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Click here to learn more about creating a Book Playlist. Under the Teen Book and Media reviewer virtual volunteer opportunity, volunteers can earn a total of 72 hours annually for participating in all three. Book Playlists created by teen volunteers will be added to the Teen Zine here on the Teen Zone HQ!

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Eligible Topics: History, politics, economics, philosophy, international relations, sociology, or related humanities fields.

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Voting for the 32nd Annual Garden State Teen Book Awards is now open! Teens all across NJ are invited to vote for their favorite book titles in any one or all three voting categories. The deadline for voting is November 30, 2026.

Vote Here!

2026 Grades 6-8 Fiction Voting Ballot

2026 Grades 9-12 Fiction Voting Ballot

2026 Grades 6-12 Nonfiction Voting Ballot

View Past Winners Here.

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Book Title: After we burned
Author: Marieke Nijkamp
Year Published:  2025
Call Number: YA Nijk
Reviewed By:  Kaitlyn

YA Book Summary:
Students adore Mr. Lewis as their chemistry teacher. Although it turns out many don’t. When a fire breaks out, damaging their school and ending the life of Eden, five students rally to protect their own secrets and truths in the aftermath.

Rate This Book: 5 GREAT!

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Book Title:  Like a Love Song
Author:  Gabriela Martins
Year Published:  2021
Call Number:  YA Mart
Reviewed By: Marisa

Book Summary:
Brazilian teen pop star Natalie gets publicly dumped by her famous actor boyfriend moments before an awards show. Her freak-out goes viral, and in order to regain her career, her PR team sets her up to fake-date a British indie actor, William, which leads to real feelings and unexpected results.

Rate This Book:  4

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Welcome to Teen Zone HQ! Here you can find links to things like events, news, contests, information, and book reviews for teens. There are different sections for different topics like news, announcements, contests and more. You are free to look around and look at what you find interesting.

If you want to know how to get on the site here's a link to get to Teen Zone HQ,

https://padlet.com/OCLTeen/teen-zone-hq-tiu5vco6f9j53292

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Book Title: This Thing of Ours

Author: Fredrick Joseph

Year Published: 2025

Call Number: YA Jose

Reviewed By: Viaan

Book Summary: The book This Thing Of Ours is about a senior named Ossie Brown. A person who faced much adversity fighting through something that kept him from something that he treasured. He also lost things that would help him. However he not only faced this adversity, but got back up and built something else of himself. Something new that he can treasure, with the new friends he also made. He then fights to keep this program with help from his two friends.

Rate This Book: 4

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Book Title: Better Than the Movies

Author: Lynn Painter

Year Published: 2021

Call Number: YA Pain

Reviewed By: Lillian

Book Summary: Better Than The Movies follows Liz Buxbaum, a high school senior who is downright obsessed with the grand gestures and happily ever afters found in classic romantic comedies. When her childhood crush, Michael, moves back into town, Liz is determined to have her own cinematic moment with him at their senior prom. The problem? Michael doesn't see her in that way. To try and get his attention she strikes an unlikely deal with her lifelong nemesis and next-door neighbor, Wesley( Wes ) Bennett. Wes agrees to help Liz win Michael over by giving her the "inside scoop" on how to attract Michael. However, as the two of them spend more time with each other, staging rom-com scenarios and bickering over music, Liz begins to realize that real life doesn't always follow a script, and that the person she's been fighting with, might be the one she actually wants to be with.

Rate This Book: 5 GREAT!

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Sign up for the 2026 Teen Summer Reading Challenge: Unearth a Story on Beanstack. Log at least 5 book titles between June 1st to September 9th to be entered in to win one of the two system Summer Reading Prizes. Participants may also be entered in to win a prize from their local branch!

Also, check out our System Teen Summer Reading Programs here or watch the reel here.

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Book Review: Prince of Thorns & Nightmares

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Book Review: Prince of Thorns & Nightmares

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YA Book Title: Prince of Thorns & Nightmares
YA Author: Linsey Miller
Year Published: 2023
YA Call Number: YA Mill
Reviewed By: Emma

YA Book Summary: His entire life Phillip is told who he is meant to be. The proud Prince of Artwyne and the future husband and protector of Princess Aurora. But when he sleeps he dreams of a girl and can't seem to find out why. In his attempt to put off his future he learns that magic is amongst him. Can he learn magic to defeat the evil fairy Maleficent once and for all and escape his impending marriage or does he fail and face impending doom.

Rate This Book: 5 GREAT!

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June 2026 - Prince of Thorns and Nightmares

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Album Title: Stranger Things: Soundtrack from the Netflix Original Series, Season 3
Artist: Various Artists
Year Published: 2019

Call number:  SOUNDTRACKS
Reviewed By: Adrianna

Album Summary:  The album has a lot of feel good upbeat songs along with feel good slow songs that really captures the saying "oldies but goodies".

Themes I saw in the music were coming of age, love, friendship, and timelessness.

i very much so got hooked on the album because I grew up on old music like this and I just really loved how it made me feel.

My favorite song on the album was definitely Never Ending Story.

I definitely would recommend this album because the songs are really great and I think everyone should be exposed to that style of music.

Rate This Album: 4

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Title: Spider-Man 2

Author: Marvel

Year Published: 2023

Call Number: PS5 Spid

Reviewed By: Anthony

Book Summary: Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a worthy sequel to the first one.  You can control either Peter Parker or Mile Morales, swinging through New York City. You can play through the story mode or side quests-- the choice is yours! Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is ahead of its time and you should definitely try it out!

Book Rating: 5/5 stars

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Title: Compound Fracture

Author: Andrew Joseph White

Year Published: 2024

Call Number: YA Whit

Reviewed By: Brandon

Book Summary: Compound Fracture is about a teen named Miles who lives in a small town controlled by a powerful and corrupt family. When he finds evidence that could expose them, he gets pulled into a dangerous conflict tied to his family’s past. As things get more intense, he has to decide whether to stay quiet or risk everything to stand up for what’s right, even if it puts him in serious danger.

It starts a little slow, but then it gets intense and pulls you in. Some parts are very dark and violent, which can be hard to read.

Book Rating: 2/5 stars

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Title: Silent Sister

Author: Megan Davidhizar

Year Published: 2024

Call Number: YA Davi

Reviewed By: Raina

Book Summary: Two sisters have gone missing on a class trip: Grace the outgoing athlete whose friends with almost everyone, and Maddy the shy wallflower who lives in Grace's shadow. When Grace makes it out alive with no memory of what happened to her or her sister, she searches for answers to clear her own name and connect the dots.

Book Rating: 3/5 stars

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Title: Not If I Save You First

Author: Ally Carter

Year Published: 2018

Call Number: YA Cart

Reviewed By: Alexis

Book Summary:
A girl named Maddie, who used to live in Washington, DC. was best friends with the son of the president, Logan. They began to drift away from each other when Maddie moved to Alaska. but now Logan is in Alaska for a Secret Service visit. Now, they've been attacked and Maddie and Logan are forced to rely on each other, facing cold temperatures and criminals.

Book Rating: 5 stars *****

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Title: Bingsu for Two

Author: Sujin Witherspoon

Year Published: 2025

Call Number: YA With

Reviewed By: Reese

Book Summary: Bingsu for Two by Sujin Witherspoon follows the story of a burdened teenage boy, River Langston-Lee. River is a high school student whose life seems to be hanging by a thread. After dumping his high school sweetheart, Cecelia, abandoning his co-manager position at his family business in Cafe Gong, and walking out of his SATs, River spirals into a chaotic turmoil of events that tangle him in a web of lies.

Seeking an escape from his crushing reality, he secretly searches for a job by lying to his parents about being unable to work at their business due to SAT tutoring. His best friend, Kai, aware of his friends dilemma, sets up an interview at his workplace, just down the block from Cafe Gong. Bingsu for Two, a humble cafe on the verge of bankruptcy, was Cafe Gong's competitor. As River swallowed his pride to attain a position at the cafe he had formerly drove to bankruptcy with his ex-girlfriend, the manager took pity and offered him the job.

On his first day of work, he messily records a video of his coworker preparing a coffee, revealing the chaotic behind-the-scenes bickering. Although he intended to share the video with his close friends on Instagram, he accidentally uploaded it to his public account. Overnight, Bingsu for Two went from an empty cafe to a viral sensation, with crowds of followers lined at the door.

River, turning the accident into a marketing campaign, rose as the social media manager of the cafe. With all this fame, River and his coworkers now have to navigate this popularity. While sweet at first, the internet begins to turn against them through the spread of lies and misinformation, causing rifts in their relationships.

Despite River's initial resentment toward his job at Bingsu for Two, the tight-knit bond formed with his coworkers rebuilt his love for family businesses. As he recalled his fond childhood memories of his family's cafe in its humble days before turning into a corporate empire, he realized how Bingsu for Two filled his desire for a close community and how he could not let social media ruin this bond. Now, with not only his job but also the bonds at stake, River has to unravel the lies he made for himself, confront his parents and undergo sacrifices.

Book Rating: 4 stars ****

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Title: The Cheat Sheet

Author: Sarah Adams

Year Published: 2021

Call Number: YA Adams

Reviewed By: Brianna

Book Summary: In this heartwarming friends-to-lovers book, The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams. Bree Camden, the main character is madly in love with her forever best friend Nathan Donelson. The hot NFL player that she could never have. Nate needs help with his social status and Bree is willing to help. The two sign a contract to date for a few months then once the contract is over will they stay together or will this silly little game ruin their friendship indefinitely?

Book Rating: 4/5 stars

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Title: Prince of Glass & Midnight

Author: Linsey Miller

Year Published: 2024

Call Number: YA Mill

Reviewed By: Emma

Book Summary: After the passing of his mother, prince August of Charmant has vowed to never fall in love and not return to his childhood summer vacation spot Fresne. In doing so leaving behind his childhood friend Ella. But when a mysterious memory loss plagues the town and August just so happens to want an escape he returns. Can he discover what is happening in the town and possibly rekindle his relationship with Ella?

Book Rating: 5 GREAT!

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brainfuse: HELPNOW tutors are available every day from 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM EDT. Login to brainfuse with your library card number. Click "Live Help." Select "SAT" in the --Select Grade-- section, and the subject in the --Select Subject-- section!

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Title: Heartstopper: Volume Four

Author: Alice Oseman

Year Published: 2021

Call Number: YA Osem

Reviewed By: Alexandra

Book Summary: As Charlie's mental health continues to decline, his boyfriend Nick keeps trying to find ways to help him, and Charlie begins the road to recovery.

Rate This Book:
5 GREAT!

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Title: Prince of Song & Sea

Author: Linsey Miller

Year Published: 2022

Call Number: YA Mill

Reviewed By: Emma

Book Summary: For his whole life Eric has been told he couldn't kiss anyone but his true love. But after he discovers a letter from his mother after he disappearance he finds out that there are other options. In a daring adventure Eric and his friends have to find and kill the witch who cursed him or he must kiss the love of his life. In this Little Mermaid spin off Eric tells a story of adventure, tragedy and most importantly love.

Book Rating: 5 GREAT!

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Title: In the Company of Killers

Author: Elora Cook

Year Published: 2025

Call Number: YA Cook

Reviewed By: Raina

Book Summary: After the devastating murder of her sister and father a teenage girl, Tasha, plans for revenge. Teaming up with one of her sworn enemies, Leo, they go through every twist and turn possible. Until eventually finding the killer.

Rating: 4 Stars

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Book Title: Sunrise on the Reaping

Author: Suzanne Collins

Year Published: 2025

Call number: YA Coll

Reviewed by: Bri

Book Summary: Haymitch Abernathy hails from District 12 and is solely focused on his job, family, and his love for his girlfriend, Lenore Dove. However, all of that changes during the 50th Hunger Games, or second Quarter Quell. Because of it being a Quarter Quell, the typical rules of the Hunger Games change. This year, instead of the typical one male and one female tribute being selected from each district, two males and two females will be picked. After a skirmish among the crowd in which Haymitch gets involved to protect Lenore, he is chosen to represent his district alongside three other children. Will Haymitch survive, or will he just be another dead tribute from the district?

Rate this book: 5 Stars

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Book Title: Naruto (Volume 33)

Author: Masashi Kishimoto

Year Published: 2008

Call number: YA Kish

Reviewed by: Andi

Book Summary: A new member goes on a secret mission to rescue Sasuke. While they went on the mission they ran into some trouble with Orochimaru and Naruto reveals some crazy Chakra never seen by his teammates.

Rate this book: 5 Stars

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Book Title: The Second Chance of Darius Logan

Author: David F. Walker

Year Published: 2024

Call number: YA Walk

Reviewed by: Caleeb

Book Summary: If you like books about superheroes, this is the book to get!

"When he is arrested teen Darius Logan is sure he headed for prison, but instead he is offered the opportunity to join the Super Justice Force, where he discovers he has powers he did not know about, which may help save the post-Attack world from an alien enemy."

Rate this book: 5 Stars

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December 2025 - Second Chance of Darius Logan

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Book Title: Makes the Fireflies Dance

Author: Rachel Bateman

Year Published: 2023

Call number: YA Bate

Reviewed by: Andi

Book Summary: This girl named Quincy got is kissed secretly at a theater. Her friends set her up on blind dates to find the mystery kisser.

Rate this book: 4

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December 2025 - Makes the Fireflies Dance

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Check out some of our new YA Titles.

Catalog

Libby

hoopla

For more book recs, check out or Booklists here.

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Teen Zine NEW BOOKS Graphics August 2026

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Book Title: The Counselors

Author: Jessica Goodman
Year Published: 2022

Call number: YA Good

Reviewed by: Portia

Book Summary: "The Counselors," by Jessica Goodman is an amazing book that demonstrates the highs and lows of teen friendship. The main Characters, Goldie, Ava, and Imogen, are lifelong friends who met at Camp Alpine Lake. Many years later, they now all work together at that same camp. The girls share an inseparable bond, and share everything with each other. This year is different though. Goldie hides a secret that destroys her. With all the challenges this year, will the girls make it out together?

Rate This Book: 5 GREAT!

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Book Title: The First to Die at the End

Author: Adam Silvera
Year Published: 2022

Call number: YA Silv

Reviewed by: Brianna
Book Summary:
The First to Die at the End follows the story of two boys, Orion Pagan and Valentino Prince. Shortly after meeting one of them receives a call from Death-Cast saying that they will die in twenty-four hours or less. Together the two decide to make the most of the other's final day.

Rate This Book: 5

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Book Title: The Glass Girl

Author: Kathleen Glasgow
Year Published: 2024

Call number: YA Glas

Reviewed by: Aliyah

Book Summary:
Bella turns to alcohol dealing with the pressure of school, her family, and a break up. She eventually ends up getting help even though she does not want it at first.

Rate This Book: 2.  I would recommend this book to others. It is a sad book but I feel like a lot of people can relate to the stress and other things in life that Bella (the main character) is dealing with. I think the book also shows that even if you feel alone you are not and you should not turn to alcohol.

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Book Title: The Summer I Turned Pretty

Author: Jenny Han

Year Published: 2009

Call Number: YA Han

Reviewed By: Elizabeth

Book Summary: Isabel Conklin who also goes by Belly is a girl who's trying to handle her friendships and struggles in life as she gets stuck in the middle of a love triangle between two of her lifelong friends. I really enjoyed this book and how it takes you on a journey of a girl stuck between a summer love triangle. I also enjoyed how it presented new ways to look at the struggles that the main character went through and how I feel there's some challenges that most young adult readers can relate too.

Rate This Book: 5

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Book Title: Every Last Word
Author: Tamara Ireland Stone
Year Published: 2015
Call Number: YA Ston
Reviewed By: Carlos

Book Summary: A story about a girl who has OCD and has to overcome numerous obstacles.

Rate this book: 3

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Book Title: The Way I Am Now
Author: Amber Smith
Year Published: 2023
Call Number: YA Smit
Reviewed By: Naz

Book Summary: As an extension of the first novel “The Way I Used To Be” this was an incredibly heart warming novel. While also going over the processes of dealing with trauma, this book shows that healing is not sudden, and it is not easy. As Eden finds herself for the first time in a while, she finally gets to live. Not only did this novel leave me at the edge of my seat, but it also brought me awareness of how you never know what somebody is going through, or has gone through. With that being said, everybody has a story to tell, and Eden’s, though not all happy, was a story worth reading over and over again.

Rate this book: 5 GREAT!

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Book Title: The Coven Tendency

Author: Zoe Hana Mikuta

Year Published: 2025

Call Number: YA Miku

Reviewed by: Cheyanne

Book Summary: A group of witches forced apart and perform for normal people, meet in secrecy to hopefully find a cure for the magic and madness, only to fall into a hole of madness and insanity.

Rate this book: 5 GREAT!

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Book Title: Naruto (Volume 32)

Author: Masashi Kishimoto

Year Published: 2008

Call Number: YA Kish

Reviewed by: Andi

Book Summary: It is about how Naruto and Sakura get new teammates to go on a hunt to find their old teammate. The squad Akatsuki is looking for Naruto because of the evil fox spirit inside of him.

Rate This Book: 5 Stars ***** (Must Read)

Haven't read Naruto? Check out Volume 1 in our Catalog.

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Teen Zine NEW BOOKS Graphics July 2025 (1)

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Book Title: Look Back

Author: Tatsuki Fujimoto

Year Published: 2021

Call number: YA Fuji

Reviewed by: Franz

Book Summary: Fujino is an amazing artist and very creative, she loves to draw and has been known to be a class artist but she is jealous of another artist Kyomoyo since she is very talented. One day while delivering Kyomoto's papers, they get to know each other.

Rate This Book: 5 Stars *****

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Book Title: A Crane Among Wolves

Author: June Hur

Year Published: 2024

Call Number: YA Hur

Reviewed by: Reese

Book Summary: "A Crane Among Wolves", written by June Hur, is an enthralling story that follows the perspective of Hwang Boyeon (also called Iseul) and Prince Daehyun. The book is inspired by the tragic rulings of King Yeonsan, or Yeonsangun, during the Joseon period. He was considered one of the worst tyrants in Korean history, known for indifference to the suffering working class, despicable actions and objectification against women, and conducting two bloody purges. Iseul is determined to retrieve her sister who had been captured by the King, along with thousands of other young women. A merciless killer who masks his identity as the "Nameless Flower" has been known for his assassinations and for leaving threatening bloodied messages for the King on the bodies of his victims. King Yeonsan promised to reward anyone who successfully reveals and captures Nameless Flower. With this information, Iseul is determined to locate the killer in exchange for the return of her sister. During Iseul's ambitious mission, she unexpectedly crosses paths with Prince Daehyun, the King's half-brother. Despite the rough start, their shared discontentment with the King causes the two to join forces. Iseul and Daehyun endure multiple challenges, along with Wonsik and Madam Yul, to plan the treasonous event of overthrowing the King. As the story progresses, the initial resentment the two main characters feel for each other softens, creating a touching story of love and sacrifice.

Rate this Book: 5 GREAT!

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Book Title: Sunrise on the Reaping

Author: Suzanne Collins

Year Published: 2025

Call Number: YA Coll

Reviewed by: Abigail

Book Summary: "Sunrise on the Reaping" is a compelling novel that is set in a dystopian world. The story dives into the aftermath of previous conflicts and the struggles faced by the characters as they navigate a society marked by oppression and the fight for freedom. This story follows familiar characters as they confront new challenges and alliances. As tensions rise, the story highlights the impact of choices made in the past and how they resonate in the present. Collins crafts a tale that examines the complexities of human nature and the consequences of war. Overall, it is a thought-provoking and engaging read that leaves readers contempla ting the nature of justice and the cost of rebellion.

Rate this Book: 3

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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

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Book Title: Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the Universe

Author: Benjamin Alire Saenz

Year Published: 2012

Call Number: YA Sean

Book Summary: Aristotle, known as Ari, has let every day pass by him without thinking anything of it. Until he meets someone that is everything he would want to be and more. Dante teaches Ari to swim at the swimming pool which is the start of a beautiful friendship filled with struggles and connections. Together they learn what it is like to live and grow, always trying to do new things. It is a beautifully written story filled with sacrifices and messages that you can think about and apply to your own life. It represents a real story that could have happened to anyone without hidden meanings.

Rate this book: 5 GREAT!

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Book Title:

Author: Marc J. Gaegson

Year Published: 2025

Call Number: YA Gaeg

Reviewed by: Nate

Book Summary: High above the acidic black clouds float sky islands, where It takes guts to rise to the top of Meritocracy. Conrad, the hair to his father's island is left with nothing after he and his mother were deposed by his uncle after the death of his father. Conrad does whatever it takes to rise up to challenge his uncle and reunite his family. Conrad will have to join the Hunter's faction to earn renown by sailing the sky's hunting Gorgantauns, Sky Serpents. Hunger Games meets sky pirate fantasy!

Rate this Book: 5!

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Book Title: Iron Heart

Author: Nina Varela

Year Published: 2020

Call Number: YA Vare

Reviewed by: Mia

Book Summary: Crier is to be married to Scyre Kinok while Ayla is on the run for almost killing her. Crier was going to be collateral Ayala attempts to distract the guards to steal from Kinok's safe but all she found was a piece of paper within. Ayla falls in love with Crier during their brief encounter and though she isn't sure whether she should ignore her feelings after encountering Crier, she can't decide whether to fight from the inside or flee from the palace to find Ayla. Meanwhile, Ayla has gone to the child queen to find her brother and destroy the Iron Heart.

Rate this Book: 4!

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Book Title: Batman. Vol. 2, The Batman of Gotham
Author: Chip Zdarsky
Year Published:  2023
Call Number:
YA Zdar
Reviewed by: Caden
Book Summary:
Batman is transported to a Gotham that is going through it's darkest and most dangerous times and Batman is missing and is unable to answer the city's cries for help after what happened with Failsafe. With villains on the streets, Batman has to do something against Red Mask to save Gotham.
Rate This Book:
3

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Details: Review the Personal Story information on the Teen Health and Wellness Database. "Tell Your Story" allows you to submit a story of a personal experience to share with other teens. If comfortable, submit a story to be shared in their Tell Your Story program. Accepted stories will be published through Rosen Publishing. Send confirmation of your participation and/or Certificate of Achievement to your local YA librarian to earn 2 hours of volunteer service. To check out other stories from other teens on the database, click here.

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Book Title: Chlorine Sky
Author: Mahogany L. Browne
Year Published: 2021
Call Number: YA Brow
Reviewed By:  Emma
Book Summary:
The book is narrated like a journal. The main character talks about her and her friend Lay Li. The narrator is unpopular and is not a fan of the spotlight, but Lay Li is the opposite. The narrator tells us about her experiences as a high schooler and tells us through a first-person narrative.
Rate this book:  3

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Teen Zine Graphics November 2024 Chlorine Sky

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Book Title: Pearl

Author: Sherri L. Smith & Christine Norrie

Year Published: 2024

Call Number: YA Smit

Reviewed by: Mia

Book Summary: This book follows a story about a girl named Amy, a Hawaiian-American teenager living through Pearl Harbor. It is a short 1st-person narrative that discusses how a normal teen girl's life turns upside down.

Rate this book: 4

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Book Title: Bite By Bite: American History Through Feasts, Foods, And Side Dishes
Author: Marc Aronson and Paul Freedman
Year Published:  2024
Call Number: YA 394.12097 Aron
Reviewed By: Mia
Book Summary: The book itself is a nonfiction text about your favorite foods, and where they ACTUALLY come from. It's awesome!
Rate this book: 5 GREAT!

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Teen Zine Graphics November 2024 Bite By Bite

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Book Title: These Deadly Prophecies

Author: Andrea Tang

Year Published: 2024

Call Number: YA Tang

Reviewed by: Emma

Book Summary: When the most magnificent sorcerer on the east coast Julian Solomon is tragically murdered by his best beloved, Tabatha Zeng his apprentice and his youngest son Callum have to solve his murder before one of them is accused of the killing.

Rate this book: 3

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Book Title:  See You Yesterday
Author:  Rachel Lynn Soloman
Year Published:  2022
Call Number:  YA Solo
Reviewed By:  Valentina
Book Summary:  College was supposed to be a fresh start for Barrett Bloom, but September 21st proves to be one of the worst days of her entire life. Her first day of school is filled with awful roommates, miscommunication, tons of embarrassment and even a burned fraternity house. Expecting to deal with the consequences the next day, she wakes up only to find it is September 21st, again! Barrett teams up with an unusual friend to try and solve this twisted paradox, but once they've fallen head over heels for each other, do they really want tomorrow to come?
Rate this book:  3

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Teen Zine Graphics November 2024 See You Yesterday

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Book Title: Promise Boys

Author: Nick Brooks

Year Published: 2023

Call Number: YA Broo

Reviewed By: Riley

Book Summary:

J.B., Ramón, and Trey are students of Urban Promise Prep School, an academy dedicated to molding boys into men. The "prestigious program" that the 3 boys are enrolled in is based on a philosophy called the Principal Moore Method; according to Moore, extreme discipline is what it takes to go to college, especially for those growing up in bad neighborhoods.

When Moore is found murdered and law enforcement begins investigating, the boys become the primary suspects in the case. To clear their names, the three must uncover the true culprit before it is too late.

Rate This Book: 5/5

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Book Title: This Will Be Funny Someday

Author: Katie Henry

Year Published: 2021

Call Number: YA Henr

Reviewed By: Valentina

Book Summary:

Ever since she was a child, Izzy has been a perfectionist. She has good grades, a boyfriend, and a little circle of friends. Her days, however, are monotonous and she craves something new and exciting. Most of all, she wants to use her voice and make herself known, because it is exhausting having siblings who talk over her and parents who control every move. When she stumbles into an open mic event and performs a comedic routine, Izzy finds this experience to be thrilling and discovers her love for performing. She also meets new people who quickly become her best friends. The only problem, however, is that Izzy lies to her friends and parents in order to keep her secret safe. She has to learn how to juggle comedy and her personal matters without slipping up and exposing her double life.

Rate This Book: 4/5

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Book Title: The Brothers Hawthorne

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Year Published: 2023

Call Number: YA Barn

Reviewed By: William

Book Summary:

This book mainly follows Grayson and Jameson separately. While they look to complete games and challenges across the globe from each other. They have the help of their brothers and sisters. They must work to find who they are and what the want to be. Although a darkness is around the corner which will lead to one of the biggest decisions that has to be made!

Rate This Book: 5/5

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Book Title: Layers: A Memoir
Author: Pénélope Bagieu
Year Published: 2023
Call Number: YA 741.5092 Bagi
Reviewed By: Marcos

Book Summary: Pénélope tells some of the stories from her childhood to teen years. These stories can vary from embarrassing, cringe, friendship, and even loss.

Rate this book: 4

What was your favorite part of the book? It was throughout a few of the stories where she tries to have a connection with her high school crush who’s in a rock band.

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Book Title: The Bad Ones
Author: Melissa Albert
Year Published: 2024
Call Number: YA Albe
Reviewed By: Gianna

Book Summary: On a seemingly normal night in January, four people disappear from a small town. There seems to be no evidence left behind, but Nora knows otherwise. After losing her best friend Becca in the sudden disappearances, Nora must connect the clues left behind and discover the secrets hidden by her town and everyone around her. Whether she wants to or not, Nora will learn her own role in the events of that night and everything that lead up to it.
The Bad Ones is a mix of mystery and supernatural thriller, with a strong involvement of goddesses and spirits, both seemingly real and made-up.

Rate this book: 4

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Book Title: Brownstone

Author: Samuel Teer

Year Published: 2024

Call Number: YA Teer

Reviewed by: Mia

Book Summary: Alumendena goes away to her Dad's house for the summer to get to know him. and struggles with connecting to her Guatemalan heritage.

Rate this book: 4

Who would you recommend this book to and why?
I would recommend this text to people who struggle with knowing nad learning their culture and kids 15 a nd older. This book does contain language and homophobic moment as well as LGBTQ+ and religious themes.

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Click here to learn more about being a Teen Book Reviewer. Book reviews written by you can be added to the Teen Zine here on the Teen Zone HQ!

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Book Title: Melt With You

Author: Jennifer Dugan

Year Published: 2022

Call Number: YA Duga

Reviewed By: Brianna

Book Summary: Fallon is a Type A teenage girl preparing herself for college while Chloe is Type B and beginning her sophomore year of college. The two girls were once best friends, however, after hooking up the previous summer and not communicating with one another, each does not want to interact with the other. Unfortunately, both their moms own an ice cream truck, and with an important business deal and food festival coming up during the summer, the two girls will have to work together to keep things running smoothly. But will they finally resolve their conflicts (and become even more than friends) or say goodbye to each other for good?

Rate this book: 3

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Book Title: Fangirl 2

Author: Sam Maggs and Rainbow Rowell

Year Published: 2022

Call Number: YA

Reviewed By: Emma

Borough Book Summary: Fangirl 2 is about a girl named Cath, short for Cather, who has just settled into college and started to get to know her roommate, Reagan and Reagan’s boyfriend Levi. She ends up getting closer to Levi rather than Reagan because Levi comes over every day to see Cath. One day Levi comes over because he and Reagan are supposed to study, but Reagan isn’t in the dorm, just Cath. So, Cath helps him study instead. Read the book to find out more!

Rate this book: 5 GREAT!

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Title: Scythe

Author: Neal Shusterman

Year published: 2016

Call number: YA Shus

Reviewed by: Adam

Book summary: Scythe by Neal Shusterman is a dystopian novel set in the future. It is unclear what year it really is because in this society time is somewhat irrelevant. All knowledge and responsibility has been handed over to the "Thunderhead," a digital cloud. Humans have conquered death, and the only way to keep the population down is for an elite group of people, Scythes, to randomly kill people out on the streets. The book follows two main characters, Rowan and Citra, as a strange series of events brings them together. They train together, grow closer, and then shocking developments separate them once again. Scythe is the first book in a series of 4 books.

Rating: 4/5

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Book Title: The Great Gatsby

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Year Published: 1925

Call Number: 813.09 Fitz

Reviewed by: Braeden

Book Summary: The Great Gatsby takes place during the roaring twenties, a very important period in American history. The story follows a character named Nick as he lives near Jay Gatsby. Jay Gatsby is a wealthy man who loves to throw very lavish parties. Gatsby has these parties with the goal of rekindling his love with Daisy, the cousin of Nick. Readers experience the journey of Gatsby to try to achieve his goal, while also wondering about his past. One question that is commonly asked is how did he get his money? The readers get to experience many concepts from the roaring twenties such as prohibition as well as the concept of the American dream as Gatsby tries to obtain what he desires.

Rate This Book: 4

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Book Title: Dare to Know

Author: James Kennedy

Year Published: 2021

Call Number: SF Kenn

Reviewed by: Ellie

Book Summary: James Kennedy's "Dare to Know" is a first person Science fiction novel that follows a nameless salesman who works for Dare to Know, a company that is able to calculate the exact moment of your death. The narrator's divorce, estrangement from his sons, and lack of money leads him to break his company's most important rule and calculate his own death. What is left of his reality shatters when the prediction reads twenty-three minutes ago, resulting in him traveling across the country to see Julia, the only person who can verify the estimation's accuracy, and the main character's ex-wife.

Rate this Book: 3/5

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Book Title: Instructions for Dancing
Author: Nicola Yoon
Year Published: 2021
Call Number: YA Yoon
Reviewed By: Simone

Book Summary:  On the outside, an ordinary couple appears commonplace to the average person. However, through the eyes of Yvette, better known as Evie, each couple's fantastical love story plays from start to finish. While she is left grappling with her unknown power to see the past & future, she stumbles across La Brea Dance Studio. She picks up various styles of dance, eventually making her way to an amateur competition with her intrepid and charming dance partner, X. However, if Evie's visions say anything, they blare out one universal notion: love can only end cruelly. In Instructions for Dancing, Evie must carry her pessimistic power alongside her idealistic love for X, all while dealing with the lost love of her own parents.

Rate this book: 5 GREAT!

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Book Title: If Only I Had Told Her
Author: Laura Nowlin
Year Published:  2024
Call Number: YA Now
Reviewed By: Grace

Book Summary:
This story is told by three different perspectives...Autumn, Jack and Finn. Finn has always loved (or more been obsessed ) with Autumn, his next door neighbor and their moms are best friends. But Finn is dating Sylvie. Jack, Finn's best friend, has a hard time understanding how Autumn doesn't know that Finn obviously has feelings for her. If Only I Had Told Her is a heart-wrenching story of love, friendships and tragedy and the wonder of how things could be different if we just were more honest with the people we loved.

Rate this book:  4

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Book Title:  Missing Dead Girls
Author: Sara Walters

Year Published:  2023
Call Number: YA Walt
Reviewed By: Valentina

Book Summary:
After leaving her mysterious past behind her in Philadelphia, Tillie moves to Willow Creek for a fresh start at a new high school. She and Madison Frank become friends and confide in each other during difficult times. After planning to get revenge on the people who have wronged them, Madison goes missing and the only evidence of her death is a picture of her body that was sent from someone with the same number as Tillie.

Rate this book:  3

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Book Title: One For All

Author: Lillie Lainoff

Year Published: 2022

Call Number: YA Lain

Reviewed By: Mattie

Book Summary: A girl named Tania loved 2 things : her family, specifically her father, and fencing. Yet she has a terrible illness hurting her daily life, mental self, and her fencing. She dreams to fence and be a musketeer who protects France like her father did, but her dizzying illness (considered to be POTS in modern-day terms) causes many challenges for her to achieve said dream. When sorrow strikes her family, she moves to Paris, and forever changes her fate. Her new fate? To save France with her new-found family of female spies/assassins using her wit, fencing, and seduction. Will she save France and achieve her previously-thought outlandish dreams and avenge her family? Or will her dizziness and her enemies cause France to fall, failing her mission? Her path involves love, deception, friendships, family, sadness, and great fencing.

Rate this book: 4 out of 5 stars

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Book Title: Ophelia After All

Author: Racquel Marie

Year Published: 2022

Call Number: YA Mari

Reviewed By: Brianna

Summary: Ophelia Rojas has always had crushes on boys. All of her friends and family are aware of this. However, once she meets Talia Sanchez, a girl in her grade that sits in front of her in her government class, she can't help but think about her often. While attempting to balance school, her friends, dealing with prom, and her ex-boyfriend, she'll learn whether or not she truly is the boy-crazy Ophelia or if there is more to her sexuality.

Rate this book: 3  out of 5 stars

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Book Title: The Sunbearer Trials

Author: Aiden Thomas

Year Published: 2022

Call Number: YA Thom

Reviewed By: Brianna

Summary: In the country of Reino del Sol, every decade, ten semidioses, or children of diosos/diosas must participate in the Sunbearer Trials. These trials take place in order for the country to refuel the Sun Stones that protect them from dangerous diosos/diosas. Teo, the trans son of the diosa of birds, is chosen to compete in the trials despite himself being one of the lower semidioses categorized as a Jade. However, will he survive in the trials, or will he be the ultimate sacrifice in order to refuel the stones?

Rate this book: 4  out of 5 stars

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2025 Garden State Teen Book Awards - CLOSED

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2025 Garden State Teen Book Awards - CLOSED

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Voting for the 31st Annual Garden State Teen Book Awards are now open! Teens all across NJ are invited to vote for their favorite book titles in any one or all three voting categories. The deadline for voting is December 31, 2025.

Vote Here!

2025 Grades 6-8 Fiction Voting Ballot

2025 Grades 9-12 Fiction Voting Ballot

2025 Grades 6-12 Nonfiction Voting Ballot

View Past Winners Here.

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Hotel Magnifique (2022) by Emily J. Taylor

Review By: Brianna

Call Number: YA Yayl

Book Summary: Jani, a seventeen-year-old girl, has always desired to leave Durc, the city she lives in, with her sister Zosa. They work hard but only earn a small amount of money each day that barely gets them by. However, they soon learn that the Hotel Magnifique, a hotel that is best known for its magic, is hiring. Many people apply for the job, and fortunately for Zosa, she gets hired. However, not Jani, at first. After begging Bel, a doorman at the hotel, he hires her to become a maid. Once Jani and Zosa step into the hotel, they soon learn that the hotel is not as whimsical as it seems. Jani will have to protect not only herself but those she cares about from their terrible fate.

Rate this book: 4

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Fangirl, Vol. 1 (2023) by Sam Maggs & Rainbow Rowell

Review By: Emma

Call Number: YA Magg

Book Summary: Cath is finally able to confess her feelings to Levi, and realizes he feels the same way. However, she didn’t know how to tell Reagan that she and Levi were dating. Once Reagan found out, they set some ground rules and moved on. Later Cath finds out that Wren (her sister) is going to meet their mom for Thanksgiving. Cath is upset because her mom was never there for them as children and doesn’t want to go. On Thanksgiving night Cath got a call from Wren, but when she picked up the phone, the voice that talked to her wasn’t Wren. Read the book to find out who it was.

Rate this book: 5 GREAT!

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The First to Die at the End (2022) by Adam Silvera

Reviewed By: Brianna

Call Number: YA Silv

Book Summary: The First to Die at the End follows the story of two boys, Orion Pagan and Valentino Prince. Shortly after meeting one of them receives a call from Death-Cast saying that they will die in twenty-four hours or less. Together the two decide to make the most of the other's final day.

Rate this book: 5 GREAT!

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Tell Me What Really Happened by Chelsea Sedoti (2022)

Reviewed By: Valentina

Call Number: YA Sedo

Summary: Five teenagers enter a campsite called Salvation Creek, but in an epic turn of events, only four are left to interview with the police about their missing friend. Between mysterious cabins, the presence of weapons, and an irrational fear of Bigfoot, the friends must come together to speculate what happened the night that Maylee went missing. Through one-on-one interviews, secrets are spilled, accusations are made, and lies are told to cover up what really happened. Is Maylee alive? Is she dead? And which of the friends is hiding the truth?

Rate this Book: 5 GREAT!

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Somebody That I Used to Know by Dana L. Davis (2022)

Reviewed By: Katie

Call Number: YA Davi

Summary: Dylan Woods hasn't seen her best friend, Langston, in years. When his parents announce he's coming for a short stay, Dylan is hesitant. However, Langston keeps a bucket list they made together when they were little, reminding her of their past and shared love of music. As they check off items, Dylan realizes her feelings for him extend beyond friendship.

Rate this Book: 5 GREAT!

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Each Night Was Illuminated by Jodi Lynn Anderson (2022)

Reviewed By: Emma

Call Number: YA Ande

Summary: This book is about a girl named Cassie Blake and a boy named Elias Jones who meet and witnessed a major event--they were eleven at the time. 8 years later, Elias is back from Australia with a scholarship to a school in New York. Cassie and Elias sneak out at night to hunt for ghosts and slowly fall in love with each other. But something happened that might change their faith.

(Edited for grammar)

Rate this Book: 5 GREAT!

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Title:  If You Could See The Sun by Ann Liang (2022)
Call Number: YA Lian
Reviewed By:  Simone

Book Summary:
In Ann Liang's impressive debut, If You Could See The Sun, Alice Sun, an excelling student at an elite Chinese boarding school, tends to eclipse in the background. She is an outlier with a lower-income background, surrounded by furiously wealthy peers. Her feelings of neglect manifest in a fantastical power: invisibility, though uncontrolled. In this amalgamation of coming of age and fantasy, Alice must grapple with her newfound power, as well as her family's financial struggle to support her, all while juggling a partnership with her "rival" Henry Li. In If You Could See The Sun, power might just drive Alice to an unparalleled level of morality.

Rate this book:  4

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Title: Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee (2023)
Reviewed By: Valentina

Call Number: YA Lee

Book Summary:
Dylan Tang and Theo Somers live two completely different worlds. Dylan is introverted, a hard worker, and is learning to embrace his Chinese heritage. On top of all this, he is dealing with the loss of his mother. Theo Somers, however, is everything Dylan is not- he's outgoing, attends parties and never has to worry about financial issues. The two meet one fateful day and develop a budding relationship with each other, but Theo's personal life gets in the way. With the upcoming mooncake contest that Dylan entered in remembrance of his mom, he has to push aside the petty drama and make sure that his grandmother's recipe secures him a win, but he and Theo cannot shake the way they feel about each other.

Rate this book:  4

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Title:  Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter (2021)
Reviewed By: Gladys

Call Number: YA Pain

Book Summary: The main character, Liz, is a hopeless romantic who just wants to find her rom-com romance and spots her chance when Michael, a boy from her childhood, moves back to town. She gets her neighbor Wes to become her wing-man in order to help her win over Michael.
Rate this book:  5 GREAT!

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Middle grade is an age-based category for tween readers (9-12 year olds) or those transitioning between middle school and high school. Explore multiple genres of books written to reflect your world-view. Check out the reads here!

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Tell Me What Really Happened by Chelsea Sedoti

(2023)

Reviewed By: Brianna

Call Number: YA Sedo

Book Summary: After Maylee Hayes, a wannabe influencer and high school student, goes missing on a camping trip, the people that she went with are immediately considered as suspects. Petra, her best friend, Nolan, Petra's stepbrother, John, Maylee's boyfriend, and Abigail, a former friend of Maylee, all have their own claims of what happened. However, is one of them actually responsible, or did something else happen to Maylee?

Rate this book: 4 of 5 stars

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None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney

(2020)

Reviewed By: Brianna

Call Number: YA Marn

Book Summary: In the year 1982, the FBI is investigating a serial killer on the loose known as "the Butcher," and believes that he is a young adult.  Because they want to not only understand what is taking place psychologically in his mind but also find him, they decide to recruit two individuals around the supposed age of "the Butcher" to assist them. Emma Lewis, the survivor of a serial killer, and Travis Bell, a US Marshal candidate, must work together to assist the process while also conducting interviews with imprisoned serial killers for behavioral purposes. However, when the plan begins to take a turn for the worse, they must interview Simon Gutmunsson, a serial killer locked in a mental hospital, in order to succeed, resulting in conflicts and danger.

Rate this book: 5 of 5 stars GREAT!

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Kate In Waiting by Becky Albertalli

(2021)

Reviewed By: Morgan

Call Number: YA Albe

Book Summary: Kate is a high school junior, and her best friend is Anderson. Ever since middle school, the two have bonded over the same guy. They analyze every detail of every encounter with their crush. Their crush, Matt decided to join the school play. Kate and Andy get to know Matt better. Can Kate and Anderson's friendship last if Kate and Matt are both the leading rolls?

Rating: 3 of 5 stars

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Need your next read? Libby the app has a catalog guide with all YA titles you can check out!

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The Do-Over by Lynn Painter (2022)

Reviewed By: Abby

Call Number: YA Pain

Summary: The story follows 16 year old Emilie Hornby, a girl who lives life by the rules and is always prepared for everything, as she relives the worst Valentines Day of her life over and over again. She crashes her car into her lab partner Nick, finds out her summer fellowship in Chicago has been taken away, and catches her boyfriend Josh cheating with his ex. Stuck in an endless time loop, she turns to Nick, the only person she believes can help her.

Rate this book: 3

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Fangirl 1 by Sam Maggs (2020)

Reviewed By: Emma

Call Number: YA Magg

Summary: The story was about a girl named Cath (short for Cather) who had just moved to college with her twin sister, Wren. Once Cath got to college, Wren started to get very distant from Cath, but Cath didn’t think anything of it till later. Cath’s new college dorm mate (Reagan)  never made an effort to talk to her but Reagan’s boyfriend did. So, Reagan took Cath out to eat. Later, Cath, Reagan and Levi ,Reagan’s boyfriend, got really close. So close, Levi would walk Cath to and from the library every-night to make sure she was safe. Later Cath had to do a partner project in school with a new kid, Nick. They have to write a story together, so they meet up every-night at the library to work. Soon Cath starts to catch feelings, but how does Nick feel about her?

Rate this book: 5 GREAT!

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Teen Book Review: The Upside of Falling 

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Teen Book Review: The Upside of Falling 

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The Upside of Falling by Alex Light (2020)

Reviewed By: Abby

Call Number: YA Ligh

Summary: The story follows main characters Becca Hart, a bookworm who doesn’t believe in love ever since her parent’s divorce, and Brett Wells, captain of the football team and one of the most popular guys in school. When Becca is taunted by her ex-best friend and lies about having a boyfriend, Brett steps in to save Becca from humiliation. In a mutually beneficial agreement, they decide to fake date. He can focus on his future while getting people off his back for not being in a relationship, while she can save herself from embarrassment. As the two become friends and start to learn more about each other, they start to realize just how much they have in common, and the lines between fake and real start to blur.

Rate this book: 3

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Check out our 100 Books Before Graduation challenge on Beanstack!

Read 100 books before graduating High School. You can begin at any time between 8th-12th grade. Log your reading in Beanstack, and earn a new badge for each milestone!

P.S. Audiobooks and Graphic Novels count as reading! So jump right in!

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Check out this article on places where teen writers and artists can submit their work. Article is written by a teen.

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11 Literary Magazines Accepting Writing and Art from Teens

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When I first started on my writing journey, I had no idea there were so many opportunities for teens to get published and share their writing with the world. Before, I assumed the professional writing world was reserved for adults, but that’s definitely not true! Young people have a lot to say and h…

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The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (202)

Reviewed By: Alexa

Call Number: YA Barn

Summary: The story follows Avery Grambs, a young girl in high school who is just trying to survive.   Her life suddenly changed when a billionaire by the name of Tobias Hawthorne left his entire fortune to her.  She doesn't know who this man is or what is going on.  Avery has to fly to the Hawthorne mansion in order to receive her inheritance.  She comes to learn the mysteries of the Hawthorne house and family.  This family consists of the Hawthorne brothers who are confident, dangerous, and brilliant.  She is determined to find out why she has gotten this inheritance.

Rate this book: 5 GREAT!

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Teen Zine Graphics The Inheritance Games

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Aetherbound by E.K. Johnston (2021)

Reviewed By: Mattie

Call Number: YA John

Book Summary: A thrilling book of a spacer with a special genetic ability that deals with a strict and unloving space family on their ship, the Harland. After a while of dealing with mental abuse and calorie counting, she flees to the real world, off the spaceship, and deals with new emotions, food, and new, complicated relationships with her newly made family. Pendt, the said spacer, has to learn to navigate herself in her new life, while her old life wants her return. Will Pendt be able to navigate this new world of hers and get past the old space trauma? Or will her family return for her after learning her importance and take her forcefully, ending her new-found home’s livelihood?

Rate this book: 4

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Concrete Kids by Amyra Leon (2020)

Reviewed By: Benny

Call Number: YA 811.6 Leon

Summary: Amyra Leon's "Concrete Kids" is a poetic journey into the lives of young individuals from the Bronx. The collection delves into the realities of growing up in an urban setting, exploring themes like love, family, identity, and community. Leon's writing style is a fusion of spoken word, hip-hop, and traditional poetry, resulting in a captivating and authentic portrayal of life in the city.

Rate this book: 5 GREAT!

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Click here to register for a T.A.B near you.

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Kneel by Candace Buford (2021)

Reviewed by: Camryn

Book Summary: Rus and Marion are Captain and co-captain of the varsity football team and friends since childhood. Because of police brutality and a recent shooting of a young black boy, they do everything they can to stay out of trouble and hope to get scholarships so they can get out of their town. When a varsity player calls Marion the N word and pushes him, Marion is the one who gets arrested.  Rus wants to help Marion and tries to call attention to this injustice.  He doesn't want Marion to lose the opportunity for a college scholarship.  So Rus takes a knee during the National Anthem.  He expects understanding and support.  He gets everything but!  Read on to find out what really happens.

Rate this book: 5 GREAT!

What themes did you detect in the story? Racism, Teamwork and football, Police brutality, Family support.

What was your favorite part of the book? My favorite part was when Pops, Rus's dad, shared the truth about why he stopped playing football. It made me think not much had changed from his high school days in football many years ago.

Who would you recommend this book to and why? I would definitely recommend Kneel to anyone from 7th grade to adult.  It really makes you think and understand different ways people think in real life.

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Book Review: Unmask Alice : LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Imposter Behind the World's Most Notorious Diaries  

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Book Review: Unmask Alice : LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Imposter Behind the World's Most Notorious Diaries  

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Unmask Alice : LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Imposter Behind the World's Most Notorious Diaries by Rick Emerson (2022)

Reviewed by: Benny

Book Summary: Unmask Alice: LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Imposter Behind the World's Most Notorious Diaries by Rick Emerson is a true-crime book that tells the story of Beatrice Sparks, a con artist who wrote and published two wildly successful diaries that were marketed as true accounts of teenage drug addiction and Satanism. Emerson reveals that both diaries were complete fabrications, and that Sparks had no training or experience in psychology or social work. He also shows how Sparks's diaries were harmful, helping to fuel the Satanic Panic of the 1980s and leading to the wrongful conviction of several people.

Rate this book: 5 GREAT!

What themes did you detect in the story?
Deception: Beatrice Sparks was a master of deception. She lied to her friends and family, to her publishers, and to the public. She created elaborate false personas for herself, and she used her lies to gain power and money.
Hysteria: Sparks's diaries helped to fuel the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, a period of mass hysteria in which many people believed that Satanic cults were widespread and were abducting and sacrificing children.

What was your favorite part of the book? My favorite part of Unmask Alice is the chapter where Emerson exposes the truth about Sparks's second diary, Jay's Journal. Sparks claimed that Jay's Journal was the diary of a teenage Satanist who committed suicide, but Emerson reveals that it was actually a complete fabrication.

Who would you recommend this book to and why? I would recommend this book to those who enjoy true crime, psychology, and those who want to learn the history of the Satanic Panic.

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Iron Heart by Nina Varela (2020)

Reviewed by: Mia

Book Summary: Crier is to be married to Scyre Kinok while Ayla is on the run for almost killing her. She was going to kill her to distract the guards to steal from Kinok's safe but all they found was a paper with writing on it. Now Ayla has gone to the child queen to find her brother and destroy the Iron Heart. Crier wishes the safe, but goes about it in a different strategy. Though she isn't sure whether she should ignore her feelings and try and fight from the inside or flee from the palace to find Ayla.

Rate this book: 4

What themes did you detect in the story? War, Love, Struggle, Oppression

What was your favorite part of the book? My favorite part of the book is when Crier starts to spend more time with human and learn that there aren't that many differences.

Who would you recommend this book to and why? I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to finish this story and likes a mostly happy ending.

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Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare
(2020)
Reviewed by: Bri

Book Summary: Quinn Maybrook and her father recently moved to the town of Kettle Springs, Missouri, to start anew from their old life in Philadelphia, as well as her mother's death. However, their arrival comes after the recent destruction of the Baypen Corn Syrup Factory due to a fire. The remnants can be seen from the window in Quinn's bedroom, as well as its eerie mascot, Frendo the clown. This has caused the town to split into two sides, the adults that want the town to change for the better, and the kids that just want to enjoy their lives. Although it may only seem like angry statements said to one another, the night that Quinn goes out to a party with her new friends, everything changes, in a terrible way.

Rate this book: 4 out of 5 stars

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Only a Monster by Vanessa Len
(2022)
Reviewed by: Bri

Book Summary: Joan, the main character, learns that she is a monster that comes from a family of monsters. They each have their own unique powers, but that's not all. There are multiple monster families around London. What's worse, Nick, the cute boy she works with in the summer, is a monster hunter that wants to kill her family. Although she might not enjoy it, Joan must embrace her roots and use her monster powers to protect herself before she loses it all.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - GREAT!

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The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
(2022)
Reviewed by: Bri

Book Summary: In the small town of Springville, Georgia, racial injustice has been taking place for years. When the high school's social outcast Madison Washington accidentally reveals that she is African American and not only white, the town is shocked. To make matters worse, prom is coming up, meaning that both racial groups will have their own separate proms. Some students decide to have Kendrick Scott, the most popular boy in school, ask Maddy to the prom, resulting in a night of pure horror and terror that those still alive in the town will remember forever.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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On January 22, the American Library Association (ALA) announced the top books, digital media, video, and audiobooks for children and young adults-including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery, and Printz awards-at ALA's 2024 LibLearnX conference in Baltimore.

A complete list of the 2024 award winners follows.

John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature:

The Eyes and the Impossible, written by Dave Eggers and illustrated by Shawn Harris, is the 2024 Newbery Medal winner. The book is published simultaneously by Knopf Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, and McSweeney's.

Five Newbery Honor Books also were named:

Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children:

Big, illustrated and written by Vashti Harrison, is the 2024 Caldecott Medal winner. The book is published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group.

Four Caldecott Honor Books also were named:

Coretta Scott King Book Awards recognize an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults.

Coretta Scott King Author Book Award
Nigeria Jones, written by Ibi Zoboi, is the King Author Book winner. The book is published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Three King Author Honor Books were selected:

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Book Award
An American Story, illustrated by Dare Coulter, is the King Illustrator Book winner. The book is written by Kwame Alexander and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Three King Illustrator Honor Books were selected:

Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe New Talent Author Award
There Goes the Neighborhood, by Jade Adia, is the Steptoe Author Award winner. The book is published Disney Hyperion, an imprint of Buena Vista Books.

Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award
We Could Fly, illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu, is the Steptoe Illustrator Award winner. The book is written by Rhiannon Giddens and published by Candlewick Press.

Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement
Children's author Christopher Paul Curtis is the winner of the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. His works include: The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963; Bud, Not Buddy; Elijah of Buxton; The Mighty Miss Malone; and The Journey of Little Charlie. The award pays tribute to the quality and magnitude of beloved children's author Virginia Hamilton.

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults:

The Collectors: Stories, edited by A. S. King and written by M. T. Anderson, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, A. S. King, David Levithan, Cory McCarthy, Anna-Marie McLemore, G. Neri, Jason Reynolds, Randy Ribay, and Jenny Torres Sanchez, is the 2024 Printz Award winner. The book is published by Dutton Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Four Printz Honor Books also were named:

Schneider Family Book Awards for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience:

Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences:

Bad Cree by Jessica Johns, published by Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House.

Chain-Gang All-Stars, by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, published by Pantheon Books, a division of Penguin Random House.

Chlorine, by Jade Song, published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Fourth Wing, by Rebecca Yarros, published by Red Tower Books, an imprint of Entangled Publishing.

The Hard Parts: A Memoir of Courage and Triumph, by Oksana Masters, published by Scribner, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

I Will Greet the Sun Again, by Khashayar J. Khabushani, published by Hogarth Press, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House.

Maame, by Jessica George, published by St. Martin's Press, an imprint of St. Martin's Publishing Group.

Starter Villain, by John Scalzi, published by Tor Books, an imprint of Tor Publishing Group, a division of Macmillan Publishing Group.

The Talk, written and illustrated by Darrin Bell, published by Henry Holt and Company, a division of Macmillan Publishing Group.

Whalefall, by Daniel Kraus, published by MTV Books and Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

The Children's Literature Lecture Award is an annual event featuring an author, critic, librarian, historian, or teacher of children's literature. Author Kyle Lukoff will deliver the 2025 ALSC Children's Literature Lecture. Lukoff's works include Newbery Honor and Stonewall Award winner Too Bright to See, Stonewall Award winner When Aidan Became a Brother, Different Kinds of Fruit, and If You're a Kid Like Gavin: The True Story of a Young Trans Activist.

The Children's Literature Legacy Award honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children through books that demonstrate integrity and respect for all children's lives and experiences.

The Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award is given to a digital media producer that has created distinguished digital media for an early learning audience.

The 2024 winner is Work It Out Wombats!, produced by GBH Kids and Pipeline Studios. The committee selected one honor title, Jamming on the Job, produced by PBS North Carolina for PBS Kids.

Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults:

The 2024 winner is Neal Shusterman, whose books include the Arc of the Scythe trilogy, Bruiser, Challenger Deep, Everlost, Full Tilt, The Schwa Was Here, and Unwind.

Mildred L. Batchelder Award for an outstanding children's book originally published in a language other than English, in a country other than the United States, and subsequently translated into English for publication in the United States:

Houses with a Story: A Dragon's Den, a Ghostly Mansion, a Library of Lost Books, and 30 More Amazing Places to Explore is the 2024 Batchelder Award winner. Originally published in Japanese, the book was written and illustrated by Seiji Yoshida, translated by Jan Mitsuko Cash, and published by Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams.

Three Honor Books also were selected:

Odyssey Awards for the best audiobooks produced for children and young adults, available in English in the United States:

El Deafo, produced by Matie Argiropoulos for Listening Library, an imprint of Penguin Random House Audio, is the 2024 Odyssey Award winner for children. The book is written by Cece Bell and narrated by Sarah Tubert, Lexi Finigan, Jennifer Aquino, Fred Berman, Bailey Carr, Nicky Endres, Matt Godfrey, Avi Roque, and Sanya Simmons.

Promise Boys, produced by Macmillan Young Listeners, a Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company, is the 2024 Odyssey Award winner for young adults. The book is written by Nick Brooks and narrated by Alfred Vines, Anthony Lopez, Brad Sanders, Christopher Hampton, Eliana Marianes, Hannah Church, Henriette Zoutomou, Jaime Lincoln Smith, Maria Liatis, Renier Cortes, Suehyla El-Attar, and Xenia Willacey.

Five Honor Audiobooks also were selected:

Pura Belpré Awards honor Latinx writers and illustrators whose children's and young adult books best portray, affirm, and celebrate the Latino cultural experience.

Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir, written and illustrated by Pedro Martín, is the 2024 Pura Belpré Children's Author Award winner. The book is published by Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Five Children's Author Honor Books were named:

Saints of the Household, written by Ari Tison, is the 2024 Pura Belpré Young Adult Author Award winner. The book is published by Farrar, Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group.

Two Young Adult Author Honor Books were named:

The Prince and the Coyote, written by David Bowles, illustrated by Amanda Mijangos, and published by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Levine Querido; and Worm: A Cuban American Odyssey, written and illustrated by Edel Rodriguez, and published by Metropolitan Books, an imprint of Henry Holt and Company.

Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir, written and illustrated by Pedro Martín, is the 2024 Youth Illustrator Award winner. The book is published by Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Three Youth Illustrator Honor Books were named:

The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal for the most distinguished informational book for children:

The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity, written by Nicholas Day and illustrated by Brett Helquist, is the 2024 Sibert Medal winner. The book is published by Random House Studio, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, a division of Penguin Random House.

Four Sibert Honor Books were named:

Stonewall Book Award-Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children's and Young Adult Literature Awards are given annually to English-language children's and young adult books of exceptional merit relating to the LGBTQIA+ experience.

Cross My Heart and Never Lie, written and illustrated by Nora Dåsnes, translated by Matt Bagguley, and published by Hippo Park, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, is the 2024 recipient of the Stonewall Book Award-Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children's Literature Award.

Four children's Honor Books were selected:

Only This Beautiful Moment, written by Abdi Nazemian and published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, is the 2024 recipient of the Stonewall Book Award-Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Young Adult Literature Award.

Four young adult Honor Books were selected:

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book:

Fox Has a Problem, written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor, is the 2024 Geisel Award winner. The book is published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Two Geisel Honor Books were named:

Henry, Like Always, written by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song, and published by Chronicle Books; and Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends, written and illustrated by Kaz Windness and published by Simon Spotlight, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.

William C. Morris Award for a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens:

Rez Ball, by Byron Graves, is the 2024 Morris Award winner. The book is published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Four other books were finalists for the award:

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults honors the best nonfiction book published for ages 12-18:

Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed, written by Dashka Slater, is the 2024 Excellence in Nonfiction winner. The book is published by Farrar, Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group.

Four other books were finalists for the award:

American Indian Youth Literature Awards are announced in even years and were established to identify and honor the very best writing and illustrations by and about Native Americans and Indigenous peoples of North America. Selected titles present Indigenous peoples in the fullness of their humanity in the present and past contexts. This year's winners include:

Picture Book Winning Titles
Forever Cousins, written by Laurel Goodluck [Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian], illustrated by Jonathan Nelson [Navajo/Diné], and published by Charlesbridge; and A Letter for Bob, written by Kim Rogers [Wichita and affiliated tribes], illustrated by Jonathan Nelson [Navajo/Diné], and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Middle-Grade Winning Title
We Still Belong, written by Christine Day [Upper Skagit], cover art by Madelyn Goodnight [Chickasaw], and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Young Adult Winning Title
Rez Ball, written by Byron Graves [Ojibwe], jacket art by Natasha Donovan [Métis], and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Several honor titles were named:

Picture Book Honor Titles
Celebration, by Lily Hope [Tlingit], illustrated by Kelsey Mata Foote [Tlingit], and published by Sealaska Heritage Institute; Contenders, by Traci Sorell [Cherokee], illustrated by Arigon Starr [Kickapoo], and published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House; Berry Song, written and illustrated by Michaela Goade [Tlingit], and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group; Remember, by Joy Harjo [Mvskoke], illustrated by Michaela Goade [Tlingit], and published by Random House Studio, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, a division of Penguin Random House; and Rock Your Mocs, by Laurel Goodluck [Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian], illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight [Chickasaw], and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

Middle-Grade Honor Titles
Eagle Drums, written and illustrated by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson [Iñupiaq], and published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing; Mascot, by Traci Sorell [Cherokee] and Charles Waters, jacket illustration by Nicole Neidhardt [Navajo], and published by Charlesbridge; Jo Jo Makoons: Fancy Pants, by Dawn Quigley [Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe], illustrated by Tara Audibert [Wolastoqey], and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; Jo Jo Makoons: Snow Day, by Dawn Quigley [Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe], illustrated by Tara Audibert [Wolastoqey], and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; She Persisted: Maria Tallchief, by Christine Day [Upper Skagit], illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint, and published by Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House; She Persisted: Wilma Mankiller, by Traci Sorell [Cherokee], illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint, and published by Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House; and She Persisted: Deb Haaland, by Laurel Goodluck [Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian], illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint, and published by Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Young Adult Honor Books
Warrior Girl Unearthed, by Angeline Boulley [Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians], jacket illustrations by Michaela Goade [Tlingit], and published by Henry Holt and Company, a division of Macmillan Publishing Group; Funeral Songs for Dying Girls, by Cherie Dimaline [Métis], published by Tundra Books, an imprint of Tundra Book Group, a division of Penguin Random House of Canada; Man Made Monsters, by Andrea L. Rogers [Cherokee], illustrations by Jeff Edwards [Cherokee], and published by Levine Querido, distributed by Chronicle Books; Running with Changing Woman, by Lorinda Martinez [Diné], cover design by Brittany Gene [Navajo], and published by Salina Bookshelf; and Heroes of the Water Monster, by Brian Young [Navajo], jacket art by Shonto Begay [Diné], and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature promotes Asian/Pacific American culture and heritage and is awarded based on literary and artistic merit. The award offers three youth categories-picture book, children's literature, and youth literature-and is administered by the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association, an affiliate of the American Library Association. This year's winners include:

The picture book winner is The Truth About Dragons, written by Julie Leung, illustrated by Hanna Cha, and published by Henry Holt and Company, a division of Macmillan Publishing Group. The committee selected one picture book honor title: Finding Papa, written by Angela Pham Krans, illustrated by Thi Bui, and published by HarperCollins Publishers.

The children's literature winner is Ruby Lost and Found, written by Christina Li and published by Quill Tree Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. The committee selected one children's literature honor title: Parachute Kids, written and illustrated by Betty C. Tang, and published by Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic.

The youth literature winner is I'd Rather Burn Than Bloom, written by Shannon C. F. Rogers, and published by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. The committee selected one youth literature honor title: In Limbo, written and illustrated by Deb JJ Lee, and published by First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing.

Sydney Taylor Book Award is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries since 1968, the award encourages the publication and widespread use of quality Judaic literature. This year's winners include:

This year's honor titles include:

The Sydney Taylor Body-of-Work Award recognizes an author or entity who has made a substantial contribution over time to the genre of Jewish children's literature. This year's winner is Joni Sussman.

Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, ALA awards guide parents, educators, librarians, and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by judging committees of librarians and other children's experts, the awards encourage original and creative work. For more information on the ALA Youth Media Awards and notables, please visit ala.org/yma.

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2024 Youth Media Award Winners | American Libraries Magazine

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ALA announced the recipients of its 2024 Youth Media Awards at its LibLearnX conference in Baltimore on January 22.

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