The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting colder, and we all know what that means—time to cozy up with a fantastic YA novel or four. This month’s picks span mysterious thrillers, supernatural twists, big dreams, and even a holiday crossover that’ll make you see a certain Pumpkin King in a whole new light. Buckle up, because November’s YA releases are here to take you on some unforgettable journeys.
A French Girl in New York: Maude’s Quest for Musical Stardom
A French Girl in New York by Anna Adams is perfect if you’re in the mood for some musical drama and a taste of the Big Apple. It all kicks off when Maude Laurent, a shy yet immensely talented opera-singing foster kid from Paris, goes viral after being recorded in a café. Suddenly, she’s whisked into the spotlight with offers from music studios to sing her heart out. But there’s a catch: they want her to go pop, not opera. Maude isn’t ready to give up her classical roots but agrees to give the New York scene a shot—after all, she’s got six months to prove she can be a hit or it’s back to France.
Enter Matt Durand, her begrudging collaborator and a break-taking popstar with a bit too much attitude. Sparks fly as they clash over everything from song choices to each other’s personalities, but they’re on a tight timeline. With rival musicians ready to swoop in and the stakes set high, Maude and Matt must find a way to harmonize, both musically and personally. If you’re looking for a mix of romance, ambition, and a soundtrack of dreams, this one’s a November must-read. Click here
The Disappearance of Vanessa Shaw: Thrills, Secrets, and Haunting Truths
If high-stakes mysteries are more your speed, Sarra Cannon’s The Disappearance of Vanessa Shaw will be right up your alley. Imagine One of Us is Lying meets Pretty Little Liars, with a splash of the supernatural for good measure. A year after the mysterious disappearance of Vanessa Shaw, her brother Kirin invites the friend group back to their secluded river cabin for a somber memorial. But this isn’t just any reunion—it’s a chance for answers. Vanessa’s friends all have secrets, and it seems each of them had a reason to want her gone.
As the group tries to figure out what happened to Vanessa, tensions escalate, and the cabin’s eeriness takes on a life of its own. No one can leave until the truth is unearthed, and you’ll be left wondering who’s hiding the most—and who might just make it out alive. If you’re a fan of twisted friendships, complex secrets, and suspense that’ll make you double-check your doors, this one is for you. Click here
Sally’s Lament: A New Twist on Halloween Town
Calling all Tim Burton and Disney fans: Sally’s Lament by Mari Mancusi brings “The Nightmare Before Christmas” to life in a whole new way. In this twist on the original tale, it’s Sally, not Jack, who finds herself drawn to the mystical Christmas Town. She’s restless in Halloween Town and searching for something beyond her creepy-but-cozy pumpkin life. But what she discovers isn’t exactly the sweet holiday magic she was hoping for.
As she digs deeper into the mysteries of Christmas Town, Sally realizes not everything is jolly. There are darker forces at work beneath all that candy-cane cheer, and her journey turns from a quest for meaning into a race to save her world (or maybe even two). With plenty of eerie charm and questions about belonging, Sally’s Lament is perfect for fans of retellings and all spooky things. Click here
Where the Shadows Whisper: A Solitary Survival Story
In Where the Shadows Whisper by Scott P. Hicks, the stakes are as haunting as they get. When thirteen-year-old Ethan wakes up to find his village mysteriously deserted, he’s thrust into an eerie, solitary battle for survival. The silence that surrounds him is chilling, and the strange figure lurking in the woods only adds to the horror. The book dives deep into Ethan’s search for answers, raising questions about who—or what—could have caused the disappearance of everyone he’s ever known.
As Ethan unravels the mysteries behind the disaster, he realizes he’s part of a much larger game. Every decision matters, and it’s unclear who he can trust—especially when the truth of the attack threatens to unravel him. Hicks’ thriller delivers suspense, shocking reveals, and emotional depth that will make you think twice about being alone in the woods. If you’re ready for a page-turner, this one’s waiting for you. Click here
Final Thoughts: Time to Dive In
Whether you’re looking for a touch of romance, some supernatural intrigue, or an all-out mystery thriller, November’s YA lineup has you covered. From the streets of New York to the eerie stillness of the woods, each of these novels brings something fresh and unforgettable to the table. So, grab a blanket, a mug of something warm, and dive into one of these reads for a November escape like no other. Happy reading.
