9 Young-Adult Books to Read in August 2023

A new month comes with the new feeling of having to read new books! August is another great month for young-adult novels, as there are great YA books releasing that really hit the range of tastes. Whether you’re curled up on your sofa or lounging by the beach, these young-adult novels will accompany you with refreshing stories to round out the summer. There are many great options you’ll have the good problem of not knowing which to read first. These are 9 Young-Adult Books to Read in August 2023!

“Forgive Me Not” by Jennifer Baker

It only took one night and one bad decision for Violetta Chen-Samuels’ life to spiral out of control. Letta went on a ride with her little sister Viv and ended up in an accident that took Viv’s life. Now, her fate is in the hands of those she’s hurt the most — her own family. If they forgive her, she might get to go home, but if not, things could get complicated. As Letta faces her trials with determination, she starts to question the purpose behind these trials, the harsh impact they have on offenders, and how society decides who deserves forgiveness.

“All the Yellow Suns” by Malavika Kannan

Maya Krishnan, an Indian American artist, takes center stage in Malavika Kannan’s debut novel, “All the Yellow Suns.” Her priorities in life revolve around three things: her friends, family, and art. Living in a Florida suburb and attending a school with harmful policies, Maya’s path intersects with a privileged student Juneau Zale. Juneau introduces Maya to a vigilante art group that fights for justice. However, as Maya becomes more deeply involved with Juneau, she starts drifting away from the people she cares most about. When doubts about Juneau’s motives creep in, only her art can lead Maya back to her true self.

“The Boy You Always Wanted” by Michelle Quach

Before her grandfather A Gung dies, Francine wants to ensure that he achieves everything he wants to in his life. A Gung’s final wish is to see a male heir carry on family traditions. Francine realizes she has no male family members that can carry on this request. Her solution?  Ask Ollie Tran, a family friend who also happens to be a former crush, to pretend to be ceremonially adopted and act like the grandson A Gung never had. The plan might work, but as Ollie and Francine’s worlds collide, their secrets get tangled and so do their feelings. Michelle Quach tackles the troubles of family tradition in this novel in a hilarious but also heartbreaking manner.

with the warmth of familial love and the thrill of first love, 🌅 THE BOY YOU ALWAYS WANTED 🌅 by @michellequach tells the tale of a girl who would do anything for her family and the boy who gets dragged into her schemes. read my review here: https://t.co/WjXWTzJDnw @EpicReads pic.twitter.com/FMmJaKP6pa

— michelle⁷ 7️⃣ (@magical_reads) July 29, 2023

“The Reunion” by Kit Frick

In Kit Frick’s gripping murder mystery, “The Reunion”, the Mayweather family rarely gathers, but a special destination wedding is about to change that. Siblings Addison and Mason will unite with their soon-to-be stepbrother, Theo, during the wedding in Cancun. The whole clan, including the somewhat chaotic cousin Natalia, comes together to celebrate this union. However, what should have been a joyous occasion turns into a deadly affair, as only 10 out of the 11 family members will survive the trip. The novel uncovers the deadly consequences of family bonding, as dark truths come to the surface during this fateful gathering.

“I’d Rather Burn Than Bloom” by Shannon C.F. Rogers

Shannon C.F. Rogers’s debut novel “I’d Rather Burn Than Bloom” introduces Marisol, who has always had difficulty understanding her mother. No conversation between them can ever pass without it turning into a screaming match. After her mother’s sudden death in a car accident, Marisol grapples with the loss of a woman who was both important to her and a source of pain. Overwhelmed by anger, Marisol directs it towards her loved ones, pushing them away until she’s left with just one unexpected new friend. This newfound friendship presents an opportunity for Marisol to move beyond her anger, but the question remains: is she ready to do so?

“Forget Me Not” by Alyson Derrick

Alyson Derrick’s solo debut, “Forget Me Not”, revolves around Stevie Green and Nora Martin. They both intend to head to California after graduation, seeking a place where they can openly embrace their relationship, far from their conservative Pennsylvania town. However, everything takes a dramatic turn when Stevie gets involved in a terrifying accident, resulting in the loss of her memories. She forgets the plan, her sexuality, and even Nora. With Stevie’s life shapeless and her memories gone, Nora grapples with the sudden disappearance of everything they once built together. The question now is whether starting over will be the end of their relationship or if they can find a way to rediscover each other and begin anew.

“Into the Light” by Mark Oshiro

Mark Oshiro’s thrilling novel “Into the Light” follows two young men whose lives become entwined after finding a dead body. Manny and his sister got separated when sent to the religious camp Reconciliation. He’s been searching for her in California ever since. Eli, on the other hand, has spent his whole life at the Reconciliation compound, puzzled by his lack of memories from before the camp. The discovery of a corpse in the California hills sets off a chain of events that unravels the camp’s history, their identities, and their forgotten pasts.

“We Don’t Swim Here” by Vincent Tirado

Vincent Tirado’s eerie YA horror novel “We Don’t Swim Here” delves into a town’s dark past with water avoidance. Bronwyn isn’t a Hillwoods native, but she has to live there to care for her sick grandmother. The town has an unusual social taboo against swimming, which disappoints Bronwyn, who loves it. Curious about this strange rule, she starts investigating the town’s records. However, her cousin Anais warns her that seeking answers might attract unwanted attention, not just from the living residents.

“The Davenports” by Krystal Marquis