| Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger; illustrated by Rovina CaiWhat 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. |
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| Raybearer by Jordan IfuekoWhat 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. |
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| Cemetery Boys by Aiden ThomasWhat 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. |
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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).
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| City of Saints & Thieves by Natalie C. AndersonRevenge 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. |
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| The Gilded Wolves by Roshani ChokshiWelcome 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. |
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| Invictus by Ryan GraudinWhat 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. |
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| Death Prefers Blondes by Caleb RoehrigStarring: 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. |
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| Lies I Told by Michelle ZinkStarring: 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. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for age 14 and up!
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