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.
This month, we’ve asked our interns to take over the blog. Check out their recommendations below!
Ysanne recommends The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas (AGES 15-18)
One of my favorite YA books is The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas. This book follows 16-year-old main character, Starr, and her experience following the death of her friend at the hands of a police officer. Throughout the story, readers are given an important perspective on racism and police brutality by looking at it through the lens of someone who witnessed it firsthand. The author depicts not only the personal impacts of the event for Starr and other characters in the book, but unpacks how the tragedy impacted their community and sparked greater conversations for change and justice. I highly recommend this book because it not only helps expose readers to a very “real-world” issue that impacts so many people, but it does so from the relatable perspective of a teenager facing these challenges. While it is an emotional read, this story is an important and valuable insight into the experiences of many teens and BIPOCs throughout the country.
Jocelyn recommends Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury (AGES 14-18)
In Blood Like Magic, a mesmerizing blend of Afrofuturism and classic fantasy elements, the main character faces an impossible dilemma that will resonate deeply with anyone grappling with life-changing decisions. Sixteen-year-old Trinidadian protagonist, Voya, finally receives her ancestral Calling, only to falter—a failure that jeopardizes her family’s magical heritage and her sister’s very life, which depends on magic. Given a rare second chance, Voya is tasked with a heart-wrenching ultimatum: she must destroy the one she loves the most to save her family’s powers. Never having been in love, Voya relies on an AI genetic matchmaking program to find her ideal match before the Carnival deadline. As pressure increases and doubts wear at her self-confidence, Voya navigates a journey of self-discovery and romantic feelings amidst the weight of her responsibilities. Set two decades into the future, Blood Like Magic expertly intertwines mystical forces with technological realities, crafting themes of sacrifice, the importance of identity, and the fierce determination to protect those we hold dear. This page-turner is something you will not be able to put down!
Vardaijah recommends Galactic Hot Dogs #1: Cosmoe’s Wiener Getaway by Max Brallier (Ages 9-13)
Growing up I was always interested in adventurous and exciting books. One book series that I can say I read more than once back to front is Galactic Hot Dogs by Max Brallier. The story consists of a 13 year old boy hot dog vendor who faces unexpected obstacles while serving up the best wieners in the galaxy. Galactic Hotdogs is an extremely silly and action packed book series that can grasp the attention of anyone from all age ranges. If you need a book full of excitement Galactic Hot Dogs is the choice! Look for the audiobook version on the Hoopla app.
Ke’maiyah recommends To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han (AGES 12-15)
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before is a love story – or you could say multiple love stories in a way. Laura Jean has written 5 different secret love letters to five different boys from primary school and middle school, including her first kiss and her older sister’s ex, the literal boy next door, Josh. When her younger sister, Kitty, mails the letters, chaos ensues. To save face, Laura Jean enters into a fake relationship with one of the recipients, recently single Peter. But is there more to their relationship than just pretend? And what about her lingering feelings for Josh? Check out the eBook on the Libby app and the audiobook on Hoopla!
Want more book suggestions? Stay tuned for future recommendations from our team!
