January's Must-Read YA Books: Discover Your Next Obsession!

It's a new year, which means a fresh stack of books hitting shelves! But January's offerings in the YA (Young Adult) comics and nonfiction world are, shall we say, a little...slim. From an Armenian mythology-inspired comic to memoirs adapted for younger readers, there's still something to explore, but it definitely feels like we're in a bit of a lull before the spring rush.

January's Must-Read YA Books: Discover Your Next O...

I have to admit, I was a little taken aback when I saw the finalists for the American Library Association’s Young Adult Library Services division's Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award back in December. YA nonfiction has traditionally been a really diverse space, offering teens perspectives and stories they might not find anywhere else. But for the 2025 releases, that vibrant tapestry seemed...muted. It's not that the books published weren't good, it's just that there weren't *enough*, particularly diverse voices.

Maybe it's a blip, a one-off. Or maybe it's a sign of a bigger problem: YA nonfiction consistently getting short shrift. Let's face it, sparkly fantasy and swoon-worthy romances often steal the spotlight. Nonfiction, even when it's brilliantly written and deeply engaging, can get lost in the noise. And that's a real shame, because teens *need* nonfiction. They need to see the world, understand history, and connect with real experiences through the power of storytelling. The apparent decline in published titles is concerning.

On the comics front, while the genre has seen a massive surge in popularity, January's release schedule is equally sparse. Thankfully, rumblings suggest things will pick up in the spring, with some major publishers investing in YA-focused comic lines that are already generating buzz, even earning some early recognition from literary award committees. Fingers crossed!

So, what *can* you look forward to this month? Well, there are two comics, one a standalone graphic novel and another kicking off a new series. Plus, we have a couple of nonfiction books, both adapted from previously published adult titles. It's a small but mighty crew.

Let's dive into the comics first. *Fustuk: A Graphic Novel* by Robert Mgrdich Apelian promises a fascinating blend of Armenian and Persian mythology. The story centers around Katah, a young man from a family of chefs who feels like an outsider, especially after he begins to experience dream visions. These visions lead him to a "div" named Az, setting off a magical journey to save his mother. Then there's *Love Me To Death, Volume 1* by Toonimated, the print edition of a popular Webtoon. Set in a world where necromancy is banned, it follows Victor, a necromancer who lives a secret life and is constantly on the move.