| It Only Happens in the Movies by Holly BourneHappily ever after? No such thing, as far as Audrey's concerned. After her parents' divorce and a painful breakup of her own, she begins a project to deconstruct rom-coms, all while trying to resist the charms of flirty cinema coworker Harry.
Who it's for: savvy romance fans who like to criticize well-worn tropes and savor them at the same time.
Reviewers say: "A wild ride that's high on drama and deep in self-reflection" (Kirkus Reviews). |
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| These Violent Delights by Chloe GongWhat it is: a bloody and fantastical retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in 1920s Shanghai.
Featuring: Juliette Cai, ruthless heir to the Chinese Scarlet Gang; her ex, Roma Montagov, leader of the rival Russian White Flowers; and rumors of a guài -- a monster -- inflicting madness on people across the city.
Why you might like it: Combining the intensity of Shakespeare's tragedy with an intriguing mystery and a cast of unrepentant criminals, These Violent Delights offers historical fantasy with an edge. |
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| Super Fake Love Song by David YoonOne tiny lie: Even though he prefers D&D and cosplay to loud music, 17-year-old Sunny Dae doesn't correct Cirrus Soh, the impossibly cool new girl, when she mistakenly thinks he's in a rock band.
One big mess: Getting closer to Cirrus leads Sunny to keep up the deception, and as he forms a makeshift band and pretends to be confident, he almost believes it himself...until his scheme falls apart.
Read it for: smart humor, authentic guy friendships, and hard-won self-realization. |
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| Love from A to Z by S.K. AliWhat it's about: When they meet on a spring break trip to Qatar, Adam and Zayneb discover that they have a lot in common: both Muslim, both mourning, and both harboring big secrets. Soon, they're taking turns sharing from their journals, leading to clashes and connection alike.
Why you might like it: This realistic romance captures not only the exhilaration and heartache of love, but also offers an insider's perspective on growing up Muslim. |
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| Love Letters to the Dead by Ava DellairaWhat it's about: First-year high school student Laurel is assigned to write just one letter to a dead person, but once she starts, she can't stop, because the journal-like letters help her handle her own grief for her older sister, May.
Who she writes to: Amy Winehouse, Heath Ledger, and Amelia Earhart, among others.
Is it for you? This emotionally intense read is best for readers who are, like Laurel, ready to confront pain and trauma in order to find healing. |
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| Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maika Moulite and Maritza MouliteWhat it's about: After a big mistake earns her a school suspension, ambitious high school journalist Alaine is sent to Haiti to work with a children's charity and spend time with her privileged mother and aunt.
How it's told: through letters, emails, diary entries, social media, lists, and more.
Why you might like it: Alaine's experience of contemporary Haiti is woven into the fascinating, complicated history of the nation and her family's place within it. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 14 and up!
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