Staff Picks

Young Adult Book To Movie Adaptations

Is the book always better than the movie? What if the book is young adult fiction? Sometimes the author's voice is too unique on paper to be translated to the silver screen. Or can actors and visual style add a fresh, new angle? Reading and then watching a story (or vice versa) can lead to interesting insights about what makes one version of a story better... or worse.
Staff Picks

Graphic Novel Adaptations

How does an artist take the descriptions and inner lives of prose characters and translate them into pictures and poses against backgrounds? This list represents a wide range of stylistic adaptations of prose stories and poems, including manga versions of several classics. Visual elements and speech bubbles can also help developing readers comfortably navigate the text. These graphic novels are great for fresh takes on old favorites as well as gateways for new readers to get hooked.
Staff Picks

Celebrating Chosen Family

"Found or chosen families play an important role in the lives of queer people ... For these people, family becomes not a biological happenstance, but a group of supportive people providing unconditional support." — Pallas Gutierrez, GLAAD Campus Ambassador Sometimes family doesn't end up being who you're born with. Celebrate the family you choose with these titles.
Staff Picks

Teen Fiction For Dormant Readers

Lifelong reading can be a rewarding habit, but some young people may not see themselves as readers. Sometimes called "dormant readers," these teens seem to read and write just fine, but they do not read books for pleasure. Fortunately for them, there are plenty of compelling stories in print, online, and audio. Below is a list of Quick Picks For Reluctant Young Adult Readers titles from the past three years of the Young Adult Library Services Association's selections.
Staff Picks

Most Popular Teen Fiction of 2021

What have been the most popular teen fiction titles of 2021? We put together data from every Richland Library location to create the following list. You might recognize some of these titles, while others may surprise you.
Staff Picks

2021 Teen Books for Younger Readers

Check out the titles below for the same thrilling twists and turns you’ve come to love in young adult literature, with gentle romances and bold adventures.
Staff Picks

New Teen Books for December 2021

Hot off the presses, these titles are the very latest in YA publishing.  Read new works from Karen McManus, Renee Ahdieh, and Kiersten White, plus a debut work from Femi Fadugba that’s already set to become a Netflix film.   
Staff Picks

2021 Teen Award Winners

Get to know a recent award winner with this list.  Compiled from Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) award lists and the South Carolina Book Awards, these titles encapsulate the best of what young adult literature has to offer this year, and the breadth of talent among YA authors. 
Staff Picks

2021 Teen Fiction Debut Authors

Already read everything by your favorite authors? Check out something new and exciting from one of 2021's newest authors below! Looking for more recommendations? Find more with our Great Gifts for Teen Readers guide.
Staff Picks

Teen Science Fiction and Fantasy 2021

From tales of witches raising the dead to rebels on a deadly mission, 2021 has been a great year for science fiction and fantasy for young adults. If you're looking for an adventure into another place (and maybe time!), grab one of our favorite science fiction and fantasy titles below! Looking for more recommendations? Find more with our Great Gifts for Teen Readers guide.
Staff Picks

Issue-Driven Teen Titles

Issue-driven and thought-provoking topics have become mainstays within contemporary teen books. Check out these selections that tackle subjects like race, gender equality, LGBTQIA+ rights, and environmentalism for titles that will inspire you to take action and stay conscious. Access even more information on these topics and other perspectives using the Gale Opposing Viewpoints database.
Staff Picks

New Additions to Popular Teen Series

Your favorites go on in these latest additions to popular YA series. From epic fantasy conclusions (A Vow So Bold and Deadly & The Desolations of the Devil's Acre) to anxiously awaited thriller continuations (The Hawthorne Legacy & The Box in the Woods), you won't want to miss the next books in these addictive teen series.  
Staff Picks

Teen Holiday Romances

Looking for some holiday spirit? Grab a mug of hot cocoa, your favorite fuzzy blanket, and curl up beneath some twinkling lights with one of these sweet, festive romances that'll have you wishing you too could be caught under the mistletoe or snowed in together with your crush. 
Staff Picks

Soaring Voices

Many First Nation voices, past and present tell us of their worlds, experiences and dreams.  Some of these titles are available as ebooks and other formats. You can also get personalized reading recommendations by email.
Staff Picks

Sandhills Staff Picks

Curious to know what our staff read, watch, and listen to? Well you’re in luck, because we can’t wait to share some of our favorites with you!  Bonus: You can use one of these titles to fulfil the #BroaderBookshelf 2021 prompt to "Read a book suggested by a Library staff member".  
Staff Picks

Books for Fans of Nic Stone

Acclaimed YA author NIC STONE is inspiring the next generation of social activists with her vivid and painfully timely novels. Her debut Dear Martin—a #1 New York Times bestseller taught in classrooms across the country—and its stunning sequel Dear Justyce, deftly explore themes of oppression, liberation, and race relations in America. Find more information about Nic Stone and her works here!
Staff Picks

For Fans of K-Pop

Are you a BLINK? ARMY? NCTzen? ONCE? Or just curious about the K-Pop phenomena sweeping the globe with catchy beats, synchronized dancing, idol personas, and more? Do you love swooning over romantic and thrilling K-dramas? Explore the world of Korean pop music and the city of Seoul with the titles below as teens audition to debut, train vigorously, balance fame, date secretly, and chase their dreams.
Staff Picks

YA Woods to be Wary of

Get lost in the woods with this festive fall titles. 
Staff Picks

Altered Bingo: YA edition Booklist

Looking for your next must read? From Classic Categories like Fairy Tale Retellings, myster​ies and books that make you cry, to fun ones like a book with an incredible fight scene, an unreliable narrator and even a space opera.  This list has them all. Have fun linking each title with a Book Bingo Category or filling your own chart with new ones. 
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Young Adult)

Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some fiction titles that are typically marketed to young adults.   Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Staff Picks

Teen Mysteries

Investigate these mysteries for teens to get clued in on how great they are! 
Staff Picks

Latest YA Horror for Teens

October is here so it's time for some spooky reads! Whether your cup of tea (or pumpkin spice flavored beverage) is horrific hauntings or supernatural scares, this list of YA horror for teens is sure to add a chill to your fall.
Staff Picks

New Teen Fantasy From Your Favorite Authors

Red Queen, Legend, The Raven Boys, The Darkest Minds, and more. These titles are YA fan favorites from years past that made us fall in love with unique characters, unforgettable worldbuilding, shocking plot twists, and each writer's way with words. But these authors aren't done yet! There's more up their sleeves as they delve into new worlds and stories in their latest published releases. Make room on your TBR list for these fantasy series from your favorite teen authors!
Staff Picks

Secret Ingredients ...

Americana literature is made better with stories told from Hispanic perspectives.  Here are some fresh stories for our growth.   Some of these titles are available as ebooks and other formats. You can also get personalized reading recommendations by email.
Staff Picks

Bisexuality in Teen Fiction

Everyone deserves to see themselves represented in books! That includes teens who identify as bisexual or pansexual. Enjoy these books depicting characters who are attracted to multiple genders. 
Staff Picks

YA Reads for Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. Celebrate by checking out these teen titles. Looking for more great reads to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? Check out this list or use our request  Personalized Recommendations form to find your next great read!
Staff Picks

Must-Read Teen Mysteries

There's no better way to prepare for spooky season than by reading a good mystery. From a secretive town where thirteen girls mysteriously vanish to a weekend camping trip that quickly turns deadly, these mysteries will leave you in suspense until the very end. Check out our newest teen mysteries below! Looking for more? Check out Great Mysteries for Teens!
Staff Picks

Fresh LGBT Titles for 2021

Check out the newest LGBT titles!  Available for toddlers to adults.
Staff Picks

Teen Sci-Fi Adventures

Vast space, high-tech inventions, missions to far off planets, time travel escapades, alien encounters, and more fill these teen science fiction adventures. 
Staff Picks

Make Every Day a Mandela Day: Children's, Middle Grade, and Young Adult Books That Take Action and Inspire Change

International Nelson Mandela Day is July 18th and celebrates Mandela's legacy as a  human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.  The Nelson Mandela Foundation and the U.N ask that you spend 67 minutes of your time helping others in honor of Nelson Mandela 67 years of public services.
Staff Picks

Tokyo Olympics 2020

Tokyo Olympics 2020 games are about to begin!  The trials for the USA team members are going on now.  You can pick and choose which parts of the games you watch, the gymnastics, track and field, soccer, equestrian, or one of the new sports like surfing.  Looking for more? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
Staff Picks

SC Young Adult Book Award Nominees 2021-2022

"Since 1976 when sixteen schools participated, the South Carolina Book Award program created by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians has expanded to include almost 64,000 participating students.
Staff Picks

Out and Proud Young Adult Books

From joy to heartbreak and LGBTQ+ history, these YA books explore many facets of queer life. 
Staff Picks

#OwnVoices Teen Fantasy

Looking for something other than the norm for fantasy? There may still be monsters, but they look and act a little different in these diverse titles. Whether it’s a demon king who hungers for souls, or specters who prey on the essence of endangered magical creatures, each title is unique in its own way. So look no further than these titles if you are looking for a fantasy with a fair share of things that go bump in the night.
Staff Picks

YA and Middle Grade Reads for Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. The books recommend below showcase the continued fight for freedom.
Staff Picks

YA and Middle Grade Reads for Caribbean Heritage Month

Caribbean Heritage Month celebrates and honors the achievements and contributions of Caribbean immigrants and their descendants living in the United States, particularly in government, sports, entertainment, and the arts. Caribbean Heritage Month was first  officially  observed on June 5th 2006. The following recommended titles are all from OnwVoice authors. 
Staff Picks

Celebrate Loving Day for Tweens & Teens

Celebrate Loving Day by checking out novels featuring stories of biracial teens & tweens or interracial first love. "The “Loving” in Loving Day is actually the last name of Mildred and Richard Loving. The Loving Day Story begins when they were arrested for being married in 1958 because they were an interracial couple living in Virginia.
Staff Picks

Young Adult books #ToImmigrantsWithLove

Immigrant Heritage Month is a time to reflect and honor the contributions that immigrants have made to our communities across the country and their integral role in the American story.    
Staff Picks

I Like Big Books And I Cannot Lie: Teen Fiction Edition

There's something satisfying about cracking open a huge block of pages. The story will have time to breathe and you'll get to know the characters really well. Bonus: this year's Summer Learning Challenge recommends counting reading time in 30-minute chunks. What better way to add lots of reading time than spending it in one massive story? The books below all offer over 500 pages for your long-term reading experience, including print, ebook, and audiobook options.
Staff Picks

YA and Middle Grade Reads to Celebrate National Foster Care Month

National Foster Care Month has been observed during the Month of May in the United States since 1988 when President Ronald Reagan recognized  May as a month to show appreciation and gratitude to foster parents across the nation. The purpose of National Foster Care Month continues to evolve based on the needs of the time. For example, in 2019, the theme for National Foster Care Month was "Foster Care as a Support to Families, not a Substitute for Parents."
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Historical Asian & Asian American Titles for Children and Teens

Read the historical fiction and nonfiction titles below to learn more about the Asian and Asian American Experience! Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. Find more resources on race, equity, and inclusion, here.
Staff Picks

Lower Richland Staff Picks

Lower Richland is Richland Library's newest location, located in Hopkins! Here are some staff picks to help get to know us better:
Staff Picks

For Fans of Shadow and Bone

Binge watched your way through Netflix's new number one show Shadow and Bone yet? You can of course pick up Grishaverse creator Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone trilogy or Six of Crows duology to finish the tale.
Staff Picks

Teen Books to Make You Laugh

Looking for laughs in your reading selection? Try some of these humorous teen titles from an alien-hunting cheerleader (Flying by Carrie Jones) to a convention center mismatched with a percussion competition, fandom con, & taxidermy championship (The Pros of Cons by Alison Cherry) that'll have you chuckling and smiling throughout.  
Staff Picks

Women's History Month: Realistic Teen Fiction

Women are strong, creative, hardworking, innovative, inspiring, and so much more. The women that go down in history and those that impact lives and communities around us were young teen girls at one point. Explore what it's like living as a young lady, the highs and lows as well as the joys and difficulties, in these contemporary teen fiction books.
Staff Picks

Fierce Female Protagonists in Teen Fantasy

Fierce female protagonists fill the pages of our favorite books these days. From Deka who leaves her life behind to train for battle in The Gilded Ones to Jenna who learns her secret may be the only way to save her kingdom in Shielded, these warriors are brave, strong, and so much fun to read about. For our favorite heroines and their riveting stories, check out the list below! 
Staff Picks

Teen Witchy Reads for WandaVision Fans

The latest hit from the Marvel Universe may have wrapped last week with the finale of WandaVision, but there are plenty of riveting reads of powerful witches and complex female characters to fill that void.
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: Historical Fiction List Inspired by Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You

“But what some folks want you to be and what you is...well, sometimes they gonna be two different things. But you will always know who is in here. Got me? This is who you are.”--Karyn Parsons, How High the Moon Inspired by Stamped:  Racism, Antiracism and You, these books shed light and humanize history by allowing readers to go beyond dates and facts to get to know the true story.  
Staff Picks

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Fiction Recommendations for YA Readers

March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “The encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” Developmental disabilities include disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, down syndrome, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and affect a persons growth and/or cognition. The aim of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to rai
Staff Picks

There's Always Room for Dragons in Teen Fiction

Fantasy stories are full of interesting magical creatures, but nothing holds a flame to the fire-breathing behemoths that are dragons. From treasure hoarders to city destroyers to faithful companions and more, check out the young adult books below for stories of fierce and fiery drakes.
Staff Picks

New Teen Romances

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. If you're feeling the love in the air or want something sweet to make your heart melt, swoon over these teen picks below.
Staff Picks

YA Book Recommendations for Black History Month

28 books that celebrate and explore black culture, communities, social dynamics, and identities. Find great Middle Grade #OwnVoices Black History Month Recommendations here. 
Staff Picks

Teen Body Positivity

Body positivity encourages self-love and the acceptance of all bodies. These teen books featuring plus size main characters celebrate and remind us that you don't have to be a certain size or shape to be the hero or fall in love.
Staff Picks

Teen Books in Translation

We live in a globalized world, so why not read like it? These teen titles are from a variety of countries and languages and have been translated into English. Great literature spans the entire Earth, so don't miss out on interesting cultures in these stories of adventure, mystery, history, and more.
Staff Picks

Anthologies for Teens

Anthologies are a unique format that can bring together a wide array of voices, both new and familiar, on a variety of genres and topics. In recent years, young adult anthologies have been on the rise in number and popularity.
Staff Picks

YA Books to Feed Your Angst

Don't underestimate the power of catharsis! It may seem counterintuitive, but a sad book can be just the thing to expel some angst. 
Staff Picks

12 Days of YA Romances

Twelve holiday themed YA romances to have a cup of cocoa with this year.
Staff Picks

Steamy Romances for Young Adults

Get ready to swoon with these dreamy, steamy romances that will leave you breathless.  Forbidden loves, enemies to sweethearts, and slow burns... these love stories were meant to be. 
Staff Picks

Great Mysteries for Teens

Looking for a juicy mystery to sink your teeth into?  Curl up with one of the books below and follow the twists and turns to the very last page.  Looking for more great teen books?  Check out our personalized recommendation form or call us at 803-799-9084.
Staff Picks

Award Winning Books for Teens

Culled from state, national, and professional awards, the titles below were chosen by teens, teachers, librarians, and reviewers as the best in young adult literature.  From memoirs and biographies (Hey Kiddo, The Great Nijinsky, Ordinary Hazards) to literary and inventive fiction (Pet, Clap When You Land, Dig) and popular titles (Frankly in Love, Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me), you’re sure to find something you lo
Staff Picks

Science Fiction and Fantasy for Younger Teens

From classic fairy tale fantasies (The Goose Girl), to distant futures and distant worlds (Cinder, Unearthed, Skyward), these books have all the action, adventure, and heart that will keep younger readers turning the pages.  Looking for more great teen books?  Check out our personalized recommendation form or call us at 803-799-9084.
Staff Picks

Realistic Fiction for Teens

Reality was a bit harsh this year, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy a realistic teen fiction book. Finding solace in characters and stories both similar and different from oneself can foster empathy and a sense of belonging. Check out these selections below to find titles that will resonate with teens on timely topics of race, family, friendship, individuality, and more. 
Staff Picks

Teen Audiobooks the Whole Family Will Love

Audiobooks are a wonderful way to connect as a family through interesting and diverse stories. Whether you're traveling in the car, cooking dinner at home, or relaxing in the living room, pressing play can bring you all together. These teen selections ranging from a full-cast reading of an action-packed space adventure (Aurora Rising) to a powerful story in verse about a wrongfully incarcerated boy (Punching the Air) will be sure to have something the whole family will enjoy.
Staff Picks

Libros para Adolescentes en Español

¿Estas buscando libros en Español para adolescentes? Algunos de nuestros títulos favoritos estan disponibles en línea y en forma física también- ¡retira uno hoy!  
Staff Picks

Teen Debuts of 2020

The year may be nearing its end, but there’s still plenty of time to try something new. Check out one of these debut novels from fresh voices in young adult literature – you may just discover a new favorite!
Staff Picks

An Arbor Day Celebration

Arbor Day (the first Friday in December) is the beginning of tree planting season in South Carolina.  Celebrate safely by finding moments to walk among the trees and appreciate their quiet majesty. Reading can also deepen our knowledge of even every day subjects. This curated selection of books offers titles for everyone - stories about the importance of trees, the science and even hands-on activities. 
Staff Picks

YA Books about Family and Self Discovery

Blood bound, blended, or chosen family can get complicated. Delve into the family secrets, rivalries, and, time honored traditions in the following novels. Looking for more?  Check out our personalized recommendations form or call us at 803-799-9084.
Staff Picks

Fresh Fall Romances for Teens

Ready to get cozy?  These romances are the perfect blend of swoon, drama, and fun for a crisp autumn day.  Visit a pumpkin patch in Pumpkinheads, tackle feuding families in Of Curses and Kisses and Verona Comics, or fall for a perfect stranger in Rent a Boyfriend and What if it’s Us.   
Staff Picks

Cults in Teen Fiction

  Spooky season might be over but colder days are ahead and the perfect book to curl up with might just be on this list! If you’re looking for something you can’t put down, cult books offer a unique blend of true crime, horror, and suspense. From a teen girl planning her daring escape to another hoping to survive the rampant pandemic outside her religious community, these stories of dangerous cults and those who find themselves trapped will keep you turning the pages.  
Staff Picks

Social Issues in Teen Fiction

Studies have shown that reading fiction increases empathy and makes it easier to understand someone else’s point-of-view.  There’s no better way to tackle some of the complex issues facing our country during election season than seeking out diverse perspectives. 
Staff Picks

Teen Horror

Devour these terrifying titles as Halloween creeps near or if you just crave that spine-chilling feeling year-round. From monsters to murder in dilapidated houses to haunted graveyards, you never quite know who or what is around the corner in these novels.   Looking for more spooky reads? Check out these lists of Teen Ghost Stories and Teen Witches!  
Staff Picks

Teen Ghost Stories

Add some chills to your fall with this selection of teen ghost stories that will have you reading throughout the night. Whether these spirits are seeking revenge, trying to send a message, or haunting a house, you'll want to leave the light on for these. Check out this list of Teen Witches books for more paranormal reads.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Indigenous & Native People in Middle Grade & Teen Novels

Discover the stories, cultures, traditions and history of indigenous and native people of the Americas in these compelling novels for middle grade and teen readers.  Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. Find more resources on race, equity, and inclusion, here.
Staff Picks

Challenged!

This year we celebrate Banned Book Week September 27-October 3.  What’s that? Well, since the 1980s libraries all over the world celebrate challenged titles and spread awareness about the freedom to read each year at the end of September.  Why these books? Some people feel like the content of these titles is not appropriate and should be censored and taken off bookshelves. No worries though, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom works tirelessly to advocate for our right to have access to these titles.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Sharon Draper

Sharon Draper (born 1948) grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where she majored in English at Pepperdine University then earned her Masters of Arts in English at Miami University of Ohio. Always an avid reader, Draper taught at Cincinnati public schools.
Staff Picks

Toil & Trouble - Teen Witches

There's a chill in the air which means spooky season is upon us. It's time to grab a warm beverage, curl up with a blanket, and enjoy a great book as the nights grow longer and the leaves begin to fall. Check out the list below to bewitch yourself with paranormal tales of magic, spells, covens, and more. Looking for more? Check out our Personalized Recommendations form to find your next great read!
Staff Picks

YA Novels to Film

The pages of the following novels came to life in movies and television shows. Check out the epic stories that started it all. 
Staff Picks

Must Read YA Realistic Fiction Novels

See Realistic Fiction at its finest. Walk down a school hallway, enter a pageant, and take a life altering trip while delving into these stories. 
Staff Picks

YA Fantasy Gold Mine

Take a trip to another realm with adventure around every corner in the following novels. 
Staff Picks

Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg

From The Notorious RBG to I Dissent, explore the life and work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with these books and movies that span all age ranges.
Staff Picks

Teen Fiction for Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. Celebrate by checking out these teen titles highlighting diverse characters and stories by #OwnVoices authors. Looking for more? Check out our Personalized Recommendations form to find your next great read!
Staff Picks

2020 Kirkus Prize Finalists

The finalists for this year's Kirkus Prize have just been announced.  The prize, which was created in 2014, goes to books in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, and young readers' literature.  The winners in the three categories will be announced on November 5.  Check out the finalists listed below from our collection.
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: Mariko Tamaki

Mariko Tamaki was born in Toronto, Ontario. Her writing often deals with the inner turmoil of teenagers, especially in titles such as Skim and This One Summer, both illustrated by her cousin Jillian Tamaki, as well as Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, illustrated by Rosemary Valer-O’Connell.  Tamaki’s protagonists are marked by her talent for writing authentic flaws and personal conflict.
Staff Picks

Teen Viral Sensations

This year we've all been a bit more plugged in than usual. Whether you're connecting with friends and family via Zoom, emailing in your homework assignments, scrolling through social media on your phone, or even participating in virtual role playing games with your peers, the internet and technology is essential. But have you ever wondered what would happen if you went viral? This list of teen fiction titles explores what it would be like to experience a sudden onslaught of fame and attention from viral videos, blogs, YouTube channels, comics, and more.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Nikki Grimes

Born and raised in New York City, Nikki Grimes has earned several accolades for her writing and poetry. Ms. Grimes has said that reading and writing helped her get through her darkest times as a child.  Helping children process grief through stories is a significant part of her writing. She wants children to see themselves in literature. 
Staff Picks

Thought Leaders to Read

Thought leaders are the go-to people that we turn to to get inspiration for a movement; their ideas and actions are influential and substantial.Here are a few folx who are leading the charge of race, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Give their books a read, follow them on social media and then feel free to share key takeaways, interesting articles, or your personal experiences on our Let's Talk Race padlet.
Staff Picks

LGBTQIA+ Teen Fantasy and Science Fiction

Travel to different worlds and realities with some of our favorite science fiction and fantasy titles, featuring LGBTQIA+ teens.  Whether taking a new spin on traditional fairy tales (Cinderella is Dead; Girl, Serpent, Thorn) or exploring new frontiers in science fiction (Heart of Iron; Tarnished Are the Stars), these titles will have you on the edge of your seat and may just break your heart. 
Staff Picks

Diverse Teen Fantasy Books

Looking for some escapism? Check out these exciting and diverse teen fantasy titles released in 2020 to explore new worlds filled with unique magic. From adventures of a gender-fluid pirate discovering a mermaid (The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea) to a Bolivian politics inspired tale of a decoy queen (Woven in Moonlight) to a fairy tale retelling of a black heroine fighting the patriarchy (Cinderella is Dead) and more, you'll be sure to find spellbinding stories in each of these books.
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: Lamar Giles

Lamar Giles is an author, speaker and founding member of We Need Diverse Books.  He sold his first short story at age 21.  He independently published his novels and short stories under the pen name L.R.
Staff Picks

Immigration and First Generation Stories for Teens

Explore the lives of teens through the lens of these immigration and first generation stories.  Focusing on characters who are straddling two worlds and two cultures, these stories explore the richness of the immigrant experience, the challenge of naturalization, and the complexity of living within two communities simultaneously.