| Kirby's Lessons for Falling (in Love) by Laura GaoWhen a rock-climbing injury forces Kirby to find a new extracurricular activity, she chooses the newspaper club. Initially, she butts heads with Bex, the co-editor of an astrology-based relationship advice column, but then romance blossoms. This thoughtful graphic novel delves into the complex interplay of sexuality, culture, and religion. |
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| Knucklehead: Poems by Tony Keith Jr.Labeled a “knucklehead” in his youth, educator and author Tony Keith, Jr. reclaims the word as an affectionate term for the Black boys and men addressed in this collection of poetry. Blending memoir and advice, this book encourages readers to find their voice. Read-alikes: George M. Johnson’s All Boys Aren’t Blue; Amber McBride, Erica Martin, and Taylor Byas’ Poemhood. |
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| The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. TaylorBecause Maeve’s father famously unleashed horror with writing-based magic, she keeps a low profile, living under a fake name. An anonymous letter claiming her father’s innocence prompts her to learn the arcane magic for herself and uncover the truth. This fantasy mystery infuses a slow-burn romance with dark academia vibes. |
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| They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh TranEver since the hurricane, a red algae bloom has taken over Noon’s Louisiana town, mutating wildlife and even changing Noon’s body. Now, something lurking in the water is drowning people, and it’s Noon’s job to hunt it down. Read-alikes: Cheryl Isaacs’ The Unfinished; Catherine Yu’s Direwood. |
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| The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen ZhaoÀn’yīng’s father perished when demons invaded the mortal realm nine years ago. Hoping to win an immortality pill for her mother, Àn’yīng travels to the celestial realm to compete in a deadly competition. This twisty romantasy weaves Chinese mythology into its page-turning action.
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| Call Me Iggy by Jorge Aguirre and Rafael RosadoIggy accidentally conjures his grandfather’s ghost, who dispenses romantic wisdom and encourages him to connect to his Colombian roots. Although Abuelito’s advice is often questionable, the Spanish tutoring from Iggy’s crush Marisol is really paying off. This paranormal comic is a thought-provoking exploration of culture and identity.
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| The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa LeAlthough Nhika knows herself to be a trained magical healer, others see her as a monster called a bloodcarver. Captured and forced to heal the witness to a murder, Nhika is thrust into a world of glamour and intrigue. Read-alikes: Gabi Burton’s Sing Me to Sleep; Julie C. Dao’s Song of the Crimson Flower. |
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| The Getaway List by Emma LordNeeding a break after ten college rejections, Riley travels to New York City to reunite with her childhood best friend Tom. As they work on their old “getaway list” full of adventures, their feelings for each other deepen. This cozy romance celebrates friendship, love, and the magic of city life.
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| Echoes of Grace by Guadalupe Garcia McCallSince the tragic death of her young nephew, Grace experiences visions and sees ghosts. If she wants to repair the fractured relationship with her older sister Mercy, she must uncover how these visions point to a mystery in her own past. Read-alikes: Samantha Mabry’s Tigers, Not Daughters; Riss M. Neilson’s Deep in Providence. |
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| Homebody by Theo ParishWhen Theo finds that trying to conform to societal expectations is not working, they experiment by playing characters at comic conventions and in role-playing games. Embracing their nonbinary identity, they finally begin to feel at home in their body. This hopeful autobiographical comic traces a moving journey of self-discovery. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 14 and up!
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