Staff Suggestions — Young Adult
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
This is an honest, humorous, and straight to the details book that takes a hard look at mental illness. I found myself learning and connecting with numerous chapters that deal with coping strategies and advice for those tough days. While some nonfiction reads about mental illness can be a bit heavy in both information and tone, this YA read provides a light in what can be a dark subject.
— Lindsay A.
Gabby Rivera's genius is on display. Hilarious and serious, accessible and smart, complicated and cool, Juliet's journey of self-discovery takes her from the Boogie-down Bronx to the crunchy Northwest where she learns BIG lessons about love, identity, family, sexuality, feminism, white fragility, and what it means to be a strong, self-defining, superstar. A YA book that every YA - and A - should read!
— Lauren
Brought into being by a drop of main character Jam's blood, Pet - a creature of color, claws, smoke, and size - emerges from a painting to hunt a real-life monster that it has traced to the home of Jam's dearest friend, Redemption. This is a magical and tense tale about what happens when adults convince each other that everything is ok, and how young people are often uniquely able to unearth and amplify truths that need hearing and healing.
— Lauren
Told in alternate chapters by Lena and Campbell, I loved how this book is not throwing any stereotypes at us, making it real and urgent. Unfortunately, an event like this could happen. I fell in love with both characters and so wanted them to be friends at the end (—read the book to find out if they are)! Seeing the events unfold from their different points of view is a perfect way to see how complex their (and our) world is.
— Jamie
Not your average road trip. Unpregnant is an attention-grabbing story of friendship and a woman’s right to choose. It’s also a laugh out loud ride sure to keep you hooked from the first mile out of town. I love how this story is ridiculous and hilarious all while tackling a prevalent problem in our society.
— Becky
Holy Matrimony Batman! I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. It has everything I love: the enemies-to-lovers trope, witches and witch hunters, and a POWERFUL YA HEROINE. What more can you ask for? Recommended for ages 15+.
— Lindsay A.
What if America never turned into a democracy, and instead George Washington was the first heir to the American throne? What if you were next in line? Since the day she was born, Beatrice Washington has been preparing to become the first female monarch of the United States. Her every move is watched, from which events she attends, to what she wears, to who she dates.
Her younger twin siblings, Sam and Jeff, have (a bit) more freedom, while Beatrice always strictly follows royal guidelines... until she falls in love with a commoner. American Royals explores the not-always-so-glamorous life of royalty, and the sacrifices that must be made to put the country first, even if that results in broken hearts. McGee’s characters come to life in her novel, and I found myself empathizing with every single one of them. I cannot recommend this book enough!
— Nicole
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