Staff Suggestions — Young Adult
A female Lord of the Flies with an apocalyptic element. Debut author Rory Power packs a punch with great characters and a story that leaves you wanting more. I loved the conflict of friendship vs survival. Well-written and fast paced, you must check it out!
— Karen
In the classic Hitchcock style, Aiden, a teen grappling with his own identity, is thrust into the dark world of cyber-terrorism and becomes the victim of mistaken identity...or does he? Swipe Right for Murder is a humorously dark and wonderfully written thriller that I just couldn't put down. It has twists and often shocking turns that you won't see coming!
— Karen
Here's finely written, Victorian-inspired thriller with a great balance of action, romance, and sword-play, never mind sorcerers, librarians, demons, a strong female protagonist, and books that are alive! I loved the world building and the rules for magic. Margaret Rogerson paints each scene with such lively words that they exploded from the pages. And, I'll just throw out that if you loved Harry Potter when you were younger, you'll appreciate this story. For those of you who didn't, you're still gonna love it!
— Susan
Charming historical fiction featuring the sharp-witted advice columnist, Miss Sweetie. Atlanta in the 1890s was struggling with racism - not only against the emancipated slaves, but also their Chinese replacements. Holding her secrets close, Chinese-American Jo (Miss Sweetie’s creator) boldly envisions a future even while her past struggles to reveal itself. A sweet story, handling issues of class and racism gently.
— Jamie
I loved this fierce dragon-centered fantasy with a strong, bisexual, female heroine. The intriguing journey builds to the thrilling and daring conclusion, while leaving plenty of possibilities for a sequel. I definitely want to bond with a dragon, and I can’t wait for book two!
— Jamie
Four teenagers: the jock, the criminal, the brains, the beauty. One gossip site. A death in Bayview High School. And suddenly, these four students are suspects in their classmate, Simon’s, alleged murder. This mystery will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. None of the characters are as they seem, and each and every one of them has something to hide...but if their secrets rise to the surface, their lives can never be the same. If you love this book as much as I did, stick around for the sequel — coming out January 2020!
— Nicole
While applying for college, Ally Smith finds that her loving father kidnapped her when she was three. I was so emotionally invested in Ally that I felt her pain, joy, and anger in each page. Eulberg delivers a heart-wrenching story of betrayal and discovery.
— Lindsay A.
An epic romance told entirely through….texting?! Fun, funny, and real: THIS. COULD. HAPPEN! Fall in love with these two characters while they figure out what love is to them, from the semi-safe world of texting. A wonderful beach read.
— Jamie
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
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