Shannon Stocker, Devon Holzwarth
[isbn]
Evelyn Glennie has long been a personal inspiration of mine, and now with this lavishly illustrated book, the younger generation can be introduced to the joy of a life dedicated to music.
Recommended by Fletcher O.
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Emily Lloyd-Jones
[isbn]
Part heist novel, part Welsh fairytale, this magnificent standalone follows the kingdom’s last water diviner, Mer, on a quest for vengeance and freedom from the prince that abused her powers. With a former spymaster, a fae-marked fighter, and a princess of thieves, Mer sets out to destroy a prince — but ends up carrying the fate of a kingdom.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Ann Weil
[isbn]
Lyrical and mysterious, one of my childhood favorites! Michele's peaceful island life is disrupted when three travelers come to Capri in search of the fabled (and potentially cursed) Blue Grotto. Humorous, warm, and thoughtful, you'll want to seek out the grotto yourself by the end of the book.
Recommended by SitaraG
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Naomi Novik
[isbn]
Uprooted by Naomi Novik is one of those stories that you feel has somehow always existed. I mean that as a highest compliment. It captures the essence of a classic fairy-tale: what is really in that tower? and just how dangerous are those woods exactly? Novik has proven time and time again that she’s a fantasy collection must-have with napoleonic dragons, magic schools, fable, and more. Still, Uprooted is where... (read more)
Recommended by Sarah R.
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Sunya Mara
[isbn]
The perfect new book to tide you over until the second season of Shadow and Bone! In this YA fantasy debut, Vesper is desperate to keep her revolutionary father from being executed like her mother was. To save his life, she'll need to catch the eye of a cruel prince — and perhaps even brave the fantastical, deadly Storm.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Andrew Joseph White
[isbn]
Blood, spit, innards, and bone brought to genesis by the religious nightmares of trans youth. An infernal Dies Irae for the gays. Queer horror at its most unholy and blasphemous. I could go on and on. This book is the dormant eruption that lies within every queer soul in existence. Be not afraid to let it burst from thee.
Recommended by Stacy W.
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E Lockhart
[isbn]
I'm usually pretty good at spotting surprise endings, but this one is so well done I'm glad I didn't see it coming. Beautifully written, emotionally powerful, and a scathing exploration of the corrosive effect of privilege.
Recommended by Warren B.
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Isabel Ibanez
[isbn]
Think about the history of bullfighting — then imagine that, but with dragons and magic and a fierce female heroine who believes there's a better way. Add a hint of romance and betrayal, and you've got yourself a fantastic summer read!
Recommended by Beth C
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Sabaa Tahir
[isbn]
A beautifully compelling coming-of-age tale that offers an important glimpse into the immigrant experience. Tahir elegantly explores the complicated nuances of trauma with incredibly honest writing and such richly drawn characters, I felt I knew them personally after finishing.
Recommended by Tawney E.
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Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, Isabel Roxas
[isbn]
It is super important to me that my children understand consent. I want to keep them safe and help them keep others safe. This book does a wonderful job of using age appropriate language and examples to show how to say 'yes' and 'no.' I really appreciated the part where they highlight that sometimes a 'yes' can later turn into 'no.' And I am so happy they used the proper names for body parts.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Judy I Lin
[isbn]
I promptly fell in love with the dreamy cover of A Magic Steeped in Poison, and the story itself. Ning's strength and determination are perfectly balanced with her vulnerability and grief. Plus, this duology has one of the most unique magic systems I've seen. Luckily for me and many other YA fantasy fans, we won't be waiting years for the sequel, A Venom Dark & Sweet, a miracle! We'll rejoin Ning on her journey and see how her... (read more)
Recommended by Charlotte S.
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Casey McQuiston
[isbn]
Beloved queer romance author McQuiston (Red, White & Royal Blue, One Last Stop) has penned their first YA novel. I can’t recommend it enough! Reminiscent of Green’s Paper Towns with a fem romance twist, Chloe is on the hunt for answers when popular girl Shara kisses her and then vanishes.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Ryan La Sala
[isbn]
Midsommar meets The Heathers in this kaleidoscopic YA horror from queer author Ryan La Sala. Enchanting and noxious all at once, The Honeys is the sticky-sweet summer scare you didn't know you needed. Quite frankly, when it comes to queer YA fiction, Ryan just gets it.
Recommended by Stacy W.
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Mark M Perry
[isbn]
There's a lot of story and depth packed into this small volume, striking an impeccable balance between a character-based coming-of-age story, a multicultural folklore exploration, and a dark fantasy. It also helps that this book is set in the Pacific Northwest, a region I live in and love, and is a perfect location, I'd imagine, for all kinds of fantastic happenings.
Deep within the woods, in a region called the Dark Divide (which is a... (read more)
Recommended by Nicholas Y.
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Krystal Sutherland
[isbn]
House of Hollow is a culmination of every book I wanted to write, and in turn, every book I wanted to read throughout my life, but was never able to find. I have never read a novel quite so original. It contains every strange detail I have wanted a novel to have, from other worlds and creatures to characters and how their relationships develop beautifully throughout, and still manages so many twists I never saw coming. House of... (read more)
Recommended by Aster A.
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Daniel Kraus
[isbn]
This is a strange book. Luckily for me, I love strange books and was absolutely captivated with this one from the start. It opens as our eponymous protagonist, a 17-year-old gangster, is killed. Mysteriously, he comes back after only a few minutes of being dead, and that's where the real story begins: he tries to find out who his killer is and find a space for himself in the ever-changing world. Zebulon is an incredibly fun character to get to... (read more)
Recommended by Nicole S
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Tomi Adeyemi
[isbn]
Adeyemi is an entrancing storyteller whose characters hold as much magic as sweet humanity. In Children of Blood and Bone, fantasy is a portal to considering present realities of police brutality, oppressive regimes, and generational trauma. Amidst it all, Black Girl Magic shines as Adeyemi's protagonist reclaims her voice, her community, her magic, and her self. An unmissable wonder.
Recommended by Alexis B.
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Kelly Quindlen
[isbn]
The queer girl high school sports rom-com of my dreams! After a fender bender, Scottie has to carpool with her nemesis, Irene. At least it’s an opportunity to pretend-date to get back at Tally, her ex. Only, Irene has a lot more depth than Scottie’s ever given her credit for…
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Phil Stamper
[isbn]
This book is a warm hug to queer teens everywhere, and a shoulder to sob on for queer adults who never got one. I wish this adorable story could go down in history like Hinton's The Outsiders, but with state governments and school systems working hard to "not say gay," it doesn't seem likely. Heartbreaking to think that a book so pure in form could be seen as something worth banning. Hold this book tightly.
Recommended by Stacy W.
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Schele Williams
[isbn]
I was so excited to share this book with my children. It is beautiful and moving. The author did a great job writing honestly about one of our country's darkest moments in history while keeping it age appropriate. It opened up some great conversations in our family. I can't wait to share it with my friends and their children.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Adib Khorram
[isbn]
New YA from Adib Khorram? Sign me up! New YA from Adib Khorram about boy bands, the pressures of being queer in the public eye, complex and supportive friendships, and existing on your own terms even under a spotlight? Sign me up an extra time somehow! A dazzling and delightful read. Queue up a playlist of your favorite boy band tracks and buckle up, you won’t want to leave this tour bus.
Recommended by Sarah R.
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Tahereh Mafi
[isbn]
A Persian-inspired, Cinderalla-esque tale with sumptuous prose and fiery characters you'll fall hard for! (I adored the witty banter between the Alizeh and Kamran). With all the beautiful clothes and scrumptious food, I didn't want to leave this world.
Recommended by Carly J.
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Sarah J. Maas
[isbn]
I was expecting some spice (four chili peppers) and touch-her-and-you-die trope. I was not expecting the emotional journey this would take me on. This dives into emotional trauma and the importance friendship has on healing. Not to mention these women are BAs who are not afraid to challenge the ideals of others.
Recommended by Mariette E.
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Daniel José Older
[isbn]
The Rick Riordan Presents imprint is a platform for authors of color to craft modern myths based in their own cultures, heritages, and experiences. Ballad and Dagger marks the imprint’s first foray into YA, and Daniel José Older is the perfect author for the job. The Brooklyn diaspora community of the (fictional) sunken island of San Madrigal — once home to Cuban Santeros, Sephardic Jews, and pirates — is vibrant, full of real joy and... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Judy I. Lin
[isbn]
I immediately fell in love with this unforgettably unique debut (first in a duology) from Judy I. Lin. Young teamaker Ning is determined to join the competition to choose the next shénnóng-shi (a master of the magical art of tea) of the Imperial court. Ning cares more about the favor granted to the winner; she’s determined to save her sister, suffering from a poisoned tea that killed their mother. But that poison is part of a larger plot, and... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Genzaburō Yoshino
[isbn]
Buy one copy of this book for yourself and one copy for every child in your life. I would argue that How Do You Live? is perhaps a perfect book. It's wholesome, it's kind, and it thinks critically. It just makes better people. It's wonderful to experience Copper's stories followed by his uncle's philosophical journal entries. You witness the concepts that will ultimately form an undoubtably good person. This book explores so much... (read more)
Recommended by Jun L.
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Akwaeke Emezi
[isbn]
In this standalone prequel to Emezi’s masterful, award-winning Pet, we see the revolution that shaped Jam’s mother, Bitter, and turned the town of Lucille into a supposed utopia. The best speculative fiction holds a mirror to modern society, and Emezi unflinchingly reflects the contemporary struggles of Black Americans, the queer community, and other marginalized groups in their insightful, poetic writing.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Kyrie McCauley
[isbn]
This book grabbed me from the first line of chapter one. My father's mental illness made parts of my upbringing chaotic and I related to a lot in this novel. Powerful and painful. Heartbreaking and haunting. A deep exploration of domestic violence and a beautiful reminder that there is a sunrise waiting for you tomorrow.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Adam Sass
[isbn]
Imagine telling your parents what you are, and instead of loving and accepting you, they have you kidnapped and sent to a remote island for you to be unmade. That's the all too familiar reality of Connor Major, who endures the horrors of Camp Nightlight, a remote conversion camp for gay teens. As he fights for his freedom and the freedom of his campmates, he begins to uncover sickening truths about Nightlight. And he's bent on revealing them to... (read more)
Recommended by Stacy W.
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Tricia Levenseller
[isbn]
Ziva sounds like your typical heroine — a talented bladesmith who forges magical weapons — except she also suffers from severe social anxiety. To keep one of her blades out of a ruthless warlord's hands, Ziva flees with the help of her sister, a scholar, and a super sexy mercenary. Both her inner and outer journeys are so compelling — probably because I could relate to her mental turmoil SO MUCH. The characters and representation in this book are... (read more)
Recommended by Carly J.
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Dana Schwartz
[isbn]
The setting: 1800s Edinburgh. The set-up: a lady who dreams of being a surgeon has a chance encounter with a resurrection man just trying to survive. The result? A gothic YA debut that truly has everything: ambition, medicine, murder, romance, science, romance WITH science, and yes, some casual grave digging. Anatomy: A Love Story is clever, thrilling, fun, and gross (in a good way).
Recommended by Sarah R.
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Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin
[isbn]
Jason Reynolds’s poem about living through the tumult of 2020, about the experience of Black America as life was changing in some ways and maddeningly unchanging in others, is made all the more powerful by being in dialogue with Jason Griffin’s breathtaking art.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Vanessa Len
[isbn]
A blockbuster fantasy debut! Joan’s family are monsters: not-quite-humans that can travel through time by stealing minutes and years off the lives of the mundane. Joan doesn’t learn the family secret until the day her family is murdered by a monster hunter prophesied to bring an end to her kind — who just so happens to be the coworker she’s been crushing on all summer. On the run with a monster from a rival family, Joan is quickly entangled in... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Nicki Pau Preto
[isbn]
I actually read this whole trilogy in 2021 and was thoroughly obsessed with it from start to finish. The world-building is top-notch, the characters are so compelling, and I loved every point of view that was introduced (a rarity for me). These books are that perfect blend of heart-pounding action and heartbreaking personal stakes that I need to really fall in love with a story, and this final installment was so satisfying. Secrets, sibling... (read more)
Recommended by Carly J.
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Preston Norton
[isbn]
One of the best, most original, compelling YA reads I’ve ever had the profound luck to pick up. Hope Cassidy and her sisters, Faith and Charity, have been raised in an ultra-conservative mega-church. When Faith is outed, she runs away to avoid being sent to conversion “therapy,” and Hope finds solace in rock 'n' roll. Channeling her inner Joplin, Hope forms a band with Danny — her newly out, longtime crush — performing anti-establishment... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Nicki Pau Preto
[isbn]
Phoenix. Riders. Why hasn't this been done before?! I was instantly hooked by this world and its compelling characters. Fans of Throne of Glass will be swept away by the high stakes, personal and political intrigue, and the swoon-worthy romance. The whole trilogy is released, so sit down and prepare for an awesome ride!
Recommended by Carly J.
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Diana Wynne Jones
[isbn]
I don't think I've read from anyone able to paint an atmosphere the same way (or as well) as Diana Wynne Jones. The characters are so lovable, and the character development?? Chef's kiss. This is my favorite place to escape to; I've read it over six times at this point. I'm about five seconds away from writing an entire essay/analysis on why this book is good, but I'll stop here.
Recommended by Seb D.
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Darcie Little Badger
[isbn]
Darcie Little Badger burst onto the YA scene with 2020’s indie fave Elatsoe. In her mesmerizing sophomore novel, she again draws on her Lipan Apache identity and heritage, as Lipan girl Nina (believer of the old tales) and cottonmouth kid Oli (denizen of the land of spirits and monsters) are drawn together when their worlds collide.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Margaret Owen
[isbn]
This is my favorite read of 2021. I fell in love with Margaret Owen’s uniquely smart, emotionally resonant, surprisingly funny writing with her Merciful Crow duology. (I say “surprisingly” because I didn’t expect to do any laughing reading about a fantasy plague.) These traits are at their best in Little Thieves, a standalone fairy tale retelling that has been hijacked off the beaten path by protagonist Vanya, who would like to know the... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Marissa Meyer
[isbn]
Can there be too many retellings of Rumpelstiltskin? (Trick question, the answer is no.) An unlikely and wonderful combination of Grimm Brothers fairy tale, Persephone myth, and the curse of Cassandra, Gilded is a cancel-all-plans adventure story born of lies, love, and desperation.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Margaret Rogerson
[isbn]
I stayed up until 2 a.m. finishing this book and I regret nothing. Rogerson’s Sorcery of Thorns was my favorite read of 2019, and I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting to see what she’d do next. This gorgeous, atmospheric series starter does not disappoint! Born with the Sight, Artemisia was trained by the Gray Sisters to subdue spirits. When her convent is attacked, she comes to its defense by taking up a revenant: an ancient, violent... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Alexandra Overy
[isbn]
Set in the backdrop of a glittering winter palace, Alexandra Overy's debut novel is a stunning retelling of a Russian folktale, The Firebird. Twin sisters, ripped away from each other by fate, their lives once again collide when the Queen Mother dies under mysterious circumstances. Struggling to find the killer, both sisters begin to realize perhaps it wasn't just fate that kept them apart, but something more sinister. Stuck between... (read more)
Recommended by Taylor C.
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Chloe Gong
[isbn]
I cannot rave about this book enough. I cannot rave about this book enough! Set in Shanghai during the 1920s, Chloe Gong writes a story that is impossible to put down after the first sentence.
Plagued by the possibly imaginary fear that Juliet Csai doesn't belong at home after living abroad in America, the real fear of a monster destroying her city and killing the ones she loves while all she can do is watch forces her hand to work with the one... (read more)
Recommended by Taylor C.
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Erin A Craig
[isbn]
Steeped in forgotten coastal lore and pages ruffled with a salt breeze off of a dark storming coast, The House of Salt and Sorrows is a brilliantly twisted version of the classic Twelve Dancing Princesses. Reminiscent of Poe's famous works like Annabel Lee and mixed with the somber, eerie tones of Wuthering Heights, Erin A. Craig writes with a fantastical whimsy that sweeps you into a world and leaves you haunted but... (read more)
Recommended by Taylor C.
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David Levithan and Jennifer Niven
[isbn]
When Bea Ahern runs away, she makes sure to check every box on her hastily searched "how to run away from home" list, except one. She can’t quite "cut all contact and don’t look back," not when her younger brother Ezra is now alone in their abusive household. Written by two masters of YA storytelling, this riveting and moving story of siblinghood and trust, told in back-and-forth emails, will capture your heart.
Recommended by Sarah R.
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Courtney Gould
[isbn]
There’s something dark in Snakebite. In this supernatural thriller debut, Logan’s ghost-hunter dads drag her to their rural Oregon hometown just as a local teen disappears. As Logan starts to fall for Ashley, the missing boy’s girlfriend, she also circles closer to the terrible truth of why her family left in the first place.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Kacen Callender
[isbn]
Finally! The book demigender folk have been waiting for!
Felix Love is a demiboy who is going through interpersonal turmoil at school, at home, and online.
While Felix's story touches on subjects such as being Black, queer, and trans, it also involves a love triangle, school bullies, and online drama.
I highly recommend this book for everyone, but especially demigender folks and trans young adults who have been waiting for a young adult fiction... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Richard Adams
[isbn]
My dad used to read to me and my brother almost every night before bed, and those nights are some of my favorite childhood memories. Many of the books we read together have stuck with me through the intervening years, but I have particularly fond memories of listening to him read Watership Down. 25 years later, I can still remember the feeling of being completely absorbed in the story. I was so enthralled that, when he had to go on a... (read more)
Recommended by Emily B.
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Rainbow Rowell
[isbn]
I am so, so excited for the conclusion to Rainbow Rowell’s Simon Snow trilogy! And I know that I’m going to be so, so satisfyingly sad when I finish it.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Elizabeth Lim
[isbn]
To save her brothers from her stepmother’s curse, Shiori must learn to control the magic inside of her and somehow find help without speaking a word. Pulling from European fairy tales and East Asian folklore alike, this kickoff to Elizabeth Lim’s new duology is a fantastic original fantasy not to be missed!
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Sandra Cisneros
[isbn]
In the introduction to the 25th Anniversary edition, Sandra Cisneros refers to the collection of vignettes that make up The House on Mango Street as “a jar of buttons.” Mismatched “little stories” that came together in the telling into one of literature's most enduring portraits of a neighborhood, a time, a coming-of-age. The House on Mango Street was my first brush with vignettes — how exciting to find that a novel could be... (read more)
Recommended by Sarah R.
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Richard Adams
[isbn]
My dad used to read to me and my brother almost every night before bed, and those nights are some of my favorite childhood memories. Many of the books we read together have stuck with me through the intervening years, but I have particularly fond memories of listening to him read Watership Down. 25 years later, I can still remember the feeling of being completely absorbed in the story. I was so enthralled that, when he had to go on a... (read more)
Recommended by Emily B.
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David Larochelle, Mike Wohnoutka
[isbn]
Right now, my 5-year-old is working on how and why we apologize. He doesn't always get it. I love that this book validates his feelings and fears but also emphasizes the importance of saying sorry. It also gives examples of how NOT to apologize and I think that's just as important. A difficult topic with simple explanations and cute illustrations. Honestly, I think some adults could benefit from reading this book as well.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Elise Bryant
[isbn]
I have been singing the praises of Happily Ever Afters for months, and I'm still just as excited to share my feelings about this book with you as I was in January. Happily Ever Afters is such a charming and refreshing story, one that I think of often and smile. When Tessa suddenly develops writer's block after transferring to a prestigious arts school, her best friend Caroline comes up with a brilliant idea: turning Tessa's life... (read more)
Recommended by Katherine M.
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Gayle Forman
[isbn]
Since his brother died and his mother left, the only book Aaron’s been able to read is about the extinction of the dinosaurs. Stuck working with his father at their floundering bookstore, it feels apropos. When a chance encounter grants him a new friend and his father a renewed vigor to save the store, he starts to wonder: Is that looming asteroid really inevitable?
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Bethany C. Morrow
[isbn]
Set partially in Portland, A Chorus Rises is Naema's story, a young Black woman with magical powers. She travels to the Southwest for a family reunion and to get away from the repercussions of being an influencer. A rich mix of fantasy and social justice.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Maggie Stiefvater
[isbn]
Experiencing the unfolding of this second book in the Dreamer Trilogy is so rewarding, so compelling, that I'm reticent to provide anything that might count as a spoiler. I'll just say that as we follow Ronan's and Jordan's journeys to unravel the secrets of dreams and dreamers, we find ourselves in a gorgeous meditation on the power of art, and the tension between human advancement and the preservation of the (magical, miraculous) natural world.... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Tyler Feder
[isbn]
Tall bodies, short bodies, fuzzy bodies, smooth bodies, Bodies Are Cool celebrates them all! Bright and jubilant illustrations paired with zippy text exemplify all the ways in which each and every body is beautiful, a message both kiddos and their grown-ups need to hear sometimes.
Recommended by Tina M
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Jason Reynolds, Ibram X Kendi, Sonja Cherry Paul
[isbn]
Stamped (for Kids) is a chapter book adapted from Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You. A powerful, eye-opening introduction to racism and its roots that will teach kids to talk and think about racism, Stamped (for Kids) is an accessible and engaging social history for the family.
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Victoria Aveyard
[isbn]
What happens when the chosen ones fail? In Aveyard’s sophomore series, the untrained, unknown, and unexpected will have to step up to save the world. Inspired by classic fantasy epics and switching between several compelling narrators, Red Queen fans and new readers alike will be enthralled by Realm Breaker.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Emiko Jean
[isbn]
Tokyo Ever After has everything: long-lost royal family, palace secrets, forbidden romance, mouth-watering izakaya descriptions, an unbeatable girl gang, a fully realized cast of handmaidens and imperial guards, an incredibly satisfying search for a sense of belonging. Izumi is my new hero, and my only complaint is this perfect book wasn't around when I was a teen.
Recommended by Michelle C.
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Michelle Ruiz Keil
[isbn]
Summer In The City Of Roses is a fairy tale-inspired adventure that offers a refreshing, punk rock take on ’90s Portland. The story hums with subtle magic while also sensitively addressing themes of race, drug use, trauma, and sex work. The writing is effervescent, the misfit characters are complex and relatable, and the city’s eccentricities are portrayed with necessary nuance. Grab this book and your tarot deck, head to Forest Park,... (read more)
Recommended by Ariel K.
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Charlie Jane Anders
[isbn]
Tina's been waiting for years for the aliens (who left her on Earth as a baby) to deliver her to her destiny. But there's more to "destiny" than getting to leave the miseries of high school behind: entire species are counting on her to end an intergalactic war. Don't miss this beloved sci-fi author's YA debut!
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Tj Klune
[isbn]
I loved this book! While the adult characters, Linus and Arthur, are wonderful, it's the magical youth that really stand out. By the end, you'll be rooting for every one of them to reach their dreams. This book was an absolute delight.
Recommended by Bethany O.
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Lynette Noni
[isbn]
If you’re looking to lose yourself in a fantasy page-turner, this is your stop. Kiva Meridan is the healer for the infamous Zalindov prison; she’s also a prisoner herself, brought in when her father was accused of consorting with rebels. She’s kept herself alive for a decade by keeping her head down, avoiding attachments, and clinging to the few coded communications she’s been able to have with her family on the outside, who promise they’ll find... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Angeline Boulley
[isbn]
Wow, this debut novel is so well crafted, I cannot recommend it enough! After Daunis loses her uncle, she is approached by an undercover agent to investigate a drug ring in her community. On top of the mystery, there is romance, exploration of family, community, and the Ojibwe culture.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Brittney Morris
[isbn]
Author Brittney Morris (Slay) describes this as “a Black-boy-joydespite” book, and that’s exactly how it reads. Alex can see the future of any person or object he touches, and he’s learned the hard way that doesn’t mean he can change things. When he sees that his little brother Isaiah is doomed to die soon, he decides to do everything he can to give Isaiah the best last days possible. Morris deftly bares the particular expectations,... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Nicola Yoon
[isbn]
A new book from Nicola Yoon is a reason to celebrate! Her third novel brings the romance we expect with a touch of the supernatural. Evie is not interested in love after she starts having visions of how other people’s relationships end. But when she meets X at the dance studio she must decide if she is willing to take a chance. This one is at the top of my to-read pile.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Jeff VanderMeer
[isbn]
Wow. Utterly weird, utterly captivating, dizzily creative, frothily exciting, spit-take funny. There's no way to describe this pastiche of hero's journey, magic, alternate history, and Napoleon's disembodied head — you simply must read it for yourself!
Recommended by Warren B.
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Aiden Thomas
[isbn]
A skilled deep dive into trauma and responses to trauma, Lost in the Never Woods is a Peter Pan retelling set in Astoria. Wendy's brothers have been missing for years and suddenly other children in town start to disappear. The suspense never lets up in this tightly paced and riveting tale.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Zora Neale Hurston
[isbn]
This book changed my life and the way I read fiction. The folk dialect narrative brought me further inside a main character’s mind than I’d ever gone before, until I found myself seeing through Janie’s eyes and experiencing her losses and heartache as my own. If identifying with a black woman’s voice and struggle is considered dangerous enough to merit book banning, the act of reading this richly significant novel is an act of societal rebellion.
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Renée Watson
[isbn]
A summer romance and a young woman’s journey to self-acceptance; what’s not to love? Watson has created a beautiful, charming, and relatable main character in Nala. Through the ups and downs with family and her new boyfriend, I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in her world.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Ariel Kusby and Olga Baumert
[isbn]
The Little Witch's Book of Spells is fun, meditative, and encouraging. A wonderful activity book for all ages and genders, it will inspire you to slow down, play, and find/create/appreciate various forms of magic in your surroundings.
A perfect grimoire for anyone interested in finding magic within and without.
Recommended by Anna A.
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Matt Ralphs, Nuria Tamarit
[isbn]
A comprehensive survey of witches across history, this YA nonfiction book explores real witches, fictional sorceresses, and magical women in folklore and myth. Its large format and cute illustrations make it appealing to a wide age range. This would make a great gift for any magically curious child!
Recommended by Ariel K.
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Kristin Cashore
[isbn]
Kristin Cashore returns to the realm of Graceling and Queen Bitterblue. Set in the neighboring land of Torla, in a nation filled with telepathic foxes and airships, Winterkeep is filled with Cashore's gorgeous prose and unforgettable characters.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Mahogany L. Browne
[isbn]
Chlorine Sky is the coming-of-age story of a young girl going through the joys and heartaches of growing up. From first romances to falling out with her best friend, this novel-in-verse means Mahogany L. Browne will break your heart in two lines or less every couple of pages, only to put it back together as our hero learns to shine on her own.
Recommended by Rachel M.
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Lemony Snicket
[isbn]
Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events is a deliciously wicked and painfully twisted story of the Baudelaire orphans. Forced into the grasp of Count Olaf after their parents perish in a fire, the Baudelaires must overcome the greatest of obstacles, only to face increasingly strange problems and riddles as the series continues. Ultimately a tale of ceaseless determination and written with the driest of humor, A Series of Unfortunate... (read more)
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Elsa Whyte, Julie Legere, Laura Perez
[isbn]
Oh my goddess, the pure gorgeousness of this book! From the elegant and detailed writing to the luminous illustrations, to the red ribbon that ties the physical book shut. A wonderful introduction to witchcraft for children and young adults, it's jam-packed with information. The perfect gift for a young feminist witch!
Recommended by Ariel K.
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Aiden Thomas
[isbn]
Aiden Thomas’s magical YA debut is an ode to honoring your truth as it follows Yadriel, a trans Latinx teenage boy, as he tries to prove that he is a brujo to his conservative family and to himself. Cemetery Boys is the queer story I’ve been trying to summon this whole year and will return to for years to come.
Recommended by Rachel M.
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Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam
[isbn]
Sixteen-year-old Amal has been wrongly accused of a crime he didn’t commit, simply for being in the wrong place in the wrong time. Brilliantly written in verse by National Book Award finalist Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five, Punching the Air is an impactful and necessary book for young adults, families, and educators trying to understand the injustice of systemic racism.
Recommended by Kim T.
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Ben Philippe
[isbn]
Sometimes, I need a good rom-com to escape into, and this second novel from Ben Philippe hits the spot. Henri is currently charming his way through his prestigious high school, trying to keep his parents happy, and earn some money walking dogs in order to reach his goal of being accepted into Columbia University. Things are going to plan until his classmate Corinne discovers that the dog walking company he works for is not what it seems. What... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Sabaa Tahir
[isbn]
At last, the fourth and final book in the An Ember in the Ashes series is almost here! This series has it all: expansive world-building, complicated characters, intense action, steamy romance, and now an approaching apocalypse. I can’t wait to see how this series wraps ups and what happens to Laia, Elias, and the Blood Shrike. Since it is being released December 1, I have plenty of time to go back and reread the first three books to get ready for... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Tracy Deonn
[isbn]
16-year-old Bree Matthews is living away from home for the first time. She’s dealing with the loss of her mother, and enrolled in a highly competitive academic program. I’ve always been fascinated by Arthurian retakes, but I haven’t read anything lately quite as brilliant as Legendborn. Deonn combines Southern Black culture and history, Arthurian myths, inherited trauma, grief, and more. The result is a smart, sharp urban fantasy that... (read more)
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Jennifer De Leon and Elena Garnu
[isbn]
Lili doesn’t know where her father is, and she’s been unexpectedly accepted to a prestigious school, mostly white and upper-class. As she’s adjusting to her new school, she finds out that her parents are undocumented immigrants and that her father has been deported. Debut author De Leon skillfully navigates issues of racial identity, immigration, and social justice.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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S Jae Jones
[isbn]
A darkly fantastical mix of Goblin King mythology, romance, family drama, and baroque music. Wintersong is all things lush and gorgeous and breathtaking. This book filled the place in my heart left by Labyrinth.
Recommended by Joanna S.
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Joanna Hathaway
[isbn]
Feuding families. Teenagers in love. War on the horizon. Dark of the West is a deeply emotional exploration of the quiet, creeping prelude to war. In true Shakespearean fashion, we're shown the inevitable outcome of Aurelia and Athan's relationship in the very first few pages, and the resulting tension is as delicious as it is heartbreaking.
Recommended by Joanna S.
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Whitney Gardner
[isbn]
Love cosplay, feminism, and girls disguising themselves as boys to smash the patriarchy and play D&D? Chaotic Good has all of that, and it creates a fabulous mix of lighthearted fun and serious examination of some social issues. (Also, my favorite Portland comic shop, Books With Pictures, has a cameo!)
Recommended by Joanna S.
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James Rallison
[isbn]
James Rallison is much more than a cult favorite at this point, but his work still feels like a special discovery or a secret handshake. This sequel is filled with more hilarious stories delivered in his candid, charming style.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
[isbn]
The inspiring smash hit from the Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen gets new life in this lovely keepsake, featuring the song’s lyrics paired with sweeping illustrations. Go ahead and belt out the words as you leaf through the pages.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Rory Power
[isbn]
If you like girls supporting girls, girls kissing girls, and occasionally, girls turning into monsters, then this book is for you. Wilder Girls is atmospheric and haunting and disturbing and beautiful, just like its stunning cover art. I'm going to be reading whatever Rory Power writes.
Recommended by Joanna S.
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Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
[isbn]
Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi call Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You a remix of Kendi's National Book Award-winning Stamped From the Beginning. (In a presentation to booksellers this winter, the authors called Stamped "Junior" and Stamped From the Beginning "Senior." During that discussion, Reynolds also acknowledged that he initially didn't know if he was the right person to translate Kendi's work for a... (read more)
Recommended by Jill O.
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Rachel Brian
[isbn]
There aren't enough exclamation points to express how much I love this book or how happy I am to see it on the shelf. Not only does it clearly explain consent through the perfect mix of silliness and seriousness, it also discusses topics like boundaries, healthy and unhealthy relationships, how to find help when you need it, and more. Using comic book-style illustrations, this book presents these fundamentally important topics in a... (read more)
Recommended by Christine R.
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Laura Ruby
[isbn]
Printz Award-winning Laura Ruby's exploration of war, desperation, family, love, betrayal, and womanhood — told by the ghost of one girl as she follows the life of another girl in WWII-era Chicago — is lyrical and gorgeous and sharp enough to cut. This book left me reeling for days.
Recommended by Joanna S.
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M K England
[isbn]
This was the diverse space romp I needed! This misfit group of teens, rejected from space academy, must band together to save humanity. This is a perfect flying-by-the-seat-of-your-pants tale for anyone who would want to join Captain Kirk and crew or the Guardians of the Galaxy. ( P.S. There's a heist in this one!)
Recommended by Ari M.
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Emily Suvada
[isbn]
Suvada's This Mortal Coil series comes to an explosive end in This Vicious Cure, a heart-pounding, plot-twisty sci-fi thriller that asks big questions about humanity, genetic technology, and identity. My all-time favorite sci-fi series.
Recommended by Joanna S.
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Adalyn Grace
[isbn]
A princess, a pirate, a fiance, and a mermaid — almost sounds like a "walk into a bar" joke, doesn't it? Instead, we have an AMAZING story, with some of the best world- and character-building I've had the pleasure of experiencing. There is no cliffhanger here, but you'll be thankful that another book is coming so you can spend more time absorbed within this world.
Recommended by Beth C.
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Kim Liggett
[isbn]
This book is akin to Lord of the Flies — but with more nuance and, ultimately, hope. It explores not only societal pressures and how damaging they can be, but also the damage females do to EACH OTHER — even when we have common cause and the same enemy. Societal pressures, faceless enemies, and patriarchy explode in this book, with an outcome that may surprise.
Recommended by Beth C.
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Shelby Mahurin
[isbn]
"Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." Lou (a scrappy, snarky witch of a girl) and Reid (a stoic, principled witch hunter) accidentally stumble their way into a forced marriage. Lou must hide the secret of her magic from her unexpectedly kind but undeniably dangerous new husband, and Reid, honorable to his core, begins to question where his loyalties lie. A lush, gorgeous, and incredibly fun debut.
Recommended by Joanna S.
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Margaret Owen
[isbn]
PNW author Margaret Owen had me hooked from the first line of her 2019 debut, The Merciful Crow: “Pa was taking too long to cut the boys’ throats.” The caste-driven fantasy world of plague tenders and bone magic that unspooled from there kept me glued to the page until I’d devoured the whole thing as quickly as I could. I’m now counting down the days until the sequel, The Faithless Hawk, publishes in July; the brief excerpt... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Sarah Gailey
[isbn]
Sarah Gailey's debut YA novel is about a lot of things: secret magic powers, an accidental murder on prom night, and a group of friends desperately working to hide the body (yay, teamwork!). But Gailey also does things in this book that are unexpected and wild, a magic of a different nature. They dig deep into feelings about friendship, family, queerness, growing up, and messing up, in all the most painful and beautiful ways.
Recommended by Joanna S.
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