Staff Picks Young Adult

In Limbo

by Deborah Lee

A clear depiction of feeling like you don’t fit in for being different. Deborah (Jung Jin) emigrated from Korea with her family, so her English isn’t perfect, she has a very Korean name, and physically she just doesn’t look like her peers. She feels like she sticks out like a sore thumb, and she can’t even find comfort in her own home with how much her parents constantly argue. Without a place to belong to Deborah’s mental health plummets. Could connecting to her roots and a trip to Korea help her accept herself?

Recommended by: Ayla Franco, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

Running Past Dark

by Han Nolan

A young adult mystery in which Scottie is determined to discover why her twin sister, with a male gym teacher in the car, ran into a stonewall killing them both. Scottie is harassed at home and at school as she has accused the teacher of raping her sister. While her mother loses herself in alcohol to cope, Scottie takes up ultrarunning. While she runs she tries to figure out what really happened to her sister and who might be still alive who is responsible.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

All These Bodies

by Kendare Blake

In 1958 a serial killer is leaving bodies throughout the Midwest. All of them completely drained of blood. The final murders happen in a small Minnesota farmhouse. The only difference between the first murders and the last is that there is a 15 year old female survivor covered head to toe in blood at the final scene. The son of the sheriff is tasked to talk to this girl in order to figure out what part she played in the murders. The big questions are: Where did all the blood go? What really happened? And how did a girl end up in the middle of all of it? Pick up this thriller to find out!

This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook and e audiobook

Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

The Dragons Club

by Cyn Bermudez

Faith, a gifted violinist teen, is a recipient of a scholarship at a prestigious private art school. The turmoil in her home life makes school focus and attendance a constant struggle. Her beloved sister’s drug addiction has impacted her mentally and emotionally to great extent and her last chance to maintain her scholarship comes with one condition. She’s required to join a freshly created youth support group. Although hesitant at first, the Dragons Club becomes an outlet, an oasis, and a life-changing experience. Bermudez’s portrayal of substance abuse and its impact is presented in a very compelling and touching way in this tale. Written in verse, this beautiful and realistic short novel brings us a hopeful tale about coping with anxiety while pursuing connection, strength, and self preservation.

Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Librarian

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

Buzzing

by Samuel Sattin

Thoughts can overtake us sometimes but for Isaac his thoughts and worries never leave. He is constantly at war with his “buzzing” thoughts. Being diagnosed with OCD at such an early age has left him feeling very lonely, especially with his mom monitoring his every move. One day he is approached by a group of kids inviting him to be a part of their ”Swamps & Sorcery” group.  And he’s felt so much better now that the bees aren’t bothering him so much but does his mom approve of his new friends and hobbies?

Recommended by: Ayla Franco, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

Not My Problem

by Ciara Smyth

Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth is about high school student, Aideen, solving everyone else’s problems instead of her own. She has problems at home, problems at school, problems with friends, but when her best friend’s arch nemesis, Meabh Kowalski, propositions her with an unconventional way to help others, she can’t resist. Aideen means well, and she’s hilarious, but her business model could use some fine tuning. Through a series of mishaps and close calls, Aideen starts to make real friends, try at school, and even develops a crush. Fans of Becky Albertalli and Alice Oseman will be sure to love this one!

This book is available in the library and on Hoopla as an ebook.

Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

Transmogrify!: 14 Fantastical Tales of Trans Magic

Embark on a magical journey featuring 14 tales of Trans and Non-Binary characters written by Trans and Non-Binary authors! Each protagonist beautifully embraces what it is to be one’s true self and to love everyone despite the differences. The Anthology is written wonderfully with characters who are relatable and inclusive. Great for fans of Cemetery Boys and The Witch King!

Recommended by: Ayla Franco, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

Frontera

by Julio Anta

Mateo, an undocumented immigrant teenager, embarks on a dangerous journey across the Sonoran desert to cross the border to the United States and seek the opportunities he once thought he had within reach. Strong willed and often defiant, he risks his safety multiple times along the way.  With determination and the crucial guidance of an unexpected new ghostly friend, he overcomes survival perils and some emotional struggles that many face on such a voyage. In this first graphic novel, Anta and Salcedo visually provide readers a captivating glimpse of the migratory trek many undertake through the hostile and deadly borderland territories. The artwork captures the natural beauty, as well as the desolation of the journey. Guillermo’s supernatural presence adds some historical context to the story in regards to the adversity and predicaments of the immigrant experience.

Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

Daughter of the Pirate King

by Tricia Levenseller

In order to find a map to a legendary treasure, pirate captain Alosa allows herself to be captured by the enemy. It’s supposed to be an easy mission. Search the ship, find the map, and get out. Alosa didn’t anticipate the clever and hansom first mate though. Part pirate adventure, part romance this read will keep you excited until the end. Then you’ll need to pick up book 2 of the series, and the upcoming book 3!

This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.

Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

Pushing the Limits

by Katie McGarry

Noah and Echo both have secrets. One is an outsider, who can’t remember what happened that night. The other is a dark and handsome loner, with a hidden life. When they meet, sparks fly. Can two people who have lost everything fall in love and find a happily ever after? Or are they doomed from the start?

This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.

Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction