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Victory. Stand! Raising my Fist for Justice by Dr. Tommie Smith and Derrick Barnes

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Victory. Stand! Raising my Fist for Justice by Dr. Tommie Smith and Derrick Barnes

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In 1968, after winning the gold medal in the 200m sprint at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, two young Black men raised a black leather gloved fist in protest during the national anthem. Newsweek named him “The Angry Black Athlete.” Victory.Stand! Raising my Hand for Justice  is the autobiographical graphic novel by the athlete & activist Dr. Tommie Smith. This book follows Smith from his childhood as the son of sharecropping parents and through his path to self discovery through college, the Olympics, and as a teacher & coach at Oberlin. I would recommend this book The content and the striking black & white illustrations write history in a way that is impactful and relevant to young people today.

-Isabella Rodriguez, Calvert Library

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Twenty-four Seconds from Now... by Jason Reynolds

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Twenty-four Seconds from Now... by Jason Reynolds

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I think this book is great for YA readers who are experiencing many of their firsts including their first relationship. This book does a really great job at encompassing the myriad of emotions that you feel in high school--about yourself, the people around you, and the future. It's all the anxieties and butterflies but with strong supporting characters that ground Neon, the main character, as he navigates his ideas and plans about intimacy with his girlfriend Aria. It tackles the way that love and intimacy can look different in relationships and expresses the idea that even if the expression of these moments are nit what you imagined, that it doesn't make the meaning any less.

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Louder Than Words by Ashley Woodfolk and Lexi Underwood

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Louder Than Words by Ashley Woodfolk and Lexi Underwood

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This book would be good for a teen between the ages of 13-16 who may struggle with self-image, past mistakes and how to forgive themselves and others. This book is about a young girl named Jordyn who transfers to a new high school and is ready to put her "old self" in the trash. People seem to already know her past, though, and as she falls in love, makes friends, and starts to truly change her ways, her friends and her secrets are now in danger of exposure. Written by Black authors, this book is a story of self-discovery, growth, change and forgiveness and may touch the hearts of many who are on the same journey.

-Kendra Hyater, Charles County Public Library

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A girl with no magic in a world where powerful people are in charge. Paedyn Gray spent her life stealing to survive and staying out of trouble. But when she accidentally ends up in a deadly competition meant for the strongest fighters, she has to pretend she has powers or she’ll be killed.

Teens who want a fantasy romance book with a similar feel to "The Hunger Games" would probably enjoy this one. - Shannon Solomon, ACLS

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I feel like teens would be drawn to this story as it is a really engaging tale of mystery and horror. The story focuses on a group of teens that are trying to uncover the reasoning behind their friend's suicide, a series of odd disappearances, and a deadly serial killer known as the "Man in the Afternoon". This story is also unique in that it is a graphic novel as well, so for teens who prefer a more visual narrative this story is a great fit!

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I would recommend this book to any teen who is trying to find their place in this world as it resonates with a lot of our youth in their journey to self-acceptance. It talks about a young person, Mags, who is about to graduate from high school and enter the real world, but not without a million questions about herself, making decisions, keeping secrets and facing consequences. When Mags is at her lowest point, she is reunited with a person from her past who comes as a saving grace and helps her navigate through these tough patches an allows her to trust again. She brings back core memories from the past and shows her glimpses of the future. It is a story about love, courage, hope, and survival. Most importantly it is about real life! - Marya Siddiqui, MCPL

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Over the span of one day, Knowles’ novel offers glimpses into the intertwined lives of nine teens and one high school teacher.

These days, “to read between the lines” means two very different things: One, with a gesture, is the ultimate insult, and the other is to garner more insight than is readily apparent. Here, both definitions fit. Each character either receives or “gives the finger," and each chapter provides a “between the lines” peek into the characters’ lives, always revealing a disconnect between the realities of their lives and the ways in which they are perceived by others.

-Tara Miller, FCPL

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The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea by Axie Oh

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The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea by Axie Oh

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This book is a retelling of a Korean folktale and has lovely magical, mystical vibes. Mina dives under the sea to face the Sea God, but finds herself in the middle of the politics of the Spirit Realm and must find a way to fight back. Anyone who loves mythology retelling will love this story!

-Caitlin McCubbin, Cecil County

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I would recommend City Boy to Teens and Adults that are looking for a genuine new hero that experiences his own unique challenges and heroic journey with a bit more grit than the classic Avenger-types. City Boy is a unique take on a superhero that bucks the most overplayed tropes of the comic book industry. It follows Cameron Kim, aka City Boy, who can communicate with cities and is even able to manipulate it. The powers are interesting and really help immerse the character in his element, but it’s the emergent storyline that really drew me in. Cameron is alone, seemingly abandoned by his mother, and furious, but his evolution over the course of the story, his meaningful interactions with preexisting characters in DC, really cemented the book’s impression. Furthermore, this is very much the story of a Korean American and it helped me to empathize with a character’s experiences, emotions, and motivations that were similar to but also extremely different from my own. This work was part of DC’s “We Are Legends” initiative, which combined Asian characters with Asian storytellers.

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Anyone who loved The Great Gatsby, hated it, or was simply bored of reading it for class will be lit up inside by this gorgeous retelling, which shakes the insides out of the classic and fills it to the brim so confidently with the lives of people who the original novel would hardly even wink at, you won't miss or even think about anyone besides these three marginalized teens and their attempts to reinvent themselves in West Egg/East Egg. The joys of a classic going public domain, and the pleasures of an unfolding romance and the pursuit of happiness worth the struggle - and more than that, connection against the odds - for Nick Caraveo, who is a 17-year-old Mexican American trans man, and Jay Gatsby, as well as Nick's cousin, Daisy Fay. - Dyanne Tsai, MCPL

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By: Anna-Marie McLemore Three teens chase their own version of the American Dream during the Roaring 20s in this YA remix of The Great Gatsby. New York City, 1922. Nicolás Caraveo, a 17-year-old Latinx transgender boy from Minnesota, has no interest in the city’s glamor. He rents a small house in West Egg from his 18-y

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I chose this book for my 18 year old son, it is by a Scottish author named Ali Smith and this is her latest novel Gliff. Set in Britain, Gliff is narrated by Briar/Brice, a smart teenager of no defined gender. Briar and their little sister Rose are made unexpectedly homeless and parentless, when they find a red border drawn around their house.

As they eventually discover, the surveillant government has demarcated their family as ‘Unverifiable’ as it does anyone who falls outside of its recognized parameters, especially the poor and the placeless. This book has dystopian elements and humor and shows us the importance of being seen as an individual when the current world wants to reduce us to algorithm's and usable data.

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Jun and his father have been banished from his home, away from his mother and twin brother. He felt ashamed of his part in it, but he believes he can redeem himself and his father if he were to win the Guardian’s Tournament, something his father strictly forbids him from participating in. The Guardian’s Tournament is a competition held every six years to see who the best warrior is to entrust the protection of the magical Scroll of Earth. Jun is at a disadvantage to other warriors that compete in the tournament; he is not breathmarked. He is not born with a patch of dragon scales, meaning he is not blessed with special abilities that could aid his martial arts skills. Instead, he is resilient and stubborn; after years of practicing his skills, he won’t give up his chance to prove his worth even if he is viewed as a disobedient son. Once Jun gets to the tournament it seems there is more to it than just proving his worth. Caught between political conflict, Jun soon realizes he isn’t just fighting for himself, but for the fate of the country.

This is a good book for any teen that likes fantasy, martial arts, and a main character who has do a little bit of growing up to see the bigger picture . -Cara Meserve (she/her), HCPL

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Seven tickets. An island of dreams. The chance of a lifetime. Welcome to the Grandest Game, an annual competition run by billionaire Avery Grambs and the four infamous Hawthorne brothers, whose family fortune she inherited. Designed to give anyone a shot at fame and fortune, this year’s game requires one of seven golden tickets to enter. With millions on the line, those seven players will do whatever it takes to win.

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The Inheritance Games is the first book in this series but it is over the three year requirement for this assignment. However, an online review and recommendations of The Grandest Game installment in this series has me wanting to start the entire series from the beginning because it seems like it's for me after completing a reader's advisory of myself. Solving riddles and playing mystery games in a book? I'm sold!

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This coming-of-age fantasy is a perfect read for any teen exploring their gender identity or drawn to a lifestyle that may not be traditionally accessible to them It marks the beginning of the unwritten trilogy "Daughters of the Empty Throne," featuring a trans femme witch as the main character. --Bonnie Ramsburg, WCFL

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Without shying away from mature topics, "Don't Let the Forest In" is the perfect title for those who grew up preferring classics, LITERARY fiction, and "darker" books. It's the perfect title for someone who is struggling to find a YA book that lives up to the greatness YA novels used to carry. Bonus: is it not defined by hashtags and described as "this-core; that-esque" on Barnes & Noble's site. Great for fans of The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod & Cirque du Freak series; fans of Lovecraft, Agatha Christie, Poe, Lemony Snicket, and in general, the Romantic movement. Also: Little Shop of Horrors. Angsty, artsy teens navigating their inner horrors and anyone who wants a better grasp at what mental health issues beyond depression look like-- "Don't Let the Forest In" is a must-read mad romantic tribute to art. What begins as a schoolhouse friendship between a writer and artist ~grows~ into a multi-branched tale of monsters. || Tisha J. Chakraborty, WCPL

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Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

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Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

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YA and adult readers who like fantasy will enjoy this exciting read.

In this fantasy novel the magic disappears because of a ruthless king. Read to find out if Zelie is able to outwit the crown prince who wants to eradicate magic for good. Oh and there is also a love story to keep you reading - forbidden love - read to see.

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This retelling of the Fall of Icarus hots a lot of boxes for a variety of teen interests. The emotions and relationships the main character deals with are vibrant and intense. It touches on young romance, found family, parental relationships, and the very distinct relatable feeling that the world is falling heavy on your shoulders only to find out there are people who want to share your perceived burdens. I would also recommend this to teens who want to tackle a slightly more mature writing style/prose. Also, the obvious draw, it's a Greek mythology retelling! Perfect for Percy Jackson lovers! - Amber Shipley (she/her) Allegany County Library System

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This book is great for any teen who likes sci-fi (specifically in a future/dystopian/space setting), LGBTQ+ representation, and rebellious characters. One read-alike is the series Paper Girls, which I am a huge fan of, and one of the draws for me to this book. - Joan Firestein, BCPL

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Lilah is stuck in the middle. At least, that's what having a hearing loss seems like sometimes--when you don't feel "deaf enough" to identify as Deaf or hearing enough to meet the world's expectations. But this summer, Lilah is ready for a change. This book is great for teens who loved the movie CODA and/or are interested in deaf culture. This book also deals with typical teen problems such as wanting to fit in/ romantic triangles. This book is a great way for teens to get an insight into what it feels like to have a disability. - Molly Parchment, FCPL

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The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste

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The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste

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"The Poisons We Drink" by Bethany Baptiste features our main character, Venus Stoneheart, as she brews illegal love potions to help support her family. Brewing potions brings a terrible cost to her physical health, and if she were to get caught, it would mean a death sentence. In this dystopian world, Venus's life change forever after the murder of her mother, and the offer for revenge against her mother's killer comes from the Grand Witcher, the ruthless and powerful head of her coven. But when faced with the corruption of the world around her, Venus doesn't know who she can trust (including herself). This book is for fans of dystopian novels, BIPOC representation in fantasy, urban fantasy, sisterhood, and the power of love and family above all else. - Lizzie Gill, Calvert Library (she/they)

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This book, and the entire Remixed Classics series, would be good for teens who are interested in the classic novels they're being taught in school, but may be struggling to connect with them. (Having previously read a novel similar to the Remixed series helped me a lot when I was assigned Frankenstein as a young teenager!) My Dear Henry is a reimagining of Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde featuring a Black queer protagonist trying again to finish medical school after being expelled due to scandal, and connecting with a mysterious new friend who claims to be rather close with his old friend Henry Jekyll. I would recommend this book especially to teens who have an interest in mystery and horror media, with a warning that it can be quite gory! -Rachel Davis, Charles County

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This title would be great for a teen who likes art/comics, is looking for a coming of age graphic novel, and figuring out how to straddle their cultural identity. A quote from a SLJ review: "Fajardo explores themes of sisterhood, bilingualism, and intergenerational conflicts and resolutions in this delightful and often touching volume". - Felicia MCPL

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As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

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As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

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This powerful book is best suited for someone with an interest in historical fiction. It is a gripping tale of a resilient teenage girl with an unwavering love for her country who battles to survive the Syrian Revolution. Readers should be advised that this book contains heavy themes such as violence, trauma, and war. But amongst all this there is also love, hope and reminder that there is light even in the darkest of times.

-Shannon B, AACPL

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Black Girl You are Atlas by Renée Watson

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Black Girl You are Atlas by Renée Watson

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I think Black female teens would really enjoy how this collection of poems encourages them to "step into their power" and gives an insight into the intersection of race, class, and gender issues that they may also be facing. -Logan Neuman (she/her), FCPL

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This novel about a basketball phenom, Tre, from the Red Lake Ojibwe reservation in Northern Minnesota could resonate with a lot of high-school-aged teens who feel like sports offers an escape from real-life stresses. Tre's story will remind readers that the confidence and success they might feel on the basketball court (or swimming pool or soccer field) can be an important aspect of their life and identity, but that their full identity is shaped by so much more than just what fans might see. - Kathie Smarick

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Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang and Leuyen Pham

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Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang and Leuyen Pham

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This book address the struggles teens pressures in school and struggles they face being in relationships. It's beautifully illustrated and keeps the reader interested it the main character Valentina's journey to understand who she as a high schooler, understand her our family and culture but understand what love really is. -Holly Volmer, QACL

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This book is for teens who are interested in civic engagement and social justice as well as those who are just in the process of trying to find their own purpose and power. The protagonist, a Muslim teen still reeling from the sudden abandonment of her father, is then forced to finish out her senior year of high school in a new town. That's hard enough, but when Noor discovers that the school district is banning books - and that most of them are works by queer and BIPOC authors - she finds herself on the frontlines of the battle against book banning.

-Sharon Pruitt-Young, HCLS

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The Blood Years by Elana K. Arnold is best suited for teens who are interested in historical fiction, particularly stories about World War II and Jewish resistance. It’s a great choice for readers who appreciate stories about personal resilience, survival, and the emotional toll of war through a deeply personal lens.

It’s also a meaningful read for teens looking for emotionally complex stories with strong, determined protagonists. Rieke’s journey offers an intimate look at the realities of persecution, making it an impactful choice for readers who want to engage with themes of identity and oppression.

Because of mature themes like violence, trauma, and difficult historical realities, this book is best for thoughtful readers who can engage with heavier content. It would work well for a book club or classroom discussion, especially in the context of Holocaust education and historical empathy.

—Mamie Gorée, FCPL (she/her)

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The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again Today by Hitsuzi Yamada

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The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again Today by Hitsuzi Yamada

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This series is for the lover of light hearted fantasy, and human sized cats. I picked this book because it was such a fun read, it really made me smile. Saku is a young woman having a hard time adulting, thankfully she has Yukichi, her human sized black cat to take care of her. While Saku is working at her first job, Yukichi is cleaning house, shopping and cooking meals. While the Saku, Yukichi dynamic is great, the people in the neighborhood's reaction to Yukichi is hilarious!- Jane Brown BCPL

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The Masterful Cat Is Depressed Again Today Vol. 1

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Amazon.com: The Masterful Cat Is Depressed Again Today Vol. 1: 9781648276057: Yamada, Hitsuzi: Books

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Honestly, I'm really curious about this book. Vampire sisters who moonlight as owls? Disappearing girlfriends? It's for readers of fantasy, history, and a little bit of paranormal romance.

-Juliana Sedgley, FCPL

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The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

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The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

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This book is for teens who have felt pressured to fit into a box or hide who they are. We all sometimes struggle with self-acceptance, and Yamilet Flores is no different. This books is great for teens who love realistic fiction, humor, vulnerability and LGBTQ+ representation. -Kat Gonzalez, Charles County

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An accompaning live action series on Netflix and long running anime series. Teens find this engaging and enjoyable. I have an early teen who was reluctant to read. This manga has drawn him to read more and explore the ins and outs of the One Piece universe.

-Alex Roper ESRL

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I asked the 5 questions in this assignment of my friend Andrea. She told me she liked fantasy stories with deep, detailed, and colorful worlds. She also loves nature and animals, which are huge themes in this manga. She mentioned she loves linguistics and other cultures, so this Japanese Manga seemed like a great fit. I used the Manga Critic to find this book. After choosing this book I told Andrea about it and she said she had already read it and she loved it. So I guess I did a good job identifying her taste!

-Jess Shipley (he/him) ACLS

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Come for the great illustrations, stay for the great characters! Geneva Bowers blends humor and heart in this story of two cousins- turned superheroes. Definitely for lovers of urban fantasy, anime/ manga, and superheroes.

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I think teens who struggle with other people's perceptions of them and with mental health will embrace this story. Great Asian American rep, depression rep, and emphasis on activism!

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Young adults or adults would love to read this mystery based on three young adults trying to find answers about why they are being terrorized after receiving an ominous meme on Halloween night!

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I think teens will be drawn in by the strong Black female main character and the fresh take on a vampire story

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I think teens who are interested in historical fiction as well as a strong multiracial teen would enjoy reading this culturally sensitive story .