Young Adult

Graphic novel about choice and responsibility that will be a hit with any of your teens interested in DC comics (the characters were originally developed by legendary cartoonist Jack Kirby) or graphic novels. Excited that this is the first in a series.

In this pulse-pounding tech-thriller, Heath creates a world where everyone knows when you lie – and telling the truth doesn’t always set you free. First book in a series of five.

Forgive me for not having put this book on a previous list. Shame on me, as Draper is one of my favorite young adult authors and I love this trilogy about life at Hazelwood High. After the death of his longtime friend in a car accident, Andy, the driver, blames himself and cannot get past his guilt and pain. While his other friends have managed to work through their grief and move on, Andy allows death to become the focus of his life. In the months that follow the accident, the lives of Andy and his friends are traced through a series of letters, articles, homework assignments and dialogues, and it becomes clear that Tigers do indeed need to cry.

Ideal book for Black History Month. In this essential autobiographical account by one of the Civil Rights Movement’s most powerful figures, Melba Pattillo Beals of the Little Rock Nine explores not only the oppressive force of racism, but the ability of young people to change ideas of race and identity.

The extraordinary memoir of an orphan who danced her way from war-torn Sierra Leone to ballet stardom, most recently appearing in Beyonce’s Lemonade and as a principal in a major American dance company.

I want my middles schoolers and high schoolers to start the year off right, especially during these trying times. This book insists students should stop comparing themselves to others. After all, Teddy Roosevelt said that “comparison is the thief of joy.” In this fun, practical guide, teens will learn how to silence their nit-picky inner critics, cultivate self-compassion and discover what really matters to them.

Too many books for teens are negative and depressing, so I love encouraging students to read books that lift them up with positive messages. The daily devotionals found in this book will build up your teens rather than tear them down.

Mia Winchell has synesthesia, the mingling of perceptions whereby a person can see sounds, smell colors, or taste shapes. Forced to reveal her condition, she must look to herself to develop an understanding and appreciation of her gift in this coming-of-age novel for tweens.

Subtitled “The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination,” this little-know Scottish author offers words of wisdom to students – based on her 2008 Harvard commencement address.

Captivating memoir from the popular PBS host, this book chronicles a young man's budding scientific curiosity that began some thirty years ago on the roof of his Bronx apartment building and eventually led him to become the director of the Hayden Planetarium. A unique account of a young man who at one time was both nerd and jock, Tyson's memoir could well inspire other similarly curious youngsters to pursue their dreams. Great inspiration for classroom discussions.

A hit with all Marvel fans. For those who get mixed up with the different Thor movies confused by which Avengers villain is which, fear not! This book takes fans into this pop-culture colossus, and answers the questions most casual observers are dying to ask.

Wolverine, Deadpool, Doctor Doom, Thanos…there's one hero that's beaten them all-and now she's got her own ongoing series (Not that she's bragging.)! It's Squirrel Girl! Fun and goofy.

Charlotte is one of the “Forgotten,” a kind of angel on earth who feels the Need – a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger. Page-turning supernatural romance that even a few of my high school boys appreciated.

There are sixty-five days of summer. Thirteen-year-old Nina Ross hatches a plan. Every day, she'll anonymously do one small but remarkable good thing for someone in her neighborhood, and find out: does doing good actually make a difference? Along the way, she discovers that her neighborhood, and her family, are full of surprises and secrets.

Born with a rare genetic condition, Lizzie Velasquez always knew she was different, but it wasn't until she was older that she understood what that meant to herself and others. In this daring, inspirational book, Lizzie reveals the hidden forces that give rise to self-doubt and empowers us to unlock empathy and kindness for ourselves and others. Through her own battles with anxiety and depression she demonstrates how we can overcome obstacles and move forward with greater positivity and hope.