Teen Scene
November 2025

Notice About Library Material Delays
 
Baker & Taylor, the primary book wholesaler used by Jacksonville Public Library for many years, recently announced that it has laid off its staff and will cease operations by the end of 2025. This abrupt, unexpected closing is affecting libraries nationwide, including right here in Jacksonville. While the Library maintains smaller contracts with other vendors, Baker & Taylor’s sudden closure will impact how quickly newly published books reach our shelves.
 
As this transition unfolds, we will monitor any such slowdowns and will attempt to reduce their impact on your use of the Library. On a positive note, we will see no such delays or interruptions to our popular e-book and e-audiobook apps, like Libby and Hoopla.
 
If you have questions or concerns, please call 904-255-2665 or visit the Ask A Librarian Help Center to chat with or email us.
 
 
Recent Releases
Make Me a Monster
by Kalynn Bayron

Meka is more comfortable around death than most people, considering she grew up in her family’s funeral home. But a sudden tragedy, and the mysterious occurrences afterward, have her questioning everything about her family and their business. This chilling tale is a contemporary riff on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
 
Hollow
by Taylor Grothe

When Cassie reunited with old friends in upstate New York, she didn’t expect them to leave her stranded in the woods. A rescue from Kaleb, who brings her to an isolated artist compound called the Roost, could be her salvation...or her undoing. Read-alikes: C.G. Drews’ Don’t Let the Forest In; Kelly Andrew’s The Whispering Dark.
 
The Scammer
by Tiffany D. Jackson

Jordyn’s fresh start at Frazier University was going great until her roommate’s brother moved in. Fresh from prison, Devonte wields conspiracy theories and charisma to develop a cultlike campus following that Jordyn isn’t falling for. Fans of author Tiffany D. Jackson’s brand of thought-provoking thrillers will enjoy this propulsive tale.
 
Angelica and the Bear Prince
by Trung Le Nguyen

Recovering from burnout, Angelica sees her theater internship as an opportunity for meaningful work. She might also finally unmask the theater’s bear mascot, whom she has been messaging over social media. This tender graphic novel takes inspiration from the Norwegian folktale “East of the Sun and West of the Moon.”
 
Fake Skating
by Lynn Painter

A lot has changed since Dani and Alec fell out of touch in middle school. Finally reunited in hockey-obsessed Southview, Minnesota, they hatch a fake dating scheme that forces them to confront their complicated past. Read-alikes: Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick’s Make My Wish Come True; Ellen O'Clover’s Seven Percent of Ro Devereux.
 
The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar
by Sonora Reyes

Feeling optimistic, Cesar is out to his family, his bipolar disorder is under control, and he hopes to reconnect with his ex. When intrusive thoughts threaten his progress, his loved ones refuse to let him go through it alone. This cathartic novel is a standalone companion to author Sonora Reyes’ The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School.
 
Flip
by Ngozi Ukazu

When rich, popular Flip rejected shy scholarship student Chi-Chi’s prom invitation in front of the whole class, they suddenly switched bodies. Now the unlikely pair must come together to find their way back to themselves. Read-alikes: Mary Shyne’s You and Me On Repeat; David Levithan’s Every Day: The Graphic Novel.
And the River Drags Her Down
by Jihyun Yun

While women in Soojin’s family have the magical ability to raise the dead, her mother warns her against using the power on a human. When Soojin’s sister drowns, she ignores her mother’s advice, and things quickly spiral out of control. This heart-wrenching horror novel meditates on grief and generational trauma.
 
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 14 and up!
JACKSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
303 N. Laura St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 255-2665
jaxpubliclibrary.org
255-BOOK