Even as this year brought unrelenting waves of deeply troubling news, there was a bright spot: Reading and spotlighting the many truly exceptional new books for teens offered me a sense of purpose. I clung to the knowledge that I was doing my bit—in however small a way—to connect young people with books that would bring them something valuable, be it longed-for solace, validating recognition, much-needed escape, or a few hours of simple pleasure. Among our Best Teen & YA Books of 2025, the following stand out as exceptionally worthy of notice.

Rebis: Born and Reborn by Irene Marchesini, illustrated by Carlotta Dicataldo, translated by Carla Roncalli Di Montorio (First Second, April 1): This luminous, fantastical graphic novel from Italy explores intolerance and gender nonconformity and celebrates found family. A baby born with albinism in medieval Europe grows up in a fearful community under the shadow of a rumored curse. The child, who adopts the name Rebis, eventually finds a loving home—and full acceptance—with a group of banished women in the forest.

This Thing of Ours by Frederick Joseph (Candlewick, May 6): This fiction debut packs a gut punch, effectively weaving together themes of family legacy, social media toxicity, socioeconomic disparities, censorship, and the silencing of Black voices. Following a career-ending injury, multitalented Ossie pivots from basketball to a prestigious high school writing program. But Ossie’s complicated new friendships are threatened when his impulsive attempt to fight racism misfires tragically.

And the River Drags Her Down by Jihyun Yun (Knopf, October 7): This atmospheric debut—simultaneously dark, foreboding, and intensely beautiful—immerses readers in the intensity of grief and longing. Soojin Han loses first her mother and then her sister, Mirae. Disregarding warnings never to use the secret family magic to resurrect people, she brings Mirae back. But the initial giddiness of reconnection soon devolves into something horrifying.

Under a Fire-Red Sky by Geraldine McCaughrean (Flatiron Books, November 4): Against the catastrophic backdrop of the Blitz, world-renowned author McCaughrean’s latest is a jewel of a book that focuses on four Greater London teens whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined. With deft economy and sincerity that never tips into sentimentality, she brings to life the hopes, dreams, personal victories, and tragedies of an array of characters.

Self Portrait by Ludwig Volbeda, translated by Lucy Scott (Levine Querido, November 4): In this award-winning debut from the Netherlands, a teen, despite being an avid artist, grapples with a spring break homework assignment to draw a self-portrait. Jip’s transformative, affirming story unfurls through conversational letters to a crush, many adorned with Volbeda’s enchanting spot illustrations. Readers form a deep understanding of Jip’s exploration of gender identity and selfhood.

The Secret Astronomers by Jessica Walker (Viking, November 4): Artist Walker’s authorial debut is a true visual delight. Using the aliases “Copernicus” and “Kepler,” two teen girls in rural West Virginia—one a Bay Area transplant—correspond via sticky notes, collages, and drawings in a 19^th-century astronomy textbook in the school library. Their anonymity fosters raw emotional vulnerability even as they investigate an intriguing mystery surrounding Copernicus’ late mother.

Laura Simeon is a young readers’ editor.