Young adult debut highlights of 2022
There is nothing more exciting than discovering an author at the beginning of their career. We are extremely fortunate that this year has been really strong for debut authors in young adult fiction. Here are a selection of our favourite debut young adult titles for 2022, many of which come from very talented Australian authors.
Only a Monster by Vanessa Len
This time-travelling fantasy epic published back in February has been one of our stand-out YA titles this year. The main character, Joan Chang-Hunt, discovers she is part of a family of monsters, and must come to terms with this knowledge, particularly when the boy she has a crush on is actually a monster-hunter. Awkward!
This is brilliant must-read fantasy.
Suitable for readers aged 14 and up.
We Who Hunt the Hollow by Kate Murray
In keeping with the monsters theme, the main character in this novel, Priscilla, comes from a family of female monster-hunters charged with killing evil beasts that come into our universe from a place called the Hollow. Priscilla doesn’t think her own powers are very strong, so she attempts to enhance them, and discovers she can now summon monsters. Oops!
Shortlisted for our Readings YA Prize, this is an action-packed, fantasy adventure.
For readers aged 12 and up.
Dancing Barefoot by Alice Boyle
This debut queer romance is both heartfelt and hilarious. Patch has been deeply in unrequited love with the star of the school’s basketball team for years, but when they are suddenly thrown together due to an unfortunate incident with a bottle of ink, Patch is thrust into confusion and chaos.
This is an empowering and queer-positive coming of age story that romantics will adore.
For readers aged 13 and up.
Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
A queer Mexican American debut novel set in a conservative, very white Catholic school. Yamilet is trying to stay in the closet after being outed by her ex-best friend at her last school, but it’s not going to be easy when her new friend, Bo, is openly gay. Also, the fact they are developing feelings for one another is definitely complicating matters.
This story is a real standout for the funny and fresh voice of its protagonist.
Suitable for readers aged 13 and up.
The Upwelling by Lystra Rose
This highly original fantasy novel by First Nations author, Lystra Rose, is a time travel mystery that takes us back to a pre-colonisation Australia.
When Kirra surfs a big wave and ends up in an ancient past, she must work together with two other teenagers – a dolphin caller and a language unweaver – to help save the clan from a malevolent spirit. Strong characterisation, fascinating depictions of culture and beautiful writing make this book a stand-out.
Suitable for readers aged 12 and up.
If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang
Set in a Beijing International Boarding School, this story of a scholarship student who discovers she has the power to turn invisible is a fun rom-com with a twist. Skewering power and privilege, the story also has (of course) a handsome nemesis who may not be so bad after all, and some great secondary characters.
This is a really fun, beautifully written and very enjoyable debut.
Suitable for ages 12 and up.
Growing Up in Flames by Zach Jones
This is a searing, atmospheric story of four lives scarred by fire. Featuring four voices and two different time periods, the story uses various epistolary methods including a diary and text messages. Fire is a constant that pulls readers in with vivid descriptions of the smell, flames, and ash, and never really lets you go until the shocking conclusion.
A brilliant read for those who love the writing of Vikki Wakefield and Mark Smith.
Suitable for ages 14 and up.
The Hidden Girl by Louise Bassett
A young Melbourne girl, Melati, uncovers a stranger's diary where the entries reveal her begging for help via coded message; the yound girl, Devi, is being held by human traffickers. Determined to save her, Melati must travel to Indonesia in search of answers. At times, Melati puts herself and others in terrible danger as she races to discover the truth, but she remains steadfastly selfless in her struggles. While in Indonesia, she also learns more about her own Indonesian heritage.
This heart-pounding contemporary thriller will have readers on the edge of their seats.
Suitable for ages 14 and up.
Completely Normal (and Other Lies) by Biffy James
Stella is in love with the school heartthrob and he says he loves her back. Problem is, he already has a girlfriend. So when he dies in a car crash, the girlfriend is the one allowed to publicly grieve, not Stella. Despite the circumstances, they become friends, which complicates matters even further. This is a funny, sarcastic take on grieving, mental health, and, of course, first love.
Suitable for ages 13 and up.
A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin
In this enchanting debut YA fantasy, a young tea-maker travels to the capital city to take part in a cutthroat magical competition that could be the key to saving her sister’s life. In a world where tea is both magical and potentially deadly, there is a competition to find the best tea-makers in the world.
Also including court politics and a handsome stranger, this is a thrilling debut and the first in a duology, with the second book coming in early January 2023.
Suitable for ages 13 and up.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
Not officially young adult, but enjoyed by many of our young adult readers, this story is inspired by the Chinese legend of the moon goddess. Xingyin and her mother have been exiled on the moon by the powerful Celestial Emperor for stealing his elixer of immortality. But Xingyin must flee her home when her magical powers are discovered, travelling incognito into the heart of the Celestial Kingdom itself.
This is epic fantasy at its finest, and the first book in a duology.
Suitable for ages 14 and up.
What We All Saw by Mike Lucas
Set in a spooky English wood in the 1960s, this story of four friends and the day that changed them forever is one to read with the lights on. When a boy disappears over the edge in the old quarry, no-one is quite sure what happened even though they were right there. But some people think there are witches in the woods...
Shortlisted for the Readings Prize in 2022, this is a scary and delicious debut.
Suitable for readers aged 13 and up.
The Museum of Broken Things by Lauren Draper
In another great debut that made our Readings Prize shortlist this year, Reece is adjusting to a new school and a tragedy that caused her to move away from her old life. When Reece inherits an artefact that belongs to her deceased grandmother, it opens her up to new possibilities and new friends, like charming Gideon. This is a mystery and a coming of age, wrapped in a witty, sweet story that will have you cheering from the sidelines.
Suitable for readers aged 12 and up.