What We’re Reading (and Loving)
Don’t know what to read next? Looking for YA book recommendations? Welcome to the Book Chat with the Young Adult Team. Every month, the YA Team each recommends a favorite 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 EDEN OF WITCHES (VOL. 1) BY YUMEJI
Eden of Witches takes place in a post-apocalyptic world that’s been transformed into a barren wasteland void of all plants due to human greed and exploitation of the environment. In this world, only witches have the power to grow seeds and communicate with the natural world. Rather than accepting the consequences of their own greed, humans shift the blame to witches due to their unique ability to communicate with and cultivate flora and fauna. This leads to witch hunts in the human world, and witches must exist hidden away within secret hidden oases that help preserve the remaining plants and animals. In the first volume, the reader is introduced to Pili, an apprentice witch, who lives in a remote sanctuary. When her mentor witch falls gravely ill, Pili seeks out the human world for help. Her inexperience quickly leads to trouble, and her compassionate and trusting personality contrast sharply against the harsh reality of the outside world.
The first volume is a promising beginning to the series and introduces readers to themes related to environmental justice, prejudice, humanity’s relationship with the natural world, greed, and class divides in a world left reeling from natural disaster. You will likely enjoy this series if you’re a fan of anime like Princess Mononoke or Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, which feature beautiful illustrations combined with dark themes of fighting for ecological justice. Along these lines, it may appeal if you like dystopian and cli-fi (climate fiction) like The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline. Pili’s journey into the wasteland is just beginning, so get ready to follow along in her search for Eden.
NICOLE RECOMMENDS SUNFLOWERS AND LAVENDER BY MAISY VALAIS
If you’re in the mood for a light-hearted romantic comedy, this is the story for you! It was just another boring grocery store trip — until hopeless romantic Penny runs into the beautiful musician, Bianca, and instead of confessing her love-at-first-sight to this charming stranger…she accidentally says it to a can of baked beans. Penny flees the scene in embarrassment, setting off a hilarious chain of events where both girls keep chasing after and running into each other in the most awkward situations. Fans of the Heartstopper series will love this foray into another wholesome LGBTQ+ budding relationship and diverse friend group. This story is also illustrated with a vibrant color palette and charming artwork, complete with some delicious depictions of bakery treats and beautiful cakes. Will Penny have a chance to figure out if these feelings are for real? Well, you’ll just have to read to find out!
KELLI RECOMMENDS HUDA F CARES? BY HUDA FAHMY
We follow a spunky teen and her family to Disney World and learn about the issues that Muslim families face or may face in today’s world. This book is hilariously insightful and presents important topics in a way I would have never imagined. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
BETH RECOMMENDS WHAT WE DID TO SURVIVE BY MEGAN LALLY
Hannah goes on vacation with her best friend Emmy and her family to Mexico. What a great way to relax after graduation. Things are going great until the end of their trip. Emmy meets a guy and now Hannah is feeling a little awkward. Emmy’s new boyfriend rents a boat for their last days of vacation. Only problem is there is a storm brewing. Why are they going out in it? Hannah is starting to get nervous as it is not only the weather that is stormy. The tension on the boat between Hannah, Emmy, The Boyfirend, and Emmy’s brother Jackson. What mysterious secrets does Emmy and Jackson have? Where did this “incredible” boyfriend come from? But the most important question is … are we even going to survive? This thrilling young adult novel will keep you on the edge of your seat. Quick read!
RACHEL RECOMMENDS THE HANGING BONES BY ELLE TESCH
Katrin has lived all her seventeen years at the edge of Wielinde Forest, a land rife with the fey Forest Folk with whom the local humans maintain an uneasy truce. A game warden like her uncle, Katrin is responsible for harvesting from the Forest. The rule her people follow above all others is a simple one: take only what you need. But not all threats live within Wielinde Forest. Baron August of Prauen is a predator shielded from the consequences of his violence by his title and wealth. Katrin has done her best to avoid August and his attempts ‘fix’ her disinterest in sex and romance. Her family can’t afford to lose their jobs and home, and she can handle herself. But then he sets his sights on Katrin’s cousin…
Every few years, the Breimar Stag returns to Wielinde Forest for the Scavenge Moon. His presence issues a challenge: join the Hunt, and if he is slain, his killer will be granted the death of one person they choose. However, if the Hunt ends with the Stag still alive, he kills one of the Hunters. This is a risk Katrin is willing to take for the chance to end August’s evil forever. What no one anticipated was the return of something more ancient and powerful than even the Breimar Stag. Its presence throws the balance of Wielinde and Prauen into chaos, and it isn’t waiting until the Scavenge Moon to kill.
The Hanging Bones has a slow start but pays off once it gets its footing. It’s about survival and safety, and the price of taking what isn’t yours or denying someone what’s theirs. Folklore enthusiasts will recognize the fictional world’s analogs to more familiar creatures and the dangers they pose. Content warnings are listed on the copyright page.
ADRIANE RECOMMENDS AN EXPANSE OF BLUE BY KAUAKANILEHUA MĀHOE ADAMS
If you enjoy novels in verse, this debut novel by Kauakanilehua Māhoe Adams is one to check out!
Aouli Elizabeth Smith is a 17-year-old Native Hawaiian growing up in a strict, predominantly white Catholic suburb in Washington State. She doesn’t feel heard at home, she doesn’t believe what everyone else believes at church. Her favorite place in the world is her Aunty Ehu’s house on Saturdays, where the extended Hawaiian community gathers. Things keep flipping her world upside down more and more, and Aouli isn’t sure which way is up.
The verses that make up this book are beautifully written. It is a slice of life not often seen with a delve into Hawaiian American life. Aouli’s struggles and growth are beautifully, if painfully portrayed in the book.
LAUREN RECOMMENDS AUGUSTA PINE DOES NOT EXIST BY EMILY LLOYD-JONES
August Pine is the youngest member of the Identity Security Division, an organization that was created after the “scam-apocalypse”. In this futuristic world, everything is done by technology, and hackers are using it to their advantage. This story takes place over one very long day that consists of Agusta trying to save a family while keeping her identity hidden from her Nonna, who happens to live in the apartment complex that has been taken over. Full of suspense and fun booby-traps this book shows how sometimes the technology we need is just the ability to think outside the box.
SHAWN RECOMMENDS ARISTOTLE AND DANTE DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE BY BENJAMIN ALIRE SÁENZ
In honor and remembrance of author Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s recent passing, I would love to recommend one of the books that got me back into reading right out of high school. Set against the backdrop of 1980s El Paso, Texas, Dante and Aristotle, two Mexican American teenagers, meet at a swimming pool one summer, bonding over their matching philosophical names and starting up a very special friendship. Ari is reserved and often keeps to himself while Dante dreams big and has no issue breaking people out of their shell. Together, Ari and Dante grow closer while also discovering new things about themselves they didn’t know before.
This is the perfect novel for any reader trying to figure out their place in this ever-expanding universe we call home. Filled with so much tender care and emotional depth, readers will become invested in Dante and Ari’s journey towards understanding cultural heritage, self-acceptance, familial love, and maybe something even more than just friendship. And after finishing the book, watch the movie to compare (available on Hoopla with your library card)!
Want More?
Want more book suggestions? Stay tuned for future recommendations from our team!
If you’re a young adult who likes to read, you can also submit book recommendations from our collection. Email genevievre.wood@rva.gov with a one paragraph review, explaining why you liked the book and why others should read it.
