Staff Picks Young Adult
August 2021
Grown
by Tiffany D. Jackson
This very intense book deals with misogyny and physical and drug abuse. It is not for the faint of heart. Enchanted, the main character, is in high school and dreams of a successful singing career. When the legendary superstar Korey Fields sees her at an audition and offers to mentor her, Enchanted is thrilled. Her parents are somewhat skeptical but allow her to tour with Mr. Fields. Things start spirally down fairly rapidly and soon Enchanted feels stuck and hopeless.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
July 2021
Firekeeper’s Daughter
by Angeline Boulley
They say bad luck comes in threes, and Daunis Fontaine can prove it. As a biracial and unenrolled tribal member, Daunis’ eighteenth year is spent trying to figure out where her place is among her Native American Ojibwe community in Sault Ste. Marie. After the loss of her beloved Uncle David and her GrandMary’s subsequent stroke, Daunis’ world crumbles as she’s forced to face head on the ugly influence of meth that is ravaging her Native community. Using her scientific prowess and fueled by the passion of protecting her people, Daunis is thrusted into the heart of a criminal investigation that forces her to discover what it takes to truly become a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe woman). Daunis’ story is heartwrenching in all the right ways—perfect for any teen or adult reader looking for a complex story dipped in rich characterization, culture and strength.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an eBook.
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Curses
by Lish McBride
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Blood Water Paint
by Joy McCullough
This book in verse takes place in the 1600’s. Artemisia Gentileschi loses her mother at age twelve. Her choice is then to live as a nun in a convent or grind pigment for her father’s paint. She chooses to become her father’s apprentice and becomes a very talented painter. But, to be a woman in Italy at that time is not easy and all the power lies with the men. McCullough weaves Artemisia’s story with the stories of the ancient heroines Susanna and Judith, who become the subjects of Artemisia’s paintings.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
by Holly Jackson
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
When the World Was Ours
by Liz Kessler
A heartbreaking story about 3 best friends and the different journeys they take during World War II. The story starts with the friends sharing all their time together. Slowly things begin to change as Hitler comes into power. Max’s dad gets a job working for Hitler and forbids his son from associating with Jews. Leo and Elsa are both Jewish and things start to change drastically for their families. Elsa’s family moves in the middle of the night to another country where they think they’ll be safe, but the war follows them and in the end they end up in a concentration camp. Leo’s family at first stays where they are, but when his dad is taken away by the police one night, Leo and his mother do everything they can to get to England where they have friends. Max eventually becomes part of the Hitler Youth and is influenced more and more by the Nazis and his Father. Despite being apart, the 3 friends still influence each other and in some cases meet again. If you are interested in the holocaust and WWII this is a book for you.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
She Drives Me Crazy
by Kelly Quindlen
A cute enemies to lovers teen relationship novel. After losing a basketball game to her ex and getting into a car accident with her worst enemy, Scottie comes up with the best plan ever. She is going to fake date her enemy in order to make her ex jealous. What could go wrong? And what happens when things go much better than anyone ever expected?
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
June 2021
Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry
by Joya Goffney
High School is hard enough, but it becomes a nightmare when Quinn’s personal journal comes up missing. This journal contains detailed lists of all the things she hopes to accomplish, the boys she likes and dislikes, and the deep secrets she’s never shared with anyone. The only way to get her beloved journal back will require her to put her trust in an unlikely set of new friends. On this journey back to her journal Quinn realizes that she is much stronger than she ever expected she could be. There are laugh out loud moments and tear-jerking moments in this YA novel that you are sure to love.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook.
Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Flamer
by Mike Curato
I keep seeing the quote “This book will save lives” associated with this book, and it’s true. This graphic novel set in 1995 tells the story of Aiden during one summer at Scout camp and how it changes his life. It is a shout out to queer kids struggling with their identity in systems like a church, scout troops or school that leaves them alone and confused and full of unwarranted shame. It is a shout out to say, you are loved just keep your flame burning. You are enough. This book is beautiful, devastating, and hopeful. It’s a great read for Teens and Adults alike.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
May 2021
Call Down the Hawk
by Maggie Stiefvater
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction