Teen Scene
September 2025
Recent Releases
Fateless
by Julie Kagawa

Forced to steal an ancient artifact, skilled thief Sparrow accidentally releases a mythical Deathless King bent on destruction. Though she and assassin Raithe make an unlikely team, they may be able to challenge their fates and stop the devastation. Read-alikes: Tahereh Mafi’s This Woven Kingdom; Katy Rose Pool’s There Will Come a Darkness.
 
Perfect for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Sabaa Tahir, this new fantasy trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Julie Kagawa will sweep readers into a bold and exciting new world, where a twisted game of destiny has far-reaching consequences.
Out of my dreams
by Sharon M. Draper
sequel to the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling novels Out of My Mind and Out of My Heart

Chosen to be a U.S. spokesperson at an international symposium for kids with different abilities, Melody arrives in London where she meets like-minded kids who want to make the world more equal, no matter the unusual challenges they face, and hopes her words can make an impact. 

"This latest volume is a worthy addition to a highly acclaimed and popular series. Through strong characterization and powerful storytelling Draper once again successfully brings readers into Melody’s mind, allowing them to see the world through her eyes. A warm and beautifully told narrative featuring a beloved character." -- Kirkus Reviews, Starred
The Meadowbrook murders
by Jessica Goodman

It's Amy and her best friend Sarah's first week of senior year at Meadowbrook Academy, but after Sarah and her boyfriend are murdered in their dorm room and Amy becomes a suspect, the school newspaper editor Liz seeks to uncover the truth. 
 
"Taut and suspenseful, the academic thriller wields an unexpected villain, revealing the seamier aspects of wealth and privilege and the painful realities of complex friendships. Believable characters with distinct personalities enhance this gripping race to whodunit." —Booklist
Infinity alchemist
by Kacen Callender

Only an elite few are legally permitted to study the science of magic―so when Ash is rejected by Lancaster College of Alchemic Science, he takes a job as the school’s groundskeeper instead, forced to learn alchemy in secret.
 
"Callender builds a rich environment that echoes real-world injustices...political intrigue, a fascinating magic system, and heart-pounding action propel the plot and, combined with Ash’s unfurling relationships with Ramsay and the rest of the supporting cast, result in a refreshingly affirming and tender standout fantasy." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review
Songlight
by Moira Buffini

Hiding her gift of songlight, the forbidden ability to telepathically communicate, Elsa's grief draws her friend Nightingale to her, thrusting the two into the middle of a war that threatens their very existence. 
 
Star-crossed lovers, against-all-odds friendship, and a brutally unforgiving world make this first in a trilogy utterly unforgettable.
 
"The multiple immersive perspectives and the anticipation this narrative will create in readers make this first installment in a planned trilogy unputdownable. Buffini captures the human spirit and all its messy and beautifully complex emotions. A brilliant character study that examines the effects of war, genocide, and misogyny.”  — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Retro Reads
Check out these awesome books from the not-so-distant past.
 
The Atlas of Us
by Kristin Dwyer

Atlas, a high school dropout grieving the loss of her father, joins a program to repair trails in the Western Sierras. The new friendships she forges -- one of which may be turning romantic -- help her find her footing again. This authentic and banter-filled story portrays Atlas learning to live with loss.
A Place for Vanishing
by Ann Fraistat

Needing a fresh start after a mental health crisis, Libby and her family move to the crumbling mansion where her mother grew up. Infested with bugs and adorned with insect-shaped masks, the house’s sinister history begs to be uncovered. Read-alikes: Julia Lynn Rubin’s Primal Animals; Trang Thanh Tran’s She Is a Haunting.
My Salty Mary
by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

When famed pirate Blackbeard dies, the newest crew member of his ship -- a mermaid recently pulled from the ocean -- vows to become the pirate queen. Fans of the co-authors’ My Lady Jane or its television adaption will enjoy this action-packed seafaring tale.
 
This Day Changes Everything
by Edward Underhill

Hailing from different states, Abby and Leo arrive in New York to march with their bands in the Thanksgiving parade. After getting lost in Manhattan, they turn what could be a catastrophe into a scavenger hunt. This upbeat LBGTQIA+ romantic comedy will appeal to fans of “one fateful day” stories.
 
Check out the audiobook on Hoopla!
Under the Surface
by Diana Urban

On the first day of their school trip to Paris, Ruby and her friends head to an exclusive party in the Catacombs. There, they quickly realize someone is lurking, and he’s much scarier than the millions of bones underground. Read-alikes: Gabriella Lepore’s Bad Like Us; Keely Parrack’s Don’t Let In the Cold.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 14 and up!
Handley Regional Library System
100 W Piccadilly St
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 662-9041

https://www.handleyregional.org/
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