Best Martial Arts Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

I Kick and I Fly is an inspiring story of a girl who escapes being sold into the sex trade in Bihar, India. Heera, the protagonist, learns the value of her body through kung fu as she practices martial arts with other at-risk girls at a local hostel. The story is a hopeful tale of triumph and heroism, inspired by the author's experience making the Emmy-award winning documentary, The Selling of Innocents. This book is a must-read for those interested in martial arts fiction books for teens and young adults.

The U.S. Marine Close Combat Fighting Handbook is a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of close combat fighting, including lethal and nonlethal weapons techniques, hand-held weapons, strikes, throws, chokes, holds, ground fighting, and nonlethal techniques. The book includes a profusion of illustrations for each hold or technique, making it easy for readers to understand and follow. It is an ideal resource for anyone interested in learning close combat fighting techniques. The book is published by Martino Fine Books and falls under the category of Martial Arts Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults.

Fence: Rise by C. S. Pacat is the next chapter in the GLAAD Media Award-nominated series that follows Nicholas and his friends as they strive to become the best fencers in the country. Excitement is in the air as they attend the prestigious Halverton Training Camp, but Nicholas struggles to keep up with the competition. Meanwhile, Seiji remains unchallenged but let down by the camp. Will Nicholas step up to pose a real challenge to Seiji? This manga book is a must-read for fans of LGBTQ+ literature and sports-themed stories.

Fight Back (Lorimer SideStreets) is a gripping story of Tyler Josten's life, who has never had it easy. Abandoned by his mother and abused by his father, Tyler grows up with a wild temper, fighting anyone he sees as a bully. Tyler's life takes a turn when he is placed in foster care and welcomed into the Conway family, who teach him how to box. With a controlled outlet for his violence, Tyler starts to take responsibility for his life and actions. The book is an excellent read for reluctant older readers about standing up for yourself and not giving up.

The Space Between by Gravel Road is a hard-hitting, contemporary young adult fiction that explores themes of gender identity, prejudice, and mixed martial arts. The story follows Eric as he reconnects with his old girlfriend, Danielle, who now identifies as male and goes by Dan. The novel raises important questions about living one's truth and the consequences of ignorance and prejudice. The book is part of the Hi-Lo series, designed for struggling readers, and is a great addition to martial arts fiction books for teens and young adults. Overall, The Space Between is a thought-provoking and emotional read that tackles real-life issues with honesty and authenticity.

TARO by Blue Spruell is a captivating historical fantasy adventure of warlords, swords, and mythical beasts from old Japan. This book follows Taro, a young Samurai who seeks revenge on the warlord responsible for his parents' death. Alongside his shape-shifting badger sidekick, Taro embarks on a journey of self-discovery, falls in love with a powerful samurai's daughter, and ultimately becomes involved in a political struggle for the imperial throne. The book is rich in Japanese folklore and history, making it an extraordinary coming-of-age saga that is highly recommended for lovers of ancient legends retold.

Legends of the Martial Arts Masters is an anthology of twenty exciting stories about great heroes of martial arts. Written by Susan Lynn Peterson, a professional writer and a third-degree black belt holder in Okinawan Shuri-ryu karate, this book is sure to inspire readers with stories of courage, combat, and self-discovery. Peterson has included stories of renowned martial artists such as Miyamoto Musashi and Robert Trias, providing readers with a glimpse into the lives of these legends. The book is published by Tuttle Publishing and is an excellent choice for fans of martial arts action and inspiring stories.

The Danaher Diaries Volume 2 is a must-read for anyone interested in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. In this book, John Danaher shares his latest musings on learning, teaching, strategy, and mastery, providing readers with new concepts and stories to reflect on. The short, thought-provoking entries can be read anytime, anywhere, making it the perfect companion for your BJJ journey. As a leading mind in the sport, Danaher provides unique insights into topics such as speed vs control, the power of wedges, levers, and fulcrums, and reflections on ADCC 2019. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any martial artist's library and is sure to inspire and motivate readers to improve their skills.

Street Fighter Unlimited Volume 2: The Gathering is a media tie-in graphic novel by Udon Entertainment. The book features Ryu fighting for his life against the ancient martial arts master Oro, while Gill and the Secret Society announce the World Warrior Tournament. The tournament brings together a diverse cast of characters, including Ken, Chun-li, Guile, Ibuki, Makoto, Elena, Sakura, Karin, Alex, Hugo, Sagat, Adon, Rainbow Mika, Blanka, Necro, Poison, and Dan. This volume is the most action-packed Street Fighter book yet, and fans won't be disappointed. Overall, the book is a thrilling adventure that showcases the beloved characters in exciting new ways.

Street Fighter Unlimited Volume 1: The New Journey, published by Udon Entertainment, is a media tie-in graphic novel that collects the first four issues of the Street Fighter Unlimited ongoing comic series. The book follows Ryu on a perilous journey to control the dark energies within him, while Guile, Cammy, and Chun-li confront the remnants of Shadaloo to uncover the truth about Gill's mysterious Secret Society. The volume also includes bonus stories, variant covers, and a new 6-page story created exclusively for this book. Overall, the book is an epic new world-spanning adventure that will captivate Street Fighter fans and graphic novel enthusiasts alike.