Best Fiction on Pregnancy Social & Family Issues Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson is a heart-wrenching story about the disappearance of Monday Charles, as seen through the eyes of her best friend, Claudia. The book delves into issues of race, class, and gender, shedding light on the disappearance of black and brown girls that often goes unnoticed. Jackson's narrative style is spellbinding, moving between past and present to build up to a devastating conclusion. The book is a thought-provoking thriller that examines abuse, gentrification, and marginalization of people of color with nuance and sensitivity, making it a must-read for any young adult interested in social justice issues.

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo is a heartwarming and inspiring tale about a young mother, Emoni Santiago, who finds solace and purpose in cooking. Despite the challenges she faces as a single mother and a high school student, Emoni's passion for cooking never fades. Acevedo's evocative prose and realistic portrayal of relationships make this book a must-read for teens and young adults. The book offers a nuanced exploration of teen parenting and the multi-generational family, making it a great addition to the category of multigenerational family fiction books. With the Fire on High is a beautifully written and uplifting story that will leave readers feeling inspired and hopeful.

That Baby, the third book in the That Boy series by Jillian Dodd, is a heartwarming story that explores the intricacies of love, marriage, and parenthood. The story follows the lives of Jadyn and Phillip, two people who are deeply in love and are on the verge of starting a family. However, when a few words threaten to unravel their perfect lives, they must find a way to navigate the challenges that come with marriage and parenthood. The book is a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of laughter, joy, and heartache that will leave readers feeling deeply moved. Overall, That Baby is a beautiful love story that is both unique and relatable, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Far from the Tree by Robin Benway is a heartwarming and poignant novel that explores the concept of family. Grace, an only child who was adopted at birth, discovers she has a biological family including a loudmouthed younger sister, Maya, and a stoic older brother, Joaquin, who has been in the foster care system for seventeen years. The book addresses important topics such as adoption, teen pregnancy, and foster care, and doesn't shy away from the complexities of family relationships. Benway's writing is compassionate, funny, and moving, making this a compulsively readable novel that will stay with readers long after they finish it.

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson is a powerful and insightful look into the male perspective of teen pregnancy. The story follows Bobby, a typical urban teenage boy whose life changes forever when he learns his girlfriend Nia is pregnant. Johnson's writing is poetic and riveting, offering a glimpse into Bobby's struggle to figure out what the right thing to do is. The book has received numerous starred reviews from reputable sources such as Booklist and Publishers Weekly. Overall, The First Part Last is a must-read for anyone looking for a realistic portrayal of young people's issues.

After the Game by Abbi Glines is the third book in the Field Party series. The novel follows Riley Young, who returns to Lawton, Alabama, after two years of leaving due to being accused of lying about being raped by the oldest Lawton son, Rhett. She now has a daughter, Bryony, that nobody believed was Rhett's. The town still hates her, but when Brady Higgens gives her and her daughter a ride during a storm, he begins to question everything he thought he knew. This southern soap opera with football, cute boys, and pick-up trucks is a must-read for fans of the series.

Orbiting Jupiter is a powerful novel that explores the true meaning of family and the sacrifices it requires. The story follows Joseph, a troubled teenager who becomes a father at thirteen and is placed in a foster family on a farm in rural Maine. There, he meets twelve-year-old Jack, who narrates the account of Joseph's journey to find his daughter, Jupiter, despite the obstacles he faces. This heart-wrenching tale is beautifully written by two-time Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt and is a must-read for fans of young adult fiction.

Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen is a heartwarming story about two best friends, Scarlett and Halley, who support each other through thick and thin. The book explores themes of friendship, love, loss, and teenage pregnancy. Dessen's writing style is polished and powerful, making it a must-read for young adult readers. The novel is a testament to the promise of true friendship and how it can endure even the toughest of challenges. Overall, Someone Like You is a touching and thought-provoking read that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers.

November Blues (The Jericho Trilogy) is a poignant novel by Sharon M. Draper that tells the story of November and Jericho, two teenagers who are struggling to cope with the pain of losing a loved one. November is pregnant and must make a difficult decision about her future, while Jericho is battling the emotional agony of losing his best friend. The book explores themes of grief, love, and the importance of friendship. Draper's writing is both heartfelt and honest, making it a must-read for young adults. Overall, November Blues is a powerful novel that will leave readers with a greater appreciation for the complexities of life.

16 & Pregnant: A Novel is a contemporary teen novel inspired by MTV's reality show and is an honest and emotional exploration of the life-changing event of teenage pregnancy. The story follows the lives of two best friends, Erykah and Kelly, as they navigate the challenges of Erykah's unexpected pregnancy. The novel is a powerful and timely exploration of the right to choose, despite the odds, and offers a true representation of Black maternal healthcare. LaLa Thomas's debut novel is an empowering and relatable read that highlights the strength and compassion of teenage girls.