On your way to completing our 100 Books Before Graduation challenge, but not sure what to read next? Our teen librarians have some recommendations for you! Give one (or a few) of these a try to help you complete the challenge!
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson (also on Libby and Hoopla)
Recommended by Kelley
Review: Fans of Jackson's A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series will love this standalone mystery thriller about 18 year-old Bel, who is determined to uncover the truth about her missing mother, Rachel, while filming a documentary on the unsolved case. The book takes a wild turn when Rachel reappears with an unbelievable story about what happened the last 16 years. Holly Jackson’s writing is so good, it will keep you hooked until the end and then make you wish there was more.
Funeral Girl by Emma K. Ohland (also on Hoopla)
Recommended by Kelley
Review: The story centers on 16 year-old Georgia, whose family owns a funeral home. Since she was young, she’s had the ability to summon the ghosts of the deceased and help them with their final wishes. This ability takes a toll on her and her relationship with the family business, especially when one of her classmates dies unexpectedly and she has the opportunity to help him with his final wish… This is a truly heartwarming story full of likable and relatable characters. I would recommend it to anyone looking to try something new. A great spooky season read.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (also on Libby and Hoopla)
Recommended by Max
Review: The latest addition and prequel to The Hunger Games is a heartbreaking and thought-provoking look into the greater universe of the series, but also darkly mirrors a lot of what happens in today's world regarding tyranny and suppression.
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (also on Libby and Hoopla)
Recommended by Max
Review: A cool exploration of what happens to kids when they come back from their fantasy adventures, and how the magical (and sometimes, not-so magical) challenges can still come back to haunt them. The first part in a series of bite-sized novellas that are quick and easy to read through.
The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer (also on Libby and Hoopla)
Recommended by William
Review: Ambrose wakes up on a ship with no recollection of taking off. He notices signs that someone else has been on the ship. He cannot quite figure out what is going on especially when the only other person on the ship is refusing to talk to him. They are going to need to work together if they want to save Ambrose’s sister, and figure out what is happening on this ship.
This book is a fantastic sci-fi queer romance. Do not look more into this book before reading it. If the premise sounds interesting give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.
Witch Hat Atelier Vol. 1 written and illustrated by Kamome Shirahama (also on Libby)
Recommended by William
Review: Coco has always wanted to be a witch, but she knows that she cannot just become one. Witches are born, not made. This all changes when she meets a witch named Qifrey. He asks her to make sure nobody sees him performing magic, but a little peek never hurt anyone. Right? Coco sneaks in and peeks down from the rafters thus learning the secret behind magic and changing her life forever.
This is one of the best manga series I have read in a while. The art is gorgeous, the magic system is fascinating, and the cast of characters are all great. This story is a cozy fantasy romp with something darker hiding beneath the surface.
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson (also on Libby and on Hoopla en Español)
Recommended by Justina
Review: A fun magical adventure between a sword-wielding librarian and a mildly pretentious wizard. Elisabeth grew up in a magical library, and she knows the power of books. When she accidentally witnesses her mentor's death at the hands of the enchanted tomes, she begins a journey to try to fix things. It was refreshing to see a protagonist who both loved books and could swing a sword, and valued both equally, and I sped through this book wanting more.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (also on Libby and Hoopla)
Recommended by Justina
Review: A lyrical supernatural story about found family amid enchanted woods, unfortunate fortunes, and high school. Blue's future was foretold: she will kill her true love when she kisses him. Good thing she knows better than to kiss anyone. But when she gets caught in a mystery the so-called Raven Boys, prep students from the good side of town, are exploring and realizes she can help, her future, and the futures of the Raven Boys, opens up more than they ever thought. I love the quirky characters, which all feel larger than life but also completely natural. The prose is gorgeous, and you can tell the author loved writing this story to its conclusion.
Want to share your recommendations with us? Email them to [email protected]!
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Books by Black Authors to Read Because Black Lives Matter
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles
When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
March by John Lewis
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
For LCPL cardholders: All of these are available in our collection either in Overdrive/Libby or Hoopla for immediate download, or in physical format for curbside pickup (sometimes both!)
