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Penguin Teen
June stands out as the ace pitcher of her prestigious club baseball team, possessing both talent and confidence that makes her a prime candidate for college recruitment. However, an overuse injury threatens her career, intensifying her challenges. On the other hand, Ivy officiates games not just to cover expenses but with dreams of ascending to the professional ranks, a path her parents would prefer she sidestep in favor of traditional college life. Their first encounter erupts in a confrontation when Ivy expels June from a match for showboating, but this rivalry quickly morphs into an unexpected friendship—and potentially something deeper.
The landscape of young adult (YA) literature, especially in the realm of queer narratives, is set to flourish in 2025. In previous years, queer YA faced hurdles in visibility, but it now commands significant shelf space in bookstores, encompassing genres beyond romance. Readers can explore queer themes across mystery/thrillers, romantic comedies, sci-fi adventures, horror tales, and fantasy epics—all categorized under the YA umbrella. This broad spectrum of topics underscores why YA remains one of the fastest growing categories in literature. Importantly, queer YA resonates with a diverse audience, inviting readers of all ages and identities.
YA literature is particularly adept at pivoting to reflect current trends. This year, themes like boarding schools, vampires, and sequels are predicted to resonate strongly. A notable trend in the queer YA field is the integration of pop culture references into book titles. For example, Zakiya N. Jamal’s If We Were a Movie cleverly alludes to a favored song from Hannah Montana, striking a chord with Gen Z readers and evoking a nostalgic yearning. What other trends do readers hope to see emerge in 2025?
The following eight titles showcase a diverse range of narratives set to release or that have already come out in 2025. Make a note of them; each promises to offer distinct and engaging experiences!
Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales (June 3)
After a scandal disrupts royal life, Princess Rosemary must mend her reputation. The arrival of new student Danni at Rose’s boarding school proves distracting, leading to speculation about their budding romance. As rumors swirl, the pair must either pull apart or create a diversion to shield their secret relationship from public scrutiny.
We Are Villains by Kacen Callender
Trans male Milo returns to Yates Academy to investigate the mysterious death of his best friend, Ari. When Liam, the school’s prominent figure, starts receiving threatening letters, he turns to Milo for assistance in proving his innocence. As Milo delves deeper into the case, he discovers that many secrets lurk beneath the surface of this dark academic mystery, filled with morally complex characters.
And They Were Roommates by Page Powars (May 27)
Charlie crafts a meticulous plan to conceal his identity as the only transgender student at his new boarding school, until fate pairs him with his roommate Jasper—the same person who once broke his heart. To secure separate accommodations, Charlie agrees to assist Jasper with writing love letters for others. It seems straightforward, but complications are bound to arise.
Where There’s Room for Us by Hayley Kiyoko (November 4)
Set in a reimagined Victorian England where anyone can marry regardless of gender, the outspoken poet Ivy finds herself entrenched in high society. Freya Tallon, the season’s most eligible maiden, unexpectedly joins Ivy on an outing, sparking an instant connection. As Ivy and Freya navigate the clash between societal duties and personal desires, they strive to establish their identities in a world fraught with expectations.
The Cuffing Game by Lyla Lee (November 18)
Driven bisexual film student Mia Yoon is determined to create an inclusive dating show. When a significant opportunity arises, she finds herself needing to collaborate with her rival and secret crush, Noah Cho. This story offers a delightful mashup reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice, K-dramas, and shows like Love Island.
Boys With Sharp Teeth by Jenni Howell
Convinced elite students at Huntsworth Academy are behind her cousin’s death, Marin infiltrates the school to uncover the truth. She becomes entangled in the toxic dynamics surrounding Adrian Hargraves and Henry Wu, where the distinction between right and wrong blurs. Will she remain focused on her quest for justice, or will her priorities shift amidst the chaos?
Say A Little Prayer by Jenna Voris
Humiliated at church, Riley is sent to camp as punishment for retaliating against a fellow student who insulted her sister. Committing fully to this unwanted experience, she plans to embrace sin while at camp—only to find herself falling for Julia, her best friend’s father’s daughter. This poignant narrative addresses the complex challenges faced by many queer teens navigating religious environments.
You’ve Found Oliver by Dustin Thao (September 30)
This companion novel to You’ve Reached Sam follows Oliver as he continues to text his deceased best friend Sam’s number a year after his passing. A serendipitous call connects him with Ben, a college student who has been receiving his messages. Their conversations lead them to wonder if their paths were fated to intersect amidst their shared grief.
As spring unfolds, a wealth of additional YA literature is on the horizon. Readers eager for romantic tales can look into these queer YA rom-coms for their spring selections, while also keeping an eye out for exciting new adult debut novels from beloved YA authors.
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bookriot.com