“Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" by Gregory Maguire, is a dark fantasy novel published in 1995. It is the first novel in “The Wicked Years" series. The story follows Elphaha Thropp through her entire life, It has a blend of politics, friendship, and identity. This book is recommended for people who enjoy character-driven fantasy stories.

“Bunt! Striking Out on Financial Aid” written by Ngozi Ukazu, and illustrated by Mad Rupert, was published in 2024. It follows an art student, Molly Bauer. Who loses her financial aid in her first year of college. Bauer discovers if she and nine other art students can win a softball game, they will receive an athletic scholarship. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy graphic novels and want a diverse range of characters. Including LGBTQ+ Fiction.

“Kill Joy” written by Holly Jackson, was published in 2022. The novella follows Pip Fitz-Amobi as she attends a 1920s-themed murder mystery party with her friends. The story serves as a prequel to “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” giving fans of the first book insight into Pip’s early days before the events of the main series.

“Where the Library Hides” written by Isabel Ibañez, was published in 2023. The novel follows Inez Olivera as she investigates the truth behind her parents’ deaths while dealing with trust issues, secrets and complicated feelings. it is set in a historical setting filled with dangers. The book is the sequel to “What the River Knows.” This novel is recommended for readers who want a story with mystery, romance, adventure, and a strong female lead.

“Coffee Shop in an Alternate Universe” by C.B. Lee is a fantasy book that was published in 2025. Two main characters Brenda, and Kat. They fall in love in a magical coffee shop that acts as a portal through different universes. It is recommended for people who enjoy science fiction and romance.

“Mystery Royale” by Kaitlyn Cavalancia is a young adult mystery novel published in 2023. The story follows Mullory Prudence, a scholarship student invited to compete in an elite boarding school’s annual scavenger hunt known as the “Mystery Royale.” The novel blends suspense, strategy and social commentary. It is recommended for readers who enjoy high-stakes mysteries.

“And the Trees Stare Back” by Gigi Griffis is a young adult historical thriller published in 2023. Set in Soviet-era Russia, the novel follows a teenage girl whose mother is arrested, forcing her to faceQp fear, secrecy, and survival in a repressive society. The story combines political tension with emotional depth. It is recommended for readers drawn to suspense and historical settings.

“Gradchanted” by Morgan Matson is a young adult novel published in 2024. The story follows Olive, a high school senior who is struggling with the looming reality of graduation. While her friends are excited to move on, Olive is desperate to hold onto the present. On the night of their senior bonfire, a mysterious encounter leads to a literal spell being cast: the senior class is stuck in a magical time loop. This story is recommended to people who want a story with magical realism.

“9. “Everything We Never Had,” written by Randy Ribay, was published in 2024. The novel follows several generations of Filipino American men in one family, exploring how expectations, identity and emotional struggles are passed down over time. As each generation faces pressure to succeed and fit certain roles, the story shows how silence and misunderstandings can affect relationships within a family. This book is recommended for people who want a story about family, culture and personal identity.

“My Return to the Walter Boys,” written by Ali Novak, was published in 2023. The novel follows Jackie Howard as she returns to the Walter family and continues adjusting to life with them. As she deals with friendships, family and complicated feelings, Howard begins to figure out what she wants for her future. The book is the sequel to “My Life with the Walter Boys” this book is recommended for readers who enjoy romance, drama and stories about relationships.

“Angelica and the Bear Prince,” written and illustrated by Trung Le Nguyen, was published in 2023. The story follows Angelica, a girl who travels through a magical world and meets a prince who has been cursed and turned into a bear. Angelica faces challenges that test her courage and determination. The book is recommended for readers who like fantasy graphic novels, fairy tale stories and adventures.

13.“If You Still Recognize Me,” written by Cynthia So, was published in 2023. The novel follows Elsie Hoffman as she reconnects online with the girl she once had a crush on while also questioning her own identity and confidence. As old feelings return, Elsie must decide whether she is ready to be honest about who she is and how she feels.

14. “Never Thought I’d End Up Here,” written by Ann Liang, was published in 2024. The novel follows a teenage girl who is sent on a cultural trip to China with other students. While there, she reconnects with people from her past and faces new experiences that challenge how she sees herself and her future. The book is recommended for readers who enjoy romance, and coming-of-age novels