10 Most Anticipated Young Adult Books of Spring 2026

As the seasons change and flowers begin to bloom, so too does the literary landscape, brimming with fresh stories just waiting to be explored. Spring 2026 is set to unveil a treasure trove of captivating young adult novels that promise to whisk readers away on unforgettable adventures. From heartwarming tales of self-discovery to thrilling dystopian sagas, this season’s lineup offers something for every teen (and those young at heart). In this article, we’ll delve into the 10 most anticipated young adult books hitting the shelves this spring—each one a potential new favorite that will keep you glued to the page. Get ready to mark your calendars and prepare your reading lists; these stories are sure to spark excitement and inspiration!

Change of Plans

Sarah Dessen

Finley has always felt most comfortable in someone else’s shadow. Fortunately, she’s got Colin, her magnetic boyfriend, who sweeps her along for activities, friendships, and future plans. Then she goes on a last-minute trip with her distant mom to a family vacation house that Finley didn’t know existed and is now about to be sold.

Her mom was estranged from her own parents and siblings since leaving home for college, and it’s a novelty for Finley to see her aunts and cousins. There’s also the handful of teens who work at the Egg, her aunt’s diner, and make up a found family of their own—including undeniably.

Release Date: May 5, 2026

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We’re a Bad Idea, Right?

K.L. Walther

Audrey Barbour has had enough of following the rules. Eighteen years of being the perfect daughter—exceptional grades, enviable college acceptances, tame dating history—and still, her parents don’t trust her enough to let her study her passion, glassblowing, on a prestigious fellowship.

So when her best friend Henry proposes an outrageous fake-dating scheme to win back his ex-girlfriend, it feels like the first step to shaking up her perfect life. And the second? That comes when Audrey’s parents go out of town, sparking a high-risk, high-reward solution to pay for her fellowship—renting out her family’s Connecticut mansion.

Release Date: March 31, 2026

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Heiress of Nowhere

Stacey Lee

Lucy Nowhere has spent her eighteen years working on the vast estate of the eccentric shipbuilder who took her in after she washed ashore in a green canoe as a baby. But she has long wished for a life off the island, and in a matter of days, she is set to leave for college—and, for the first time, choose her own future.

Then she finds her employer’s severed head on the beach. Rumors swirl that a mischievous spirit and its minions, the sea wolves, have struck again. Lucy doesn’t believe in myths. She knows that a human—a human murderer—killed him. And when she is unexpectedly named heiress to the estate.

Release Date: March 17, 2026

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Be Right Back

Bill Wood

A year after solving their last mystery, the Sanera gang has split up to pursue college life, leaving their detective days behind-except for Cam, who struggles to move on. Now an assistant coach for the Sanera Sabretooths, Cam feels adrift until the Halloween festival brings the gang back together for a commemorative event. But when Cam sees the Carrington Ghoul-a figure tied to their final case-he’s thrust into a new mystery.

As Sanera’s Halloween festival descends into chaos, the gang discovers that someone is using local legends to commit gruesome murders. The killer’s obsession with their past exploits becomes clear.

Release Date: March 3, 2026

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What We Did to Survive

Megan Lally

Hannah is having an incredible spring break. A week at a resort in Mexico with her best friend Emmy and her family is perfect for de-stressing from senior year, even if it’s awkward being around Emmy’s older brother, Jackson, who she’s had a crush on for as long as she can remember. Still, the beach is gorgeous. So is the guy they meet in the surf. Except Hannah is now the third wheel in Emmy’s vacation romance.

Eager to impress Emmy, her wealthy new boyfriend charters a private sailboat to make the most of their last day in paradise, and Hannah and Jackson are invited along. As the clouds roll in and the skies darken.

Release Date: March 31, 2026

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As Long as You Loathe Me

Swati Hegde

Meera Rao-George is done being the dorky high school senior crushing on her neighbor Sushant, who only has eyes for cheerleader Lucy Hughson—Meera’s ex-best friend. After countless attempts to get his attention, Meera decides it’s time for a bold move: the Date Sushant & Dethrone Lucy Plan.

Lucy Hughson appears to have it all: a loving boyfriend, top grades, and a designer wardrobe. But beneath the surface, she battles anxiety, struggles with her identity, and questions her feelings.

Release Date: March 31, 2026

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Like We Were in Paris

Stephan Lee

Ben Lim is so excited for his French Club’s trip to the most romantic city in the world: Paris. Ben’s even made a to-do list of all the things he wants to accomplish, like see the Mona Lisa IRL and read a book in a sophisticated cafe. Also, Ben’s parents honeymooned in Paris, and being there will help Ben connect more to the memory of his late dad.

But things go wrong the first night when Ben misses curfew and finds himself locked out of the youth hostel…until morning. Also locked out? Tyler Travers, the most popular and handsome boy in school. Who, oh yeah, happens to be Ben’s former friend and current nemesis.

Release Date: May 5, 2026

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Charmed and Dangerous

Shelly Page

Magic lingers in the cozy town of Fair Glen, Illinois, and it’s up to the agents at the Bureau of Mystical Affairs to keep it in check. Monroe Bennett, a junior recruit at the Bureau, is ready to ace her first assignment: tracking down the source of a rogue love charm.

Protecting her charmed classmates, including the Bureau Director’s daughter Iris James, is top priority. But when Iris asks Monroe to fake date her to make her ex jealous, things get complicated. Monroe believes in duty, not romance.

Release Date: March 24, 2026

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Drop Dead Famous

Jennifer Pearson

When superstar Blair Baker is murdered moments before her triumphant homecoming concert, her younger sister, Stevie, knows she has one chance to find out who’s responsible. The thing is, Stevie’s been here before, desperately searching for clues that might reveal who hurt someone she loves…but Stevie was younger then, just a kid. This time, she won’t let the truth slip through her fingers.

What begins as a search for answers about Blair’s death turns into a dangerous journey through the darker side of global fame. Soon, Stevie begins to uncover dark secrets closer to home—secrets that someone wants desperately to keep hidden.

Release Date: May 5, 2026

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Two Perfect Lies

Natalie D. Richards

If it weren’t for Lily, Clara would still be a total outcast, shunned for her role in an incident that gave her a criminal record and ruined another girl’s life. She’s spent the past two years trying to escape that night, and ever since Lily Dalton befriended her, she’s almost succeeded. After all, Lily’s the golden girl of the high school—smart, popular, beloved by all—and as her best friend, Clara’s now the bright, hard-working chemistry whiz.

But is Lily really just the good-hearted friend who saved Clara from the past? Because lately Lily has been talking about certain classmates and teachers—about wanting revenge.

Release Date: March 17, 2026

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