Book List

Best YA Books of 2019 That Celebrate Human Connection

GRAPHIC NOVELS & COMICS

JOE QUINN'S POLTERGEIST

by David Almond ; illustrated by Dave McKean

A keen collaboration moving seamlessly between worlds inner and outer, natural and supernatural Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

HUNGRY HEARTS

edited by Elsie Chapman & Caroline Tung Richmond

A brilliant multicultural collection that reminds readers that stories about food are rarely just about the food alone. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

THE LAST TRUE POETS OF THE SEA

by Julia Drake

A warm, wise, strange meditation on developing the strength to be vulnerable. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

LET ME HEAR A RHYME

by Tiffany D. Jackson with Malik “Malik-16” Sharif

Thoroughly engrossing and as infectious as Steph’s lyrics: a testament to the unbreakable bonds of friendship and a love... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

FORWARD ME BACK TO YOU

by Mitali Perkins

A hymn to faith, friendship, and social justice, sung by gentle men and strong women of many colors and ages. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

HOPE IS OUR ONLY WING

by Rutendo Tavengerwei

A narrative of courage and optimism in the face of loss, this novel is brilliant storytelling. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 258 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA books; also in this issue: the 100 best fiction and 100 best nonfiction books of 2024, author interviews, and much more

subscribe
  • kirkus star
  • The Kirkus Star

    One of the most coveted designations in the book industry, the Kirkus Star marks books of exceptional merit.

  • kirkus prize
  • The Kirkus Prize

    The Kirkus Prize is among the richest literary awards in America, awarding $50,000 in three categories annually.

Great Books & News Curated For You

Be the first to read books news and see reviews, news and features in Kirkus Reviews. Get awesome content delivered to your inbox every week.

Thank you!

Close Quickview