GENEVIEVRE RECOMMENDS THE SWANS OF HARLEM BY KAREN VALBY

The Swans of Harlem is a remarkable work of narrative nonfiction, focusing on the lives of five of the founding ballerinas from The Dance Theater of Harlem: Lydia Abarca, Sheila Rohan, Gayle McKinney-Griffith, Karlya Shelton, and Marcia Sells. Overlooked by traditionally white classical ballet companies during the Civil Rights Era, these women of extraordinary talent joined together to prove that Black excellence is not only possible but factual and that successful Black women are a collective force. This book strives to both preserve and promote the legacies of these dancers by demonstrating how important their lives, stories, and achievements were for all those who come after.

The Swans of Harlem celebrates Black women, Black sisterhood, Black history, and Black artistry, while also giving voice to these women’s struggles and frustrations. In addition to discussing their triumphs, it also explores tough topics like colorism in the Black community and the realities of criticism within the ballet world when molding star ballerinas. Even if you’re not a fan of classical ballet, this book provides a personal glimpse into the lives of these important and groundbreaking women, who can only inspire you with their tenacity, courage, and conviction.

NICOLE RECOMMENDS CRUMBS BY DANIE STIRLING

If you’re looking for a light, wholesome read, then Crumbs is the perfect story for you! Ray lives in a magical town where an order of tea can come with its own side of Romance – especially in the form of a cute barista named Laurie. Crumbs is an enchanting tale about balancing relationships with school studies and future careers. With beautiful illustrations, follow Ray through this mystical world where cell phones are powered by spirits and magical powers are as common as any other talent. Freshly baked treats, young love, and self-discovery – what more could you want from this cozy romance?

KAYLEIGH RECOMMENDS WE ARE ALL WE HAVE BY MARINA BUDHOS

Raina’s life is all ready to go—she’s got a job at a bookstore, she’s going to college in the fall, and she’s going to hang out with her best friend all summer. But suddenly everything changes when ICE unexpectedly takes her mother into custody. She’s left trying to balance working with lawyers to get her mother out of detention and taking care of her younger brother, Kamal while they’re locked into a facility for undocumented children. But when Carlos, another undocumented teen in the facility, helps her escape with Kamal, the three embark on a desperate road trip to find answers about why her mother’s appeal was denied and even why she fled Pakistan in the first place. As she discovers decades-old family secrets and slowly falls for Carlos, she learns how to build a life for herself with a country and family that don’t know if they want her. We Are All We Have is a gripping, emotional story of young people trying to survive the violence of the United States immigration system during the 2019 Muslim Ban while still finding moments of joy and love in between.

KELLI RECOMMENDS TOKYO EVER AFTER BY EMIKO JEAN

Emiko Jean’s world brings Crazy Rich Asians and Princess Diaries together to create a funny and wild ride with Izumi Tanaka, the lost princess of Japan. Living in a small town in California with her single mother, Izumi comes across an old love letter from her mother’s old love. Investigating the letter, her friends help her discover that she could possibly be the daughter of Japanese royalty. When her world is turned upside down, it’s not only her father, but his mysterious bodyguard that changes her life forever. A gorgeously witty, funny, and romantic story of a girl trying to find her place in the world.

LAUREN RECOMMENDS THAT’S NOT MY NAME BY MEGAN LALLY

If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you on your toes until the very end this is the book for you! This fast paced story told from two different perspectives will keep you both rooting for and questioning Drew (the boyfriend accused of murder). The female lead with no memory is an unreliable narrator and she will make you feel full of hope that this story will have a happy ending…but will it? Filled with twits and turns and lots of action this book is sure to get your heart pumping! 

ADRIANE RECOMMENDS BETTER THAN REVENGE BY KASSI WEST

Finley’s main goal in life is to become a famous podcaster, and her first stop in this goal is to get as seat on the school’s podcast show. When she is passed over for her boyfriend Jensen she is confused, especially when she finds out he used her idea to land the spot.

In order to get back at him, Finley plots revenge, but nothing seems to work, until she discovers that she isn’t bad at football. Specifically kicking the football, which is Jensen’s position on the team. Finley decides to go after his spot on the team with the help of the former starter Theo, who was someone Jensen hated, and Finley does too. But maybe she doesn’t hate him as much as she thought she did?

YSANNE RECOMMENDS EVERYTHING I PROMISED YOU BY KATY UPPERMAN

Lia’s future is sealed by fate…or at least it was. Before she was born, Lia’s mother got a reading from a fortune teller, fating her daughter to fall in love with her best friend’s son, Beck. As Lia got older, the prophecy came true, and everything was perfect. With Beck just moved into his dorm at college and Lia finishing high school with plans to soon join him, life felt like a fairytale come true. However, Lia’s world would completely shift when Beck dies unexpectedly and Lia is left to navigate her life and future without her partner. Throughout the book, the author takes readers through a journey of love, grief, acceptance, and growth, all while emphasizing that love can be found in a multitude of different places and relationships.

Want more book suggestions? Stay tuned for future recommendations from our team!