Best Television & Radio Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

Outer Banks: Pogue Life is the ultimate guide for fans of the hit Netflix series. This official insider fan guide is designed as a scrapbook pieced together by the show's main characters, and it includes exclusive content such as photos, surfer profiles, and secret pages from Big John's journal. The book offers an immersive experience of life in the Outer Banks and includes a bonus episode guide to the first two seasons. Joey Elkins, a screenwriter whose work includes the show, authored the book. Overall, this full-color collectible edition is a must-have for fans of the show.

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman is a coming-of-age novel that explores issues of identity, success, and the freedom to choose. Frances, a study machine with dreams of attending an elite university, discovers her true self when she meets Aled, the shy genius behind her favorite podcast. As their friendship blossoms, the podcast goes viral, and the trust between them is broken. Oseman's vivid writing and exploration of diverse characters make this a compelling read for teens and young adults. Overall, Radio Silence is a timely and intelligent book that will resonate with readers who are yearning to be their truest selves.

#MurderTrending is a thrilling novel that takes place in the near future where society's most infamous convicted felons are executed on a suburbanized prison island, Alcatraz 2.0, and streamed live on The Postman app. Seventeen-year-old Dee Guerrera wakes up to find herself next in line for execution for a crime she didn't commit. With her newly formed posse, the Death Row Breakfast Club, Dee sets out to prove her innocence before it's too late. Gretchen McNeil delivers a suspenseful and humorous story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The Voice on the Radio, a novel by Caroline Cooney, is a thrilling addition to the bestselling Janie series. The book follows the aftermath of Janie's kidnapping as she tries to balance her life between two families and cope with missing her boyfriend, Reeve, who is away at college. However, Reeve's new job as a disc jockey leads him to share Janie's story on air, risking the exposure of her past. Cooney's outstanding storytelling and emotional tension make this book a page-turner for young adult readers. The Voice on the Radio is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and romance novels alike.

Rosewood: A Midsummer Meet Cute, a Sense and Sensibility retelling by Sayantani DasGupta, follows Eila Das as she navigates the drama of a summer camp where campers are being scouted for a Bridgerton-like TV show. As someone who always follows her head, Eila is surprised by the feelings she develops for Rahul. The book explores the conflict between head and heart as Eila tries to make it through the summer. DasGupta's wit and insight make for a bright and funny read. Overall, Rosewood is a unique and enjoyable addition to the TV Shows Books category.

The "Outer Banks 16-Month September 2022-December 2023 Wall Calendar" is a must-have for fans of the sun-bleached hit Netflix teen drama. The calendar features full-color photographs of John B, Sarah, JJ, Pope, Kiara, and their friends and foes from the Outer Banks as they embark on a quest for lost treasure on an island of haves and have-nots. The calendar also includes a bonus poster and spans 16 months from September 2022 to December 2023. The generously gridded calendar allows space for appointments and reminders and features widely celebrated holidays and observances as well as moon phases. This calendar is a perfect blend of pop culture and practicality.

Lucky Caller by Emma Mills is a heartwarming story about self-discovery, friendship, and human connection. Nina's senior year takes a chaotic turn when she takes a radio broadcasting class. Her haphazardly formed radio team includes her childhood friend Jamie, who she had hoped to avoid. The show is a mess, and Nina's family is on the brink of some major upheaval. However, everything feels like it's spiraling out of control, and maybe control is overrated. Mills excels at creating vivid characters that will tear at readers' heartstrings. Lucky Caller is a charming romance with nuanced supporting characters and exceptionally good dialogue.

"Life in a Fishbowl" is a tragicomedy about a dying father who puts his life up for auction on eBay to secure his family's future. Jackie, his 15-year-old daughter, watches as an odd assortment of bidders, some with nefarious intentions, drive the price up higher. The fate of her entire family hangs in the balance, and no one can predict how the auction will finally end or the public fallout that ensues. This novel is a surprising, original, and deeply affecting work of art that keeps you guessing up to the very last page. Len Vlahos artfully blends the whimsical and the poignant in an achingly funny satire that will leave a lasting imprint on readers."

Starry-Eyed: 16 Stories that Steal the Spotlight is a collection of fictional short stories that focus on the struggles, hopes, failures, and triumphs of young aspiring singers, dancers, actors, actresses, and performers. The book also includes personal anecdotes from celebrated performers of stage, screen, and television. YA authors like Alex Flinn, Aimee Friedman, and Garret Freymann-Weyr weave mesmerizing stories of talented kids whose lives revolve around music, drama, and the arts. This book is perfect for anyone who is reaching for the stars and looking for encouragement and a reality check. Overall, this book is complex, focused, and memorable for its unique characters and situations.

The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Tiffany Brooks is a thrilling young adult novel that combines the excitement of a reality TV show with a cursed island setting and a mystery waiting to be solved. The main character, Riley Ozment, is a high school senior who is desperate to repair her social standing after making a mistake on social media. She decides to compete on a Survivor-style reality show, but soon realizes that the treasure they are searching for comes with a deadly curse. Brooks weaves together a fast-paced plot full of lies, love, and betrayal that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, The Girl Who Knew Too Much is a unique and engaging read that is perfect for fans of mystery and suspense.