Plot/Idea: Charlotte's Ghosts, a YA historical novel, is the charming, heartbreaking tale of new kid Charlotte "C.C." Cross, who has a plethora of problems: her father was recently killed in Afghanistan, her widowed mother has dragged her across the country to a new school, and she sees dead people. Specifically, she sees Jeremy Turner, killed fighting for the Union in Manassas, Virginia, in 1862.

Prose: Aside from some grammatical and formatting errors, Simone's prose is precise and descriptive, and she does a fine job juggling Charlotte and Jeremy's POVs, jumping between Charlotte's struggles in the present and the early battles of the American Civil War. Simone also vividly captures the cost of war even beyond the loss of lives.

Originality: There are many YA novels about grieving teenagers and the Civil War, but Charlotte's Ghosts is singular: not just a book about a modern teenager and a long-dead teenager; not just about the titular heroine's struggles to deal with family tragedy; and not just a book about the early battles of the Civil War, but a successful blending of these elements that will deeply gratify perceptive readers.

Character/Execution: Simone's characters are each well articulated and developed: Charlotte is a grieving bundle of anxiety, hormones, and curiosity, struggling to deal with the abrupt changes in her life even as she wonders if she's losing her mind. Her widowed mother's suffering is also quietly impactful. For his part, the long-dead Civil War casualty Jeremy Turner, is convincingly portrayed, his regrets trapping him in the ground he died in.

Plot/Idea: Sixth grader Jay Weaver is shocked when his family moves to Boston, uprooting him, once again, when all he wants to do is settle in with friends and navigate middle school. As he adjusts to his new environment and changing family dynamics, he also undergoes the conventional trials of adolescence. The story reflects universal coming-of-age themes that will resonate with readers from all walks of life.

Prose: Wesslen skillfully transports readers into a teenager's mind, exploring the angst, elation, and drudgery that often accompany adolescence. The prose convinces, painting a stirring portrayal of growing up—and the challenges that go with it.

Originality: Jay's efforts at building trust within an unfamiliar community, in the middle of a school year, will resonate with readers, as will the rites of passage he experiences in the context of the narrative.

Character/Execution: Readers will easily connect with Jay and recognize his growth as the story develops. Wesslen depicts his challenges and triumphs with authenticity, and the supporting cast advances Jay's maturation as well.

Plot/Idea: Squire Burchard Wolfensberger dreams of battle even after his vision of a great white wolf warns him of unforeseen danger. Themes of teamwork, found family, and the harsh realities of war will strongly resonate with readers.

Prose: Jensen’s writing is well-crafted and dynamic, with striking descriptions of a fantasy realm that fully envelop readers in the storytelling.

Originality: Chronicles of Sword and Fang blends familiar elements of fantasy, adventure, and animal magic, but the result is a riveting tale for young readers.

Character/Execution: Fourteen-year-old Burchard and his peers are crisply depicted as they evolve and learn the importance of working together to battle forces of evil.

Plot/Idea: In a world where Fae and Humans coexist uneasily, Queen Maelys entrusts Caden, a half Fae, half human seeker, to find Sislie, a fairy princess thrust to the forefront of political intrigue. Wool's story moves quickly, the different subplots neatly interlaced, and transports readers into a glimmering fantasy world of betrayal, trickery, and new beginnings.

Prose: Wool’s writing is strong and polished, braced by expressive worldbuilding and eloquent prose. 

Originality: Medieval settings, fairies, and magic are familiar tropes reinvigorated by Wool’s engaging characters and their adventures, as well as the novel's interesting geopolitical dynamics.

Character/Execution: Sislie and Caden are vividly constructed, both convincing and appealing characters who will coax readers into their journey from the beginning.   

Plot/Idea: Final Video Game is a fun, clever romp exploring humanity’s deepest fears regarding AI. Middle grade readers will connect with Speakes's coming-of-age themes and energetic plot.

Prose: Speakes’s writing expertly brings readers along on protagonist Oliver’s wild ride and opportunity to be a hero, with strong, witty prose that advances the story. 

Originality: Final Video Game feels both timely with its AI antagonist, and timeless, as it leans into the kids-team-up-to-save-the-day trope.

Character/Execution: Main character Oliver is believable as a 13-year-old navigating grief and self-doubt, all while trying to fit in with new, well-rounded friends. Teen readers will appreciate the tongue-in-cheek style Speakes uses to write adult characters.

Plot/Idea: Body of Origin is an often riveting fantasy/sci-fi YA thriller centered on the unique capabilities of 16-year-old girl living in a complex alternate world. There's a steady give-and-take of rising and falling action as well as exposition, which makes the plights of the characters clear and relatable. The worldbuilding is top-notch, introducing novel concepts while also drawing from true-to-life circumstances. 

Prose: The author's writing style effectively captures the internal voice of a teenager who, while mature and facing impossible issues, is still in some ways innocent and naive enough to retain a fresh and youthful perspective.

Originality: Because the story covers so many topics (political influence, the rights one has over their own body, sexuality and consent, etc.), it would be easy to assume that it would wind up a collection of cliches or tired tropes. This story, however, brings them all together in unique ways that speak not only to the author's talent, but to her grasp of the complexities of each individual issue as well as how they intersect.

Character/Execution: Though they are not yet adults, the protagonists show a tremendous amount of depth and maturity while staying relatable to the intended teen audience. Young adults, lovers of fantasy and sci-fi, and bibliophiles who enjoy political and/or social thrillers will find much to love.

Plot/Idea: Lin’s dual timeline is fluid and engaging, moving quickly and holding interest in both contemporary and past sections of the novel. The star-crossed lovers theme plays well, rendered subtly but powerfully, and the story of fifth-century China echoes exquisitely in the present-day tale. 

Prose: Lin writes skillfully, unraveling dual storylines with ease, all while perfectly capturing the characters’ emotions. The lyrical prose in Wencai’s story is lilting and gentle, every bit as delicate as the butterfly themes that flit throughout the novel.

Originality: This is a captivating, multilayered story that expertly plumbs love, betrayal, and passion over the course of centuries. 

Character/Execution: The myriad of characters is carefully drawn, and backstories develop smoothly, making the cast easy to track. Butterfly’s attempts to navigate the contemporary world are relatable and, at times, even entertaining, and Brandon exerts a strong narrative voice throughout. Perhaps most memorable is the animated, intense relationship between Wencai and Shanbo, one that has a satisfying ending.

Plot/Idea: Shady Rulers is a brilliantly realized story of magic, adventure, and discovery that benefits from a perfectly imagined storyline. Its dramatic action scenes and brisk plot combine to provide readers with a bold and multifaceted tale that does not disappoint.

Prose: Styrkur's text is daring and enjoyable, carving a thoughtfully developed fantasy landscape with strong characters to boot. The book's often poetic, lyrical, and stirring language is immersive, engaging, and sure to appeal to young lovers of fantasy fiction.

Originality: Shady Rulers is an accessible, memorable, and confidently written fantasy novel for young adults. The text is nicely bolstered by maps, illustrations, and a charming character index, which all help enhance Styrkur's burgeoning fantasy landscape.

Character/Execution: The characters in Styrkur's novel are all well crafted, particularly Terrack, an exiled elf desperate for revenge against his father, King Jarsophos. Shady Rulers launches a tantalizing series of fantasy adventure stories for young readers.

Blurb: A captivating fantasy adventure thriller.

Plot/Idea: Deadly plagues, magical powers, and a terrifying enemy form a firestorm of danger in this multilayered novel that takes place in the year 2077. The plot centers on Ava Firestone, born in an institute with one purpose: to create Gifted children, capable of mastering nature’s basic elements as weapons. There’s a war raging outside the walls of the institute, and cryptic changes happening inside of it, and Vasileva ties it all together with an epic, and complex, ending that will shock readers.

Prose: Vasileva sets up the story’s conflict right away, giving readers a hint that danger is lurking later in the novel, for Ava, her adviser, Patrick, and the supporting cast. The prose is watchful and convincing, alluding to the story’s building uncertainty at every turn.

Originality: Vasileva builds a world teeming with magic but still believable, in a near future beset by greed and reckless violence. Seasoned readers will recognize several of the story’s fantasy elements, but that doesn’t take away from the entertainment factor.

Character/Execution: Ava is bitterly conflicted—about her abilities, her purpose, and her future—but Vasileva convincingly portrays both her vulnerabilities and gifts as strengths. The story unfolds through her voice, a compelling perspective that readers will instantly connect with. Morgana is an equally gripping character, and the twist at the end sets her up for a return appearance in future installments.

Plot/Idea: In this cozy supernatural story, a young boy teams up with a tabby cat who is much more than meets the eye. Quirky and heartfelt by turns, The Cat Who Chased Ghosts proves that man's best friend can be feline, and that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

Prose: Minnella uses a playfully informative tone–punctuated by wry, tongue-in-cheek humor–throughout the novel. Middle grade readers will feel immediately at home in this lightly spooky story. 

Originality: Minnella integrates familiar elements, but with some very fun twists, an atmospheric setting, and sparkling worldbuilding. 

Character/Execution: While Whiskers undoubtedly steals the show, Timmy is an appealing hero who sets out to learn the secrets of 'Haunted Hall' and the legacy of the Guardian Cats alongside equally engaging and inquisitive sidekicks.

Plot/Idea: Mahina's tale of magic, spirituality, determination, and nature proves an exciting and thought provoking plot for young readers. They will be enthralled with Mahina's refreshing ideas and the story's exceptionally unique setting.

Prose: Throughout, Blossom crafts believable dialogue and stunning descriptions of nature. The balanced and smooth writing style provides the proper backdrop for Mahina's story, while engaging with the novel's themes.

Originality: Blossom offers an intriguing story of a young girl seeking to make a difference. Between the elements of magical realism and the story's well-developed characters, readers will find this exciting and thoughtful.

Character/Execution: Each character within Mahina Rises is lovingly fashioned with their own individual goals, fears, and aspirations. They all work together in a cohesive manner to help steer the plot in an engaging and thrilling way.

Plot/Idea: Alyen wants to enjoy the peace after Dúramair defeated its enemies in a great battle, but all of her senses are screaming at her that danger is still near. Evil appears in the form of a deadly storm. With the metaphors of storm and shadow, Slayer of Monsters explores what it takes to be victorious. Mollova hits all of her beats, weaving a story that is easy to fall into, and leaving readers ready for the next book.

Prose: Slayer of Monsters maintains a clear narrative style that is appropriate for its audience, while honoring its fantasy traditions.

Originality: Slayer of Monsters is a true high fantasy adventure. A personified storm of “darkling elementals” is a fresh take on magical danger.

Character/Execution: Readers will immediately become invested in Alyen and her friends. Slayer of Monsters displays an understanding of YA sensibilities balanced with well-crafted fantasy characters. Dissimilar character names might make them even more easily distinguishable.

Plot/Idea: Gonzalo Lopez, or "weakling" as the bullies call him, is a Hispanic-Jewish high school student who inexplicably develops superpowers as he's about to be beaten (again) by the school bully. What follows is a clever, funny, action-packed tale with a twist that changes everything.

Prose: Tarassenko's prose is quick and clever, with excellent wordplay and descriptions. Though the bully might come off as a cliché to some readers, the characters feel, speak, and behave like realistic teenagers.

Originality: There are many books about nerdy, bully-bait teenagers suddenly getting superpowers, but few like this one, with diverse characters, real-world problems, and a twist readers won't see coming.

Character/Execution: Tarassenko's characters are relatable and entertaining, particularly Gonzalo, who is a self-effacing delight. He's harder on himself than anyone else, even the bully, but isn't afraid to wryly poke fun at his situation.

Plot/Idea: Set in Egypt, Illinois during the Great Depression, The Willa Tree is a polished, richly realized story about the Rose family. When a school assignment about researching families leads 15-year-old Lettie to ask questions,  a generation of sinister secrets come out to the detriment of all.

Prose: Farrell's prose is lovely and vivid, even when describing unpleasant scenes, while her writing also powerfully captures Lettie's determination, spirit, and inquisitiveness.

Originality: A distinctive historical setting, winning characters, explosive secrets, and an astonishing twist ending, allow this coming-of-age story to shine.

Character/Execution: Lettie is a wonderfully complex young woman determined to rise above her family's plans and be more than "just a maid." A school project that requires interviewing family members brings everyone's fears and prejudices to light, but rather than shy away as her parents demand, she is determined to find out the truth about herself, her mother, and her true father. Lettie's best friend, Stan, and her worst enemy, school bully Mabel Mae, are also terrific characters, and the three of them work together to expose a generation of secrets.

Plot/Idea: Fast paced and thrilling, C.W. James has crafted a wonderful middle grade story that is enthralling for all ages. With lovable characters that the audience can root for and an intriguing storyline, The Tomb of Phatmes has the feel of a children's classic.

Prose: James writes in vivid, detailed, and precise prose that provides historical verisimilitude without sacrificing mystery, adventure, and intrigue.

Originality: Although the story is molded by the staples of its genre, The Tomb of Ptahmes consistently approaches each event with novelty and nuance.

Character/Execution: Each of the characters is unique and interesting, with their own meaningful motivations for their actions. Although sometimes these motivations are basic, they add to the realism of the story and help drive the narrative.

Plot/Idea: The other kids call Enid Davies a witch’s daughter, but she and her friends, Dylan and Zoe, are normal teens until the day that a monster tries to drown Enid in the lake. Readers won’t have to wait long to get into the action during Enid’s quest to save her friend on Affalon Isle. Ramsey delivers a quick-moving and wildly fun magical adventure for YA readers.

Prose: Ramsey delivers a clear, propulsive narrative with a healthy balance between dialogue and action.

Originality: Evil queens, wizards, and dragons spill into the real world as seamlessly as they populate a fantasy realm. Enid’s quest to save her friend is seeped in Arthurian legend and packed with delightful interactions.

Character/Execution: Enid and Dylan are believable teens with a genuine friendship that transcends form and place. Ramsey’s characters have agency and dimension.