Top five new teen books by Ukrainian authors

Despite Ukrainian readers’ preference for new adult titles by foreign writers, Ukrainian authors can offer many other promising works.

In this selection, we have compiled a list of top five Ukrainian books for teenagers – from fantasy and adventure stories to love stories and experiences of loss.

“Rain Riders” by Kateryna Shtanko

A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA, 2025

The second prose book by renowned illustrator Kateryna Shtanko is a dynamic fantasy for younger teens, which balances the real Ukrainian world, from locations and traditions to political events, with the author’s created world of weather controllers.

The main character of the novel, Danylo Teslya, finds himself on a forced vacation in Crimea (it is the summer of 2013, and the character does not yet know it, but readers already understand that this is the last Ukrainian summer in Crimea – so far, at least). He has a complicated relationship with his mother and stepfather, feeling like an outsider in his own family and lonely, so when he gets the chance to join a team of those who fly on clouds and control the weather, the boy takes it.

And so begins an interesting and exciting but also dangerous life, which will include attempts to catch the wayward wind, the trap of the Carpathian witch Bosorkani, an encounter with a real molfar, the creation of a cloud theater, and clashes with rude rain riders from beyond the eastern border.

In fact, while staying within the fantasy genre, the author describes the tension that arises—first at the level of weather controllers—with the Russians. She demonstrates the differences in behavior, principles, and values, which at first seem simply unpleasant, but later become downright disturbing. And although earthly life would seem to have little to do with those who care primarily and exclusively about the weather, when the Revolution of Dignity begins, the rain riders try to contribute to the establishment of justice. And then the annexation of Crimea and the Russian invasion of Donetsk and Luhansk regions take place not only on the ground, but also in the heavens…

Yes, this is a story about eternal teenage problems and values — relationships with the older generation, a sense of belonging to a community, friendship, and even falling in love. But at the same time, it is about the war that began in 2014 — that is, when most of the children who will pick up this book were just born. And while captivating readers with breathtaking adventures, the author also introduces them to the recent history of Ukraine, which continues to be written here and now.

“When I Grow Wings” by Sasha Voitsekhivska

Yuliia Slyvka Publishing, 2024

This is a very unusual story about loss. It is written from the perspective of someone suddenly torn from life. Lera is 14, and she was walking to school in the morning when she suddenly found herself in an unfamiliar waiting room full of strangers speaking different languages, who were being invited through the door one by one. And behind them is Anglia, the land of angels. But Lera doesn’t know that yet: she is disoriented and confused. Next comes shock, denial, bargaining – which are among the stages of grief that people are said to go through when they lose someone dear to them. Obviously, those who lost Lera are going through them too. But it’s not easy for her either: everything she knew and loved, everything she was used to, is gone forever. And she has to adapt to these angels and their rules. She even has to grow wings.

The story of the transition to the land of angels is in many ways similar to the experience of being a refugee. Everything here is foreign, unfamiliar, and strange. You have to get used to new rules, even if they seem bizarre, illogical, or categorically unacceptable to you. And the angels are not at all what you imagined them to be. And life here is not exactly paradise. And you feel again and again that you are unable to fit into this society. A society you didn’t even ask to be a part of.

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Sasha Voitsekhivska’s first teenage book has everything that appeals to young adults: sharp but sincere teenage intonations, humor, and very personal, warm moments, even when the world is falling apart.

“I’ll Text You Tomorrow” by Marusia Shcherbyna

The Old Lion Publishing House, 2025

Wrapped in a delicate love story, Marusia Shcherbyna’s new book can break your heart in ways you never imagined. Behind the poignant and sweet haze of this story of first love, which unfolds on the sunny Bulgarian coast, lies the longing for a broken bond of strong friendship and, later, the pain of living with loss.

The main character of this novel, Yaroslav, is one of those nice but unpopular guys who don’t warm up to people quickly. That’s why he’s not thrilled about the idea of going to summer camp in Bulgaria with his classmates. Even the fact that the girl he’s secretly in love with will be there doesn’t convince him. The boy also lacks confidence because he has asthma, has to take medication, and always has to carry an inhaler with him, which he thinks will repel his peers (spoiler: it doesn’t). But his parents have decided for him, so Yaroslav has to resign himself to the trip, during which he will ultimately gain important insights, prove himself, and experience indescribable happiness (but also indescribable pain). In any case, he will return from this trip a changed person.

In this book, Marusia Shcherbyna describes both experiences common to teenagers across generations and those Ukrainian teenagers are unfortunately facing today. Experiences that should not happen to them, especially at such a young age. It is valuable that the author discusses how to provide ecological support to those experiencing traumatic events and, in general, emphasizes the importance of support.

“In Love” by Nadia Bila

Artbooks, 2024

Nadia Bila’s new book is an urban youth novel about falling in love—for the first time, awkwardly, and unreciprocated.

An important detail: “In Love” is a queer novel. The main character, 18-year-old Anton, is an athlete, a handsome and confident young man who lives a generally good life. Suddenly (and unexpectedly, especially for himself), he falls in love with a young dentist. Now he has to deal not only with the storm of feelings that have overwhelmed him, but also with accepting himself and his newly discovered sexual identity.

Anton, raised by successful parents in the spirit of entirely “traditional” values, must accept this fact himself and convey to his parents that his feelings are not a whim, a fad, or a perversion. And then there is his sports team, where everyone seems to be tolerant … but not quite. Sports are particularly steeped in toxic masculinity, and there is hidden or even overt discrimination against those who do not demonstrate it properly.

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“In Love” is an urban youth novel, and the fact that its events take place in Kyiv – a modern, stylish, generally open-minded metropolis – has a significant impact. At the same time, although it belongs to the genre of queer novels, I would say that at its core is a very universal story about romantic relationships, happiness, and mistakes that are common to everyone, including completely heterosexual couples.

“This Summer in Barcelona” by Tetiana Stryzhevska

The Old Lion Publishing House, 2025

If you’re looking for lightheartedness and adventure, check out Tetiana Stryzhevska’s new book. It’s about four friends who take a road trip to Barcelona, where everything that could go wrong does. Changes in the group of travelers and the route, a missing car, a broken arm, constant bickering – for Diana, it’s like a nightmare in which all her mother’s prophecies have come true. After all, her mother, a homebody, innocently warned her that the whole adventure would turn out badly. But isn’t this a chance to finally (at almost 20!) break free from her mother’s care? Isn’t this an opportunity to live a vibrant life and create unforgettable memories?

This story has a little bit of everything: unpleasant discoveries, important insights into family relationships, extraordinary mishaps, and spontaneous yet beautiful moments.

It is important to note the timing: the plot unfolds before the full-scale invasion, but the feeling of an ongoing war and the anticipation of something massive are already in the air.

This article was created by a mentor of an intensive course in book journalism and literary criticism of Chytomo and Litosvita. The UA/UK Cultural Exchange course is supported by the British Council’s Support for Cultural Activity in Ukraine with UK Involvement programme.

Copy editing: Joy Tataryn