Editors’ Picks: Young Adult

Katsa, born with the skill to kill, has known nothing but life as the king’s thug. Despite being forced to use her gift (or rather, curse) to hunt down the king’s opponents, Katsa is determined to retain her mind as her own and serves on a secret council dedicated to keeping the peace as it watches over the seven kingdoms. “Graceling,” the first of the “Graceling Realm” series, has all the trappings of an epic YA fantasy: A slow burn romance, vivid worldbuilding, and a showdown between a kickass heroine and a genuinely terrifying villain. — Emma C.

Lives up to the elegance of its cover and mouthful of a title. A visceral reminder of how formative and raw our teenage years are, and the life-altering effects that happen when you meet that one person — your first love. — Regina E.

The summer before college (Stanford for Dimple and MIT for Rishi), the pair meet at a summer program for web developers, not knowing what their parents have in store for them. Dimple is a somewhat opinionated, unconventional pragmatist who is determined to succeed in her career ambitions, whereas Rishi is a go-with-the-flow romantic who values tradition, including an arranged marriage. Despite an initial setback, sparks fly, and their relationship develops into something more (but not marriage — at least not yet). — Sarah S.

Despite tackling many sobering issues like bullying and suicide, “The Song Will Save Your Life” delivers on the hopefulness of its title with plenty of heart, humor, and, of course, a cool track list. Elise Dembowski gets obsessed with DJing and nothing can stop her from getting behind the decks to throw a great dance party. The representation of a female DJ inspired me to pick up a DJ controller and learn, too. — Ashley M.

This beautifully offbeat novel deftly entwines a magical Los Angeles (aptly called Shangri-L.A.) with all-too-real issues of adulthood in the ’80s. Its poetic prose is sure to dazzle teen and adult readers alike. — Alex P.

Traditionally, memoirs don't have a place in YA, but there is a strong case to be made that Frank’s is a quintessential YA memoir. Although more known for its inside look at the horrors of the Holocaust, there is, at its core, a beautifully written book about a teen finding her identity in extreme adversity. — Andrea B.