Best of 2022: Teens

Created on April 6, 2024, 5:49 pm

Last Updated April 17, 2024, 1:02 pm

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"Hunter is the only gay member of an all boy band, and is going through a painful, public breakup due to his ex leaking their sexts. Now his band's label is trying to mold him into an "acceptable queer role model" for their young fans. This was a great YA read as Hunter learns more about his queer identity, and the chance to begin new relationships. A fun read for anyone who loves behind the scenes music, boy bands, and great friendship stories, but also explores tough topics like fame and the power of social media/the internet." - Katie T., Crofton Library
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"Chloe Green has been striving for valedictorian all her high school life and the only one in her way is perfect pretty prom queen Shara Wheeler. But everything gets flipped upside down when Shara Wheeler kisses her...and then disappears. Obsessed with figuring out what's happened with her rival, Chloe joins forces with two other people Shara has kissed before -- her boyfriend and her next-door neighbor -- to follow the trail of clues left. But as graduation approaches, Chloe finds that she doesn't need to just discover the truth about Shara, but about herself. Lighthearted, funny, and poignant, with the classic levity McQuiston brings to their stories, this book is sure to delight any YA romance fan." - Evangelina H., Mountain Road Library
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"The second book in the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, this book follows Evangeline as she works to break the curse set upon her new husband and kingdom. In exchange for Jacks’ -- her frenemy she refuses to admit feelings for – help, Evangeline agrees to help him open the locked archway, not knowing what will happen once it is open. The two travel together to new realms to find the keys for the door, and Evangeline quickly discovers truths about the Fates that have long been hidden within the lands. A companion for the Caraval series, this book is perfect for fans of YA fantasy and fairy tale reimaginings." - Allyn L., Crofton Library
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"YA historical fiction about a teen boy living in dictatorship Romania who gets blackmailed by the secret police into being a secret informer on his friends and family. I love all of Ruta Sepetys' books, they always hit me in the feels and are such captivating stories! I was so excited to see she had a new one come out this year and was not disappointed. Those who enjoy Historical Fiction and YA will also enjoy reading this." - Rachael T., Crofton Library
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"Self-Made Boys is part of the Remixed Classics series. This time, it’s The Great Gatsby with the same familiar story, except that Nick and Daisy’s family are Latinx and Nick and Gatsby are both transgender. These changes upend the dynamics of the original, bringing new complications and intrigue to the characters. A fun read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, and those who know the original will enjoy mapping out the references." - Leann C., Library Headquarters
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"Outside the walls of the world-famous Karloff Country Resort, the world is in the midst of conflict and destruction. Within those walls, Jay and his family and friends happily go about their lives as Karloff Country employees, students and residents. That is, until neighbors mysteriously begin to disappear and new families with wealth and power take up permanent residence in at the resort, putting unreasonable and increasingly deadly demands on Jay, his coworkers and family. Jay and his friends - including Seychelle, a member of the Karloff family - risk their lives to discover the evil history of Karloff Country and fight for survival against it. One of the scariest books I read this year." - Sharon L., Odenton Library
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Heartstopper volume 4
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"Charlie and Nick's relationship continues in volume 4, and is the perfect continuation if the new TV series left you wanting more. Charlie thinks he's ready to say those three special words, but Nick has a lot on his mind. He's worried about Charlie's eating habits, and coming out to his dad. Volume 4 is full of the heartwarming charm, and gentle handling of tough topic this series is known for, and your heart will be left warm and fuzzy." - Katie T., Crofton Library
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"Intense and dark right from the beginning. No punches held in this gory apocalyptic world where the idea of angels takes on a wholly different connotation. Man-made abominations mutated by a disease dubbed "the flood" - provides an all too creepily realistic modern-day smite of humanity. And on top of all THAT, you have Benji trying to embrace his true self as a trans teen while also trying to survive in the chaos in which he plays a huge part as "Seraph." I listened to the audiobook and loved the narration." - Lorelei B., Glen Burnie Library
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"Best friends Linus and Harrison are ending the summer on a bittersweet note: Linus has discovered he and his dad will be moving to South Carolina in a matter of days. Inspired by family movie night featured film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," Harrison plans the greatest "Ferris Day" ever to provide Linus with memories of Baltimore and the Baltimore Pride celebration he will never forget. But things don't go quite as planned, and unanticipated experiences and adventures ensue. This is a big, warm hug of a book that features memorable characters - including the city of Baltimore!" - Sharon L, Odenton Library
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"Salahudin and Noor, two first-generation Pakistani-Americans, are both doing their best to get through high school while navigating serious challenges at home. Noor wants nothing more than to escape her town to attend college, in spite of her guardian's refusal to support her. Salahudin struggles to find any way possible to earn the money needed to keep his family's motel open after his mother's death - all while attempting to rebuild a fractured friendship and harboring deep personal secrets that may damage their relationship irrevocably. Sabaa Tahir moves from writing fantasy (the Ember in the Ashes series) to this remarkable YA novel that seamlessly weaves themes of friendship, the immigrant experience in America, and living through trauma. It is a beautiful, heartbreaking story, and the 2022 National Book Award winner for Young Peoples Literature." - Sharon L., Odenton Library
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"When the beloved of Mina's brother is chosen to be sacrificed as the Sea God's bride, Mina decides to take her place in attempting to appease the god's wrath. With this action, Mina becomes *** into the Spirit Realm and discovers that all is not what it seems. If she really wants to save her village, she has to do what no Sea God's bride has done yet -- and do it before her human body succumbs to the land of the spirits. This book is filled with wonderful, mythology-inspired worldbuilding, engaging character dynamics, and just enough unexpected plot beats to keep readers on their toes. Perfect for readers who love mythology-influenced YA fantasy stories, such as those by Elizabeth Lim or Roshani Chokshi." - Evangelina H., Mountain Road Library
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