Staff Suggestions — Young Adult
A Romeo and Juliet retelling? Set in 1920s Shanghai? With rival gangs and an inexplicable madness tearing apart the city? Sign me up! These Violent Delights has an incredible combination of romance, mystery, and power dynamics in a unique setting––which made it a thrilling read. Chloe Gong’s writing is as lyrical and humorous as any Shakespeare play!
— Bridey
A suspenseful WWII story played out in Scotland, with a cast of characters itching to be a bigger part of the war. When an Enigma Machine is hidden in their midst by a German pilot, suddenly the stakes couldn’t be higher. I raced through this book and loved each of the three characters telling the story. Although some of these characters have appeared in Wein’s previous novels, this one can be enjoyed all on its own. I highly recommend it!
— Jamie
I haven’t read a good “boy and his sword” fantasy in a while, and really enjoyed this one. Plenty of action and creative storytelling help to fill that void, and promises another to come!
— Jamie
Fans of Marie Lu will be well pleased with book one of the Skyhunter duology. It’s classic Marie! For those not familiar with her writing, here’s a lightning-paced dystopian fantasy with a dynamic balance of characters that will appeal to both guys and gals. I’m intrigued with Talin’s world—I want to know more about it! And the fight scenes rival those of a Marvel movie. I’m curious to see how this will wrap up.
— Susan
I fully expected to love this book, but Kerri Maniscalco exceeded my expectations and blew my mind! Maniscalco is truly skilled at combining romance, mystery, and dark magic in this haunting, revenge-filled tale of witches and demons. Perfect for fans of Serpent & Dove!
— Bridey
Take a little bit of each of our favorite fairytales and spin them into a new twisted story of a young woman held back only by the expectations of others. A little Rapunzel, a little Snow White, and even some Sleeping Beauty, all mixed in an elixir of a story that is only just beginning…..once upon a time.
— Terri
Roshani Chokshi has done it again and written a fantastic, beautifully crafted book full of complex characters, relationships, and jaw-dropping plot twists. I stayed up late to finish and haven’t stopped thinking about it since! The Silvered Serpents will leave you aching for the next adventure. Perfect for fans of Six of Crows and Wicked Saints!
— Bridey
Fans of Percy Jackson will latch on to this re-release graphic novel as it mixes our modern-day life with that of mythical Japanese creatures. With important themes discussed, like masculinity, immigration and family, Ichiro will jump to the top of your to be read pile. This award-winning graphic novel is so unbelievably beautiful that you’ll come for the story but stay for the illustrations!
— Lindsay A.
Havenfall is an absolutely magical story of strength, mystery, and hidden agendas. Maddie is a character you can’t help but fall in love with as she tries to navigate the pressure of an unexpected leadership and save the place she holds close to her heart. Sara Holland’s portal fantasy is a must read for fans of A Curse So Dark and Lonely!
— Bridey
This coming of age story is one for the ages. Aiden struggles to come to terms with his growing feelings for a boy at camp. While the dark moments of this graphic novel will make you feel sad and frustrated, the lighter moments will give you hope and make you root for this captivating character. As it deals with many serious issues, I would recommend this for ages 14+.
— Lindsay A.
I just love that more YA authors are getting into the graphic novel game! Swamp Thing is a thrill ride, a deep examination of family issues, and a DC comic all rolled into one. The art is so unbelievably expressive and engaging that I had to remember that there was actually text included! It’s a fabulous introduction of a fan favorite DC character but with darker elements that teens latch on to and not want to let go.
— Lindsay A.
Following a spitfire alchemist on a quest to achieve the highest of honors in her field and save her mother at the risk of her sanity, this standalone fantasy will draw you into a world of betrayal, love, and fierce ambition. Though danger lurks at every turn, Thea is a persistent protagonist and is passionate in her accomplishments and loyalty to those she loves and was a delight to read. Detailed and full of twists, A Golden Fury will take readers on a journey of magic and a descent into madness.
— Bridey
Finally! A way to read and understand the constitution without feeling overwhelmed! This graphic novel interpretation of the constitution and the way those decisions affect us today provides young adults with a detailed analysis that can help them form their own opinions.
— Lindsay A.
The innerworkings of the United States government can be complex and hard to explain. This book lays it all out there and gives you the tools and information you need to understand it. This is the book you’ll want in your back pocket when you're in the middle of an argument about politics! This is a civics class that makes you laugh, but in a book!
— Lindsay A.
A haunting story of beautiful, but not quite perfect people and places whose own flaws help a young woman confront literal and metaphoric ghosts of her past. I love how this book weaves the past and present together, pulling us into Mila’s thoughts from the beginning. Nina LaCour’s writing is simply stunning. All the stories she crafts are sure to make you emotional and keep you settled in until the final page. The somber tone of this particular book is the perfect eerie story to read this fall.
— Becky
A dark, supernatural thriller set in 1907, Eventide is the story of 17-year-old Verity and her sister Lilah who arrive in rural Arkansas on the orphan train, unaware of their scandalous family history. When Lilah is adopted, Verity must quickly adapt in order to stay close to her sister in this eerie place. But the light in the darkness is Verity, a fearless young woman determined to find the truth about her family, finding love along the way. A book that will also appeal to adult readers.
— Marilyn
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
This standalone fantasy is as creepy as it sounds. Annaleigh embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of her sisters, who are dying off one by one in this suspenseful and romantic masterpiece. Pick this one up if you enjoy Grimm’s fairy tales or the Haunting of Hill House!
— Bridey
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
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
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