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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The Cat’s Out of the Bag: This Is Our Last Episode
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 • Duration 01:03:50
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.
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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
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Colombo Had the Right Idea: Interviews with Author Mariko Tamaki, Illustrator Nicole Goux and Author Hannah V. Sawyerr
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 • Duration 01:13:10
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.
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That Was Extremely Libra of You: September's Best New YA Releases
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 • Duration 55:22
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
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All Thrills, No Chill: New YA Books for Spooky Season, Plus an Interview With Author Candace Fleming
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 • Duration 58:04
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!
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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
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Anywhere There's a Court, There's Mess: New YA Books For August
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 • Duration 53:46
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.
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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.
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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
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Interview with Frederick Joseph (THIS THING OF OURS), Plus Queer YA Graphic Novels
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 • Duration 01:01:01
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!
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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
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Tiny Dragons & Giant Cats
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 • Duration 58:23
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
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History and Politics in YA Fiction with L.M. Elliott
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 • Duration 51:57
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
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"We Are Each Others' Safes": A Conversation with Jason Reynolds [Rerun]
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 • Duration 01:00:57
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
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An Interview with WE WERE LIARS author E. Lockhart & Reflections on NIMONA at 10
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 • Duration 01:05:19
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
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