Best Stepfamily Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

The Folk of the Air Complete Paperback Gift Set is a stunning trilogy by Holly Black that takes readers on a thrilling journey to the treacherous High Court of Faerie. The set includes The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King, and The Queen of Nothing, where the protagonist, Jude, navigates the dangerous world of Faerie to win a place at the Court and save her sisters. Holly Black's writing is captivating, filled with twists, enchantment, and palace intrigues that keep the reader engaged until the very end. This set is a must-have for fans of fantasy action and adventure books for teens and young adults.

The Do-Over by Lynn Painter is a captivating time loop story that follows a teenage girl, Emilie Hornby, as she relives her worst Valentine's Day over and over again. Emilie's struggles with her parents' divorce and her boyfriend's infidelity are depicted with honesty and heart, while the budding romance between Emilie and Nick adds a touch of humor and sweetness to the story. Painter's writing is engaging and playful, making The Do-Over an unequivocally hilarious and delightful read. This book is a must-read for fans of young adult romance and time travel fiction.

That Was Then, This Is Now by S. E. Hinton is a compelling novel about the friendship between two best friends, Bryon and Mark, and the challenges they face as they grow up and apart. This book is a companion novel to the internationally bestselling The Outsiders, and it continues to captivate readers with its mature and disciplined writing style. The New York Times describes it as "hard to forget," and it still packs a powerful message even after nearly thirty years in print, according to Children's Literature. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for fans of classic literature books for teens and young adults and showcases Hinton's exceptional talent as a writer.

Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum is a heartwarming and funny YA novel that tells the story of Jessie, who has just moved to Los Angeles to live with her stepmother and stepbrother after her mother's death. Struggling to fit in at her new school, Jessie receives an email from Somebody/Nobody (SN), offering to help her navigate the social scene. As Jessie begins to rely on SN more and more, she can't help but wonder who SN really is. This book is perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell and Jennifer Niven, and it is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like they don't belong. Overall, Tell Me Three Things is a captivating read that will leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Broken Prince: A Novel (The Royals, 2) is a gripping tale of Reed Royal, a wealthy and popular student at an elite prep school who falls for Ella Harper, his father’s new ward. The story is filled with secrets, betrayal, and enemies, testing Reed's will to win back his princess. The book is a page-turner, with intriguing characters and a heart-wrenching plot that keeps the reader engaged throughout. Overall, it's a fantastic read for fans of young adult fiction, with the perfect mix of drama, romance, and suspense that sets it apart from others in the genre.

Paper Princess: A Novel (The Royals, 1) is a gripping tale of a young girl named Ella Harper, who is rescued from poverty by Callum Royal, only to be thrown into a world of wealth, excess, and deception. Her newfound life with the Royals is far from easy, especially when it comes to Reed Royal, who is determined to send her back to the slums she came from. The book is a #1 New York Times Bestseller and USA Today Bestseller, and for good reason. It's a thrilling story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end.

Twisted Palace: A Novel (The Royals, 3) is a thrilling conclusion to the Royals series, which started with the bestselling novels Paper Princess and Broken Prince. The book tells the story of Ella and Reed, two teenagers who must overcome their troubled pasts and fight against those who want to keep them apart. The book has received high praise from several bestselling authors, including Meghan March and S.L. Jennings. Overall, Twisted Palace is a highly addictive read that will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Apple in the Middle is a young adult book that tells the story of Apple Starkington, a girl who turns her back on her Native American heritage after being called a racial slur. When her wealthy father kicks her out, she reluctantly visits her Native American relatives for the first time, where she learns to deal with the culture shock and stereotypes while trying to find a connection to her dead mother. The book has won several awards and shatters Indian stereotypes while teaching readers about finding one's place in a world divided by color.

Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly is a refreshing take on the classic Cinderella story. The book follows Isabelle, the ugly stepsister, who tries to fit in by cutting away pieces of herself to become pretty. However, this only makes her mean, jealous, and hollow. Donnelly's writing style is captivating and thought-provoking, evoking the original, darker version of the Cinderella story. The book is a journey toward empowerment, redemption, and a new definition of beauty. Overall, Stepsister is a must-read for anyone who loves children's fantasy and magic books.

The third book in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, Girls in Pants, follows the four friends as they spend their last summer together before college. Lena, Tibby, Bridget, and Carmen rely on their magical pair of pants to help them navigate their changing lives and relationships. The novel has been praised for its relatable characters and poignant coming-of-age story. The interactions between the girls feel authentic, and readers will be invested in their individual journeys. Overall, Girls in Pants is a heartwarming, engaging read that explores the complexities of growing up and the enduring power of friendship.