Hey YA

Book Riot
Hey YA

From great new books to favorite classic reads, from news to the latest in on-screen adaptations, Hey YA is here to elevate the exciting world of young adult lit.

  1. 18 DEC

    I Like a Little Depression Now and Then: Our Favorite YA Books of 2024

    Kelly and Erica discuss their year in YA reading, looking back at their favorite books and themes that emerged. 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! At Tailored Book Recommendations, we’ve recommended over 150,000 books to readers of every type. And we’ve got good news— TBR makes a novel gift for the book lover on your list! All your gift recipient has to do is fill out a survey about their reading likes and dislikes, and our expert bibliologists will use their bookish knowledge to round up three personalized recommendations for reads we think they’ll love. Whether they’re a mystery maven, a historical fiction fanatic, or a contemporary connoisseur, we’ve got the chops to match the book lover in your life with their next favorite read. And it only takes a few clicks to gift TBR! Simply head to mytbr.co/gift to get started. You can even schedule the delivery of the welcome email, which means no more waiting on gifts to arrive last minute. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. News Morris and Nonfiction Awards Hey YA Episode with Paula Yoo Books Discussed Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee Cat + Gamer series by Wataru Nadatani, translated by Zack Davisson Hirayasumi, Vol. 1 by Keigo Shinzō, translated by Jan Mitsuko Cash Flying Witch by Chihiro Ishizuka, translated by Melissa Tanaka Clever Creatures of the Night by Samantha Mabry Flamboyants by George M. Johnson Shift Happens: The History of Labor in the United States by J. Albert Mann “The First American Union Understood The Necessity of Public Libraries and Education” Heir by Sabaa Tahir Suffragist’s Guide to the Antarctic by Yi Shun Lai Morgana and Oz by Miyuli Moon Dogs #1 (One Shot) by Tananarive Due, illustrated by Kelsey Ramsay The Fade #1 by Aabria Iyengar, illustrated by Mari Costa After Life by Gayle Forman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 3m
  2. 11 DEC

    Hey YA Extra Credit: 2025 YA Anthologies

    This week on Hey YA, Kelly talks about five upcoming 2025 YA anthologies you'll want on your TBR. 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! At Tailored Book Recommendations, we’ve recommended over 150,000 books to readers of every type. And we’ve got good news— TBR makes a novel gift for the book lover on your list! All your gift recipient has to do is fill out a survey about their reading likes and dislikes, and our expert bibliologists will use their bookish knowledge to round up three personalized recommendations for reads we think they’ll love. Whether they’re a mystery maven, a historical fiction fanatic, or a contemporary connoisseur, we’ve got the chops to match the book lover in your life with their next favorite read. And it only takes a few clicks to gift TBR! Simply head to mytbr.co/gift to get started. You can even schedule the delivery of the welcome email, which means no more waiting on gifts to arrive last minute. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Books Discussed (Wh)Y A(n) Anthology: On the Rise and Reach of YA Anthologies YA Anthologies: Discovering and Using New Collections for Teen Readers (School Library Journal) (Don’t) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start the Conversation About Mental Health, Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World, and Body Talk: 37 Voices Explore Our Radical Anatomy edited by Kelly Jensen All The Love Under the Vast Sky edited by Kip Wilson (January 14) Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers’ Rights edited by Ashley Hope Perez (March 4) Generation Queer: Stories of Youth Organizers, Artists, and Educators edited by Kimm Topping, with illustrations by Anshika Khullar (May 27) Legendary Frybread Drive In edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (August 26) Ancestor Approved edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith Why on Earth: An Alien Invasion Anthology edited by Vania Stoyanova and Rosiee Thor (February 4) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    17 min
  3. 4 DEC

    Thar Be Monsters: Some of December's Best YA Releases

    Kelly and Erica discuss some of the YA books out in December that they're the most excited for. 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! At Tailored Book Recommendations, we’ve recommended over 150,000 books to readers of every type. And we’ve got good news— TBR makes a novel gift for the book lover on your list! All your gift recipient has to do is fill out a survey about their reading likes and dislikes, and our expert bibliologists will use their bookish knowledge to round up three personalized recommendations for reads we think they’ll love. Whether they’re a mystery maven, a historical fiction fanatic, or a contemporary connoisseur, we’ve got the chops to match the book lover in your life with their next favorite read. And it only takes a few clicks to gift TBR! Simply head to mytbr.co/gift to get started. You can even schedule the delivery of the welcome email, which means no more waiting on gifts to arrive last minute. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. News Kelly's mega list roundup of the best YA books of 2024 Books Discussed The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen by Isaac Blum Dust by Alison Stine My Fairy God Somebody by Charlene Allen Far From The Tree by Robin Benway  We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds Visitations by Corey Egbert When The Mapou Sings by Nadine Pinede Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya Heavenly Tyrant and Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao  Imagination: A Manifesto by Ruha Benjamin  The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    57 min
  4. 27 NOV

    Hey YA Extra Credit: "Adults Have Always Been Threatened by Children's Autonomy"

    This week, Kelly talks with Maggie Tokuda-Hall about book banning, its impacts on teens, and what Authors Against Book Bans is doing in response. 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! Keep up to date with the world of books and reading with Today in Books, Book Riot's daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more. Our editors offer commentary, context, and the occasional clap-back to keep you informed and entertained. Visit bookriot.com/todayinbooks to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Books Discussed Authors Against Book Bans Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall The Siren, the Song, and the Spy by Maggie Tokuda-Hall The Worst Ronin by Maggie Tokuda-Hall Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe Maggie's blog post about Scholastic requesting the removal of "racism" from Love in the Library Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) 5 Calls app Books Not Bans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50 min
  5. 20 NOV

    Jingle-Jangle Flavored Things: The Holiday Recs Episode

    Vanessa and Erica talk about the perfect YA books to gift, plus some other little goodies for others, or—let's be real—yourself. 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! Keep up to date with the world of books and reading with Today in Books, Book Riot's daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more. Our editors offer commentary, context, and the occasional clap-back to keep you informed and entertained. Visit bookriot.com/todayinbooks to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Books Discussed An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma The Agathas series by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson The Davenports and The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar Bodega Bakes by Paola Velez Anatomy duology by Dana Schwartz The Unofficial Ghibli Park Cookbook by Andy Cheng The Unofficial Studio Ghibli Cookbook by Jessica Ann Yun This Poison Heart series by Kalynn Bayron All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson Non-Book Recs Momo Cocoa Korean skincare sites Olive Young Stylevana Skin Cupid Jolse Misc. Self Care ScentBird A nice robe Cute instant camera e.l.f. Squeeze Me Lip Balm Tree Hut scrub gift set Fenty Onesie Hoodie Act Up Sis Also have puzzles that Oprah likes Games Mika and the Witch's Mountain Reka Battle Chef Brigade Deluxe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 11m
  6. 13 NOV

    Hey YA Extra Credit: The NYPL's 50 Best YA Books

    Erica speaks to Susen Shi, the New York Public Library's Young Adult Staff Engagement and Support Manager, about the library's list of the 50 best YA books of the year. 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! Keep up to date with the world of books and reading with Today in Books, Book Riot's daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more. Our editors offer commentary, context, and the occasional clap-back to keep you informed and entertained. Visit bookriot.com/todayinbooks to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Books Discussed Further clarification on hi-lo titles from Susen Shi: "they are defined as high-interest stories written at a lower reading level to engage readers and strengthen their love for literature. Our list does contain books that I consider hi-lo that would pique readers interest in an accessible way." Snowglobe by Soyoung Park, translated by Joungmin Lee Comfort Wildfire: The Culture, Science, and Future of Fire by Ferin Davis Anderson, Stephanie Sammartino McPherson Night Owls by A.R. Vishny Secret Staircase series by Gigi Pandian Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series by Mia P. Manansala The Unboxing of a Black Girl by Angela Shanté Links: Best Books for Teens 2024 NYPL Teens Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    22 min
  7. 6 NOV

    The Kind of Petty I Subscribe To

    Vanessa and Erica talk lotería, a land where Christmas is year-round, predatory and dark magic, and the best new YA out in November to add to your TBR. 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! Keep up to date with the world of books and reading with Today in Books, Book Riot's daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more. Our editors offer commentary, context, and the occasional clap-back to keep you informed and entertained. Visit bookriot.com/todayinbooks to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. News Emily The Strange Animated Feature In Works From Bad Robot, Warner Bros Pictures Animation Books Discussed Flopping in a Winter Wonderland by Jason June Fortune's Kiss by Amber Clement Rani Choudhury Must Die by Adiba Jaigirdar Darkly by Marisha Pessl In Want of a Suspect by Tirzah Price Greater Secrets by Ananth Hirsh, Tess Stone Leap by Simina Popescu When Mimi Went Missing by Suja Sukumar The Wedding People by Alison Espach Halfway There: A Graphic Memoir of Self-Discovery by Christine Mari Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    57 min
  8. 30 OCT

    Hey YA Extra Credit: New Native American YA Books

    Erica gets into some new YA books by Native American authors — which include a graphic novel collection, a debut horror, Lipan Apache fabulism, and a mystery — just in time for Native American Heritage Month. 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 October, Tailored Book Recommendations is giving away a pair of Beats Fit Pro headphones! TBR is the perfect way to take the guesswork out of finding your next favorite read. To get started with TBR, just fill out a quick survey about your reading likes and dislikes, and we’ll pair you with a professional book nerd— aka bibliologist— who uses their bookish knowledge to match you with three books they think you’ll dig. You can sign up to receive your recommendations via email or have your bibliologist’s picks delivered right to your door as either hardcovers or paperbacks. And if you sign up or gift TBR in the month of October, you’ll be automatically entered to win a pair of Beats Fit Pro headphones! Current TBR subscribers also have a chance to win by purchasing a drop-in round of recommendations in October. Sign up today at mytbr.co This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Books Discussed Indiginerds, edited by Alina Pete The Unfinished by Cheryl Isaacs Sheine Lende and Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger, illustrated by Rovina Cai Where Wolves Don't Die by Anton Treuer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    14 min

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From great new books to favorite classic reads, from news to the latest in on-screen adaptations, Hey YA is here to elevate the exciting world of young adult lit.

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