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 DIVINE RIVALS BY REBECCA ROSS (14+)
I kept consistently seeing Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross suggested as a must read all over BookTok, and after reading it, I can see why. Iris Winnow, an 18-year-old high school drop out is competing against Roman Kitt, an upper class boy, who is her rival for the columnist position at the newspaper where they both work. With her brother drafted into a war between gods, Iris’ lifeline is her secret relationship with a boy she only knows through their magical letters. Unbeknownst to her, the boy she is exchanging letters with, and slowly falling for, is her long time rival. Can this slow-burn develop into more? Or will Roman’s lies drive Iris even further away? Can two people fall in love during war despite all odds against them? This book does delve into some heavy themes of war, class divides, sacrifice, and loss, so it may be best for more mature readers.
KAYLEIGH RECOMMENDS ARE YOU LISTENING? BY TILLIE WALDEN (14+)
Two almost-strangers running away from their lives for different reasons end up on a road trip together through the vast, strange west Texas landscape—but when they stumble upon a strange cat and try to bring it back to its home, they gain some troubling pursuers and find that they might be more lost than they were before they left. Gorgeously illustrated in vibrant, stunning colors and twisting frames that propel the characters through the increasingly more surreal and shifting landscape, this dark and moody (but ultimately hopeful) graphic novel is a heartbreaking and beautiful story about loss, loneliness, and healing. Please be aware this story contains descriptions of rape.
LAUREN RECOMMENDS A DANGER TO HERSELF AND OTHERS BY ALYSSA B. SHEINMEL (14+)
Hannah has been sent to the psychiatric facility after an accident occurred during her time at a summer college program. She thinks there is nothing wrong with her, and she’ll do everything she can to convince you she’s right. This is a twisty psychological book that uses a very unreliable narrator to tell the story. Most of this book I spent wondering what was real and what was imaginary, which was a great way of showing just how mental illness can affect your reality. You are left to create your own conclusions and wonder just what exactly is in store for the the future of Hannah.
NICOLE RECOMMENDS FANGS BY SARAH ANDERSON (14+)
Still not over Halloween? Then celebrate Decempire by reading Sarah Andersen’s Fangs, a webcomic turned graphic novel about a 300-year-old vampire who has finally met her match in a charming werewolf named Jimmy. See their relationship evolve through cute and humorous slice-of-life scenes, anywhere from romantic dinners (hold the garlic, please!) to cozy evenings watching TV during the full moon. If you’re looking for a sweet and easy read, then this is a great book to sink your teeth into!
YSANNE RECOMMENDS ARIEL CRASHES A TRAIN BY OLIVIA A. COLE (14+)
Ariel Crashes a Train by Olivia A. Cole transports readers into the mind of Ariel, a queer teen who has OCD. Ariel experiences intrusive thoughts, often centered around violence, and is constantly worried that one day, she might accidentally act on them. As the character experiences more and more changes, especially within her support system, her symptoms worsen, making even the simplest tasks feel extremely overwhelming and difficult. Written in verse, the author painted a picture of the character’s thought processes, and was able to really dive into how OCD can truly impact day-to-day life. I would recommend this book for ages 16+
Want more book suggestions? Stay tuned for future recommendations from our team!
