Staff Suggestions — Young Adult
Camilia is an Argentinian girl with a dream to go pro in fútbol, but she struggles against the expectations of her strict parents. This is not just a sports story, this is a tale of feminisim, culture, tradition, love...and yes, a lot of soccer. Camilia's determination and passion for fútbol makes me ache with admiration. This is perfect for fans of the movie Bend it Like Beckham and the book The Poet X.
— Lindsay A.
Deliciously twisty, I devoured this Knives Out-style mystery. A Connecticut girl with plenty of attitude is the lucky recipient of a vast fortune (could happen to any of us!) and everyone wants to know why. I loved the layered puzzles, the handsome grandsons, and the very mysterious Tobias. Lots of fun and well done.
— Jamie
How much can privilege hide? This classic whodunit set in a rich seaside town is being adapted into a TV series called The Players' Table starring Sydney Sweeney & Halsey. With sexy hookups and dangerous initiation rituals, this is an edgy teen murder mystery.
— Jamie
Of course I love a book where booksellers are magical heroes, but even more, bestselling author Garth Nix has created an intriguing, slightly alternate version of ‘80’s London where myth and magic permeate the life of seemingly ordinary Susan Arkshaw in this page turner of a stand-alone.
— Laura
Legendborn is easily my favorite read of the year. From its clever, persistent lead to the masterful worldbuilding, this book sucked me in and kept me hanging on every word until the end. King Arthur, magic, mystery, romance, and a celebration of Black culture, this book is one of the best books of the year. Perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare!
— Bridey
note: content warning for sexual assault, kidnapping, opioid addiction, and child abuse
As Enchanted’s world spins out of control, I could feel her innocence slip away. Jackson weaves a complicated cleareyed view of the rightfully hopeful Enchanted, focused on her dream of being a singer, and the slow and methodical way a man took advantage, devastating his victim. It’s a story of BLM, #metoo, and a cautionary tale that I read breathlessly; and I loved the twisty ending!
— Jamie
I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved by a book. Tiffany D. Jackson delivered a powerful story of a manipulated Black girl and her fight to keep her body and soul against all odds. While it is a work of fiction, it deals with some very real themes and experiences and is altogether a masterpiece. This is an essential read for everyone!
— Bridey
Keep the light on if you plan on reading Horrid late into the night! This deliciously horrifying story of secrets and the horrors of mental health and grief will leave your skin crawling long after the last page. Perfect for fans of The Haunting of Hill House and Stephen King!
— Bridey
I’m not usually one for books in verse, but I finished Punching the Air in one sitting! Amal’s journey through his wrongful incarceration was moving and an essential contribution to the Black Lives Matter movement. It’s truly one of the most powerful and heartbreaking books I’ve ever read!
— Bridey
This book is every bit as inspiring and uplifting as the smile on the cover would suggest. I loved Liz’s friendship with Jordan, her swoon-worthy relationship with Mack, and all the little moments of this story that remind readers they are never too awkward, too shy, too different to take up the space in the world that they deserve. There are so many things to love about this book – the humor, the romance, the rebellion – but Liz is the heart of it and the reason why I fell in love with the story so quickly and completely. It’s a stunning debut that should be on everyone’s must-read list.
— Becky
Hold your breath when you dive into Fable because once you start, you won’t want to stop. This is a one sitting kind of read. I was enthralled as soon as I met Fable and learned about her ambitions and resilience. Beyond that, the way Adrienne Young writes is engrossing and atmospheric, a journey in and of itself. Fable is a thrilling adventure and is a must-read for fans of Throne of Glass and All the Stars and Teeth!
— Bridey
The witches in this book may be able to weave magic with golden threads, but Shelby Mahurin can weave it with words. In the sequel to Serpent & Dove, the stakes are higher and the romance is steamier as Lou and Reid flee from their enemies. It is intense, thrilling, heartbreaking, and an absolute delight to read. Hold on tight because Blood & Honey is a wild ride!
— Bridey
Traitor is told in the alternating point-of-views of two soldiers caught in the messy fighting between Poland, Ukraine, and Russia, where mixed blood can seal your fate. A rare gem in YA historical fiction, with crossover appeal to adults.
— Jamie
Grab your popcorn and settle into your seats for this spectacular performance! Janella Angeles delivers a show not of music and dancing, but of stunning prose, magical world building, and a fierce girl with a dream of gracing the stage. Perfect for fans of the The Night Circus and Caraval!
— Bridey
I LOVE this book. Anxiety can be such a constant pressure, especially in high school. Anxiety . . . I'm So Done with You is a fantastic resource for those looking to get in touch with their worries and anxieties. The graphics included also help with visualizing some of those issues and ways in which you can work through them.
— Lindsay A.
Hollywood glamour takes a sinister turn when a body is found in the kitchen, and a handsome rogue seems to be in the center of it all. I liked Kate's dream of being an astronomer and the snappy 30's dialogue; this is a fun whodunit.
— Jamie
This Cinderella story is not what it seems… Cinderella is Dead is a stark and empowering story of angry queer girls taking control of their own lives and bringing down the patriarchy. With a stubbornly brave protagonist to lead the charge, this book is a battle cry!
— Bridey
This is my kind of summer reading! Part historical fiction, part sci-fi, part what if, all adventure. Seven very different members of their school’s “Operation Skywatch” club will be forever changed after a mysterious light lands in the woods, if they are ever seen again.
— Laura
The best sort of historical fiction, The Degenerates is a page-turning story that is true to its historical roots. Based on actual documents from a Massachussets institution for “idiotic and feeble-minded youths,” four girls explore whether they can count on each other in a world they have never been able to count on for anything.
— Laura
Like the Latin Quarter of Paris, with its narrow, twisting streets, this is a book I got lost in. And to have a blend of three genres—realistic fiction, mystery, and historical fiction—gave it depth and complexity. Alice and Adalyn captured my heart and their alternating stories held me captive--I had to stay with them until their two tales merged at the end.
— Susan
Trying to write down all the reasons why I love this book is hard when all my words dissolve into heart-eyes. A book set across one night, with a scavenger hunt, rivals-to-lovers romance, and 'don't judge a book by its cover' type of message is my new, oddly specific, bookish kryptonite. Rowan is a Jewish teen who loves reading and writing romance, but keeps her passion a secret. I immediately empathized with her insecurities and loved seeing how she began to overcome them. I knew I'd love this tory from the start and was not disappointed.
— Becky
Nick Bell is a character who truly stole my heart from the beginning. He’s funny, awkward, and unapologetically obsessed with the vigilante superheroes called Extraordinaries. Nick’s plan to make himself extraordinary is every bit as cringy and flawed as one might expect, but you gotta love his determination. This is a heartwarming and hilarious story that celebrates the differences that make us who we are. I am more than ready to read a sequel!
— Becky
Like a mansion with many rooms, this twisty thriller kept me peering into the many subplots that together build an eerie mystery. Taking place on the Hamptons, the familiar NYC/Long Island vibe made this book feel real and immediate, as if it was written for us. A missing teen, an unreliable confession, and an overly enthusiastic podcast host make this novel the best summer thriller.
— Jamie
To be transported back to 1750s Austria in this historical fantasy novel and witness the musical life of Nannerl and Wolfgang was oh-so-fascinating. But then to be allowed into their other world—the Kingdom of Back—was just so tantalizing. It had a secret that kept me reading through the night. For fans of fantasy, but also a must read for all creative people, whether you’re a musician, artist, or writer.
— Susan
As a lifelong fantasy lover and someone studying to be a professional violinist, this book was a must-read! It’s obvious to me that Marie Lu is very familiar with both the technical and emotional aspects of studying music seriously, making Nannerl Mozart’s ambitions and fears intensely relatable. It’s been a while since I’ve felt such a kinship with a character. A truly wonderful read!
— Grace
The current public conversation on Black Lives Matter is poignantly experienced in this pageturner. Tracy’s father is on death row and now her bother is on the run from a murder rap. Both men are innocent but the legacy of racism runs deep in our society. The heart of this book is Tracy’s unrelenting hope even as messy friendships and alliances shift. Johnson does a superb job of giving us a hopeful but not unrealistic ending; don’t miss her note at the end.
— Jamie
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