Staff Suggestions — Young Adult
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
These stories and poems, by students and a few teachers, are poignant, hopeful, resolute, and thought-provoking. To read their words, their stories, connects us to them in a way that the news media cannot. Inspire the teen you love with these healing words from Parkland, Florida, Valentine’s Day, 2018. Perfect for teens who are interested in psychology, training therapy dogs, politics, and journalism.
— Jamie
Brianna is a typical 17 year old girl studying for the ACTs and dreaming of a career on stage. But the reality is the fridge at home is almost always empty, and, as one of only a few black kids at a magnet arts school, there are a lot of assumptions being made about her. When she finds that even within the safe world of her peers, some of the same assumptions are being made, she begins to find her true voice and let the world finally hear her. Brilliant writing brings Brianna's world into sharp focus. I cheered, I laughed, I got mad, and I loved the oh-so-satisfying ending. Another must-read from Thomas.
— Jamie
A contemporary twist on a much beloved story, I was barely into the first chapter before I was ensorcelled, enraptured, and could not put this down! Start with an undeniably tough, yet unlikely heroine from present day Washington D.C., whisk her away to another world, add in a prince, his body guard, a beast, and an unexpected fiend, this will be undeniably your new favorite book for 2019. Great for fans of the Lunar Chronicles.
— Terri
A rip-roaring, devil-may-care kind of adventure with a diverse cast of characters, a lost title, an ancient artifact, a dash of magic, and a sprinkling of flirtation all set in Paris during the 1880s just before the Exposition Universelle (think World’s Fair). What I really enjoyed in this story were all the riddles, puzzles, and codes and, of course, the clever problem-solving required by Severin and his crew in order to achieve their goal. Fans of Leigh Bardugo, Marissa Meyer and Marie Lu will find this fantasy incredibly appealing.
— Susan
Who knew that Pride & Prejudice could transplant to present day Bushwick, Brooklyn so perfectly? All the wit, wisdom and false starts remain in this fresh, fun retelling of a favorite classic.
— Laura
Don’t let the cover fool you—this book IS for both guys and girls! With a large cast of characters, humor and a determined main character who will stop at nothing to become a pilot and clear her father’s name, this exciting action/adventure story will keep you reading nonstop until the final word. And I could so, so, SO see this book turned into a movie! It’s just that well written.
— Susan
Attention fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer! With perfect tone and lots of amazing references to both the TV show and the movie, Slayer is an excellent addition to the Buffyverse. Pure fun written with love by an incredible author.
— Lindsey
What a finale! Shadowhunters and Angels alike, don't miss out on the thrilling conclusion to the Dark Artifices. Both Emma's wit and Julian's loyalty to family work hand in hand to make this couple swoon-worthy. Equally matched with sweeping forbidden romance and the classic mythological danger of the Shadowhunter world, fans will devour this final chapter.
— Lindsay A.
What gorgeous writing that pulls you in to a richly woven tapestry of betrayal, deceit, magic, shapeshifters, two princesses, one cousin, self-discovery and so much more all leading up to the big question of: Who will rule the Empire? And will they be fair and just or cruel and self-serving? So I dare you to read the first page of chapter 1! Come on! I dare ya! Because once you do, I guarantee you won’t put this book down.
— Susan
This book has been called a female-lead version of Beowulf, but for me it was still very much its own original and epic story. An ode to the dark and cold, but magical world of Scandinavia and Norse Mythology, the heroines and heroes of this saga will fill you with awe and respect.
— Petra
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