Don’t know what to read next? Looking for YA book recommendations? Welcome to the Book Chat with the Young Adult Team. Each month, the YA Team recommends one book from our YA collection. We cover fiction, non-fiction, manga, comics, and graphic novels, so there is something for everyone! There is also a mixture of new releases and old favorites, so keep an eye on our posts for books to add to your TBR.
Genevievre recommends Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth (AGES 14-18)
Twelfth Knight is for fans of role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, MMORPG video games like The Elder Scrolls, and fandoms like Game of Thrones. It’s also about learning to take up space in a world that does its best to knock you down, while remembering not to harden your heart against letting the right people in. A slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine teen romance story, Twelfth Knight follows Viola Reyes, who has been repeatedly told she’s not enough by the boys playing her favorite tabletop and video games – simply because she’s a girl. To protect herself, Vi disguises herself online as a ruthless male character in a video game called Twelfth Knight, anonymously winning the respect of her online bullies. At the same time, Jack Orsino is the school football star. Injured by an opposing team member, Jack suddenly finds himself out for the season. With his cheerleader girlfriend, Olivia, questioning their relationship and nothing better to do, Jack secretly dives into the world of Twelfth Knight, where he bonds with Vi, who is disguised as her twin brother Bash. Vi slowly lets her walls down, but can she dodge all the lies forever? And will Jack learn to just be himself, or will he keep being who/what people expect of him?
Nicole recommends The Rise of Kyoshi by F.C. Yee (AGES 12-16)
F. C. Yee’s The Rise of Kyoshi delves into the story of Kyoshi, the Earth Kingdom–born Avatar. Known for being the longest-living Avatar, Kyoshi’s legacy includes establishing the fearless Kyoshi Warriors and founding the secretive Dai Li, which would eventually lead to the corruption and decline of her nation. This first novel in a two-part series traces Kyoshi’s transformation from a humble girl to a relentless seeker of justice. Her journey is both inspiring and cautionary, showcasing the complexities of power and legacy. Centuries after her time, Kyoshi remains a figure of both fear and admiration in the Avatar world. This book has everything: rich world-building, complex characters, moral dilemmas, and romance!
Kayleigh recommends Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo (AGES 14-18)
A gorgeous, moving novel in verse, Clap When You Land explores what it’s like to suddenly lose a parent – and then in the wake of his death, discover the secret second family he hid from you your whole life. The story alternates between Camino in the Dominican Republic and Yahaira in New York City, two half-sisters who are now suddenly grappling with not only grief over the loss of their father, but the betrayal of discovering that the caring, kind man they grew up with had been lying to them their whole lives. Told in sparse, evocative poetry, the story beautifully explores coming of age while dealing with overwhelming grief as well as the complicated politics and experiences of family, class, and country of origin.
Mady recommends Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen (AGES 14-18)
Simi is a mermaid who has been charged to take souls to the afterlife. But one day, she defies the gods and saves a young man’s life. To protect the other Mami Wata — mermaids — she must travel to the Supreme Creator. But all is not as it seems… A historical fantasy filled with references to West African mythology and a touch of romance, this series is unputdownable.
Lauren recommends Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas (AGES 10-14)
Brian is an anxious teen who lives a relatively quiet existence until he is forced to grow up unexpectedly on his birthday. He must learn how to manage school, basketball, and his family life all while maintaining the “tough guy” image his father has tried to instill in him. A fellow member on the basketball team (Ezra) who is known for being popular and outgoing is dealing with his own issues of self-discovery and noticing changes in his friends including Brian. As much as he wants to help, he is concerned that by being too involved his true feelings will show. The book deals with adult situations with the voice of an adolescent trying to navigate difficult new paths. This book is a great example of how parents/guardians can make mistakes too and that asking for help is sometimes the most mature thing you can do.
Stay tuned for more future recommendations from our team!
