Best Magical Realism Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

Bless Me, Ultima is a classic novel by Rudolfo Anaya, the father of Chicano literature in English. The story follows young Antonio Marez as he discovers himself and his family's ties through the guidance of Ultima, a curandera who cures with herbs and magic. Anaya's exquisite prose and wondrous storytelling bring to life the rich culture and pagan past of Latin America. The novel has won numerous literary awards and was named a Great American Read by PBS. Overall, Bless Me, Ultima is a captivating and unique read that explores themes of identity, tradition, and spirituality.

We Can Be Heroes by Kyrie McCauley is a powerful and haunting YA novel about three girls who seek justice for their murdered friend by painting murals around town. But as their actions catch the attention of law enforcement and a podcaster covering the case, they must confront the secrets they've been keeping, including the fact that Cassie's ghost is riding with them. McCauley's lyrical writing and the girls' grief, rage, and tenacity make this book an unforgettable read that sheds light on the all-too-common violence in America. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a fierce and unflinching portrayal of friendship and justice.

American Street by Ibi Zoboi is a National Book Award Finalist that tells the story of Fabiola Toussaint, a young Haitian immigrant who, after arriving in Detroit, must navigate her new life without her mother, who is detained by U.S. immigration. The book explores themes of family, love, and the pursuit of the American dream, all while incorporating magical realism and vodou culture. With five starred reviews and multiple awards, American Street is a must-read for fans of Nicola Yoon and Jason Reynolds. This stunning debut novel is a powerful coming-of-age story that will leave readers captivated and moved.

The Infernal Devices box set is a must-read for fans of magical realism fiction books for teens and young adults. The series follows Tessa Gray as she navigates the dangerous world of Downworlders in Victorian London, where vampires, warlocks, and other supernatural beings lurk in the shadows. Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and Clockwork Princess are the three books included in the set, and each one is a thrilling adventure filled with passion, power, secrets, and enchantment. The unique blend of historical fiction and fantasy creates a captivating world that readers won't want to leave.

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan is a heart-wrenching novel that explores the depths of love, grief, and family. Leigh Chen Sanders, who is half Asian and half white, travels to Taiwan to meet her maternal grandparents for the first time after her mother's suicide. She believes that her mother has turned into a bird, and in her search for her, she uncovers family secrets and forges a new relationship with her grandparents. The novel alternates between reality and magic, past, and present, hope, and despair, creating a luminous debut novel that explores finding oneself through family history, art, bravery, and love. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves multigenerational family fiction books for teens and young adults.

We Are the Ants is a young adult LGBTQ+ fiction novel by Shaun David Hutchinson. The book tells the story of Henry Denton, a teenage boy who gets abducted by aliens and is given an ultimatum: push a big red button to save the world from ending in 144 days or let it be destroyed forever. Henry is left with the ultimate choice, and as he weighs the pain and joy that surrounds him, he begins to question whether the world is worth saving. This book is a beautifully written, poignant story about love, loss, and the complexities of life. Hutchinson's writing is both sarcastic and profound, making this book a must-read for young adults.

The Making of Yolanda la Bruja is a powerful and timely novel that tackles racism, gun violence, and spirituality with sensitivity and care. Lorraine Avila's debut book follows Yolanda Alvarez, a teenage girl navigating her family's bruja tradition while trying to protect her community from a white boy's violent threats. Avila's writing is striking and unapologetically political, with a bold protagonist whose intersectional identities inform her conviction around combatting racism. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of race and justice, and the role spirituality plays in navigating them.

Akata Warrior by Nnedi Okorafor is a thrilling novel that blends mythology, fantasy, history, and magic into a compelling tale. The story follows Sunny Nwazue, an American-born Nigerian girl, who must confront her destiny and lead a dangerous mission to avert an apocalypse. With the support of her friends and spirit face, she travels through visible and invisible worlds to fight a climactic battle to save humanity. The novel seamlessly weaves together the experience of cultural duality as both African and African-American with lessons of love, loyalty, and adolescent insecurities. Overall, Akata Warrior is a unique coming-of-age story that will ensnare readers and keep them turning pages until the very end.

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell is a captivating LGBTQ+ fiction book for teens and young adults. Simon Snow, the most powerful magician in the world, wants to enjoy his last year at the Watford School of Magicks, but he can't. His girlfriend broke up with him, his best friend is a pest, and his mentor keeps trying to hide him away. The story is a mix of a ghost story, a love story, a mystery, and a melodrama, with plenty of monsters, vampires, and ghosts. The novel is a page-turner that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. Overall, Carry On is a unique and thrilling read that will leave the reader wanting more.

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black is a New York Times bestselling YA fantasy novel that tells the story of Hazel and her brother Ben, who grew up hearing tales about a horned boy who sleeps in a glass coffin in the woods. When the boy wakes up, Hazel must become the knight she once pretended to be to save her town from the dangers of the faerie realm. Black's elegant writing style and world-building skills make this dark and eerie tale a must-read for fans of contemporary fantasy. The story's unique twist on classic fairy tales and sibling relationships will leave readers captivated until the very end.