Welcome to 2025’s first and most-anticipated reads of the year! Scroll down to discover January’s book releases.

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao

This latest YA novel by acclaimed writer Gloria Chao takes readers on a soaring adventure through love, loss, and the lively streets of Taiwan.

Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue by Kate Pearsall – 1/7

In this haunting companion to Bittersweet in the Hollow, a girl who can smell the lies of others uncovers the incendiary mysteries of her small Appalachian town.

The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard – 1/7

For fans of Laura Nowlin’s If Only I Had Told Her, a deeply romantic novel that explores the raw emotions of love, pain and grief.

The Cursed Rose by Leslie Vedder – 1/7

The fate of a cursed kingdom rests on ancient secrets, broken promises, and fierce friendships in this gasp-worthy final book, now in paperback, of the bestselling twisted fairytale Bone Spindle series.

True True by Don P. Hooper – 1/7

In this powerful and fast-paced YA contemporary debut, a Black teen from Brooklyn struggles to fit in at his almost entirely-white Manhattan prep school, resulting in a fight and a plan for vengeance. Now in paperback.

Everything Is Poison by Joy McCullough – 1/14

This historical novel in prose and verse tells the story of a deadly secret hiding in plain sight and of the women who risk everything to provide care for those with nowhere else to turn, perfect for fans of Blood Water Paint and The Lost Apothecary.

First Love Language by Stefany Valentine – 1/14

For fans of Frankly in Love and Tokyo Ever After comes a romantic dramedy about finding love and reconnecting with your culture in the most surprising ways.

All the Love Under the Vast Sky edited by Kip Wilson – 1/14

Twelve short stories in verse by bestselling and award-winning authors that explore the highs and lows of love – romantic, platonic, familial, and self-love.

Beasts of War by Ayana Gray – 1/14

In this epic conclusion to her New York Times bestselling series, Ayana Gray delivers a heart-pounding fantasy adventure filled with mythos, monsters, and mortal heroes who are astoundingly human. Now in paperback.

American Wings by Sherri L. Smith and Elizabeth Wein – 1/14

From the acclaimed author of Flygirl and the bestselling author of Code Name Verity comes the thrilling and inspiring true story of the desegregation of the skies.

Ever Since by Alena Bruzas – 1/14

An intense, beautiful debut about the power of finding your voice and sharing your story after trauma. Perfect for fans of Nina LaCour and Kathleen Glasgow. Now in paperback.

All You Have to Do by Autumn Allen – 1/21

Now in paperback, a powerful, thought-provoking, and heartfelt look at what it takes (and takes and takes) for two Black students to succeed in prestigious academic institutions in America.

Bless the Blood by Walela Nehanda – 1/21

A searing debut YA poetry and essay collection about a Black cancer patient who faces medical racism after being diagnosed with leukemia in their early twenties, for fans of Audre Lorde’s The Cancer Journals and Laurie Halse Anderson’s Shout.