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Today's summer list from Penguin Young Readers centers LGBTQIA+ stories/characters and race/racism
Author Trang Thanh Tran joins us to talk about their new book THEY BLOOM AT NIGHT.
In this much acclaimed manga, a fighter must battle fierce opponents and a life-threatening illness in his quest for revenge.
In The Peach Thief, my 13-year-old protagonist—a starving workhouse girl—poses as a boy in order to get a tenuous job scrubbing pots in the all-male world of an earl’s walled kitchen garden.
Even as we need to keep telling the painful truth of book bans, we also need to take extra care to celebrate and elevate the unique gifts that each book offers.
Science fiction is fun, curious, and adventurous. It bends the reality of our world and stretches our imaginations to explore all the “what ifs” floating within our universe.
This nuanced look at life with a mentally ill parent shows that change and hope are possible, but that one kid can't achieve those things on his own, nor should he have to.
Author Jenna Voris joins us to talk about her new book, Say a Little Prayer.
PREMIUM
In the Company of Killers
Cook delivers exactly what readers would expect from a mafia romance for the teen set complete with a jaw-dropping finale that fans will hope signals a sequel.
An essential purchase to explore grief associated with the pandemic; give to fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Elisabet Velasquez.
A strange and grisly tale of what we can survive to get closer to our truest selves, deeply infused with Vietnamese cultural concepts.
With its valuable depiction of relationships and anxiety, this is a good purchase for collections seeking more contemporary LGBTQIA+ books.
PREMIUM
I Am Made of Death
Fans of occult titles like Erica Waters’s Ghost Wood Song and Erin A. Craig’s House of Salt and Sorrows will enjoy this romantic horror.
A dark dystopian novel for readers craving something more mature than The Hunger Games. Perfect for high school collections.
PREMIUM
Maya in Multicolor
Anyone heading to college will enjoy this novel, and it’s a good fit for high school collections.
This coming-of-age story intertwined with women’s fight to vote creates a forceful story while chronicling parts of the suffrage movement often ignored. Strong general purchase.
PREMIUM
Nothing Bad Happens Here
With twists and turns and a touch of the supernatural, this mysterious teen beach read is a welcome addition to any high school library.
PREMIUM
Dear Manny
A startlingly effective snapshot of cis white male frustration and growth, this also succinctly examines the societal effects of political moves. For high school collections.
PREMIUM
When the Bones Sing
This is a remarkable story with a fresh take on supernatural mysteries; it’s a good choice for readers who enjoy the mystical and paranormal with just a hint of romance.
PREMIUM
Hangry Hearts
This will appeal to romance fans, especially those looking for more transgender representation in the genre and childhood friends-to-lovers stories, and readers who are interested in Asian culture and food.
A gut-wrenching and powerful kaleidoscope of a story; for fans of A.S. King, Ellen Hopkins, and Kathleen Glasgow.
PREMIUM
Divining the Leaves
A flawed but magical dream that will transport fans of Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince and Sarah J. Maas. Recommended for any library with a strong fae fanbase.
PREMIUM
The Red Car to Hollywood
Recommended for collection gaps about the racism that Chinese Americans faced back in 1920s, and the different perspectives and approaches to assimilation between the first- and second-generation immigrants.
PREMIUM
Gradchanted
A secondary purchase where Disney lovers of the communication breakdown trope abound.
With its perfect blend of chronic illness representation, mental health exploration, and romance, this is sure to appeal to fans of books like John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars or Shannon Takaoka’s Everything I Thought I Knew; it’s a standout addition to the genre.
PREMIUM
How to Survive a Slasher
Highly recommended for high school readers and fans of horror. Fast-paced and thrilling, this novel will be a hit among those who devour slasher fiction and true crime. Expect it to fly off the shelves.
PREMIUM
While We’re Young
With a plot that has romance, humor, and complications, this book will especially appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen, Kasie West, and Katherine Center.
PREMIUM
Nightweaver
A watered-down romantasy for teens wanting to dip their toes without the suggestive content often found in the genre.
PREMIUM
All the Hidden Monsters
This fantastical detective mystery will circulate best in libraries with avid and forgiving fantasy readers.
Today’s guest post is by an Illinois youth services librarian known online as RAE, sharing her knowledge of queer YA coming out stories. Juliet Takes a Breath Latina Queer Lesbian Experience “Juliet Takes a Breath” is a coming-of-age teen book that digs into the curtails of a Puerto Rican college student from the Bronx, as […]
PREMIUM
The Quince Project
A book perfect for readers who enjoy stories about coming of age and celebrating culture, this one will engage readers with humor and realistic themes, while leaving them with the realization that at times it’s ok to put one’s dreams first to find true happiness.
PREMIUM
The Queen’s Spade
This suspenseful tale about a historical figure who deserves attention is to be read with a grain of salt.
With their third YA novel, Garza Villa has established themself as a leading writer of Latine stories, LGBTQIA+ stories, and romances
This very loose reimagining of A Christmas Carol is a beautifully written crossover novel for older teens and college students.
PREMIUM
Better Must Come
Hall’s sophomore novel offers readers an introspective look at gang life in Jamaica from juxtaposed perspectives.
This light in the darkness is an inspiring call to action and an essential addition to all collections.
16 quick reviews of new and forthcoming books.
Tear This Down is a book that I hope will spark lively discussions about topics that are front-and-center in today’s news: women’s rights, voting rights, and social justice.
If someone wants to ask if I planned the significance of these objects, you can tell them yes: with plane flights and research and a lifetime of reading about boats and sand and magical balloons that make large distances small, I planned it all.
The creators of Hollow return with a new Washington Irving-inspired queer romance, The Woman in White.
This look at community, protest, art, and feminism is an excellent read that will leave readers cheering for Freya's determination to create change.
I truly, firmly, believe that anyone can write a book. The thing that stops most people, isn’t talent, it’s time.
I was naive. I didn’t think we needed Almost Sunset.
This deeply moving look at grief and loss will be a comforting reminder to many that there is no roadmap for this, that we all just do the best we can.
Teen librarian Karen Jensen reviews the Morris Award Finalist AISLE NINE by Ian X. Cho
PREMIUM
Prophecy
A chaotic adventure that will entertain those who like fantasy clichés taken to the extremes.
Egan masterfully weaves issues that are current and relevant to teens into a Jane Austen–esque framework. A must have for YA collections.
PREMIUM
To Steal from Thieves
For fans of a slow-burn romance, temperamental characters, and a fast-paced heist surrounded by unique magic. Recommended.
PREMIUM
How to Lose a Best Friend
A recommended first purchase for high school collections. Hand to fans of Nicola Yoon and Dhonielle Clayton.
Teen Librarian Jennifer Rummel shares some of her favorite romance books
Finding himself traveling back to his teenage years, Niihama uses this opportunity
to change his future in this heartfelt manga.
PREMIUM
Rest in Peaches
Any collection serving teens who prefer their murder mysteries with a heaping side of campy humor should feature this priority purchase.
Famous or not, the star of the story shines in this must-have for all YA collections.
PREMIUM
The Temptation of Magic
A rewarding romantasy for those willing to brave the dense narrative.
PREMIUM
On the Wings of la Noche
A haunting tale that mixes in supernatural and paranormal themes with what it means to love once more after losing a special someone.
PREMIUM
Ricochet
Not for the faint of heart, especially around a tragic time in history, but it will find its readers in fans of historical speculative fiction.
Huge fans of the series may delight in the holiday enchantment and a chance for a glimpse at the characters’ lives, but this novella is mostly fluff that the series could do without.
This story begins with two middle school librarians, miles and miles apart, who both feel passionately that what publishers call middle grade literature is not what their students need or want.
The action heats up in our preview of Wynd: The Power of the Blood #3.
Slowly but surely a story formed in my mind. It featured a mystery, ghosts, clever tweens, a notorious graveyard . . . and a countdown. A terrifying countdown.
Teen librarian Karen Jensen reviews Neal Shusterman's latest YA novel, ALL BETTER NOW
We create the place we live in, but it also creates us, and it’s impossible to tell where one influence starts and the other begins.
These 12 recent YA titles celebrate romantic Black love in many forms, in different periods of history, and in real and fantasy realms. They include humor, queer love, and paranormal/sci-fi encounters, expanding the much-needed diversity within the romance genre.
Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston and Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson are this year's winners in the younger readers and teen categories, respectively.
Most people can’t imagine a world without the worst of human nature because that would be the purview of a different species: a post-miserable humankind.
Considering this series’ fresh take on dystopian fiction with themes of mental health and eugenics, it is a must-have for library collections worthy of its place next to Lois Lowry’s The Giver and Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games.
PREMIUM
The Meadowbrook Murders
A cutthroat boarding school story recommended for purchase where murder mysteries are particularly popular.
A strong entry point into dark academia fantasy, recommended for all libraries serving YA readers.
Recommended as a purchase for libraries seeking more stories with queer characters, or for those who want lighter sci-fi.
This unputdownable adventure is highly recommended for all collections and perfect for fans of V.E. Schwab’s “Shades of Magic” series.
PREMIUM
A Catalog of Burnt Objects
The amount of sexual innuendo, dangerous situations, and strong language make this work for older teens and adults, and otherwise not an essential purchase.
PREMIUM
The Trial Period
Using the backdrop of a school musical, Morrow integrates a whole cast of characters with a variety of backgrounds to create wonderful scenes and dialogue that gets straight to the heart of teen issues and wanting to fit in; the sweetly written romance is lovely in how it surprises both protagonists.
PREMIUM
The Underwood Tapes
A time-bending, twisted tale that will intrigue readers needing reassurance in grief while unraveling a mystery.
PREMIUM
Under the Same Stars
A moving love letter to courage, connection, and the long fight against oppression.
PREMIUM
Unhallowed Halls
A mild introduction to dark academia that will leave seasoned readers wanting more.
PREMIUM
Getting Away with Murder
For larger collections. Thriller fans in search of a creepy game read may also enjoy Foxfield’s own Tag, You’re Dead and Kelsea Yu’s It’s Only a Game.
PREMIUM
Carving Shadows into Gold
Tensions rise and relationships are strained in this heart-wrenching sequel. Recommended for existing fans and voracious romantasy readers alike.
PREMIUM
How to Die Famous
An interesting idea and well-considered whodunit, this has issues, including a disappointingly rushed ending that makes it an additional purchase.
PREMIUM
Burning Crowns
A good series for reluctant readers and existing fans, this is a satisfying conclusion to a fun, magic-filled romp. Those who appreciate sweet romances and creepy corpse armies will find much to enjoy.
Get ready to add a bunch of new titles to your TBR. If it's anything like mine, it's probably already bursting with 2025 titles!
SLJ reviews of YALSA's Excellence in Nonfiction Award titles and the winner and honor books of the 2025 Robert F. Sibert Informational Award, administered by ALSC.
Bestowed annually, the William C. Morris Award honors a young adult title written by a first-time author writing for teens. The 2025 winner: Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo. Four honor books were named.
Covert agents, penguin besties, undocumented siblings making it on their own, a good badger, and a kitty-girl!
I’m convinced that pumping books instead of iron is a better way of dealing with the insecurity and isolation affecting so many kids these days, especially boys.
This is what I’d like to pass along to young readers: No one is perfect. Every one of us has our flaws, but we can grow and change, make a difference and achieve great things.
The coming-of-age graphic novel written by Samuel Teer and illustrated by Mar Julia, which tells the story of a mixed-race teen connecting with her estranged father, tackles themes of family, friendship, culture, and gentrification.
Benthic burrows, rabbit holes, whatever you call them: they are detours well worth the extra mileage. And mostly—they’re not even detours. They’re part of the journey.
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