Teen Scene
October 2020

Recent Releases
Elatsoe
by Darcie Little Badger; illustrated by Rovina Cai

What it's about: In a modern-day U.S. infused with magic, aspiring paranormal investigator Ellie looks into her cousin's murder. Using both her know-how and her ability to wake the ghosts of animals (a power inherited from her Lipan Apache ancestors), Ellie uncovers something truly sinister.

Art alert: Intricate illustrations by Rovina Cai heighten the atmosphere of this suspenseful read.

You might also like: Akwaeke Emezi's Pet, another own voices fantasy that's absolutely outside the box.
Raybearer
by Jordan Ifueko

What it's about: Tarisai was raised by The Lady with a specific destiny: to become one of the eleven elite councilors to the Crown Prince of Aritsar, gain the Prince's trust, and assassinate him. 

What happens: Tarisai's love for the Prince contradicts her deadly mission, but how can she declare her true loyalty when she's bound by The Lady's magic? 

Try this next: Roseanne A. Brown's A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, another lush Afrofantasy about the tension between desire and duty.
Cemetery Boys
by Aiden Thomas

What it's about: While trying to prove to his magically gifted family that he's a true brujo, gay trans guy Yadriel accidentally awakens the spirit of rebellious Julian, who wants Yadriel's help in finding his murderer.

Read it for: spellbinding urban fantasy, smoldering paranormal romance, an inclusive cast of characters, and an own voices perspective on growing up trans and Latinx.

For fans of: Zoraida Cordova's Brooklyn Brujas series.
Yes No Maybe So
by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed

Featuring: Jamie Goldberg (awkward, Jewish, politically passionate) and Maya Rehman (confident, Muslim, preoccupied with personal problems).

What happens: After their moms volunteer them to go door-to-door campaigning for a local Senate candidate, Jamie and Maya’s reluctant friendship turns into something deeper and a lot more complicated.

About the authors: This is the first team-up between Becky Albertalli (author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda) and Aisha Saeed (author of Amal Unbound).
Thieves
City of Saints & Thieves
by Natalie C. Anderson

Revenge is mine: Tina lives by a strict set of self-imposed rules while working as a thief for a Kenyan street gang and planning the takedown of her mother's killer.

A risky partnership: When her plans go awry, Tina breaks a rule ("thieves don't have friends") in favor of a partnership that might reveal the truth about her mother's death.  

Why you might like it: Smart, suspenseful, and gritty, City of Saints & Thieves will keep you riveted from the first page.
The Gilded Wolves
by Roshani Chokshi

Welcome to: 1889 Paris, where the ancient, magical Order of Babel calls the shots, and disinherited Order member Severin is gathering a crew of talented misfits to pull off a heist that could change everything.

Read if for: high stakes, luxe settings, an inventive blend of magic and science, and richly drawn characters with intersecting identities. 

For fans of: Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows.
Invictus
by Ryan Graudin

What it's about: Born outside of time and rejected from the Corps of Central Time Travelers, 17-year-old Farway "Far" Gaius McCarthy has his work cut out for him as captain of the Invictus, traveling back in time to steal antiquities from history. 

Who it's for: Told in the alternating voices of Far's diverse crew of friends, this "rollicking, bombshell-laden adventure" (Kirkus Reviews) is sure to hook fans of quirky, Doctor Who-style science fiction.
Death Prefers Blondes
by Caleb Roehrig

Starring: unruly heiress and paparazzi darling Margo Manning, who moonlights as a cat burglar with a talented crew of drag queens -- until an especially risky job threatens to destroy the whole team.

Read it for: biting humor, clever pop culture references, high drama, and even higher stakes.

For fans of: Ally Carter's Heist Society series, as well as Oceans 11-style heist movies.
Lies I Told
by Michelle Zink

Starring: 17-year-old Grace, adopted into a family of con artists.

What happens: Grace loves her family, and is a talented participant in their long cons and complicated heists. Recently, though, her brother's doubts -- not to mention her steamy romance with her latest mark -- are leading her to question her loyalty.

Don't miss: the sequel, Promises I Made -- you'll want to have it on hand after finishing this twisty, character-driven thriller.
Contact your librarian for more great books for age 14 and up!


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