One of the booming arenas of publishing, YA Lit is relatable, well-paced, and offers all the feels. Many stories tackle issues squarely, but in a hopeful way, which makes them an appealing reading choice no matter if your teen years are far behind you. Choose from these hand-picked favorites available on OverDrive or Hoopla, and don’t miss previous staff recommendations for what to read, watch, or listen from home. Looking for something to match a specific mood or interest? Send a request for customized suggestions, and our expert advisory staff will be happy to make your match.
Don’t Get Caught by Kurt Dinan
A motley group of uncool kids are set up by a secret society known as the Chaos Club, so they band together and instigate a prank war. With short chapters, high energy, and the mix of shadowy conspiracy with underdog tale, this is a winner for a variety of teen and adult readers. ~Cathleen
Available as ebook
A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro
For Sherlock fans: This series is a great riff off of the original tales with Sherlock as a teenage girl and Holmes a boy at boarding school. ~Emily
Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero
Reading the pages of Gabi’s journal is a gut-punch. On the cusp of adulthood, navigating body shaming, racism, and finding her own voice along with the joys that come from learning how to celebrate yourself and what you love in life, Gabi is a character you’ll want to keep rooting for. ~Jenny
Far from the Tree by Robin Benway
The story of three siblings who were taken away from their mother as young children and find each other in their teens is riveting! ~Denise
Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson
I love books that oscillate between different characters so I get multiple points of view. Let Me Hear a Rhyme highlights three high school students as they work to honor their murdered friend by making him a rap celebrity. Fast paced, full of secrets, and heavy with friendship.. ~Al
The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow
I usually give wide berth to stories about boxing, but this tale of a bullied cartoonist in Nazi-era Berlin taking lessons from German national hero Max Schmeling completely won me over. A crowd-pleasing underdog story against backdrop of art, history, and family. ~Cathleen
Available as ebook
Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley
A few kids on the edge of adulthood facing the big themes in life: death, love, and life-altering decisions. Bonus: It is set in a bookstore! ~Emily
Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald
Sadie attempts to get over her epic heartbreak over her best friend in this satisfying, humorous, uplifting read that is great for fans of Sarah Dessen! The overall hopeful tone of the book paired with Sadie’s dogged attempt to move on makes this book one of my personal favorites. ~Jenny
Available as ebook
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
A little bit of fantasy and a lot of heart and some laughs along the way. ~Denise
After the Fire by Will Hill
Looking for a book that’ll keep you turning the pages until the very end? After the Fire is it! Not for the feint of heart, this twisty, turny, thriller escape plot will keep you engaged the entire time. ~Al
Available as ebook
Rebel with a Cupcake by Anna Mainwaring
Endearing Jesobel presents as a young woman who knows who she is and what she has to offer, and it’s only when faced with a new crush that her self-assurance begins to erode. British teens, sassy dialogue, and friends who love enough to call each other on their stuff — this is a recipe for an entertaining read. ~Cathleen
Available as ebook
The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Two teens on the verge of making huge life decisions give into a fate-filled, love-at-first-sight day in New York City. ~Emily
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
Acevedo has a way with bringing her characters to life! So good!. ~Denise
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