Best Books For Teens

In this debut speculative thriller, a disgraced teen idol confronts the demons of her past in a glittering, cutthroat K-pop competition. Sunny Lee longs for her former life as a popstar and seizes the opportunity to join a new K-pop workshop attended by her ex-BFF and groupmate, Candie. But instead of answers, Sunny is haunted by ghostly visions and competitors begin suffering strange injuries and mutilations. In a race to survive, Sunny must uncover the truth behind the carnage and determine if Candie is out for blood once again. This spellbinding sapphic thriller will have readers screaming and swooning for more.

This irresistible YA rom-com follows Chloe, a Chinese-Filipina girl in Manila, as she navigates her father's attempts to keep her close to home for college by setting her up on a series of awkward arranged dates. But as Chloe starts falling for one of her suitors and her dream of attending USC grows closer, she must confront the question of where she truly belongs. Combining the nuanced insights of When Dimple Met Rishi with the rollicking fun of Loveboat, Taipei, this charming novel is sure to win readers' hearts.

"Saints of the Household" by Ari Tison is a haunting contemporary YA novel that explores themes of brotherhood, abuse, recovery, and doing the right thing. The story follows two Bribri American brothers, Max and Jay, who intervene in a fight in the woods and beat up their high school's star soccer player to a pulp. As the true details of that fateful afternoon unfold, the brothers grapple with the weight of their actions, their shifting relationship, and the realization that they may be more like their abusive father than they thought. Told through vignettes and poems, this debut novel by an Indigenous Costa Rican-American writer will take your breath away.

Get ready to feel all the feels with this heart-wrenching yet hopeful story about two strangers whose lives are forever changed when they receive news that they will die on the same day. Mateo and Rufus, who have never met before, use an app called Last Friend to connect and embark on a whirlwind adventure that will make them feel more alive than ever before. In They Both Die at the End, author Adam Silvera reminds us of the importance of living life to the fullest, even in the face of death.

A beautifully crafted novel that offers a raw, honest portrayal of grief, loneliness, and the power of love. When Marin leaves everything behind, she finds herself struggling to outrun tragedy and the pain of her past. Months later, she's alone in a dorm waiting for her best friend to visit and finally confront the unsaid. This moving, poignant story is a must-read for anyone who's ever felt lost or alone. Praise for the novel's exquisite writing, emotional impact, and profound beauty makes We Are Okay a moving portrait of healing and resilience.

In "Dear Medusa" by Olivia A. Cole, follow the harrowing journey of a sixteen-year-old girl as she confronts the trauma of sexual abuse and fights to reclaim her story, her anger, and her body. Alicia Rivers, plagued by a dark secret, is labeled the monster instead of the victim. Abandoned and isolated, she finds solace in her attraction to a new girl while uncovering the truth of her abuse through mysterious letters. This searing and intimate novel in verse is a fierce and powerful exploration of a young woman discovering the strength of her voice, her courage, and her rage.

America Redux is a critical and eye-opening cultural history that challenges the stories we tell ourselves about America. This captivating book delves into the themes that shape our American identity and questions the myths that have influenced us for centuries. Through twenty-one visually stunning stories, this immersive experience uncovers the unexpected, darker sides of history that continue to impact society today. With a combination of archival photographs, maps, documents, and handwritten text, America Redux offers a fresh perspective on the past and encourages readers to envision a brighter future.

In "The Making of Yolanda la Bruja" by Lorraine Avila, Yolanda Alvarez navigates a new school, forming friendships, and coming into her family's bruja tradition. However, when a troubled white boy enters her school, Yolanda is plagued by visions of the violence he threatens. Can Yolanda protect her community in a world that doesn't listen? This powerful and timely book explores the intersection of race, justice, education, and spirituality, making it a must-read for readers everywhere.

Get ready for a heartwarming autumn romcom filled with hilarious banter, unexpected sparks, and a dash of rivalry. In "The Fall of Whit Rivera" by Crystal Maldonado, Whit and Zay must put aside their differences and work together to plan the fall formal. As they navigate their way through misunderstandings and a rollercoaster of emotions, they also tackle important topics such as PCOS, chronic illness, sexuality, fatphobia, Latine identity, and class. This witty and insightful novel will leave you swooning and craving more from Crystal Maldonado. Don't miss out on this delightful celebration of love in all its forms, from family and friends to romance and self-discovery.

A teenage girl, Starr Carter, must navigate between two worlds: her poor neighborhood and her wealthy prep school. After witnessing the fatal shooting of her unarmed childhood friend at the hands of a police officer, Starr must decide whether or not to speak out and risk her own safety. The Hate U Give is a powerful exploration of racial tensions and police brutality that will leave readers questioning their own assumptions and beliefs.