Staff Picks Young Adult
October 2024
Under the Surface
by Diana Urban
This new realistic fiction novel keeps you on your toes! American teens travel to Paris for a school trip, and all they want to see is the catacombs underneath the city of Paris. When Ruby’s best friend Val seeks out to meet a French boy, their world turns upside down. They get to experience the catacombs in a way they couldn’t have imagined. They head down to the catacombs for a party but never make it because they get lost in the intricate web of tunnels. How will they make it out? This is a thriller book that is perfect for young adults or adults that want a mystery and adventure novel.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.
Recommended by: Abigail Hooks, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
When the World Was Ours
by Liz Kessler
This is an incredible historical fiction novel that tells the story of three best friends growing up in Vienna together. Life is perfect, especially on Leo’s ninth birthday, celebrating with Elsa and Max riding Vienna’s Ferris Wheel, the Riesenrad. This moment is one they won’t forget. As Hitler comes to power in Germany and World War II is on the rise, the three friends are separated as safety becomes a concern for all. This story presents each chapter through the perspectives of the different children. They all hold onto this one memory of the Ferris Wheel in hopes that one day they can be back together. I recommend this story for readers of all ages; even though it is a Young Adult novel, any adult can enjoy this as well. With vivid imagery and compelling characters, you will not be disappointed.
Recommended by: Abigail Hooks, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Who We Are in Real Life
by Victoria Koops
Having to move from a city to a small prairie town has been hard for Darcy. One of her mothers had gotten a great opportunity that she couldn’t refuse but things take a turn when they get there. They come to realize that this small town is very conservative and are horrified at how prominent the homophobia is. Thankfully Darcy can take solace in her friend Art’s D&D group. Will they be able to overcome the homophobia in their new town? And what will become of Darcy’s and Art’s romantic tension? Great for fans of D&D and Rainbow Rowell!
This book is available in the library and on Hoopla as an ebook.
Recommended by: Ayla Franco, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Clown in a Cornfield
by Adam Cesare
The ultimate Teen slasher novel! Quinn and her dad move to a new town. All around town there’s an old clown mascot named Frendo painted on buildings and signs. He represents how prosperous the town once was. The adults of the town are desperate to make their town great again. The teens disrespect the old ways, especially Frendo and want things to change for the better. At the biggest teen party of the year, in a cornfield in the middle of nowhere, Frendo the clown will make his appearance. His goal…. to make sure that no one disrespects the old ways again, even if that means killing off every single Teen.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
After Dark with Roxie Clark
by Brooke Lauren Davis
Roxie’s family is cursed. Everyone dies horribly. She however, takes the curse and uses those deaths in her famous historic ghost tour. The one death she stays away from on her tour is her sister’s boyfriend. He was found brutally murdered in a cornfield. Outside of the tours she tries to help her sister find closure in the murder by trying to solve it. As they get closer to the truth, will they find out that some secrets are better left uncovered?
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Two Sides to Every Murder
by Danielle Valentine
Olivia was born at Camp Lost Lake during a famous murder spree. Reagan has spent her whole life on the run with her mom, the number one suspect in the murders of the Camp. Now teenagers, both girls will cross paths when they decide to venture to the newly reopened camp one last time to try to solve the famous murders. What will the killer think when they find out that there are new campers to prey on? Will anyone survive?
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
September 2024
Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee
by Jeff Zentner
High School students Josie and Delia host a local cable show called Midnite Matinee dressed as the characters Rayne Ravenscroft and Delilah Darkwood. It’s been their life, and outlet throughout High School, but now things are changing. Josie is trying to make a decision about leaving everything behind in order to go to college with a big internship in TV. Delia is worried about getting left behind again. To deal with the abandonment fear, Delia hires a PI to find her father, who left her and her mom years ago. It turns out that he is in Florida, right near a horror convention where a possible opportunity for the girls to become famous TV horror hosts is taking place. With the help of Josie’s new boy friend Lawson, the girls go on an adventure that will change their lives forever, but will it be for the better or for the worst?
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an e audiobook.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Straight On Till Morning: A Twisted Tale Graphic Novel
by Liz Braswell
What if Peter Pan never returned for his shadow? What if instead, Wendy made a deal with Captain Hook in order to make it to Neverland? What if Wendy and Tinker Bell become friends? Pick up this graphic novel and read this unique version of the Peter Pan story.
This book is available in the library, on Hoopla as an ebook and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Washed Ashore: Making Art from Ocean Plastic
by Kelly Crull
Posted in: Young Adult Nonfiction
That’s My Team! The History, Science, and Fun behind Sports Teams’ Names
by Paul Volponi
A quick and easy read about the origin of many sports teams’ names is a very fun choice for any athlete in the family! Volponi splits up the collection into easily digestible chapters focused on team names in broad categories (animals, literature, music) and further provides a concise history lesson on the team history as well as the inspiration for the team’s name choice. Packed into each briefing are little fun facts about the science of animals, the history of cities or geographical information about the world that led to the adoption of a team name. While many of the segments are entertaining glimpses into the world of sports, Volponi also challenges readers to use critical thinking skills to address concerns regarding controversial team names, designing their own team names as well as other math/science/writing challenges. A great lesson on the history of sports that gets its readers involved and wanting more!
Recommended by: Alexander Pappas, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Nonfiction