Spring time often has so much to look forward to for me: warm weather, summertime prep, and new books! Spring and fall often compete as the best seasons for new YA releases, especially when it comes to YA contemporaries. Today I’ll be featuring the YA books I’m most looking forward to coming out this March, April, and May. 

There are a few repeats on this list from my Most Anticipated YA Books of 2021 guide – I tend to have more spring releases on my annual guide each December because we usually know more about spring releases than fall books – but I did add some more titles since then, thanks to  friends’ recommendations and fellow bloggers’ anticipated lists. 

It’s Kind of a Cheesy Love Story by Lauren Morrill | RD: March 9 | Add it on Goodreads

Combine YA contemporary with pizza and I’m already there (with a slice or two of pizza near by). Lauren Morrill’s It’s Kind of a Cheesy Love Story sounds like it is going to be so cute and fun – sixteen year old Beck starts working in the pizza parlor she was born in 16 years ago and while reluctant to start the job thanks to her local celebrity fame, finds herself way more at home at Hot n’ Crusty than she’d like to admit. 

Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau | RD: April 6 | Add it on Goodreads

Since travel is still a no-go for most of us right now, the next best way to picture an adventure abroad is by reading about one of course. I’ll personally be escaping to Paris through Kisses and Croissants, as Mia spends her summer at an elite ballet training program and discovers the city with a cute French boy in tow. I think having a croissant or two by my side will be necessary as I read. 

What’s Not to Love by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka | RD: April 20 | Add it on Goodreads

I’m super excited to see Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka’s take on the enemies-to-lovers trope in What’s Not to Love. The book follows high school senior rivals, Allison & Ethan, as they compete to plan a ten year reunion, in hopes of getting a Harvard recommendation letter from their principal.

Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock | RD: April 20 | Add it on Goodreads

I don’t read too many anthologies or short story collections, but I am beyond excited for Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock’s Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town. Her The Smell of Other People’s Houses is one of the most beautiful and well-written books I’ve ever read, and I expect nothing less from the book connecting the stories of young people from small towns in Alaska and the American West. 

Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli | RD: April 20 | Add it on Goodreads 

I was fortunate enough to kick off my 2021 reading with a review copy of Becky Albertalli’s Kate in Waiting. This book following two best friends, Kate and Andy, as they share a crush on a fellow theatre guy while working on the fall show is so much fun. I loved the themes surrounding friendship and self-growth. Kate in waiting also reminded me how much I need to re-read my favorite Becky Albertalli book, The Upside of Unrequited. 

Anna K: Away (Anna K #2)  by Jenny Lee | RD: April 27 | Add it on Goodreads 

Anna K was one of my favorite reads of summer 2020, and after its dark ending, I’m interested in seeing how Jenny Lee picks up Anna K’s story. Like the first book, all of the main players are across the U.S. dealing with their own dramas, while Anna K has been whisked away to South Korea. 

Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson | RD: May 4 | Add it on Goodreads

Morgan Matson is hand-down one of my all-time favorite YA authors, so I have been counting down the days since her last release – I can’t believe it’s been 3 years since Save the Date came out! – to Take Me Home Tonight. Similar to Since You’ve Been Gone, Take Me Home Tonight’s focus is on friendship, as best friends Kate and Stevie sneak away from the suburbs for a night away in New York City. I’m seriously debating buying copies of all the books of hers I don’t own and rereading them leading up to Take Me Home Tonight’s release. 

Made in Korea by Sarah Suk | RD: May 18 | Add it on Goodreads

Rivalry and enemies-to-lovers is the name of my YA reading game this spring, with the help of Sarah Suk’s Made in Korea. The book follows two Korean-American teens who compete to sell Korean-inspired beauty products to their classmates. 

Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey | RD: May 18 | Add it on Goodreads 

I feel like I’ve been talking so much about Last Chance Books, but I honestly probably won’t stop even after I read this adorable YA contemporary following two bookstore rivals. 

The Marvelous Mirza Girls by Sheba Karim | RD: May 18 | Add it on Goodreads 

I love YA books that follow protagonists in the post-high school stage and maybe don’t follow the traditional college track, which sets the stage in The Marvelous Mirza Girls. With a hint of Gilmore Girls, the book follows Noreen’s gap-year trip to new Delhi with her mom, where she explores India with the handsome Kabir and uncovers a family scandal.

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean | RD: May 25 | Add it on Goodreads

The synopsis of Tokyo Ever After mentions two  of my favorite things: The Princess Diaries and Crazy Rich Asians! High school senior Izumi Tanaka feels like she has never fit in her small California town, but soon finds herself whisked away to Japan when she discovers her father is the Crown Prince of Japan. 

What YA books are you looking forward to this spring? Any that I should put on my TBR? Share in the comments!