TikTok trends, navigating mental health, and a thirst for creativity are part of the Gen Z experience. From the highs and lows of growing up in a digital age to tackling identity crises and social justice, these books mirror the messy, beautiful, and brutally honest realities of Gen Z life. Enjoy.

Ace of SpadesAce of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

At Niveus Private Academy, Devon and Chiamaka’s perfect senior year unravels when anonymous texter Aces starts exposing their darkest secrets. What begins as a cruel prank spirals into a high-stakes game threatening their futures—and lives. As the danger escalates, the duo must uncover Aces’ identity before it’s too late.

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Counting Down with YouCounting Down with You by Tashie Bhuiyan

When Karina’s parents leave for Bangladesh, she expects peace—not chaos. Enter Ace Clyde, the school’s bad boy, who ropes her into a fake dating scheme with charm, coffee, and promises of books. Karina’s plan to keep her head down unravels as sparks fly. T-minus 28 days to normalcy—but does she even want it anymore?

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Clues to the UniverseClues to the Universe by Christina Li

Rocket building enthusiast Rosalind lost her best friend and father, leaving her with an unfinished project. Benji, a comic book nerd searching for his estranged dad, becomes her unlikely partner. Together, they navigate grief, bullying, and the complexities of family. As they unravel mysteries about their fathers, they discover that the biggest adventures are sometimes found in the most unexpected places.

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Salaam, with LoveSalaam, with Love by Sara Sharaf Beg

Crammed into her uncle’s house, Dua’s Ramadan in Queens is a whirlwind of family drama, awkward encounters with the cute drummer next door, and navigating her own identity. Grappling with cultural expectations and unexpected feelings, she discovers more about her faith, family, and herself than she ever imagined.

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Nobody in ParticularNobody In Particular by Sophie Gonzales

When Danni, a shy pianist, lands at an elite boarding school, she’s braced for drama—and she gets it. While grappling with scandals, secrets, and suppressed feelings, Princess Rose doesn’t need distractions, but Danni catches her eye. As rumors swirl and Henland’s scrutiny tightens, their connection risks everything. Can love survive when a kingdom demands perfection?

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Hana Khan Carries OnHana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin

Hana Khan dreams of breaking stereotypes with her podcast, ‘Ana’s Brown Girl Rambles.’ But when a rival restaurant threatens her family’s business and a hate crime rocks her neighborhood, things get messy. Enter Aydin, the cocky owner, and ‘StanleyP.,’ her anonymous podcast listener and surprisingly helpful (and maybe even flirty) confidante. Navigating family drama, budding romance, and social justice, Hana discovers that sometimes, real life is even more chaotic than her podcast.

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Red, White & Royal BlueRed, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz has charm, ambition, and a nemesis—Prince Henry of Wales. A PR disaster forces them into a fake friendship that quickly turns real, sparking a secret romance across international lines. Between political campaigns, royal drama, and witty banter, Alex and Henry navigate love, identity, and the Gen Z pursuit of rewriting history.

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GearbreakersGearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta

In a world ruled by giant mechs, Eris, a reckless Gearbreaker, destroys oppressive Windups until her capture lands her in prison with Sona, a cybernetically enhanced pilot hiding a secret agenda. Together, they defy the odds, dismantling tyranny with rebellion, unlikely alliances, and unapologetic angst.

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Love From A to ZLove from A to Z by S.K. Ali

Adam and Zayneb, both hiding behind carefully constructed facades, find solace in their journals. But when Zayneb’s activism lands her in hot water, she flees to Qatar, seeking a fresh start. There, she encounters Adam, grappling with MS and the loss of his mother. As they navigate grief, guilt, and the complexities of identity in a digital age, they discover the power of vulnerability and the importance of finding your own voice, even when the world seems determined to silence you.

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Ophelia After AllOphelia After All by Racquel Marie

Known for her bubbly personality and an ample number of crushes, Ophelia’s world shifts. Boys, friendships, and family expectations collide as she navigates a confusing sea of feelings. Suddenly, cute, quiet Talia is on her mind more than any boy. Facing the end of high school and the pressure to conform, Ophelia must choose between playing the role everyone expects and embracing the truth about herself, even if it means shattering the carefully constructed image she’s always presented to the world.

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