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Kelly and Erica look back on 8 years of Hey YA, highlighting their favorite (and messy!) YA moments, their most memorable episodes, and some YA books they think deserve more attention. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Ready for a cozy, bookish autumn? Let Tailored Book Recommendations help you find your next favorite read with handpicked suggestions from professional book nerds. Get started today from just $18! Memorable Moments: Hey YA episode “Podcasting While Eating Chocolate Cake” Hey YA episode “I See a Cat, I Like It” How YA Twitter Took Down a Best-Seller Pretender The Blues Traveler Story The Worst Bestsellers Episode on Handbook for Mortals “A History of Buying Books Onto the Bestseller List”  Hey YA episode "I'm Optimistic Because It Saved My Life" Noor.org Books Discussed: East by Edith Pattou Frost by Marianna Baer  Invisible Son by Kim Johnson The Suffragist’s Guide to the Antarctic by Yi Shun Lai The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros 13 Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All by Laura Ruby Aya by Marguerite Abouet The Cuffing Game by Lyla Lee This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first half of this two-part episode, Erica goes back in time to the late '80s with Mariko Tamaki's and Nicole Goux's sapphic murder mystery This Place Kills Me. Next, Kelly Jensen speaks to Hannah V. Sawyerr about her novel-in-verse Truth Is. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Ready for a cozy, bookish autumn? Let Tailored Book Recommendations help you find your next favorite read with handpicked suggestions from professional book nerds. Get started today from just $18! Show Notes: This Place Kills Me by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Nicole Goux Nicole Goux's current reading list: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Audiobook), The Corus Wave by Karenza Sparks Mariko Tamaki's current reading list: Collected Millar by Margaret Millar, My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones, The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo Follow Mariko Tamaki on Instagram and Nicolce Goux on Instagram The Turnaway Study Brave New Voices When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur Six Truths and a Lie by Ream Shukairy Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo Plan A by Deb Caletti Ask Me How I Got Here by Christine Heppermann Find Hannah V. Sawyerr on Instagram and TikTok. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly and Erica highlight the best of September's new YA books, including some feminist nonfiction, thrilling mysteries, goth-y fun, and more. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Ready for a cozy, bookish autumn? Let Tailored Book Recommendations help you find your next favorite read with handpicked suggestions from professional book nerds. Get started today from just $18! Show Notes: Self-Silencing Is Making Women Sick Twilight Will Be Back in Theaters This October The Story of My Anger by Jasminne Mendez YA Novels in Verse for 2025 Truth Is by Hanna V. Sawyerr Arm in Arm: The Grimke Sisters' Fight for Abolition and Women' s Rights by Angelica Shirley Carpenter Loudmouth: Emma Goldman vs. America by Deborah Heiligman You’ve Goth My Heart by L.C. Rosen By Invitation Only by Alexandra Brown Chang When We Were Monsters by Jennifer Niven The Secret History by Donna Tartt Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley Blood Moon by Britney S. Lewis Through Our Teeth by Pamela N. Harris Who’s All Going (To Die)? by Lisa Springer If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erica highlights some new YA genre-bending thrillers and Kelly talks with YA author Candace Fleming about her latest book, Death in the Jungle, as well as cults and YA nonfiction. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Ready for a cozy, bookish autumn? Let Tailored Book Recommendations help you find your next favorite read with handpicked suggestions from professional book nerds. Get started today from just $18! This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Show Notes: The Devil's in the Dancers by Catherine Yu Roar of the Lambs by Jamison Shea When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur Empty Heaven by Freddie Kölsch Predatory Natures by Amy Goldsmith Death in the Jungle by Candace Fleming The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming The Family Romanov by Candace Fleming The Great and Only Barnum by Candace Fleming "What Makes for Good YA Nonfiction" from School Library Journal Wake the Wild Creatures by Nova Ren Suma The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed Cultish by Amanda Montell The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams Underground by Haruki Murakami A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly Burn Baby Burn by Meg Medina The Color of a Lie by Kim Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly and Erica discuss the latest media they've been consuming and the YA books coming out in August that they're most excited about. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Book Riot is hiring a digital content specialist! If you love books and know the ins and outs of social media strategy, and especially social video, consider joining the team. Find details and apply by August 22, 2025, at riotnewmedia.com/careers. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Books Discussed: Tin House Workshop Legendary Fry Bread Drive-In edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith A Beautiful and Terrible Murder by Claire M. Andrews Songs for Ghosts by Clara Kumagai The L.O.V.E. Club by Lio Min White Lies: How the South Lost the Civil War, Then Rewrote the History by Ann Bausum The Next Generation United Daughters of the Confederacy: Book Censorship News, April 28, 2023 Tall Water by SJ Sindu, Dion MBD Rosa By Any Other Name by Hailey Alcaraz Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez This Place Kills Me by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Nicole Goux What Hunger by Catherine Dang Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes by Sandra Jackson-Opoku Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erica talks queer YA graphic novels you should read and Kelly speaks with author and activist Frederick Joseph. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help! TBR delivers reading recommendations hand-picked just for you by real human book nerds. You can get your recommendations via email, or receive hardcovers or paperbacks in the mail. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Plans start at just $18! This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Books Discussed: The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Ostertag Daybreak Volume One by Moosopp The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 1 by Mokumokuren, Ajani Oloye (Translator) The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen Brooms By Jasmine Walls, Teo Duvall (Illustrator) This Thing of Ours by Frederick Joseph The Black Friend by Frederick Joseph Ruin Road by Lamar Giles Hey YA interview with Lamar Giles Dwyane Wade The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir On the Come Up by Angie Thomas The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze by Derrick Barnes Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo 24 Seconds From Now . . . by Jason Reynolds Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas Nic Stone Gayle Forman Ibi Zoboi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danika joins Kelly this week to talk about exciting new YA books that hit shelves in June and July, as well as to talk the best YA books of 2025 so far. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help! TBR delivers reading recommendations hand-picked just for you by real human book nerds. You can get your recommendations via email, or receive hardcovers or paperbacks in the mail. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Plans start at just $18! This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. News: Best YA books of 2025 So Far Trailer for Mason Deaver’s I Wish You All The Best has dropped We Were Liars released to Prime, The Summer I Turned Pretty Season Three is releasing its first two episodes on Prime July 16, and the animated take on Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan is dropping on Netflix July 10.  Marissa Meyer’s “The Lunar Chronicles” is being adapted for animation in fall 2028. Books Discussed: On Again, Awkward Again by Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwame Mbalia Death in the Jungle by Candace Fleming Messy Perfect by Tanya Boteju Love Points to You by Alice Lin "The Complicated World of YA Books for Younger Teens" "Do Teens Get Pushed Out of YA Books When It’s Called A Genre?" (S)Kin by Ibi Zoboi Hear Us Out by Nancy Garden The Year They Burned the Books by Nancy Garden Wednesday The Haunting of Hill HouseCall Your Boyfriend by Olivia A. Cole and Ashley Woodfolk Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe by CB Lee Best of All Worlds by Kenneth Oppel Half Brother by Kenneth Oppel Dan in Green Gables by Rey Terciero, illustrated by Claudia Aguirre Ana of California by Andi Teran Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli Hit Me with Your Best Charm by Lillie Vale The Tournament by Rebecca Barrow This Is What It Feels Like by Rebecca Barrow Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins Not So Shoujo Love Story, Volume 1 by Curryuku Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly talks with YA author L.M. Elliott about historical fiction, Watergate, and contemporary politics for teens. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help! TBR delivers reading recommendations hand-picked just for you by real human book nerds. You can get your recommendations via email, or receive hardcovers or paperbacks in the mail. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Plans start at just $18! This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Books Discussed: Truth, Lies, and The Questions In Between by L.M. Elliott Walls by L.M. Elliott The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins The West Wing Hamilton Suspect Red by L.M. Elliott Truth, Lies, and The Questions In Between Playlist L.M. Elliott's blog Mrs. America Countdown by Deborah Wiles (series) This Promise of Change by Debbie Levy Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World edited by Kelly Jensen (Don't) Call Me Crazy edited by Kelly JEnsen A Dangerous Idea by Debbie Levy Bluebird by Sharon Cameron The Silent Unseen by Amanda McCrina The Color of a Lie by Kim Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're revisiting a fantastic interview from earlier this year! Kelly talks with YA author and children’s literature champion Jason Reynolds about his career, writing the inner lives of teen boys, his favorite middle grade and YA books, and more. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. News: Jason Reynolds wins a MacArther Genius Grant Books Discussed: When I Was The Greatest by Jason Reynolds Coretta Scott King Book Awards Judy Blume Forever documentary Forever . . . by Judy Blume George M. Johnson Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds Miles Morales: Spider-Man by Jason Reynolds Eugene Yelchin "Coca Cola Classic 'Polar Bears' TV commercial 1993" The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley The Fire Next Time: A Letter to My Nephew by James Baldwin Erin Entrada Kelly A.S. King Randy Ribay King and the Dragonfly by Kacen Callender Love That Dog and Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech Weirdo by Tony Weaver, Jr. Jason's recommended reading order of his books if . . . You're a teacher or librarian planning to teach the books: Long Way Down Look Both Ways Ghost If you're an adult wanting to read them for yourself: Boy in the Black Suit The Track Series As Brave As You For Teens 14+: Long Way Down Ghost All American Boys (with Brendan Kiely) For Tweens: Stuntboy, in the Meantime (with Raúl the Third) Ghost Look Both Ways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a YA blast-from-the-past meets popular-still-for-a-reason this week. Kelly talks with E. Lockhart about the We Were Liars adaptation, and Erica talks with Rioter Danika Ellis about the 10th anniversary of Nimona. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Show Notes: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart Family of Liars by E. Lockhart We Fell Apart by E. Lockhart Hey YA Interview with Gayle Forman We Were Liars on Prime Instagram My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han Again, Again by E. Lockhart Nimona by N.D. Stevenson Nimona on Netflix 10 Years Later, We Need Nimona More Than Ever by Danika Ellis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erica goes over a nice mix of new YA books by AAPI authors, while Kelly has a great convo with Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwame Mbalia, authors of the new rom-com On Again, Awkward Again. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Ready to level up your reading life? Become a Book Riot All Access member and explore our full library of members-only content, including must-reads, deep dives, and reading challenge recommendations. For a limited time, the first 50 new All Access annual members get a FREE copy of Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz courtesy of Tor Publishing! Join Book Riot All Access to level up your reading life and claim your free copy of Automatic Noodle. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Books Discussed: Eliza, from Scratch by Sophia Lee Fitting Indian by Jyoti Chand, illustrated by Tara Anand Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur The Summer I Remembered Everything by Catherine Con Morse On Again, Awkward Again by Erin Entrada Kelly, Kwame Mbalia A Universe of Wishes edited by Dhonielle Clayton Black Boy Joy edited by Kwame Mbalia The White Guy Dies First edited by Terry J. Benton-Walker The Black Girl Survives in This One edited by Desiree S. Evans and Saraciea J. Fennell Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley Then Again, Maybe I Won't by Judy Blume The Fell of Dark by Caleb Roehrig Darius The Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero You Should See Me In a Crown by Leah Johnson Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead Shine by Candy Gourlay Hurricane Child by Kacen Callender Hello Universe and Lalani of the Distant Sea by Erin Entrada Kelly Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement by Jill Tew Moko Magic: Carnival Chaos by Tracey Baptiste Kwame Mbalia's Freedom Fire imprint (more info) You can follow both Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwame Mbalia on Bluesky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erica shares a few new books to start the month off with. Then, we revisit a great past episode where Kelly and Erica discuss the first book of the super-popular 1980s/1990s series Sweet Valley High. We also find out who is more of a Jessica/Elizabeth. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Ready to level up your reading life? Become a Book Riot All Access member and explore our full library of members-only content, including must-reads, deep dives, and reading challenge recommendations. For a limited time, the first 50 new All Access annual members get a FREE copy of Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz courtesy of Tor Publishing! Join Book Riot All Access to level up your reading life and claim your free copy of Automatic Noodle. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. News: Graphic novels are booming in popularity. It’s changing children’s relationship with books LA Book Prize finalists announced Books Discussed: Audre & Bash Are Just Friends by Tia Williams The Glittering Edge by Alyssa Villaire Death in the Cards by Mia P. Manansala Salvación by Sandra Proudman Double Love (Sweet Valley High No. 1) by Francine Pascal From the ghostwriter On Again, Awkward Again by Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwame Mbalia The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 11 by Natsu Hyuuga, illustrated by Nekokurage, translated by Julie Goniwich Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erica gets into some cutesy/cozy YA books, and Kelly speaks to Huda Fahmy about her fictionalized memoir series. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Trust your reading list to the experts at Tailored Book Recommendations! The professional book nerds (aka bibliologists) at TBR have recommended over 160,000 books to readers of all kinds. Let TBR match you with your next favorite read! Simply fill out a quick survey about what you want more of in your reading life, and your bibliologist will scour their bookish knowledge to find three reads they think you’ll love. Choose from receiving just the recommendations via email, or opt to have paperbacks or hardcovers delivered right to your door. Get started for only $18 at mytbr.co! This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Books Discussed If You’ll Have Me by Eunnie I Shall Never Fall in Love: A Graphic Novel by Hari Conner If We Were a Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal Off Menu: A Graphic Novel by Oliver Gerlach, illustrated by Kelsi Jo Silva Delicious in Dungeon by Ryoko Kui If You're Not the One by Farah Naz Rishi Huda F Wants to Know by Huda Fahmy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly and Erica discuss their most anticipated YA books coming out in April. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Trust your reading list to the experts at Tailored Book Recommendations! The professional book nerds (aka bibliologists) at TBR have recommended over 160,000 books to readers of all kinds. Let TBR match you with your next favorite read! Simply fill out a quick survey about what you want more of in your reading life, and your bibliologist will scour their bookish knowledge to find three reads they think you’ll love. Choose from receiving just the recommendations via email, or opt to have paperbacks or hardcovers delivered right to your door. Get started for only $18 at mytbr.co! This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. News LJ Smith Dies at 66 The Gossip Mill Sunrise on the Reaping sees phenomenal early sales Books Discussed Messy Perfect by Tanya Boteju Somadina by Akwaeke Emezi Run Away With Me by Brian Selznick Sunlight Playing over a Mountain by Selina Li Bi  We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride  The House No One Sees by Adina King Renegade Girls by Nora Neus and illustrated by Julie Robine Get to know Nellie Bly The Corruption of Hollis Brown by K. Ancrum The Payback Girls by Alex Travis The Summer I Ate the Rich  by Maika Moulite They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh Tran The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown by Candace Fleming Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erica gets into some new YA graphic novels that she's excited about, and Kelly interviews YA author Ava Reid about her latest release, the art of homage, and being a life-long Hunger Games fan. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! A new year means a new Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons. To get recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. All Access subscribers get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. You can become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year to get unlimited access to all members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies of knowing you are supporting independent media. To join, visit bookriot.com/readharder. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Article discussed Graphic novels are booming in popularity. It’s changing children’s relationship with books Books Discussed Raised By Ghosts by Briana Loewinsohn Brielle and Bear: Volume 1 Salomey Doku Strange Bedfellows by Ariel Slamet Ries Huda F Wants to Know? By Huda Fahmy Renegade Girls: A Queer Tale of Romance and Rabble-Rousing by Nora Neus, illustrated by Julie Robine Fable at the End of the World by Ava Reid Juniper and Thorn by Ava Reid The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi Legend series by Marie Lu Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White The Fever King series by Victoria Lee Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan The Scorpio Races by Maggie Steifvater An Ember in the Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices