10 must-read YA releases that will reignite your reading life this March

A Phoenix First Must Burn by Patrice Caldwell

Not sure you can get through a whole book this month? Well, Patrice Caldwell has compiled a YA anthology full of short stories by bestselling and award-winning YA authors — and it’s not one you’ll want to miss. A Phoenix First Must Burn explores what it is to be Black through fantasy and science-fiction narratives, most of which center on Black women and gender-nonconforming individuals.

That alone makes this collection an important addition to the YA genre, but the plot details of these stories make a compelling case for grabbing a copy as well. Among the key words mentioned in the book’s description are witches, rebels, priestesses, betrayals — all things that make SFF readers want to dive into a story. The synopsis for A Phoenix First Must Burn says:

"“Filled with stories of love and betrayal, strength and resistance, this collection contains an array of complex and true-to-life characters in which you cannot help but see yourself reflected. Witches and scientists, sisters and lovers, priestesses and rebels: the heroines of A Phoenix First Must Burn shine brightly. You will never forget them.”"

Among the authors included in A Phoenix First Must Burn are Dhonielle Clayton, Danielle Paige, Rebecca Roanhorse, Elizabeth Acevedo, Charlotte Davis, Justina Ireland, and so many more. This one hits shelves on March 10, and it’s available in print, ebook, and audiobook format.