Acclaimed author Kelly Yang is making a much-anticipated return to middle-grade literature with her upcoming novel, *Boss Games*, which is scheduled for release in 2028. This new work represents the beginning of a three-book deal with Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and promises to captivate a young audience with its engaging themes and relatable characters.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kelly-yang-052026-bd37f0d34f0f41528cf6615daa640c0c.jpg)
Set against the backdrop of a high-stakes competition, *Boss Games* follows the journey of 12-year-old Everlee Chou. Faced with the daunting challenge of saving her family’s struggling restaurant, Everlee seizes an opportunity when a tech billionaire launches a contest aimed at redefining the future of food. This competition presents not only a potential solution to her family’s financial woes but also a platform for Everlee to showcase her creativity and resilience.
As Everlee navigates the demanding landscape of the competition, she is confronted with profound questions about what she is prepared to sacrifice for success. The narrative signals a deeper exploration of themes such as personal ambition, ethical dilemmas, and the importance of community, ensuring that *Boss Games* resonates with contemporary young readers.
Yang, known for her impactful storytelling in previous works like the *Front Desk* series, expresses her enthusiasm for writing for this age group. She emphasises the significance of providing stories in which children can see reflections of their own lives. “When the questions that keep them up at night are also keeping the characters up, kids become readers,” she noted. This perspective underpins Yang’s mission to craft narratives that not only entertain but also spark meaningful conversations among young audiences.
In discussing the novel, Yang highlights that *Boss Games* is not merely a thrilling contest tale. It also offers rich commentary on the societal issues young people face today. “There’s mystery and intrigue and so much heart, but also stark, real realities about what people are going through,” she explained. As Everlee grapples with the implications of the rapidly changing world of technology and convenience, readers are likely to find themselves contemplating the costs associated with modern life.
Yang’s previous achievements, such as winning acclaim for her contribution to children’s literature, further enhance the anticipation surrounding *Boss Games*. The author aims to balance entertainment with reflection, stating that she hopes young readers will find the narrative both savoury and thought-provoking. “After the feast, I think they’re going to have a lot to think about,” she remarked, hinting at the layered complexity of her storytelling.
With *Boss Games*, Yang joins a growing list of authors who are focusing on the intersection of youth experiences and contemporary dilemmas. The novel’s exploration of the themes of innovation and the ethics of progress is particularly timely, as children today grapple with fast-evolving technology and its impacts on their lives. The engaging format of a competition not only captures the imagination but also serves as a backdrop for these important conversations.
In addition to *Boss Games*, Yang has other standalone novels in the pipeline, although details regarding those titles and their release dates are yet to be disclosed. As she expands her repertoire, readers can expect the same sensitivity and insight that have become hallmarks of her writing.
Overall, the arrival of *Boss Games* is poised to enrich the literature available for middle-grade readers. With its thoughtful themes and relatable protagonist, Kelly Yang’s latest offering promises to engage and inspire a new generation, inviting them to ponder big questions while enjoying a compelling narrative. As anticipation builds ahead of its 2028 publication, young readers and their families can look forward to diving into a story that combines entertainment with a deeper understanding of social dynamics and personal growth.