Staff Suggestions — Young Adult
In this gender-swapped Cinderella inspired adventure, Delia and Aidan embark on a mission to save their planet from a long brewing rebel conspiracy. Part sci-fi and part romance, this novel combines some of my favorite things about YA into an action-packed, unique new story. I could not put this one down! It's already one of my favorites this year.
— Becky
Tight witty dialogue creates impoverished senior Rico’s strong sweet character. Add in chapters told from the point of view of inanimate objects (e.g. a lottery ticket) and you’ve got an exciting new way to tell a story. Thoroughly engaging!
— Jamie
This incredible interactive journal gives you question and prompts designed to make you reflect and project your thoughts on to the future. The best part is that there are no right or wrong answers, only thoughtful questions that you'll look back on and want to fill out again with updates!
— Lindsay A.
Learn how to conquer the world with this journal filled with prompts about who you are now and all the amazing things you will do in the future!
— Becky
I hesitated before reading this sequel, because I couldn’t imagine a book that could live up to One of Us Is Lying. This book quickly proved me wrong — One of Us is Next is just as compelling as its predecessor, with a stimulating plot line and even more authentic, distinct characters to meet. Another must-read from Karen McManus!
— Nicole
What happened to Zahra Gaines? Figuring out the answer becomes Ruthie's sole focus when she returns to her hometown eager to reconnect with her best friend. But Zahra is not the person she remembers -- she's disappeared entirely. With the help of Zahra's peers and her own memories, Ruthie tries to piece together what happened and find her friend before it's too late. Nothing is as it seems in this propulsive thriller perfect for fans of Sadie. I'm still thinking about the twist at the end of this one.
— Becky
Quill is the perfect role model for boys today, who mostly have Superheroes to look up to. He does the right thing inspite of the difficult consequences and triumphs in the end. This historical fiction novel is set off Scotland in 1727, and includes a map, information on the actual event, and data on the birds their lives depended on. A thrilling story of survival on many award lists this year!
— Jamie
Oh, the unexpected surprises revealed in Starsight! Some gave me answers to mysteries from book 1. Others left me with new questions and now I really can’t wait for book 3. I want to know what will happen to Spensa, M-bot, and their world. Sanderson has written a tightly woven novel that pushed, pushed, pushed me to read until this story was done. Ah, now I can finally breathe! And yes, this sci-fi story is for both guys and girls and for fans of fantasy or dystopian.
— Susan
As a girl who loved the TV show Merlin and anything and everything to do with Arthurian Legend, you can imagine how excited I was to read The Guinevere Deception. In this retelling of the classic legend, Guinevere is the main character - sent to protect Arthur. I was enthralled in the story from start to finish. With richly developed characters and a story line that is constantly shifting, fantasy fans will be clamoring for the next in the series.
— Lindsay A.
The first book in what I believe to be an epic fantasy series, There Will Come a Darkness is the next best YA fantasy. With five point-of-views from characters of different sexes, races, and orientations, it allows for a wide audience of fantasy fans to enjoy and devour. I lost myself in this gloriously brilliant debut. Fans of Six of Crows and An Ember in the Ashes will be in welcome and familiar company.
— Lindsay A.
I love Ruta’s books! She is able to bring to light some pieces of history we may be unaware of, and link it to a story to engage us all at once. Fountains of Silence is post WWII, yet it takes place in Spain where General Franciso Franco ruled---harshly---for many years. Enjoy!
— Lori
This is the kind of book that makes you wonder what you would do. Finding Thabo changes each character, but who is Thabo really? A thrilling, inspiring story centered around a victim of child trafficking, that will have young teens thinking about how they can impact the world.
— Jamie
Set on a stormy night at a remote prep school, Peterfreund unleashes a colorful cast of suspects, each with their own secrets. I loved this engaging light mystery, bringing Clue to life.
— Jamie
Family mental health and finding one’s true place in the world are big topics covered effortlessly by this debut author. A family mystery in Maine adds atmosphere and perspective as Violet finally finds what is important to her, including love.
— Jamie
Personally, you'd find me recovering from a break up with a pint of ice cream and seven seasons of Gilmore Girls. But Sophie's family has other, potentially embarrassing ideas. This book is laugh-out-loud funny. Equal parts swoon-worthy romance and outrageous, yet heart-warming family moments, it's a perfect book to read this holiday season.
— Becky
Reading like an action-thriller, the Arthurian legend is shaken up and roles are redistributed. Illustrated by the incomparable Frank Miller, Nimue joins the new ranks of strong superhero style girls, wielding an ancient sword of power. An abundance of follow up possibilities guarantee a popular franchise has begun. Get in on this one!
— Jamie
This is a story about someone you may know, or knew, or will know someday. This is the story of Elizabeth (Biz) who cannot stay grounded in this world, and is confused about what is real and not real. Most of all, this story is a gift to all who struggle with mental illness, and a thank you to all their friends who help bring light into the darkness of their minds.
— Terri
Butterfly Yellow is a historical fiction novel, post Vietnam war, which touches on immigration, culture, trust, friendship, and the flutters of first love. Thanhha Lai has an incredible way of conveying the cumbersome story of cultures and foreign language in a way that is genuine poetry. Also, demonstrating that, despite our cultural differences, our basic human needs and desires are the same. With short chapters and a character driven plot you will find yourself fully immersed in this enriching novel!
— Tonya
Talk about #BlackGirlMagic?!?! An academic standout during her days as one of the few Black students in her high school, Kiera is a megastar online, where she reigns supreme as "Emerald" in the multi-player game SLAY that she's created for Black gamers across the globe. When a real-life tragedy occurs, Kiera's worlds collide and she has to face tough questions about race, space, relationships, and her own identity and future. A book like no other, by a fresh voice in YA lit.
— Lauren
This novel is nothing short of amazing! The characters will hook you from page one with a story that's smart, funny, and relatable. Pab's pessimistic view on life adds a special sense of humor to it all. His chance meeting with pop megastar Leanna Smart opens up his world and provides that push we all sometimes need to direct our live down the correct path.
— Becky
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