A Native Hawaiian Story, Queer Cheerleaders, and More New YA Books for May 20, 2026
This week's new YA book releases feature a variety of themes, including a Native Hawaiian story and a narrative about cheerleaders facing controversy. The upcoming summer reading season is highlighted by an increase in diverse and accessible titles. Readers are encouraged to explore these new offerings as they prepare for the break from school.
- ▪New YA book releases include a solo backpacking trip through Europe and a college student learning to drive.
- ▪One book centers on the Native Hawaiian experience and is being compared to works by Elizabeth Acevedo.
- ▪Another release features cheerleaders who have faced complaints for not being 'straight friendly.'
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
What's Up in YA A Native Hawaiian Story, Queer Cheerleaders, and More New YA Books for May 20, 2026 This week's new YA book releases include a solo backpacking trip through Europe, a college student learning to drive, and so much more. Kelly Jensen May 20, 2026 <img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b54209cb1536babdcf0eeb77a2fe90b?s=160&d=blank&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b54209cb1536babdcf0eeb77a2fe90b?s=320&d=blank&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-160 photo' height='160' width='160' decoding='async'/> Kelly Jensen Editor Kelly is a former librarian and a long-time blogger at STACKED.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Book Riot.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Book Riot
