrets. Poignant, accessible, and immediate.

Red Hood by Elana K. Arnold (February 2020)

A wolf attacks in the woods, and Bisou fights back. A fast-paced, multigenerational, feminist retelling of a classic fairy tale where the victims turn the tables and become the victors.

Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles (January 2020)

A complex story that addresses toxic masculinity, hook up culture, peer pressure around sex, double standards, teen pregnancies, cyber bullying and rumor mills, power structures in school/religion/work/family, closeted teens and the realization that you can’t ever really know what someone is going through until you ask.

The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski

LGBT romance set in a dystopian world where a caste system separates those with privilege from those without, and magic reigns supreme. Nirrim tries not to be noticed and keeps her cards close to her chest—until she notices the rakish Sid, who urges her to abandon her old life, in search of something better.