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 Brownstone by Samuel Teer (Ages 14+)
When Almudena’s mom is offered the opportunity to tour Europe as a professional dancer, she leaves Almudena in the care of her estranged Guatemalan dad during the summer just before her 15th birthday. Growing up mixed in an all white household, Almudena knows nothing about her Hispanic heritage and can’t speak Spanish, while her dad can’t speak English. Similarly, her lack of understanding of her Guatemalan roots causes friction with her dad’s Latinx neighbors, who hold strong opinions on what it means to be Latina. Despite feeling like an outsider, Almudena bonds with her dad while fixing up his rundown brownstone and begins to learn where she fits in within their local community. This sweet and nuanced graphic novel explores themes of identity, coming of age, blended families, gentrification, and cultural heritage.
Nicole recommends Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe (Ages 16+)
Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe is a vibrant reimagining of the classic Greek myth of Hades and Persephone, blending mythology with a modern twist. Through stunning artwork and witty storytelling, Smythe captures the gods’ lives, filled with scandal, passion, and intrigue. This Eisner-nominated web-comic turned graphic novel explores the dark allure of forbidden love and wild parties in the divine world. For fans of romance and mythology, this series delivers a fresh and immersive take on the timeless story of the gods. Trust me – you won’t want to miss this one!
Mady recommends Damsel by Elana K. Arnold (Ages 15+)
Ama has awoken in the arms of a valiant prince. She is told she is to marry him, but she has no memory of her life before. In this twisted fairytale, join Ama as she learns the dark truth about the kingdom, and finds her hidden power.
Kayleigh recommends House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland (Ages 13-18)
Ten years ago, three sisters disappeared under their parents’ eyes and then reappeared again a month later…different. Iris Hollow is trying to escape her strangeness and the month she doesn’t remember, while her two older sisters have left home and struggled their way to fame and success with their striking looks and odd abilities. Then Grey, the eldest, disappears and the tight bonds of the sisters come unmoored. As they search for Grey and a strange horned man menaces them, Iris and her other sister Vivi start uncovering more about what happened to them as children and realizing that the secrets stretch deeper than they realize. House of Hollow is a dark, haunting story with a creeping horror that slowly rots away the foundations of the previous reality. Be aware that this is a darker story and best for more mature readers.
Ysanne recommends The Shape of Water by Anne Spollen (Ages 15+)
In her novel, The Shape of Water, Anne Spollen showcases the story of Magda, a teenage girl from Long Island who is trying to navigate the ups and downs of grief. After her mother passes and her only real friend, Julia, unexpectedly moves schools, Magda feels lost and lonelier than she had ever experienced previously. She begins to experience hallucinations of a family of fish, and ultimately begins coping with these feelings by setting large fires in the woods near the beaches of her town. This author uses beautiful metaphors and unique imagery to detail Magda’s unconventional journey of coping with such a big loss and such a major shift in her support system, while also trying to appear “normal” to her father and other people in her family. Because of some of the mature themes and content, I would recommend this book for more mature YA readers and teens.
Want more book suggestions? Stay tuned for future recommendations from our team!
