Staff Picks Young Adult
December 2019
My family divided : one girl’s journey of home, loss, and hope
by Diane Guerrero
Author, Diane Guerrero, is an American film star who tells the story of her undocumented parents and brother who were deported when she was 14 changing her life forever. Having been born in the United States, she realizes firsthand the privileges of citizenship.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Nowhere Boy
by Katherine Marsh
Two male main characters meet when one, a Syrian refugee in France, sneaks in the basement of the other, an American boy brought against his wishes to school in France. Containing adventure, history and poignant friendship scenes, this book is a compelling read.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World
by Ashley Herring Blake
This book begins with the destruction of the Aberdeen house by a tornado. It proceeds as a coming of age story with Ivy dealing with her family’s displacement, friend issues and her sexual awakening as a lesbian.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances
by John Green, Maureen Johnson, & Lauren Myracle
The three stories, all written by popular young adult authors, intertwine with one another throughout the different settings of Gracetown including a broken-down train, a Waffle House, and snow globe store. As you read the stories, the connections between the characters will surprise you. Not to mention, Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances is laugh out loud funny (seriously, I did quite often) and is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Let It Snow is now also a movie on Netflix. Read this one before to watch the movie to compare the two.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Monday’s Not Coming
by Tiffany D. Jackson
When Claudia comes back from visiting family over the summer, she can’t wait to catch up with her best friend, Monday Charles. When Monday’s phone goes to voice mail, she senses something weird is going on. When Monday doesn’t show up for school, Claudia is really worried. Monday’s mom says she’s being homeschooled, but conflicting stories about her whereabouts throw up some more red flags. None of the adults seem worried about Monday’s bizarre disappearance, but Claudia will not stop trying to figure out where her best friend is. Told in a nonlinear fashion with trips to the past and the present, this mystery will keep you hooked with a satisfyingly thrilling ending.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
October 2019
The Call
by Peadar O'Guilin
A long time ago, the people of Ireland banished the fae known as the Sídhe to another world. Now the Sídhe are back, and taking revenge by kidnapping teenagers to take part in a brutal hunt known as The Call. If they can survive twenty-four hours, these young men and women can return home. But if they’re caught, only horror awaits. Nessa Doherty knows she could be Called at any time, but unlike the others she is determined to survive. An engrossing mix of thrills, horror, mystery, and fantasy, this book is perfect for fans of dark fairy tales or those looking for a haunting read for Halloween.
Recommended by: DeAnna DeHoff, InterLibrary Loan Assistant
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
With the Fire on High
by Elizabeth Acevedo
Life has never been easy for Emoni Santiago. Raised by her loving abuela since her mother died and her father left the family behind to return to Puerto Rico, Emoni must now make it through her senior year of high school while also looking after her young daughter Emma. Juggling unpaid bills, family drama, and a potential new romance, Emoni finds refuge in the kitchen where creating new recipes and experimenting with food has always given her solace. But when she joins a new cooking class at her school and is confronted with the pressure of deciding her future, Emoni must choose between what’s best for her daughter or following her dreams. Can she find a way to balance her responsibilities with her dreams of being a chef? Equal parts sweetness and tears, this book is perfect for those looking for an inspiring story of finding happiness doing what you love (and includes delicious recipes too!)
Recommended by: DeAnna DeHoff, InterLibrary Loan Assistant
Posted in: Young Adult
September 2019
Grave Mercy
by Robin LaFevers
Ismae was born marked by death, a side effect from her mother’s failed attempt to end the pregnancy. When her father marries her off to a violent and cruel suitor, she escapes and finds a new home at the convent of St. Mortain, the god of Death. It’s here that she learns the skills of an assassin, excelling especially with poisons. Ismae soon finds herself deep undercover in the court of Princess Anne of Brittany trying to discover and eliminate all threats toward the princess. If you are looking for your next series featuring strong female characters, this first book of the “His Fair Assassin” series should find itself a home on your to-read list.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Young Adult
Refugee
by Alan Gratz
Refugee tells the story of three refugee families from three different points of history. Josef is a Jewish boy escaping with his family from Germany in the 1930s on a ship set for Cuba. Isabel and her family set out on a raft from Cuba hoping to start a new life in Miami in the 1990s. Finally, in 2015, Mahmoud and his family leave Syria for Germany, one of the closest countries accepting refugees. All three stories share the theme of hope and freedom. The book is written in alternating chapters which help in the connections between three characters, each from different times but living somewhat similar lives.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Young Adult
Lovely War
by Julie Berry
Who better to tell a love story than Aphrodite? When Aphrodite is caught having an affair with Ares by her husband Hephaestus, she tells the tale of two couples experiencing the unpredictability of love. Told through alternating perspectives through the eyes of several Greek gods, Lovely War tackles romance but also explores music, PTSD, and race relations during WW1. I’m not usually a romance fan, but the unique structure and compelling characters hooked me immediately and now I’m recommending this book to everyone who will listen.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Young Adult