The 10 Must-Read YA Novels Hitting in February 2025: Though brief, overflows with chances for readers to fall in love—with stories, with culture, and with the magic of words. As Valentine’s Day fills the air with romance, Black History Month invites us to celebrate rich narratives and profound voices. Winter’s chill offers the perfect excuse to curl up with a blanket and lose yourself in tales that stir the heart.
This month’s books weave enchanting worlds, explore identity and connection, and delve into love in all its forms—passionate, tender, and transformative. From heartfelt romances to gripping adventures and reflections on heritage, these stories promise to ignite your imagination and spark meaningful conversations. Prepare your TBR pile—these captivating reads will leave you breathless and longing for more.
- The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith
- This Ends in Embers by Kamilah Cole
- Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours
- Where Shadows Bloom by Catherine Bakewell
- Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray
- (S)Kin by Ibi Zoboi
- All Better Now by Neal Shusterman
- Knucklehead by Tony Keith Jr.
- Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft
- The History of Everything by Victoria Evans
The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith
In 1848 London, immortal fae Queen Mor rules England, granting her subjects one chance to bargain for their desires. Ivy Benton, facing a ruined family and bleak future, enters a competition to win Prince Bram’s hand. With the help of his charming brother, Prince Emmett, Ivy becomes a front-runner. But as the queen’s trials grow deadly, Ivy uncovers the dark cost of faerie bargains, risking more than she ever imagined.
This Ends in Embers by Kamilah Cole
Faron Vincent, once San Irie’s saint, now stands disgraced and bound to a ruthless killer, forced to aid Iya’s bloody empire. Her sister, Elara, the new Empyrean, must stop Iya’s invasion and save their crumbling world. As war looms, Elara struggles to protect her sister, her nation, and herself. In this explosive finale to the Divine Traitors duology, both sisters face impossible choices, blurring the line between hero and villain in a fight for survival.
Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours
Sariyah Lee Bryant senses what people need, a secret only her family and best friend, Malcolm, know. When she helps Deja, who vanishes soon after, Sariyah fears her ability is more curse than gift. Determined to find Deja, she investigates, balancing family struggles and her brother’s illness. Desperate for money, she starts selling her gift—only to realize it may lead her straight into the same danger that took Deja.
Where Shadows Bloom by Catherine Bakewell
Ofelia dreams of entering Le Château Enchanté, where shadow monsters never tread. Lope, a knight sworn to protect her, longs to escape together. When Shadows invade, they embark on a perilous journey to the heart of darkness—the dazzling yet deceptive Château Enchanté itself.
Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray
Spanning three timelines, this novel follows Sophie and Hanna resisting the Nazis in 1940s Germany, Jenny’s rebellion and love in 1980s West Germany, and Chloe and Miles in 2020 uncovering a decades-old mystery tied to the Bridegroom’s Oak. Love, resistance, and history intertwine.
(S)Kin by Ibi Zoboi
Marisol, a fireball witch bound by tradition, struggles to contain her magic in Brooklyn, where her mother keeps her tethered to their past. Genevieve, battling a mysterious hunger and worsening skin condition, longs for answers about her estranged mother. When their lives intersect, they uncover deep family secrets. As they navigate identity, power, and heritage, they realize the skin trapping their flames holds more danger than the magic itself.
All Better Now by Neal Shusterman
A mysterious virus spreads, leaving survivors in a state of complete contentment. While many embrace the change, those in power fear a world without greed and insecurity. As corporations push for a cure, a rebel movement fights to spread the virus. Caught in the chaos, three teens from different backgrounds must navigate shifting truths and hidden agendas, ultimately shaping the fate of humanity in a battle over happiness itself.
Knucklehead by Tony Keith Jr.
Tony Keith Jr. delivers a powerful poetry collection that challenges stereotypes about Black boys labeled as “knuckleheads.” Through raw, evocative verse, he explores racism, homophobia, self-discovery, and the transformative power of language.
These poems offer solace, ignite hope, and celebrate love in all its forms. With striking black-and-white illustrations, this collection redefines identity, resilience, and the beauty of embracing one’s true self in a world that often misunderstands and silences.
Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft
In this magical YA fantasy, young fairy queen Clarion must prove herself as threats loom over Pixie Hollow. When a monster from Winter crosses into Spring, she seizes the chance to protect her kingdom. Instead of danger, she finds Milori, a Winter guardian. As they race to save their lands, an undeniable bond forms, defying ancient rules. Their love could be as perilous as the monsters haunting the frozen woods.
The History of Everything by Victoria Evans
Agnes and Daisy, inseparable best friends, face a life-changing summer when Agnes learns she’s moving away. Determined to make their final months unforgettable, they discover “The History of Everything,” a scrapbook filled with a bucket list of adventures. But when Daisy starts dating a drummer, their bond begins to strain.
As insecurities rise, they question if their friendship can survive the changes. Victoria Evans’ debut graphic novel explores growing up, growing apart, and the enduring power of friendship.
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