I always love checking in with BookPeople’s trusty Teen Press Corps at the end of each year just to see what they’re looking for going into the next one. So what’s on their minds for 2020? Well, they don’t always agree, but from frustration with trends to protectiveness over favorite covers they don’t think need changing, they’re heading into the next decade as opinionated as ever. Take a look at what they’re loving (and hating) below, and make sure you stop by their carefully curated year-round display of recommended reads if you’re ever in town.

What do you want more of in 2020?

• “More retellings of Chinese folklore would be amazing!” – Ming
• “I love retellings, but I want more obscure retellings, not the ones we see over and over again.” – Liri
• “I want to see anthologies promoted more. There are some really interesting anthologies coming out constantly, but they don’t get the same marketing that other books do.” – Xander
• “More Harry Potter translations! If Scholastic sees this… please make it happen.” – Xander
• “Books that address relevant, important issues in life.”– Colleen
• “I want more time.” – Liri

HEY PUBLISHERS, LISTEN UP: “I want publications to be more spread out—why don’t more good books come out in December?” – Colleen
Do you ever pre-order books, and why? 

• “It just doesn’t compare with the feeling of coming into the bookstore on pub day and getting the book off the shelf.” – Colleen
• “I’ve only ever preordered books if they come with an exclusive chapter or sneak peek… or REALLY good swag.” – Xander

CONSENSUS: *Shrug*
What about covers? What are you most drawn to right now? 

• “I love drawings of people but not photos of real people.” –Liri
• “I like obscure covers that portray the mood or tone of the book.” –Colleen
• “Only graphic novels should have covers that LOOK like graphic novels.” –Rosie
• “It shouldn’t be too busy, I like a minimalist cover.” –Riley
• “I really like when there are little clues or Easter eggs on the cover.” –Fatimah

CONSENSUS: Ummm… none? Good luck, publishers!
How do you feel about repackages of beloved series, like the newly released Marissa Meyer cover art?

• “The covers are beautiful, but they look like fan art. They don’t portray the intensity of the series.” –Colleen
• “These would have been pretty as an insert.” –Rosie
• “The old covers were iconic, so repackaging seems unnecessary.” –Xander

CONSENSUS: Who likes change anyway?
What do you want less of in 2020? 

• “Dystopia in general” – Fatimah
• “One million Rick Riordan stamped books. I’m never going to have enough time to read them all!” – Colleen
• “YA horror? The real world’s scary enough.” –Fatimah
• “Stressing about school and colleges.” – Colleen

THE TRUTH ABOUT TRENDS: “Trends go away, but Harry Potter is forever.” –Fatimah
What books are on your nightstands and / or wish lists right this second?

• Sunny and Lu by Jason Reynolds
• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
• The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe by Ally Condie
• Again, But Better by Christine Riccio
• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
• Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
• The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
• Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
• Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

Interested in more from the Teen Press Corps? See some highlights from their recent coverage below:

• Xander interviews Pete Souza
• TPC’s favorite reads of 2019
• Ivy Reviews Redwood & Ponytail 
• Ava Reviews Circe 

Browse the archives here!
Happy New Year!