Staff Suggestions — Young Adult
Another important book on a topic ripped from today’s headlines: Duterte’s war on drugs, begun in 2016. Filipino-American Jay’s journey to find his cousin becomes a path of discovery, empathy, and defiance. I especially loved the depiction of journalism and social media trying to report “The Truth,” and Jay’s struggle to understand the part he can play to help. Engaging and full of heart; a gem for young adult boys.
— Jamie
I read this in a single night. I was physically unable to put this book down. Well known in the UK, authors Giovanna and Tom Fletcher deliver a dystopian thriller that will excite fans of Scythe and The Selection series. With themes similar to The Handmaids Tale, Eve of Man explores the concept of a world without girls. This follows Eve, the first girl born in 50 years. Guaranteed to be a smash hit, this book takes you on one thrill ride after another.
— Lindsay A.
A beautifully written, timely story about loyalty, family, and second chances. I hope you too will cheer on CJ as she finds the strength to raise her voice for herself and those who could not. A must read!
— Becky
This book is humorous, entertaining, and unusual (in a good way, of course). I love the unique way it tackles grief, finding the courage to be yourself, and the way we judge others. It made me laugh out loud one page and tear up the next. A hilarious twist on the enemies-to-lovers (or friends) trope.
— Becky
The Rest of the Story is the perfect summer read filled with humor, drama, and a little bit of romance. Emma Saylor’s time with her mother’s family demonstrates the impact your relatives and their collected histories have on your own identity. I love the novel's focus on the importance of family and place. It makes you feel right at home with Emma, her family, and the tight-knit North Lake community.
— Becky
LGBTQ themes blend with magic and Russian folktales in this steamy fantasy where knowing exactly when you will die can shape the way you live. But does it help you know who you really are?
— Jamie
Amelia Westlake is for every girl who’s thought about doing something to shake up the status quo; could you, too, be Amelia Westlake? A thoroughly audacious read, and as subversive, sly, pranking, exposing, romantic, and wonderful as I had hoped!
— Jamie
If Star Wars/Star Trek had a baby with The Breakfast Club it would be Aurora Rising. Kaufman and Kristoff knock it out of the park with this Sci-Fi adventure reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy. Told from each teammates POV, it's a great read for guys and girls.
— Lindsay A.
Following up her National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, Acevedo brings us a character I love! With Puerto Rican roots, Emoni navigates the challenges of her life, some self-made, with warmth, dignity, discipline, and above all, cooking! Finding comfort, passion, and safety in the kitchen is how Emoni copes, but Senior year is going to test all her skills—and a few she didn’t know she had! Highly recommended!
— 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
When I heard the words Lés Miserables as a space fantasy, I nearly fainted. The authors have created such a vivid landscape that I could feel the rumbling of the city. With intricate world building and flawed but lovable characters, Sky Without Stars lends itself to fans of The Lunar Chronicles and The Cerulean.
— Lindsay
At first I wasn’t sure about the author’s use of poetic forms, many drawn from Joan of Arc’s time. But soon, Elliott’s storytelling magic took over, and the rhythm of his language pulled me in as a witness to this brave girl’s glorious rise and devestating fall. From Joan’s childhood, we see how she refuses the rigid role laid out for a girl, refutes the myth of her gender, and fiercely follows her beliefs by forging a new story for herself. Though clearly rooted in well-researched history, Joan’s story and her struggle to be fully herself are very relevant today. A fascinating read!
— Laura
Vigilante feminists and secret societies....Count me in! A heart racing read about women taking back the power from those who sought to take everything from them. I went through a multitude of emotions reading this but ultimately settled on empowered. Recommended for 15+ for content issues.
— Lindsay
A riveting fantasy, Bloodleaf would not let me sleep. Aurelia keeps you guessing and hopeful as she grows with the book; I couldn't be more of a cheerleader for her defiant and noble nature. Ghostly messengers, dangerous blood magic, and a lighthearted romance, make this debut novel a must-read for fans of Everless or The Cruel Prince.
— Lindsay
What an absolutely romantic, adventurous, and charming new novel from one of my favorite YA writers- and being set on a cross-country train trip only made me love it more! I was thrilled to be along for the ride as Hugo and Mae made the most of a VERY unconventional arrangement that ended up taking them on a much bigger journey than they ever expected!
— Kelly
Although fiction, this novel is based on research that authentically takes softball catcher Mickey from superstar through her downward spiral into heroine addiction. Cautionary and sobering, this riveting novel brings the Opiod Epidemic directly to the high school classroom. I felt so close to Mickey and understood her struggle. NOT recommended for recovered or recovering addicts.
— Jamie
Sometimes only a teen knows how to risk it all, because they can’t envision life any other way. Cross your fingers as Layla puts her trust in the enemy, and lets love guide her to Resist, in this near-future world where the president has created Muslim internment camps. A tense ride through an all-too-possible reality.
— Jamie
Lovely is just one word to describe Julie Berry's newest creation. Berry sets the framework for this sweeping romance through the point-of-view of the goddess Aphrodite, then she spins a harrowing love story set in WWI England. Wonderfully provocative, Lovely War explores the antiquated question: can love and war co-exist? A great contender for my favorite read of 2019, this gospel of love, warfare, and hope is ideal for young adult readers, and adults.
— Lindsay
Set in New York during the summer, this is an engaging, contemporary love story. Add to that: if you play in your high school band or orchestra, or study piano, you will feel a strong connection with Ruby and Oscar…and root for them as they fall for each other. Such sweet characters; I just love Oscar and Ruby and the insider’s view of classical music along with the humor, the joy, the spirit of this story.
— Susan
Amanda’s life is right on the verge of changing, but kiss #8 sets it on a path she never could have imagined. Life as a high school Junior sure gets complicated fast. I liked how well the difficult issues are handled, and really really liked Amanda! LGBTQ themes honestly and thoughtfully portrayed.
— Jamie
Featured Merch
Harry Potter Quidditch Puzzle
Harry Potter’s Quidditch adventures wouldn’t be complete without catching the golden snitch against his Slytherin counterparts. And neither will this...
Lollipop Tree Roller Ball Pen with Gift Box
You'll love this Lollipop Tree roller ball luxury pen! Perfectly balanced pen glides over the page. Features solid brass construction...
Inis Cologne Spray, 1.7 fl. oz.
This unisex cologne captures the energy and happiness of a summer's day by the sea. It was an instant success and 10 years later is still a best-...
2019 R.J. JULIA BOOKSELLERS
DESIGN BY JULIA BALFOUR, LLC