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| Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay ColesWhat it's about: After his twin brother Tyler is killed by a police officer, high-achieving high-schooler Marvin Johnson is overwhelmed by grief, anger, and the public's response to his personal loss.
Why you might like it: Similar to Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give or Nic Stone's Dear Martin, Tyler Johnson Was Here takes a knowing, heart-wrenching look at the effects of injustice, oppression, and violence in one black teen's life. |
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| The Summer of Broken Things by Margaret Peterson HaddixWhat it's about: Pretty, privileged Avery is annoyed after her dad invites Kayla, Avery's misfit former friend, to join them on a summer trip to Spain, and both girls are thrown when the journey reveals a long-hidden secret about their families.
Try this next: Robin Benway's Far from the Tree, for another multiple-perspective story featuring sympathetic characters in a complicated family situation. |
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| Dread Nation by Justina IrelandWhat it is: a disturbing alternate version of post-Civil War America in which the undead prey on the living, and black kids are forced into combat schools where they're trained as the first line of defense.
Starring: Jane McKeene, who's just about to graduate from combat school when she's caught up in a terrifying conspiracy.
Who it's for: anyone who loves zombie horror, sharp social commentary, or scythe-wielding heroines. |
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| The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. PanWhat it's about: Following her mother's suicide, 15-year-old American Leigh travels to Taiwan to meet her grandparents, learn about her mother's past, and follow her mother's spirit, which has transformed into a brilliant red bird.
Why you might like it: Blending magic with painful reality, The Astonishing Color of After offers a portrait of grief and resilience that you won't soon forget. |
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| Exile by Kevin EmersonWelcome to: Mount Hope High's PopArts program, where students prep for jobs in the music industry.
What happens: After senior Summer falls for rock singer Caleb and starts managing his up-and-coming band, Dangerheart, they're drawn into the mystery surrounding Caleb's father, a legendary musician who died young.
Series alert: Find out what's next for Dangerheart in the sequels, Encore to an Empty Room and Finding Abbey Road. |
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| The Scar Boys by Len VlahosWhat it is: Harry Jones' college admissions essay, in which he writes well over 250 words about the bullying incident that left him scarred; the relief of finding his best friend and bandmate Johnny; and the confusion, thrills, and heartbreak of their band's first tour.
Is it for you?: Rife with angst and the heady atmosphere of 1980s punk, The Scar Boys is an unforgettable read for music lovers.
Don't miss: Scar Girl, the follow-up book about bassist Cheyenne. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 14 and up!
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| | Washoe County Library System 301 S Center St, Reno, NV 89501 | |
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