Best Books For Teens

"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 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.

In Limbo is a powerful debut YA graphic memoir that tells the coming-of-age story of a Korean-American girl as she navigates the difficulties of being different in a New Jersey suburb. Tackling themes of Otherness, mental health, and the Korean-American diaspora, this stunning book is perfect for fans of Tillie Walden and other graphic memoirs like Hey, Kiddo and The Best We Could Do. With beautiful artwork and a touching narrative that explores family, heritage, and self-discovery, In Limbo is a must-read for anyone looking for a moving and powerful story.

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.

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 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.

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.

Only This Beautiful Moment is a captivating tale that spans three generations of a Iranian family. Set in Tehran and Los Angeles, this book explores themes of identity, family, and love. Follow the journey of Moud, an out gay teen, as he accompanies his father to Iran to visit his dying grandfather. Along the way, family secrets are revealed that push Moud to confront his history, culture, and himself. This heartfelt story also delves into the experiences of Saeed, an engineering student in 1978 Tehran, and Bobby, the son of a Hollywood stage mother in 1939. With its exploration of intergenerational trauma and the power of love, Only This Beautiful Moment is a must-read for fans of Last Night at the Telegraph Club and Darius the Great Is Not Okay.

Monstrous by Sarah Myer is a poignant and courageous young adult graphic memoir that tackles the powerful themes of racism, bullying, and finding one's voice. Born in South Korea and adopted by a white couple, Sarah grows up in a community with few Asian neighbors, facing constant whispers and bullying. Through her love for art and anime, Sarah finds solace and escape, but struggles to connect with others. As she navigates through high school and faces louder and meaner bullies, Sarah's rage threatens to consume her. Monstrous is a beautiful and relatable story about resilience, identity, and the power of self-expression.

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.