FICTION

These Kindred Hearts: A YA Romantasy Anthology

Zando/Sweet July. Jun. 2026. 416p. ed. by Pennant, Shari B., ed. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781638933304. Gr 7 Up
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Gr 7 Up–This romantasy anthology features an assortment of magical stories from 17 middle grade and YA BIPOC authors, ranging from well known—Kwame Mbalia and Zoraida Córdova—to up and coming. The stories span a wide range of subgenres, from postapocalyptic demon hunters in “Meet Me at World’s End” by Pennant to friends-to-lovers cozy fantasy “Chloe’s Cat” by Sophie Li to action-packed life-or-death circumstances in “Sinkholes” by Cheryl Isaacs. Featured protagonists and their love interests come from a wide range of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, and some stories feature LGBTQIA+ representation. This is a necessary anthology that not only successfully embraces diversity but is also further enhanced by it.
VERDICT Highly recommended for libraries serving teens who enjoy their fantasy, magic, and romance in small doses.
Reviewed by Jessica Marie , Mar 01, 2026

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