Best Books of 2017
for Teens
Best Teen Fantasy
"THE SPEAKER" by Traci Chee
The adventure continues in Chee's second installment of the Sea of Ink and Gold series. Sefia and Archer have escaped the Guard, but the danger is far from over.
"Filled with even more magic and intrigue than its predecessor, this is a gripping follow-up that will leave readers speculating and wanting more."
"THE BONE QUEEN: CADVAN'S STORY" by Alison Croggon
Croggon takes readers back 50 years before the four original books in her Pellinor series for this prequel about a malevolent spirit breaking into the World.
"Magnificent yet intimate, dark yet tender. "
"DREADNOUGHT" by April Daniels
Danny's having a moment to herself when super famous superhero Dreadnought drops out of the sky and dies in her arms—but not before passing her his powers.
"A thoroughly enjoyable, emotionally rich, action-packed story with the most exciting new superheroes in decades. Unmissable."
"SOVEREIGN" by April Daniels
It's been nine months since the last Dreadnought was blown apart and he transferred the mantle—and the responsibilities—to teenager Danny Tozer, and she's already world-weary.
"Daniels doesn't just perfectly "queer the capes," she delivers a book that's tightly packed with brilliantly rendered fights, nail-biting scenes of peril, emotional authenticity, and a perfect first kiss."
"BURIED HEART" by Kate Elliott
"High-fantasy series rarely attract serious literary scrutiny, yet when done well—as here—no genre is better fitted to trace the threads of history from past to present and explore the fascinating patterns they weave."
"SHADOWHOUSE FALL" by Daniel José Older
"This second volume features a tighter plot and smoother pacing than the first, and the ending will leave readers eagerly awaiting the further adventures of Sierra and her friends."
"BEASTS MADE OF NIGHT" by Tochi Onyebuchi
"This tale moves beyond the boom-bang, boring theology of so many fantasies—and, in the process, creates, almost griotlike, a paean to an emerging black legend."
"THE DIRE KING" by William Ritter
"A humorous, energetic, action-packed, and magical conclusion."
"SONG OF THE CURRENT" by Sarah Tolcser
"Tolcser blends the right amount of epic fantasy, sea voyage, and romance for a rollicking, swashbuckling adventure."
Best Teen Mysteries & Thrillers
"GRIT" by Gillian French
"Gorgeously written and helmed by a protagonist with an indelibly fierce heart."
"OVERTURNED" by Lamar Giles
"Nikki is a totally appealing character: gutsy, practical, and strong, at the head of a cast of well-drawn supporting characters. An utterly compelling whodunit."
"FIREBRAND" by A.J. Hartley
"Readers who come for the tightly plotted mystery will stay for the heroine who does all she can to resist."
"A LINE IN THE DARK" by Malinda Lo
"Lo has delivered an intricate tapestry of narrative, woven in a labyrinthine pattern of secrets and colored with intersecting hues of Chinese-American identity, the dark intensity of relationships, and telltale stains of blood. Mesmerizing. "
"DISAPPEARED" by Francisco X. Stork
"A tense thriller elevated by Stork's nuanced writing and empathy for every character, including the villains—superb."
"THE PEARL THIEF" by Elizabeth Wein
"Another ripping yarn from a brilliant author."
Best Teen Science Fiction
"LANDSCAPE WITH INVISIBLE HAND" by M.T. Anderson
"Resplendent with Anderson's trademark dry, sarcastic wit, this brief, complicated read serves as a scathing social commentary and, as the title indicates, an interrogation of free market economics."
"EMPRESS OF A THOUSAND SKIES" by Rhoda Belleza
"This is a multiplanet, multiculture, multitech world and a timely tale. An exceptionally satisfying series opener."
"ARROW OF LIGHTNING" by Joseph Bruchac
"If the bleak world Lozen's people and their allies have inherited is deeply scarred, this gripping saga suggests that where change is possible, hope for the future remains."
"THE MARROW THIEVES" by Cherie Dimaline
"A dystopian world that is all too real and that has much to say about our own."
"THE FORETELLING OF GEORGIE SPIDER" by Ambelin Kwaymullina
"If the plot's complex, the theme resounding through this powerful trilogy couldn't be clearer: we have the power to choose love over hate and life over death, to forgive ourselves and others; either all life matters or none of it does."
"WARCROSS" by Marie Lu
"BLACK LIGHT EXPRESS" by Philip Reeve
"Even new readers can glean enough back story to catch up. Hop aboard and prepare for the ride of your life."
"THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END" by Adam Silvera
"Engrossing, contemplative, and as heart-wrenching as the title promises."
Best Teen Romances
"THE LINES WE CROSS" by Randa Abdel-Fattah
"A meditation on a timely subject that never forgets to put its characters and their stories first."
"LITTLE & LION" by Brandy Colbert
"Readers will empathize with Suzette as she explores both her sexuality and the tricky line between honesty and betrayal."
"WILD BEAUTY" by Anna-Marie McLemore
"Part mystery, part love story, this evocative, lush novel is a delight for sophisticated readers."
"WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI" by Sandhya Menon
"Heartwarming, empathetic, and often hilarious—a delightful read."
"RAMONA BLUE" by Julie Murphy
"Ramona’s first-person narration is tender and compelling, and the love she feels for the diverse cast of secondary characters is palpable. An exquisite, thoughtful exploration of the ties that bind and the fluidity of relationships, sexuality, and life."
"THE AUTHENTICS" by Abdi Nazemian
"Full of surprises both cultural and emotional, and narrated in the strong voice of a memorable protagonist, this is a tale of integrity, identity, family, love, and sacrifice that is sure to satisfy."
"RELEASE" by Patrick Ness
"Ness has the ability to drop highly charged emotion bombs in the least expected places and infuse each of them with poignant memories, sharp emotions, and beautifully rendered prose so moving it may cause readers to pause and reflect. Literary, illuminating, and stunningly told."
"LOVING VS. VIRGINIA: A DOCUMENTARY NOVEL OF THE LANDMARK CIVIL RIGHTS CASE" by Patricia Hruby Powell,
"A song of love vs. a cacophony of hate—all in a beautiful model of bookmaking."
"IT'S NOT LIKE IT'S A SECRET" by Misa Sugiura
"Sugiura thoughtfully explores intersecting issues of race, immigrant-family relationships, queer romance, and, less explicitly, class dynamics . Well-paced, brimming with drama, and utterly vital."
Best Teen Historical Fiction
"YVAIN: THE KNIGHT OF THE LION" by M.T. Anderson
"A compulsively readable and eminently enjoyable retelling that breathes new life into an old classic."
"CROSSING EBENEZER CREEK" by Tonya Bolden
"A poetic, raw, and extraordinary imagining of a little-known, shameful chapter in American history."
"GLOW" by Megan E. Bryant
"A riveting story of ambitious and self-sufficient women, both in the present and past."
"AN UNINTERRUPTED VIEW OF THE SKY" by Melanie Crowder
"A riveting, Dickensian tale set in 1990s Bolivia."
"BULL" by David Elliott
"Irresistible, slick, and sharp (no bull!)—with plenty of bull to dissect."
"A SKINFUL OF SHADOWS" by Frances Hardinge
"Deliberate, impeccable, and extraordinary."
"THE OCEAN IN MY EARS" by Meagan Macvie
"An unforgettable journey to adulthood."
"WHEN MORNING COMES" by Arushi Raina
"This timely reminder of the power and passion of young people contextualizes current student protests by honoring those of the past."
"THE AGONY OF BUN O'KEEFE" by Heather Smith
"Bun O'Keefe will settle comfortably at home in readers' hearts."
Best Contemporary Teen Reads
"SOLO" by Kwame Alexander, Mary Rand Hess
"A contemporary hero's journey, brilliantly told."
"SAINTS AND MISFITS" by S.K. Ali
"This quiet read builds to a satisfying conclusion; readers will be glad to make space in their hearts—and bookshelves—for Janna Yusuf."
"FAR FROM THE TREE" by Robin Benway
"From the first page to the last, this compassionate, funny, moving, compulsively readable novel about what makes a family gets it right."
"DREAMS BEYOND THE SHORE" by Tamika Gibson
"A beautiful, gently woven reflection on family, choices, and the power of perception."
"THAT THING WE CALL A HEART" by Sheba Karim
"Populated by complicated characters who are so well described readers will feel they might bump into them on the street, Karim's second novel delivers on its title's promise."
"WONDERFUL FEELS LIKE THIS" by Sara Lövestam
"Sensitive and deeply moving: outstanding."
"THE INEXPLICABLE LOGIC OF MY LIFE" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
"The author of Printz Honor-winning Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe offers another stellar, gentle look into the emotional lives of teens on the cusp of adulthood."
"BEAUTIFUL BROKEN GIRLS" by Kim Savage
"The girls’ secrets pack a gut punch that lingers. Haunting and mesmerizing."
"DRESS CODES FOR SMALL TOWNS" by Courtney Stevens
"A spirited, timeless tale of teen self-discovery in those tense, formative high school moments, captured with grace, lyricism, and insight"
"PIECING ME TOGETHER" by Renée Watson
"A timely, nuanced, and unforgettable story about the power of art, community, and friendship."
Best Teen Reads to Tackle Timely Topics
"THE CLOSEST I'VE COME" by Fred Aceves
"Heart-wrenching, funny, hopeful, and not-to-be-missed."
"WHAT GIRLS ARE MADE OF" by Elana K. Arnold
"Unflinchingly candid, unapologetically girl, and devastatingly vital."
"TEN MILES ONE WAY" by Patrick Downes
"An intricate, unusual love story for readers attuned to compassion."
"THE PAIN EATER" by Beth Goobie
"Powerfully written, this is not just a story about trauma, but also one of healing."
"DEVILS WITHIN" by S.F. Henson
"Henson's debut novel sheds a light on white supremacy and other cloaked forms of racism."
"ALLEGEDLY" by Tiffany D. Jackson
"Searing and true."
"LONG WAY DOWN" by Jason Reynolds
"This astonishing book will generate much needed discussion."
"THE HATE U GIVE" by Angie Thomas
"With smooth but powerful prose delivered in Starr’s natural, emphatic voice, finely nuanced characters, and intricate and realistic relationship dynamics, this novel will have readers rooting for Starr and opening their hearts to her friends and family."
"WATER IN MAY" by Ismée Williams
"Fierce and tender—and absolutely worth reading."
"ELIZA AND HER MONSTERS" by Francesca Zappia
"A wrenching depiction of depression and anxiety, respectful to fandom, online-only friendships, and the benefits and dangers of internet fame."
"AMERICAN STREET" by Ibi Zoboi
"This book will take root in readers' hearts."
Best Teen Books with a Touch of Humor
"I BELIEVE IN A THING CALLED LOVE" by Maurene Goo
"Her funny, engaging narrative also delivers powerful messages of inclusion and acceptance."
"GRENDEL'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND WAR" by A.E. Kaplan
"A clever spin on a weighty classic."
"THAT THING WE CALL A HEART" by Sheba Karim
"Populated by complicated characters who are so well described readers will feel they might bump into them on the street, Karim's second novel delivers on its title's promise."
"THE GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE" by Mackenzi Lee
"Austen, Wilde, and Indiana Jones converge in this deliciously anachronistic bonbon."
"NOTEWORTHY" by Riley Redgate
"Redgate deftly harmonizes a lighthearted plot with an exploration of privilege, identity, and personal agency."
"THE EPIC CRUSH OF GENIE LO" by F.C. Yee
"An exciting, engaging, and humorous debut that will appeal widely, this wraps up neatly enough but leaves an opening for further installments."
Sue Heraper
SAGE Library at Newbury Park High School
Newbury Park, CA
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/sagelibrary/
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Twitter: @sueheraper