| The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy ColbertWhat it’s about: High-achieving 16-year-old Birdie tries hard to live up to her strict parents’ expectations, even if it means hiding how close she’s getting with Booker (a sweet guy who spent time in juvie) and her Aunt Carlene (who just got out of rehab, again). As it turns out, though, Birdie’s not the only one keeping secrets.
For fans of: the authentic characters and complicated-yet-caring families in books by Angie Thomas and Elizabeth Acevedo. |
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The Merciful Crow
by Margaret Owen
What it’s about: When a routine job takes an unexpected turn, Fie -- future chief of the Crows, Sabor’s lowly caste of undertakers and mercy-killers -- has to decide if the promise of protection for the Crows is worth the risk of a dangerous quest.
Read it for: diverse characters, pulse-pounding adventure, and an intriguing system of magic.
Series alert: This debut fantasy is the 1st in a duology.
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Let's call it a doomsday
by Katie Henry
A girl with an anxiety disorder that makes her afraid of world-threatening catastrophes befriends a girl in her therapist's waiting room who claims to know when the world is going to end. By the author of Heretics Anonymous.
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| Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell; illustrated by Faith Erin HicksWhat it's about: It's Halloween, and high school seniors Deja and Josie are working their final shift at Omaha's best pumpkin patch. Outgoing Deja wants to make their last night together as exciting as possible -- and that means getting shy Josie to finally talk to the girl of his dreams.
Book buzz: Popular creators Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks team up for the first time in this fast-paced graphic novel packed with charmingly awkward characters and cozy fall colors. |
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| Frankly in Love by David YoonWhat it's about: Knowing that his strict Korean immigrant parents won't approve when he falls for a white girl, Frank Li tells his parents he’s dating fellow second-gen teen Joy, who does the same, freeing them both to pursue their real relationships At least, that's the plan...
Read it for: fake-dating romantic comedy; smart, geeky humor; an own voices perspective on identity, race, and family.
Did you know? Debut author Frank Yoon is married to Nicola Yoon, author of The Sun Is Also a Star. |
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| Devils Unto Dust by Emma BerquistThe setting: 1877 Texas, where a raging sickness is turning people into terrifying, flesh-eating “shakes.”
What happens: In order to protect her family, Daisy “Willie” Wilcox leaves the safety of her hometown and, with only two shake hunters for company, ventures across the desert on a harrowing mission.
You might also like: Justina Ireland’s Dread Nation, another alternate-history zombie story that’s gritty, gripping, and just gory enough to satisfy horror fans. |
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| There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie PerkinsStarring: high school senior Makani, who barely has time to adjust from her recent move before her new classmates begin dropping dead, the apparent victims of a serial killer.
What’s inside: relatable characters and swoon-worthy love interests alongside shady secrets and grisly serial murders.
For fans of: slasher flicks -- this thrilling read is being made into a Netflix movie. |
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| The Agony House by Cherie Priest; illustated by Tara O'ConnorWhat it’s about: Old houses can be weird and creaky, but Denise suspects that spirits are behind the eerie occurrences in the tumbledown Victorian her family is renovating -- and that the 1950s comic she found in the attic might contain clues about how the house became haunted.
Why you might like it: This graphic novel hybrid features savvy use of color as well as a paranormal mystery and a distinctive New Orleans setting. |
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| House of Furies by Madeleine RouxWhat it’s about: In 1809 England,17-year-old Louisa finds a much-needed job at Coldthistle House, only to learn that the boardinghouse attracts the worst kind of evil-doers -- and that it’s up to the supernatural staff to dish out bloody judgment.
Is it for you? A slow-burning pace makes this gruesome, gothic read a perfect choice for those who love digging into historical horror.
Series alert: Louisa’s tale continues in Court of Shadows and Tomb of Ancients. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 14 and up!
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