Best Short Stories in Teen & Young Adult Literature Books of 2025

The Lunar Chronicles Boxed Set is a collection of Marissa Meyer's #1 New York Times-bestselling series, featuring retellings of classic fairy tales set in a futuristic world of cyborgs and evil queens. The set includes Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, Fairest: Levana’s Story, Stars Above, and Winter. Readers follow the story of a teenage cyborg, Cinder, who rebels against the evil Queen Levana with the help of Scarlet, Cress, and Winter. This collection is a fantastic mashup of science fiction and fairy tales that will keep readers entertained from start to finish.

The "Gleanings: Stories from the Arc of a Scythe" is a thrilling continuation of the New York Times bestselling Arc of the Scythe series. The book offers exciting stories that span the timeline, revealing the origin stories of characters and introducing new ones. The book is a collaborative effort by Neal Shusterman and other writers. Existing fans will relish the varied tales, which handle themes of art, meaning, and morality in a post-death world with an efficacious mixture of humor, violence, and gentle absurdity. Overall, the book is a must-read for lovers of short stories anthologies books.

Broken Throne: A Red Queen Collection is a must-have companion to the chart-topping series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Aveyard. This beautifully designed package features five novellas, maps, flags, bonus scenes, journal entries, and much more Red Queen inspired content. The collection includes three brand-new short stories as well as extra scenes, maps, family trees, flags, and much more. The world of Red Queen is dark and dangerous, where no one is as they appear, and the only certainty is betrayal. This masterful collection offers an entirely new look into the beloved characters in the iconic Red Queen series. Overall, this book is a great addition to the series, and fans will not be disappointed.

The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic is a collection of six short stories that take readers to a world of dark bargains, haunted towns, and talking beasts. Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, Leigh Bardugo's tales are filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love. The book is perfect for new readers and dedicated fans of the Grishaverse. The stories are lavishly illustrated and culminate in stunning full-spread illustrations. The book has received several starred reviews and is a New York Times Bestseller. Overall, The Language of Thorns is a beautifully crafted and unique book that will transport readers to a fully realized world of dangerous magic.

Fresh Ink: An Anthology is a remarkable YA collection that brings together thirteen diverse authors including Nicola Yoon, Jason Reynolds, and Melissa de la Cruz. Published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books, the anthology features ten short stories, a graphic novel, and a one-act play from Walter Dean Myers never before in print. The stories address topics ranging from gentrification to acceptance, untimely death, coming out, and poverty and are meant to be read and shared. Overall, this label-defying anthology will inspire readers to break conventions, bend the rules, and color outside the lines with fresh ink.

Roald Dahl's Book of Ghost Stories is a collection of spooky tales curated by the author himself. Dahl's fascination with classic ghost stories led him to read 749 supernatural tales before selecting the 14 that comprise this anthology. The book offers favorite tales by masterful storytellers such as E. F. Benson, J. Sheridan Le Fanu, Rosemary Timperley, and Edith Wharton. Dahl's impeccable taste in ghost stories is evident in his selection, and the book succeeds in giving readers the creeps and disturbing their thoughts. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves spine-chilling horror stories.

Man Made Monsters is a chilling collection of stories that follows a Cherokee family through generations, blending magical elements with human villains. The author, Andrea L. Rogers, weaves haunting tales that draw on long-told Cherokee stories, accompanied by stunning illustrations from Cherokee artist Jeff Edwards. The stories cover a range of time periods, from the 1830s to the present day and beyond, offering a unique perspective on American horror. Rogers' grounded, smooth writing style keeps the stakes high, making for a gripping read that will leave readers longing for more.

Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds is an exceptional adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's most famous works. The graphic-novel format brings Poe's dark genius to life in a thrilling and imaginative way. The book includes seven concise graphic narratives, each with thematic icons that honor the timeless legacy of the master of gothic horror. The visual interpretations of three poems are also included. This book is a must-read for horror manga lovers. Candlewick Press (MA) has done an excellent job with this adaptation.

Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America is a collection of captivating short stories edited by National Book Award finalist Ibi Zoboi. Featuring some of the most acclaimed bestselling Black authors writing for teens today, this book presents the beauty of Black humanity in all its many forms. The stories share a celebratory outlook on Black teenagers fully and courageously embracing life. Each entry is deftly woven and full of such complex humanity that teens will identify with and see some of their own struggles in these characters. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in diverse voices and perspectives.

Star Wars: The High Republic: Tales of Light and Life is a thrilling collection of short stories featuring fan-favorite characters from the High Republic series, written by New York Times bestselling authors. The book offers unmissable short stories that bridge Phases, resolve mysteries, and provide tantalizing hints of what is to come. The authors, including Zoraida Córdova, Claudia Gray, and Charles Soule, take readers on an adventure with Jedi and Padawans, Pathfinders and Path members, heroes, and villains. This anthology is a must-read for Star Wars fans who want to dive deeper into the High Republic universe.