Books like Early Departures by Justin A. Reynolds

Two strangers receive a call that they will die today and use an app to befriend each other, sharing a single unforgettable day that turns into a profound journey of love, friendship, and acceptance.

In a world where magic once pulsed through every stone, children of Orïsha fight to reclaim their heritage after a tyrant extinguishes their powers and their people’s hope.

Chloe Brown, a chronically ill computer geek, embarks on a quest to "Get a Life" with seven daring directives that lead her to a tattooed, motorcycle‑loving handyman who becomes her unpredictable tutor of rebellion.

Marin heads to college in New York, leaving her past behind. When her friend Mabel visits, Marin confronts the truth about a tragic summer that reshaped both their lives.

In a tense sixty seconds, a young boy faces a choice that will determine whether he seeks revenge for his brother’s death or walks away from violence.

In Harlem, Xiomara Batista learns to use her voice and verse to fight for herself and her dreams, turning lyrical poetry into her most powerful tool.

A powerful collection of essays that challenges mainstream feminism for overlooking basic needs—food, education, housing, wages, and healthcare—while highlighting how race, class, sexuality, and disability intersect with gender.

A summer treasure hunt in Lambert, South Carolina, sees 12‑year‑old Candice Miller uncover a family mystery, fight injustice, and prove her grandmother’s detective legacy.

"All This Time" is a contemporary YA romance that explores friendship, family, dating, and social issues, capturing the ups and downs of teenage love and growing up. Its candid narration earned it a place on the New York Times bestseller list.

A contemporary young adult story exploring friendship, diversity, and mental health within a modern community.

A young adult coming-of-age story set in a world of racial tension and crime, where a Black boy's escape from a troubled family leads to a dangerous path in the criminal underworld.

"There is a lot of pressure in today's society for kids to succeed, but failing is a part of learning how to be a successful person. In his teaching career, Luke Reynolds saw the stress and anxiety his students suffered over grades, fitting in, and getting things right the first time. Fantastic Failures was created for these students to learn that their mistakes and failures do not define their whole lives, but help them grow into their potential. Kids will love learning about some of the well-known people who failed before succeeding and will come to understand that failure is a large component of success. With stories from people like J. K. Rowling, Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, Abraham Lincoln, Vincent Van Gogh, Julia Child, and Steven Spielberg, each profile just proves that the greatest mistakes and flops can turn into something amazing. Intermixed throughout the fun profiles, Reynolds spotlights great inventors and scientists who discovered and created some of the most important medicines, devices, and concepts of all time, including lifesaving vacines and medicines that were stumbled upon by mistake. Reynolds's engaging, youthful voice pulls kids into each anecdote much in the same way bestselling Girls Who Rocked the World and Boys Who Rocked the World do, making the teaching moments feel more like a friend just retelling a story. Each profile is followed up with advice on how to come back from your own flops and move forward to succeed"--

Sophie, freshly graduated, faces a breakup and a bold challenge from her best friend to try 90 different things, sparking a journey of self‑discovery and friendship.