Young adult books roundup

A teen romance centred on Eid, an exploration of toxic masculinity and a thriller from the queen of YA crime are among this month’s highlights

Two rising stars of young adult fiction, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar, team up for summer romcom Four Eids and a Funeral (Usborne, out June). Inseparable when they were growing up, Said and Tiwa have barely spoken since an incident many Eids ago. Can a funeral and a fire at the town’s Islamic Centre bring them back together? This delightful romance combines a fresh take on the enemies-to-lovers trope with a feelgood story about family and community.

Nathanael Lessore was shortlisted for the Carnegie medal for his debut novel, Steady for This, and his second book, King of Nothing (Hot Key), confirms him as a major new name in writing for younger teenagers. Fourteen-year-old Anton and his friends rule the school until he gets into serious trouble. By way of punishment, his mum sends him to a local community group where unexpected friendships help him to reframe the way he sees the world. It’s testament to Lessore’s lightness of touch and believable characters that despite delving into big topics such as toxic masculinity and grief, this is an immensely readable book that never feels too worthy.