Best Fiction on Bullying Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

The Wicked King by Holly Black is a mesmerizing and violent sequel to The Cruel Prince. The story follows Jude, who has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her and made herself the power behind the throne. However, navigating the political alliances of Faerie is no easy task, especially when Cardan does everything in his power to undermine her. The plot is full of twists and turns, spies, and revels, making for a thrilling read. Black's world-building is intricate and intelligent, and her writing is both contemporary and classic. Overall, The Wicked King is an exceptional addition to the Fantasy Action & Adventure genre for teens and young adults.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black is a captivating start to The Folk of the Air series. The novel follows Jude, a mortal girl who is taken to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie after her parents are murdered. Despite facing hostility from many of the fey, including Prince Cardan, Jude longs to belong in their world. To win a place at the Court, she must defy Cardan and become embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions. Black's world-building is masterful, immersing readers in a magical realm filled with danger and intrigue. The Cruel Prince is a dark and seductive read that will leave readers desperate for more.

The Queen of Nothing is a thrilling finale to The Folk of the Air trilogy. This book follows the exiled Queen of Faerie, Jude, as she navigates a powerful curse and a brewing war. With her sister's life in peril, she must confront her feelings for the wicked king, Cardan, and risk everything to save her family and her kingdom. The book has received high praise for its compelling storytelling and well-realized world. Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy action and adventure, and it stands out for its intricate plot and well-developed characters.

The Anxiety Toolkit for Teens is a comprehensive guide that provides teens with practical and easy-to-use tools to manage their stress, anxiety, worry, and panic. With nearly 1 in 3 teens experiencing significant anxiety, this book is a valuable resource for both teens and professionals working with them. The book covers different types of anxiety, root causes, and proven tools to deal with it. The author's engaging and conversational style makes this book an enjoyable read. Overall, this book is a must-read for any teenager struggling with anxiety.

The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson is a thought-provoking YA novel that delves into the issue of racism in America. The story follows Madison Washington, a biracial teenager who has been passing for white her entire life. When her school decides to host its first integrated prom, Madison finds herself caught in the middle of racial tensions and bullying. The novel expertly explores internalized and externalized anti-Blackness and the horrors that result from it. Jackson's writing is bone-chilling, and the book is a powerful commentary on the structural racism still present in society. Overall, The Weight of Blood is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the impact of racism on young people today.

Emotiva, conmovedora, diferente... Invisible narra, a través de los ojos de un niño, una historia que podría ser la de cualquiera de nosotros.. ¿Quién no ha deseado alguna vez ser invisible?. ¿Quién no ha deseado alguna vez dejar de serlo?. El problema es que nunca he llegado a controlar bien ese poder: A veces, cuando más ganas tenía de ser invisible, era cuando más gente me veía, y en cambio, cuando deseaba que todos me vieran, era cuando a mi cuerpo le daba por desaparecer.ENGLISH DESCRIPTION. Moving, emotional, different ... Through a child’s eyes, Invisible tells a story that could be that of any one of us.. Who hasn’t at one point wished they were invisible?. Who hasn’t wanted to stop being invisible?. The problem is that I have never been able to control that power: Sometimes, when I mostly felt a desire to be invisible, it was when more people saw me, on the other hand, when I wanted everyone to see me, it was when my body decided to disappear.

That's Not What Happened by Kody Keplinger is an intriguing and thought-provoking exploration of the aftermath of tragedy, the power of narrative, and how we remember what we've lost. The story revolves around the Virgil County High School Massacre and the aftermath of the tragedy. The protagonist knows the truth behind her best friend's death, but Sarah's martyrdom is important to many people, making it difficult for her to speak up. The book adeptly explores how the truth can be different for people who suffered the same tragedy. Overall, this is a timely and compelling read that would be a worthy addition to all high school libraries.

Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim by Jessica Kim is a hilarious and poignant YA novel about a multicultural teen struggling to fit in. Alejandra Kim feels like she doesn't belong anywhere, not in her diverse Queens neighborhood, her elite prep school, or even her own home. The book explores themes of identity, belonging, and microaggressions and is a fantastic read for teens and young adults. With its incisive and provocative narrative, it offers a unique perspective on what it means to be a person of color in today's world.

"Tangerine" by Edward Bloor is a heartwarming story of an underdog who discovers his true potential in a new and strange town. Paul Fisher, a soccer player with thick glasses, moves to Tangerine County, Florida, where peculiar things happen, like a sinkhole swallowing the school. Despite his football-star brother's constant harassment, Paul joins the soccer team and makes new friends who help him uncover the secrets of his family and his town. This book is a must-read for middle graders who love stories about sports, friendship, and self-discovery. "Tangerine" is a modern classic that breaks the mold of traditional sports fiction books.

Gallant by V. E. Schwab is a bone-chilling standalone novel, which combines the gothic horror of Shirley Jackson with the dark whimsy of Neil Gaiman. The story follows Olivia Prior, who after receiving a letter inviting her to Gallant, discovers a place where the world meets its shadow, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Olivia is determined to uncover the secrets of Gallant, which unravels generations of her family. The book is a well-crafted, vivid, and lush novel that grapples with the deep desire to belong somewhere. Overall, Gallant is a unique and gripping novel, perfect for readers of Holly Black and Neil Gaiman.