Staff Picks by Tag

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Flowerheart By Catherine Bakewell Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9780063214590
Availability: On our shelves now at one or more of our stores
Published: HarperTeen - March 14th, 2023

Trust when I say this is the cottagecore fantasy you have been waiting for! Clara's story is rife with romance and magic, but the heart of it all is a young woman just trying to save her father and regain control of her life.


Review by Madison

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Hell Followed with Us By Andrew Joseph White Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9781682633243
Availability: On our shelves now at one or more of our stores
Published: Peachtree Teen - June 7th, 2022

The cover caught your eye, didn’t it? 
 
 
Here’s the rundown: Trans kids fight a cult in a post-apocalyptic world. Here’s a little more: queer rage, religious trauma, “eat your oppressors”, body horror elucidating the trans experience, visceral and atmospheric descriptions of body mutilation and gore, gender dysphoria, and religious zealots trying to destroy the world. This story is for anyone who has felt queer, trans, or autistic rage, the kind of rage from being told you shouldn’t exist because the system told us so. Despite all its dark moments, it is powerful and hopeful, with completely unforgettable characters that make you feel like they are your found family.
 

 


Review by Javi

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Out of the Blue By Jason June Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9780063015203
Availability: On our shelves now at one or more of our stores
Published: HarperTeen - May 31st, 2022

I'm not much of a YA reader, I couldn't say they last time I read one. That said, I very much so enjoyed this! A tender, sweet and often times hilarious story of young queer love. I recommend this to anyone looking for a light, heartwarming read to sit in the sun with.


Review by Zack

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Love Radio By Ebony LaDelle Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9781665908153
Availability: On our shelves now at one or more of our stores
Published: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - May 31st, 2022

I adore Ebony LaDelle’s ability to write vulnerability without it becoming overwhelming.

Despite the fact that Dani has isolated herself to avoid confronting a terrible memory and Prince is sacrificing his dreams to take care of his chronically ill mother, this book is full of joy and healing. 

Pick up Love Radio, and maybe you’ll find some healing, too. 


Review by Madison

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As If on Cue By Marisa Kanter Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9781534445802
Availability: On our shelves now at one or more of our stores
Published: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - September 21st, 2021

I’ve got a weak spot for a YA enemies-to-lovers romance, but the feud between the band kids and theater kids made this book irresistible. Kanter totally captures the complex overwhelming stress of high school…including how it breaks friendships as easily as it makes them.

Oh, and the best part? Kanter’s love for Jewish culture shines on every page.


Review by Madison

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The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea By Axie Oh Cover Image
By Axie Oh
$18.99
ISBN: 9781250780867
Availability: On our shelves now at one or more of our stores
Published: Feiwel & Friends - February 22nd, 2022

Axie Oh defies expectations with this feminist re-telling of The Tale of Shim Cheong. This book is a deep dive (literally) into Korean folklore and perfect for lovers of fairy tales!


Review by Madison

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Vinyl Moon By Mahogany L. Browne Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780593176436
Availability: Out of stock, usually available in 3-10 days
Published: Crown Books for Young Readers - January 11th, 2022

From Cali to Brooklyn, Angel has her new classmates, her Uncle Spence, and her music playlists to help heal her broken arm and her spirit from her troubled past. We also see her make a home within the words of Toni Morrison, Tayari Jones, and James Baldwin, discovering Black authors through the guidance of her teachers. Browne's novel shines as a beautiful balance between the light and dark sides of being a teenager. 


Review by Emily

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All My Rage: A Novel By Sabaa Tahir Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9780593202340
Availability: On our shelves now at one or more of our stores
Published: Razorbill - March 1st, 2022

This beautifully crafted, inter-generational story follows two childhood friends during their final year of high school in a small Mojave desert town. I was instantly drawn into the lives of Salahudin and Noor as they navigate grief, the unpredictability of their parental figures, racism, isolating secrets and fears. Told in alternating perspectives, you cannot help but rage against all the obstacles they face. Sabaa Tahir tells their story so eloquently, you will not be able to put it down and it will stay with you long after you’ve read the final page.


Review by Rene

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A Forgery of Roses By Jessica S. Olson Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9781335418661
Availability: Out of stock, usually available in 3-10 days
Published: Inkyard Press - March 29th, 2022

A moody and atmospheric murder mystery with a unique setting and magic system. This book does a great job representing anxiety and chronic illness without making them hurdles for the characters to overcome.


Review by Sarah B.

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Hunted by the Sky (The Wrath of Ambar #1) By Tanaz Bhathena Cover Image
$10.99
ISBN: 9781250792037
Availability: On our shelves now at one or more of our stores
Published: Square Fish - May 25th, 2021

This medieval India-inspired tale is full of mythology, goddesses and magic. A prophecy has destroyed everything in Gul's life, now she'll stop at nothing to avenge her family. Cavas wants nothing more than to care for his sick father, but a mysterious girl threatens to upend all his plans. As their lives intertwine, the fate of their kingdom is thrown into chaos.


Review by Sarah B.

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