In recent years, with the in-depth implementation of the Youth Student Reading Initiative, adolescent reading has transcended mere knowledge acquisition to become a pivotal and systemic undertaking aimed at inheriting the Chinese cultural lineage, enhancing national soft power, and building a strong socialist culture and a strong education system. As providers of high-quality content and guides for mainstream values, youth-themed publishing has emerged as a key carrier and essential safeguard for implementing the Youth Student Reading Initiative. Taking as case studies the key titles selected for the annual catalogue of key theme publications of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee from 2020 to 2024, this study examines the current development of youth-themed publishing. The findings reveal the following characteristics in its development: First, the number of selected topics shows an upward trend; Second, there is an increase in collaborative publishing projects; Third, a growing number of publishing entities are entering the competition; Fourth, the scope of content themes has expanded significantly; Fifth, content formats are undergoing continuous innovation. Concurrently, the study identifies several deep-seated problems and challenges: First, a deficiency in original content creation; Second, insufficient integration of digital technologies; Third, a shortage of specialized professionals; Fourth, impending shifts in demographic structure; Fifth, prominent shortcomings in international dissemination. These issues should not be viewed as “stumbling blocks” to development; rather, they constitute critical thresholds that must be crossed to achieve high-quality growth. The 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030) marks a crucial stage for building a modern socialist country in all respects and a window of opportunity for the high-quality development of theme publishing. As the Youth Student Reading Initiative deepens, higher demands are being placed on youth-themed publishing. This study proposes five pathways for its high-quality development: First, precise topic selection and planning to accurately align with national development needs and the specific demands of young audiences; Second, modernized content presentation that bridges the gap with youth aesthetics through emotional resonance, content adaptation, and technological empowerment; Third, professionalization of editorial and creative teams capable of grasping the cognitive patterns and developmental characteristics of young readers; Fourth, integrated promotion and services that provide comprehensive coverage across all reading scenarios; Fifth, refined international communication strategies that use youth reading as a cultural nexus to proactively engage with the world, deepen international cooperation, and tell China’s stories well to young audiences worldwide. The study provides a reference for the high-quality development of youth-themed publishing during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and for building a strong socialist culture and a strong education system.