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| Butterfly Yellow by Thanhhà LaiWhat it's about: Two unlikely companions traveling through early 1980s Texas with very different goals -- Vietnamese Hang is searching for her brother, who was evacuated to the U.S. during the Viet Nam War, while American LeeRoy is chasing his rodeo-riding dreams.
Read it for: Well-drawn characters; an honest look at grace and grief in the aftermath of war.
About the author: This historical novel is the first young adult book from award-winning author Thanhhà Lai. |
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Rules for Vanishing
by Kate Alice Marshall
What it's about: What happened to Becca Donoghue? Sara Donoghue never believed that her sister ran away with her boyfriend. Becca had been obsessed with Lucy Gallows, the ghost from the 1950s who allegedly haunts their town. As the one-year anniversary of Becca's disappearance approaches, Sara becomes desperate to discover what happened and how it may be related to the real Lucy.
Read it for: The faux-documentary style of writing that will remind readers of The Blair Witch Project and The X-Files.
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| The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy ColbertWhat it’s about: High-achieving 16-year-old Birdie tries hard to live up to her strict parents’ expectations, even if it means hiding how close she’s getting with Booker (a sweet guy who spent time in juvie) and her Aunt Carlene (who just got out of rehab, again). As it turns out, though, Birdie’s not the only one keeping secrets.
For fans of: The authentic characters and complicated-yet-caring families in books by Angie Thomas and Elizabeth Acevedo. |
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| Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell; illustrated by Faith Erin HicksWhat it's about: It's Halloween, and high school seniors Deja and Josie are working their final shift at Omaha's best pumpkin patch. Outgoing Deja wants to make their last night together as exciting as possible -- and that means getting shy Josie to finally talk to the girl of his dreams.
Book buzz: Popular creators Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks team up for the first time in this fast-paced graphic novel packed with charmingly awkward characters and cozy fall colors. |
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| Frankly in Love by David YoonWhat it's about: Knowing that his strict Korean immigrant parents won't approve when he falls for a white girl, Frank Li tells his parents he’s dating fellow second-gen teen Joy, who does the same, freeing them both to pursue their real relationships At least, that's the plan...
Read it for: Fake-dating romantic comedy; smart, geeky humor; an own voices perspective on identity, race, and family.
Did you know? Debut author Frank Yoon is married to Nicola Yoon, author of The Sun Is Also a Star. |
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| Devils Unto Dust by Emma BerquistThe setting: 1877 Texas, where a raging sickness is turning people into terrifying, flesh-eating “shakes.”
What happens: In order to protect her family, Daisy “Willie” Wilcox leaves the safety of her hometown and, with only two shake hunters for company, ventures across the desert on a harrowing mission.
You might also like: Justina Ireland’s Dread Nation, another alternate-history zombie story that’s gritty, gripping, and just gory enough to satisfy horror fans. |
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| Sawkill Girls by Claire LegrandThe setting: Sawkill Rock, home to wealthy people, beautiful horses, and a legendary monster that preys on young women.
Featuring: Outsider Zoey, who refuses to give up on her missing best friend; newcomer Marion, whose sister just disappeared; and privileged Val, who might be trapped by her family's dark legacy.
Read it for: Atmospheric, magic-tinged horror starring diverse teen girls who band together to battle evil. |
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| There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie PerkinsStarring: High school senior Makani, who barely has time to adjust from her recent move before her new classmates begin dropping dead, the apparent victims of a serial killer.
What’s inside: Relatable characters and swoon-worthy love interests alongside shady secrets and grisly serial murders.
For fans of: Slasher flicks -- this thrilling read is being made into a Netflix movie. |
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| House of Furies by Madeleine RouxWhat it’s about: In 1809 England,17-year-old Louisa finds a much-needed job at Coldthistle House, only to learn that the boardinghouse attracts the worst kind of evil-doers -- and that it’s up to the supernatural staff to dish out bloody judgment.
It is for you? A slow-burning pace makes this gruesome, gothic read a perfect choice for those who love digging into historical horror.
Series alert: Louisa’s tale continues in Court of Shadows and Tomb of Ancients. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 14 and up!
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