What teens like to read!

I spent this week talking to teens about their favorite YA books and picked the brain of the teen librarian at the Greenfield Public Library ("Murder. If it's got blood on the cover, teens will read it. Also, anything by Alice Oseman."). The teens I spoke to recommended Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir, A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik, Heartstopper by Alice Oseman, A Court of Thorns & Roses by Sarah J. Maas, House of Salt & Sorrows by Erin Craig, and The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas. I've read four of the above seven, and agree that these are excellent reads.

I went to the new books display and selected four titles that matched the themes and genres that seem to be popular with kids right now. They are:

Ancrum, K. (2024). Icarus. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

Icarus is an affection-starved teenager who is forced into a life of thievery to enact revenge on the man who caused his mom's death. This coming-of-age, and art heist romance draws on Greek mythology and explores what happens when a boy allows himself to get too close to the sun (the love interest's name is Helios. Subtle, this book is not.). Ancrum briskly establishes Icarus's hard luck case in short, blunt chapters and elaborates on the pain he and his dad have experienced since the death of his mother. It's easy to get roped into the story and to hope and trust that things will improve for Icarus. I have a couple of students I would immediately recommend this book to - I think they would especially love the gay love story and feel smart about understanding the mythology references. 

Chee, Traci. (2024). Kindling. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

Seven prestigious warriors come of age just as the war ends and each needs to find her purpose in life in the unfamiliar and uncomfortable freedom that follows. Chee was undeniably successful in her multiple point-of-view storytelling in the historical fiction masterpiece We Are Not Free, and this fantasy involving magic, queer romance and war trauma employs the same technique. I'm predisposed to like it, because of Chee's prior writings, and like to have books by Asian-Americans in my Chinese language immersion library. I imagine that fans of The Dragon Pearl and possibly shows like The Legend of Korra would enjoy Kindling.

Tang, Andrea. (2024). These Deadly Prophecies. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Tabatha and Callum are both suspects in the murder of a powerful sorcerer - her boss and his father - and team up to solve the murder and prove their innocence. Hijinks ensue! I like the sarcastic delivery from Tabatha's narration, and the witty and sometimes flirty dialogue she shares with Callum is just fun. I also appreciate that Tabatha's traditional Chinese parents don't really approve of her apprenticing for a sorcerer and then trying to solve his murder - disapproving parents bolster the teen connection. Plus, another Asian-American author and main character! 

Williams, LaDarrion. (2024). Blood at the Root. New York: Random House Children's Books.

Malik is young, newly freed from abusive foster care, and in possession of magical power, which he sets out to hone at a school of magic for Black students. I'm excited about this book because so much of my library's collection of fantasy stories focus on white characters, with maybe a token Black friend. The author wrote this story during Covid lockdown and states in the introduction that he wrote it in response to the murder of George Floyd. This is an action-packed celebration story full of magic and mystery by, for and about Black males.

YA Historical Fiction

You find me feeling salty right now. The New York Times came out with its 100 best books of the 21st century and - somehow, inexplicably - All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr was omitted. In what kind of world is that not in the top 10 books, let alone the top 100?! I was happy to see Ann Patchett's life-changing Bel Canto on the list, and Colson Whitehead's Underground Railroad, and many other excellent reads, but c'mon NYT. Sheesh.  

Today I'm thinking about historical fiction. Ruta Sepetys has mastered this genre with her teen-centered explorations of Franco's Spain, Ceauşescu's Romania, Hitler's Europe, and Stalin's Siberian labor camps. These are stories of fear, hope and ultimately survival and include carefully researched, historically accurate details. I highly recommend her books! Here are some others I'm considering for my library book order:

Hur, June. (2024). A Crane Among Wolves. New York: Feiwel & Friends.

Iseul is a pampered 16-year old girl in 1506 Korea who endures desperate hardships in order to save her sister from tyrannical King Yeosan's abuse. Though Hur relies on some common tropes (a prince in disguise + a strong-willed common born girl = romance!), the writing is fluid and compelling. As with Sepetys's books, this one draws the reader in early on, and is steeped in the creeping dread of the country's power imbalance. I'm highlighting this book because I believe my students will be interested in reading about a period in history that isn't often reflected in YA historical fiction. Plus, look at that cover!

Miller-Lchmann, Lyn. (2024). Eyes Open. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Lab.

It's 1967 in Salazar's Portugal and Sónia is learning how to use her words to rebel against the harsh authoritarian regime. Historical fiction offers lessons in the form of cautionary tales, which we can apply to today's world as governments attempt to assert more control. Told in free verse, this is a quick read. I'm highlighting it (after browsing through it at the excellent Spectator Books in Oakland, CA) because it grabs the reader early on and appeals to her sense of injustice. This is perfect for students who loved Esperanza Rising when they were younger!

Cameron, Sharon. (2021). Bluebird. New York: Scholastic Press.

Eva is the daughter of Nazi supporters who arrives in New York in 1946 with a mission to track down the scientist that conducted cruel experiments on prisoners in Germany's concentration camps. I am interested in this novel because it flips the perspective that we are accustomed to in WWII historical fiction; rather than telling the story of a victim of Germany's military agenda, this is the story of a German girl who was horrified by the actions of her government. Readers of WWII dramas may enjoy the New York City setting, and learning about the U.S. government's less-than-ideal thinking around the scientist's findings. (Also found at Spectator Books.)

Johnson, Kim. (2024). The Color of a Lie. New York: Random House Books for Young Readers.

Calvin is used to 'passing' as a white person in 1955 America, but his situation becomes more dangerous when he uncovers a racist secret in the suburb where his family hides in plain sight. There is so much to be excited about in this book and I think chief among them is the unfiltered lens on what it means to achieve the "American dream."  I'm highlighting this title because my library has many contemporary stories about the Black experience in America, but not many set during the Jim Crow era. 

YA Romance

Who doesn't love a good YA romance?! Enemies-to-friends, the slow burn, star-crossed lovers, opposites attract .... all are so deliciously fun! Recent favorites of mine include the Ember in the Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir, Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, and - of course - Heartstopper by Alice Oseman. Here are some recent releases, all found at the lovely Spectator Books in Oakland, Calif., that I'm considering for my library:

Zhao, Ann. (2024). Dear Wendy. New York: Feiwel & Friends. Romance.

Sophie and Jo are freshman in college, rival dating advice columnists, and -  interestingly - aromantic. This is the story of two people exploring life and community, and learning to love each other as found family. I'm highlighting this book for a couple of reasons. One: it takes place at Wellesley in Massachusetts (love a local story!). Two: I don't know of any other YA novel that celebrates the importance of platonic friendships in the ace community. I remember reading Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Kathryn Omsbee back in 2018 and thinking, "Oh it's great that aromantic characters are appearing in novels." But, here's the thing... that book ends with Tash attempting a relationship with a boy. Zhao's book feels more honest, more reflective of the ace experience. This would be a first for our library.

Matson, Morgan. (2024). The Ballad of Darcy & Russell. New York: Simon & Schuster. Romance.

After being stranded in a bus station, Darcy and Russell get to know each other, themselves, and their families in a rom-com inspired, breezy, and pun-laden 24 hours. This feels like a great summertime read, or escapist fare for busy teens. Matson has a strong fan group, but she's new to me and we don't have any of her books in our library. I like the writing style and swoon factor in this book, and also appreciate the fact that the characters only engage in kissing (Before Sunrise this is not!), making this a safe YA choice. I've heard Matson's writing described as 'comforting' - and who doesn't need a little comfort in these frantic days?? I'm highlighting this for the good writing, punchy dialogue and character development.... and acknowledge that there is a lack of diversity in the cast.

LeBlanc, Kasey. (2024). flyboy. New York: Balzer + Bray. Romance.

Ash is a closeted trans boy navigating Catholic school, his grandparents' unrealistic expectations, and a magical alternate dream world where he can be his true self. flyboy is being marketed as Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda mixed with The Night Circus -- both excellent reads -- so I'm pretty excited to get my hands on this one!  The romance involves Ash and his trapeze partner Apollo, who appears at the school in the 'real world.' I love a good coming-of-age story and this one has all the hallmarks: misunderstood teen in strict household, (literal) dream partner who is out of reach, mom who comes through in the end, and the main character's gradual awareness that only through bravery and responsibility will he achieve a happy ending. I'm highlighting this book because we need more trans representation in YA literature.

Which one do you think I should buy?

YA Horror

I confess: I don't really like horror stories or scary movies. I don't like to see or read about gore and jump scares are not my thing. That said, I did enjoy A Good Girl's Guide to Murder - arguably more a mystery than true horror - and the middle grade thriller Small Spaces was a delight. Here are some others to consider: 

Sambury, Liselle. (2023). Delicious Monsters. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books. Horror. 

Delicious Monsters is your classic haunted house story, complete with remote mansion, family secrets and characters who can see dead people. Interestingly, it's told in two perspectives: Daisy, whose mom inherited the house from her uncle, and Brittany, who investigates what happened to Daisy 10-years after she moved to the mansion. It is giving me shivers just writing this! I first came across this book on the Oregon Battle of the Books reading list for 2025 and it comes highly recommended on Goodreads. I found it on the shelves of my local library and it's HUGE: 512 pages! I'm highlighting it here because I am a sucker for a good cover and I like celebrating authors from all over the world (Sambury is Trinidadian-Canadian).

Andrew, Kelly. (2024). Your Blood, My Bones. New York: Scholastic Press. Horror.

Wyatt and Peter have to join forces to beat a curse. The only trouble is that the curse is protecting Wyatt from Peter, who can only get out from under the curse by destroying her. When I read the write-up on Book Riot, I got Romeo and Juliet crossed with Anna Dressed in Blood vibes. I'm highlighting this book because it is an intriguing mix of goth-horror, fantasy, and romance -- and I have a student who I think would love it! The author listed some of the triggers for this book (including torture, cults, body horror and paranormal activity), which definitely activate my amygdala response to FLEE!

Sim, Tara. (2024). We Shall be Monsters. New York: Nancy Paulsen Books. Horror.

Kajal is able to resurrect the dead, which she sets out to do when her sister dies. Complications arise, and Kajal ends up imprisoned for witchcraft and then forced into a complicated plot to overthrow the sitting government. I spotted this book in the new releases section at Sherman's in Damariscotta, Maine. I love books that introduce me to the mythologies of various cultures, and this one puts a Frankenstein-like twist on a classic Indian story, according to the author. I am highlighting this book because I enjoy a well-crafted story with an intelligent heroine who is accompanied by her undead dog. (Nettle and Bone was one of my favorite reads of 2023!)  

Of the books on this page, We Shall be Monsters is the one I'm most likely to buy for the school library. Which one are you most interested in reading?