Staff Picks Young Adult
July 2023
Imogen, Obviously
by Becky Albertalli
Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli is her latest book release and like all her others, it does not disappoint. Imogen is going for an overdue visit to her best friend Lili’s college, where Imogen will also attend soon. Imogen feels a little replaced by Lili’s new life, but when she arrives, she learns it’s actually the opposite. Lili definitely never left Imogen behind, in fact, she made her a bigger deal than Imogen could have ever imagined. Lili told her new friends that she and Imogen used to date! And while Imogen is the world’s most devoted ally, she is undoubtedly straight herself, or so she thought…until she spends more time with Lili’s new friend Tessa, and then things become blurry for her. Throughout the story you’ll want to hug Imogen, defend her, laugh with her, be her friend, and hug her again. Obviously you need to read this one right now!
Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
June 2023
Always Human
by Ari North
A sapphic romance set in a sci-fi world where you can bio hack your body with different types of mods. Sunati is a big fan of fashion mods and is constantly changing her appearance but one day at the train station she notices a girl with no mods in sight. It’s a very odd thing to find when the sky is the limit when it comes to mods. Austen is a girl with Egan’s Syndrome that doesn’t allow her to use mods because her immune system rejects them. She’s learned to overcome her shortcomings in a world that’s constantly changing. She’s caught Sunati’s interest but is it because of her disability or actual romantic interest?
Recommended by: Ayla Franco, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Mindfulness Meditations for Teens
by Bodhipaksa
Posted in: Young Adult Nonfiction
May 2023
Dress Coded
by Carrie Firestone
When a school wide camping trip is cancelled due to a dress code infraction, Molly starts a podcast. She talks with current students and students who have already graduated regarding their experiences. Some girls seem to be targeted as their friends wear the same clothes but aren’t called out. As the podcast grows in popularity, the small revolt gains traction. New friendships are made and bonds are strengthened as the students organize their protest.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
The Rise of Kyoshi
by F. C. Yee
A humble Earth Kingdom-born girl is left to fend for herself in a world where nations have succumbed to tyranny and greed. Every day the nations become more corrupt and violent, but the Avatar is nowhere to be found. Jianzhu and Kelsang grow more desperate in their attempts to find this era’s Avatar and having lost one of the avatar toy relics to an orphan girl they’re at their wits end. Will they be able to recover the relic and find the Avatar in time? Or will the world be destroyed by countless mass murders? This first volume in the Chronicles of the Avatar series is great for fans of Avatar: The Last Air Bender looking to learn more about previous legendary Avatars.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an e audiobook and Hoopla as an ebook.
Recommended by: Ayla Franco, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
April 2023
Chaos and Flame
by Tessa Gratton
The House of Dragon has captured the House of Kraken’s leader during battle and his adoptive daughter, Darling Seabreak, will not stop until he is saved like he once saved her long ago. Darling isn’t his direct descendant but rather was taken in as a child from the sewers after the entire House of Spinx was wiped out one night. Talon is just trying to protect what remains of his family after losing his mother and is currently losing his brother to madness. Being from the House of Dragon he will stop at nothing to keep his family from crumbling and captures Darling after an attempt to attack them. But something odd happens, his brother, Caspian the High Prince Regent, recognizes Darling from his madness and things take a different turn. Are they all a part of something bigger than this war? Will they be able able to change fate?
Recommended by: Ayla Franco, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Spin
by Rebecca Caprara
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Geekerella
by Ashley Poston
Elle loves the show Starfield. It was her favorite thing to watch with her late father, who was also the founder of Excelsi Con. When she sees an add for a cosplay contest she has to win. Between the money she saved working at the Pumpkin Food Truck, and the money she could win at the contest, she’d finally be able to get away from her evil stepmother and her daughters. Darien plays Carmindor in the new Strafield movie. Many people think that he does not fit as the character, while others just see him as a heartthrob. When Elle and Darien meet at the Con, will it be love at first sight? Will they be able to save each other and live happily ever after?
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Now Entering Addamsville
by Francesca Zappia
Zora is special, just like her mom was before she disappeared. She can see ghosts. She is also being accused of setting a fire that killed the local school janitor. With evidence piling up against her, she starts the search for the real killer. She finds out that her town has a history of tragic fires and the arsonist was never caught. She teams up with her cousin Artemis, only to have their efforts blocked by a popular ghost hunting show that is filming in their town. Will Zora and Artemis be able to solve the mystery? Or are they doomed to become ghosts themselves?
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
March 2023
Everything You Need to Ace American History in One Big Fat Notebook
by Lily Rothman
Posted in: Young Adult Nonfiction