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The Choice is Yours

Young Adult Books with Characters Making Important Decisions

What would you do?  The growth of a young person is often tested by the decisions they make. When the outcome of a choice could have long lasting effects, the question of "What Would You Do" becomes an interesting one. The following young adult books feature lead characters in decision making scenarios where the outcome greatly impacts their lives moving forward. 

Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz cover

Challenge Accepted: Read Harder 2017

Challenge #20: Read an LGBTQ+ Romance Novel

2017 is here and a new year means new year resolutions and challenges. One reading challenge that I love to do is Book Riot’s Read Harder challenge. Instead of having people focus on a specific number of books, Read Harder challenges people to read different genres or authors that they may overlook. This year, there are 24 prompts for readers. This read feed will address the twentieth challenge, to read an LGBTQ+ romance novel. LBGTQ+ romance is a genre that is growing.

The Haters

Road Trip!

Young adult novels about hitting the road

Road trips are part of the American mythos - think Steinbeck hitting the road with just his dog, or the Kerouac searching for something more. But they're not only for pretentious dudes! Here are some great teen novel about traveling by car, whether for joyful summer fun, for an undesired move, or to save the world.   The Haters by Jesse Andrews

Emma Vol 5 cover

Emma by Kaoru Mori

Staff Recommendation

In late Victorian London, William Jones goes to visit his retired governess Mrs. Stowner. He hasn't seen her in several years. During his visit, William notices Emma, Mrs. Stowner's young maid. Their meeting is the beginning of a romance in the manga series Emma by Kaoru Mori, English translation by Sheldon Drzka.

The Bone Witch cover

Books to Encourage Flights of Fancy

It’s summer, which usually entails plans for fun and travel -- unless you cannot think of setting foot outside to face the heat. This season, therefore, calls for books that magically transport you away by the use of your imagination. Here are a number of choices that promise to do just that and more.

When the Moon Was Ours, by Anna Marie McLemore

Teens: Check Out LGBTQ YA at the Library!

Looking for a book to read this Pride Month? Check out these LGBTQ YA novels, new and old!

All American Boys

The Heart of the "Matter"

Young Adult books surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement

Young adult literature has done a remarkable job in covering social issues and recent events, and there have been quite a few to choose from as of late. Among those issues in recent years has been the relationship between police officers, and the emergence of the Black Lives Matter Movement. For those interested in learning about this organization, and the circumstances surrounding it, here are a few YA novels that speak to the Black Lives Matter movement.  

Cover of Grave Mercy

Picture this!

Historical Young Adult Literature

Usually when one thinks of young adult literature, the first associations that may come to mind are magic or fantasy. It’s safe to say that realistic fiction comes in close second – slice of life drama or texts that illustrate compelling characters. But readers looking for something different should try adding a little history to their YA selections – these novels might just broaden your perception of the quality literature that this genre has to offer.

book cover for "Rubyfruit Jungle" by Rita Mae Brown.

#OrlandoUnited

“When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak.” – Audre Lorde

Book cover of The Weight of Feathers

Tough Topics in YA: Inclusion

This month’s selections feature materials on the subject of inclusion and exclusion. It’s a topic that everyone can relate to regardless of age, race, or gender: feelings of being uncomfortable, that one does not belong, or that one does not simply “fit in” are universal. Perhaps because of this sentiment, this subject matter has been explored by several authors, although the topic has assumed a number of different forms in the YA genre.

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