A new year means it’s time for a whole new round of debut authors and voices to read. Like last year, I’ll do a monthly roundup of debut novels for the month, with cover images and book description, and I’ll link up any reviews Kimberly or I write as the year progresses for easy reference.

“Debut” is a topic I plan on talking about a bit more in depth soon, but in short, these roundups are for first-time authors of any sorts who are publishing their very first YA book. So you won’t see books that are first YA books from authors who have previously published adult or children’s books. You also won’t see books that are debut novels in a new genre or by authors assuming a pseudonym for a particular book. I’m keeping the definition of debut straight and pure.

With that, here are January’s debut YA novels. January tends to be a quieter month in terms of publishing, so it’s not surprising there are only a few debut novels. All descriptions are from WorldCat, unless otherwise noted. If I have missed a traditionally published debut novel out this month, let me know in the comments. I want books that are available for print purchase through major sources — please no self-published or digital-only titles.

Bird by Crystal Chan: Twelve-year-old Jewel was born on the day her brother Bird died and lives in a house of silence and secrets, but a new boy in her Iowa town may help find the answers Jewel wants despite her Jamaican grandfather’s warning that he is a “duppy,” a malevolent spirit.

Defy by Sara B. Larson: Seventeen-year-old Alexa’s parents were killed by a sorcerer during a raid, so she has disguised herself as a boy, joined Antion’s army, and earned a place on Prince Damian’s guard–but Antion is ruled by an evil king, and “Alex” must find a way to defeat him and protect her prince.

No Surrender Soldier by Christine Kohler: Growing up on Guam in 1972, fifteen-year-old Kiko is beset by worries: He’s never kissed a girl, the popular guys get all the attention at school–but the worst part is the serious problems at home. His older brother is missing in Vietnam, his grandfather is losing it to dementia, and he just learned that his mother was raped by a Japanese soldier during World War II. It all comes together when he discovers an old man, a Japanese soldier, hiding in the jungle behind his house. It’s not the same man who raped his mother, but, in his rage, Kiko cares only about protecting his family and avenging his mom–no matter what it takes. And so, a shy, peaceable boy begins to plan a murder. But how far will Kiko go to prove to himself that he’s a man? Based on a true incident in history, No Surrender Soldier is the story of a boy grappling with ancient questions of courage and manhood before he can move on.

The Gospel of Winter by Brendan Kiely: Managing the challenges of his fractured family by taking Adderall, sneaking drinks, and confiding in an abusive priest, Aidan finds support from new friends including a crush, a wild girl, and a swim-team captain with his own secrets.

The Scar Boys by Len Vlahos: Written as a college admission essay, eighteen-year-old Harry Jones recounts a childhood defined by the hideous scars he hid behind, and how forming a band brought self-confidence, friendship, and his first kiss.