Family Secrets, Dark Histories, and More New YA Books for September 23, 2026

Dual release young adult books–that is, books that publish in both hardcover and paperback at the same time–have been growing in numbers over the last year. There are two new dual releases this week, and more of this will be coming down the pike, too. Having a choice in the format you purchase a book is great, and for teen readers especially, the option to buy a less expensive paperback makes these books more financially accessible. In an era when we’re seeing an increase in special-edition hardcovers, it’s sure nice to see that some publishers are recognizing the value of offering options from the get-go. It’s a fantastic week in new YA book releases for readers who love to be scared, too. There are several horror novels and thrillers that border on horror hitting shelves. But readers who aren’t into horror and/or want to expand beyond horror are in for plenty of treats, too–romance, fantasy, mystery, and historical fiction are arriving as well, both from new authors and those who’ve made a name for themselves in the YA world already. You’ll even find a holiday-themed story or two already this week. As we shift into cooler days and longer nights in the northern hemisphere, there’s...