15 must-read YA book releases that will make staying inside a little easier this May

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

It’s been a while since readers have heard from Suzanne Collins — or entered the world of The Hunger Games — but we’ll be returning to Panem this May in Collins’ highly anticipated prequel novel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Although many are hesitant after discovering this story will put a young President Snow in the protagonist seat, it’ll be interesting to see how Collins handles this new perspective.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will take place during the 10th annual Hunger Games, and it’ll see an 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow becoming a mentor in the Games. If his tribute winds up winning the competition, there’s a chance he’ll be able to return his family name to glory once more — but given that he’s working with a female tribute from District 12, his success is far from guaranteed.

Could this story shed further light on Snow’s complicated relationship with Katniss? It seems like it could. According to the book’s synopsis:

"“Their fates are now completely intertwined – every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute… and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.”"

It’s hard to say how effective this story will be from Snow’s perspective, but returning to the world Collins built in her trilogy will at least give us something to look forward to this month. (I know I can’t be the only one who misses it.)

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will be available in print, ebook, and audiobook format beginning May 19. The book has also already been greenlit for a film adaptation ahead of its release.