It’s been…an interesting year. But it didn’t entirely suck. In 2017, a lot of great YA fiction came charging out, leading the push for diverse representation, tackling some tough social issues, and being well-crafted, compelling reads. Here is a round-up of the highlights, as well as some titles to look forward to in 2018.

Must-reads 2017

There are a lot of Best Of lists and here are five of ‘em:

• Bustle: The 17 Best YA Novels Of 2017 Prove That Representation Matters
• Seventeen’s 27 of the Best YA Books of 2017
• BNTeenBlog (Barnes & Noble): The Best Young Adult Books of 2017
• Paste Magazine: The 30 Best Young Adult Books of 2017
• Publisher’s Weekly (Warning: Pop-ups out the wazoo)

Even if you aren’t into YA, and, in my highly biased opinion, you should be, I’m sure it comes as no surprise that the phenomenal The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is at the top of everyone’s list, including the National Book Awards for Young People’s Literature . (In true 2017 form, one school district banned The Hate U Give —all the more reason to read it and give it to teens!)

Can’t-wait-to-reads 2018

I’m still catching up on 2017 but I’m already planning my 2018 reading with the help of the following lists:

• Book Birds: Your Guide to 2018 YA Releases
• Epic Reads: The Official List of Harper’s Winter 2018 YA Cover Reveals
• School Library Journal: A List of New YA Book Release Links for 2018
• Bustle: 27 Most Anticipated YA Fantasy Books Hitting Shelves In 2018

While I’m really hoping for a less eventful year in various realms, I’m looking forward to another exciting one in YA fiction!