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| Wicked As You Wish by Rin ChupecoWelcome to: The mostly un-magical town of Inveirno, Arizona, one of the Royal States of America and home to spellbreaker Tala and her best friend Alexei, the refugee prince of Avalon.
What happens: After a visit from the legendary firebird, Tala joins Alexei on his treacherous quest to liberate his enchanted homeland from the Snow Queen.
Why you might like it: A diverse cast of characters grounds this exciting mash-up of fairy tales and mythology. |
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| Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie GonzalesWhat it’s about: After being ghosted by Will, his seemingly sweet summer fling, Ollie begins his senior year at a new school and discovers that not only is Will his classmate, he’s also popular, obnoxious, and very closeted.
For fans of: The musical Grease (which inspired this book), as well as anyone looking for a smart, inclusive, and lighthearted romance. |
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| The Kingdom of Back by Marie LuStarring: Musical prodigy Nannerl Mozart, who’s angry at how 18th-century European society limits her options while encouraging the talents of her beloved brother, Wolfgang.
What happens: Nannerl and Wolfgang find their way into the magical realm of Back, where Nannerl meets Hyacinth, an enigmatic figure who offers adventure and fame -- but only at a devastating cost.
Author alert: This lush, detailed historical fantasy is a new direction for Marie Lu, best known for science fiction series Legend and Warcross. |
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| Be Not Far from Me by Mindy McGinnisThe place: Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, where experienced camper Ashley and her friends go to party.
The problem: A drunken mistake leaves Ashley barefoot, injured, and stranded without supplies, forcing her to find her own way back to safety before her infected wound gets the better of her.
Try this next: Kathryn Holmes’ The Distance Between Lost and Found, an equally intense (but less gritty) survival story that similarly places a compelling character in a struggle against the wilderness. |
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| Bloom by Kenneth OppelThe invasion: A worldwide downpour deposits extraterrestrial seeds all over Earth, resulting in an explosion of terrifying new plants -- some with toxic pollen, others with carnivorous, people-eating pods.
The resistance: Three teens on a remote island in British Columbia discover that they might be the only ones immune to the alien horrors trying to colonize their planet.
Series alert: This high-stakes science fiction thriller is the 1st in the Overthrow trilogy. |
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| Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer DuganWhat it’s about: With her senior year approaching and Magic Castle Playland amusement park about to close forever, Lou (the park’s costumed hot dog) is running out of time to get with Nick (the park’s pirate).
So obviously: Lou needs to fake a romance with her best friend Seeley so that Nick will get jealous. It’s a plan that can’t possibly backfire, right?
Why you might like it: This funny, heartfelt rom-com features roller coasters both literal and emotional. |
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| How (Not) to Ask a Boy to Prom by S.J. GosleeWhat it’s about: Sixteen-year-old wallflower Nolan has never kissed anyone and doesn’t care about the prom, but he caves to his sister’s pressure and agrees to find a date. His promposal, however, goes horribly wrong, leaving Nolan stuck with his former bully, Bern, as his fake boyfriend.
Why you might like it: Romantic complications pile up as the prom draws closer in this clever, angsty story packed with on-point dialogue. |
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| Analee, in Real Life by Janelle MilanesStarring: Anxious, introverted Analee, who prefers online gaming with her long-distance crush, Harris, to dealing with the many unwelcome changes in her family.
What happens: When popular athlete Seb asks her to pose as his girlfriend to get at back his ex, Analee agrees -- after all, she’ll need some real-life people skills if she wants to get closer to Harris.
For fans of: Morgan Matson, Jenny Han, and other authors whose heroines find confidence as well as romance. |
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| Fake It Till You Break It by Jenn P. NguyenFeaturing: Lifelong neighbors Mia and Jake, who can’t stand each other, despite their moms’ insistence that they’d be the perfect couple.
What happens: Fed up with their mothers, Mia and Jake decide to fake a relationship so that they can stage an epic break-up and finally be free ...as long as they don’t catch feelings first.
You might also like: David Yoon’s Frankly in Love, another book in which parental expectations lead to self-discovery and unintended romantic results. |
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| The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie WestWhat it’s about: After getting dumped right before prom, image-conscious Gia can’t face the dance alone, so she convinces Hayden, a random guy in the parking lot, to pose as her boyfriend. When their fake relationship grows into a genuine attraction, however, Gia has to decide how much she’s willing to risk in order to follow her heart.
Why you might like it: Author Kasie West’s distinctive, winning blend of wit and fluff will keep you breezing through this satisfying romance. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 14 and up!
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