Best Multigenerational Family Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 is a heartwarming story about a family's road trip to Birmingham, Alabama, during one of the most tumultuous times in the civil rights movement. The book, which features unforgettable characters and hilarious moments, is a celebration of family and the power of laughter to overcome even the toughest challenges. With a new foreword and afterword from the author, maps of the Watsons' journey, and personal essays from award-winning authors, this Yearling book is a modern classic that will resonate with readers of all ages.

We Are Not Free by Traci Chee is a Printz Honor Winner, a story about a group of young Nisei, second-generation Japanese American citizens, and how their lives were impacted by the mass U.S. incarcerations of World War II. The book is a National Book Award finalist, a Walter Honor Book, and an Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book. The writing is engaging, emotionally charged, and evokes raw emotions of fear, anger, resentment, uncertainty, grief, pride, and love. This book is an unforgettable must-read and should become required curriculum reading on a shameful and relevant chapter in U.S. history.

Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian is an intergenerational coming-of-age story that explores family, identity, and trauma through the experiences of three generations of boys in an Iranian family. The story is set against the backdrop of Tehran and Los Angeles and deals with themes such as racism, homophobia, and the relations between the United States and Iran. Nazemian's elegant prose and expert handling of historical and cultural nuances make this a must-read for fans of LGBTQ+ fiction books for teens and young adults. The book is a touching ode to the fragile bonds of family and the hidden secrets of history that make us who we are today.

We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds is a YA novel that explores the impact of racial violence on generations. Avery Anderson's senior year is disrupted when she moves in with her terminally ill grandmother, Mama Letty, and unearths family secrets. As she tries to uncover the truth, she finds friendship and love in unexpected places, but also discovers the racist history of her small southern town and its ties to her family. Hammonds weaves together mystery, romance, and a town's history to create a gripping and emotional story. We Deserve Monuments is a must-read for those looking for a complex and diverse YA novel.

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.

Displacement, a historical graphic novel from Kiku Hughes, follows a teenager named Kiku who is suddenly transported back in time to the Japanese internment camps of World War II. Living alongside her grandmother and others who were denied their civil liberties, Kiku witnesses the acts of resistance and community that helped them survive. This poignant and powerful book highlights the intergenerational impact of trauma and the power of memory. The spare linework and muted earth tones of the artwork emphasize the somber tone of the narrative, making it a timely and timeless work of art.

"On The Come Up" by Angie Thomas is a YA novel that tells the story of Bri, a 16-year-old girl who aspires to become one of the greatest rappers of all time. Bri's first song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, and she soon finds herself at the center of a controversy. Despite being portrayed by the media as more menace than MC, Bri fights for her dreams, even as the odds are stacked against her. This insightful and unflinching book is an ode to hip hop and a powerful story about fighting for what you believe in, even when the world is against you.

The Paper Girl of Paris by Jordyn Taylor is a captivating historical mystery that follows two teenage girls, Adalyn and Alice, seventy years apart. When Alice inherits an apartment in Paris from her grandmother, she uncovers family secrets from World War II that her grandmother had kept hidden. Meanwhile, Adalyn is living in Paris during the Nazi occupation, working as a socialite while secretly fighting with the resistance. The novel explores themes of family, love, and sacrifice, and will keep the reader engaged until the very end. A must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction and mysteries.

Darius the Great Is Not Okay is a heartwarming and emotional debut novel that explores the struggles of fitting in and battling depression. Darius, a Fractional Persian, embarks on his first trip to Iran and finds himself feeling like an outsider once again. However, his life changes when he meets Sohrab and they become fast friends. The story is both hilarious and heartbreaking, with relatable characters and an authentic portrayal of mental illness. This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like they don't belong. Overall, it's a beautiful and unique coming-of-age story that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page.

"¡Ay, Mija!" is a heartwarming and relatable graphic novel about Christine, a 16-year-old who visits Mexico to see her grandparents and tía. Initially struggling to connect with family due to language barriers, Christine eventually settles into life in Mexico, but things get complicated when her mom joins the trip. The book explores themes of identity, belonging, and cultural differences in a way that will resonate with young adults. The accessible graphic novel format and bilingual storytelling make it a must-read for those seeking representation and understanding of mixed heritage. Overall, "¡Ay, Mija!" is a treasure that celebrates family and the meaning of home.