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| Finding Balance by Kati GardnerFeaturing: Mari Manos, who lives with the reminders of childhood bone cancer in the form of pink forearm crutches and an amputated leg; and Jase Ellison, who only acknowledges his history with childhood leukemia when he's with other survivors at Camp Chemo.
What happens: When Jase and Mari meet at camp, there's an undeniable attraction between them, but that connection turns uneasy after Mari transfers to Jase's private school and their different experiences and attitudes clash. |
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Long way down : the graphic novel
by Jason Reynolds
As Will, fifteen, sets out to avenge his brother Shawn's fatal shooting, seven ghosts who knew Shawn board the elevator and reveal truths Will needs to know
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You know I'm no good
by Jessie Ann Foley
When troubled teen Mia gets sent to Road Oak Academy, a therapeutic girls boarding school, she is forced to confront her painful past
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| Even If We Break by Marieke NijkampWhat it's about: After years of playing a murder-mystery fantasy RPG, five formerly close friends gather at a remote cabin for one last game. Their final round soon grows intense as secrets are exposed, eerie events occur, and one of their number disappears, leaving bloody runes behind.
Read it for: the diverse cast of characters and the twisty blend of suspense and horror.
Try this next: Brent Hartinger's Three Truths and A Lie, another thriller in which a cabin getaway turns deadly. |
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A map to the sun
by Sloane Leong
Follows a year in the life of Ren, dealing with family troubles, her role on a struggling girls' basketball team, and the return of her old friend Luna, who hopes to rekindle their friendship
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| With the Fire on High by Elizabeth AcevedoStarring: high school senior Emoni Santiago, who has "magic hands" in the kitchen, but who worries that becoming a chef won't help her build a future for herself and her two-year-old daughter.
Read it for: clear, vivid writing; mouth-watering food; and characters so realistic that you'll miss them when you close the book.
Book buzz: If you loved The Poet X, Elizabeth Acevedo's multi-award-winning debut, don't miss With the Fire On High. |
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| The Black Flamingo by Dean AttaWhat it is: the story of how London teen Michael finds his voice, both as a poet and a drag performer, in a society eager to label him for how he expresses his gender, his sexuality, and his multiracial identity.
Why you might like it: the intimate, conversational style of Michael's first-person narration.
Book buzz: This own voices novel from spoken word poet Dean Atta (check him out on YouTube) won the 2020 Stonewall Award for Young Adult Literature. |
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| Who Put This Song On? by Morgan ParkerStarring: music-obsessed, “super-emo” Morgan, who’s dealing with depression and feeling stuck at a small-town religious school where she’s one of only a few Black students.
What happens: With the help of new friends, Morgan tries to block out the noisy opinions of others and figure out who she is and what she wants.
About the author: This is the first YA book from poet Morgan Parker, inspired by her own teen years and diaries. |
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| The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason ReynoldsWhat it's about: Devastated by his mom's death, high school senior Matt gets a job at a funeral home, finding comfort in shared grief. Also, the job beats slinging chicken at the Cluck Bucket -- although Matt is drawn to Lovey, the tough, intriguing girl who works there.
Read it for: the true-to-life characters and insightful, unfussy style you expect from popular author Jason Reynolds.
Further reading: For straight-up poetry by Reynolds, try the short but powerful For Every One. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 14 and up!
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Gail Borden Public Library District
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Main Library - 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 - 847-742-2411
Rakow Branch - 2751 W. Bowes Rd., Elgin, IL 60124 - 847-531-7271
South Elgin Branch - 127 S. McLean Blvd., South Elgin, IL 60177 - 847-931-2090
http://www.gailborden.info/
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If a title in this list is not available in the format you prefer, please request it online.
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