Adult Books for Teens

Booklist and School Library Journal have deemed these adult books to be great for teens . . . and we agree!

SHE WAS THE QUIET ONE by Michele Campbell
Also available in audio
When twin sisters Rose and Bel Enright enroll in The Odell School, a prestigious New Hampshire boarding school, it seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. But the sisters could not be more different. The school brings out a rivalry between them that few ever knew existed. And the school itself has a dark underbelly: of privileged kids running unchecked and uninhibited; of rituals and traditions that are more sinister than they seem; of wealth and entitlement that can only lead to disaster.

“Teens who love to read about intrigue at boarding school will like this, too.”
Booklist, YA Interest

“This fast-paced tale will be great for teens who enjoy dark mysteries.” School Library Journal

WOMAN WORLD by Aminder Dhaliwal
When a birth defect wipes out the planet’s entire population of men, Woman World rises out of society’s ashes. Dhaliwal’s infectiously funny Instagram comic follows the rebuilding process, tracking a group of women who have rallied together under the flag of “Beyonce’s Thighs.” For the most part, Woman World’s residents are focused on their struggles with unrequited love and anxiety, not to mention that whole “survival of humanity” thing.

“The focus on relationships and the lighthearted humor will be a big draw for teens.” Booklist, YA Interest

CITY OF LIES by Sam Hawke
Also available in trade paperback
Outwardly, Jovan is the lifelong friend of the chancellor’s charming, irresponsible heir. Quiet. Forgettable. In secret, he’s a master of poisons and chemicals, trained to protect the chancellor’s family from treachery. When the chancellor succumbs to an unknown poison and an army lays siege to the city, Jovan and his sister, Kalina, must protect the heir and save their city-state.

“Full of political intrigue and mystery, this fresh debut will satisfy readers of the epic fantasy genre . . . Readers of historical fantasy will love this give to fans of Patrick Rothfuss and Kristin Cashore.” School Library Journal

EVERYTHING UNDER by Daisy Johnson
In this electrifying reinterpretation of the Oedipus myth, Daisy Johnson explores questions of fate and free will, gender fluidity, and fractured family relationships. EVERYTHING UNDER a debut novel whose surreal, watery landscape will resonate with fans of FEN is a daring, moving story that will leave you unsettled and unstrung.

“Though the subject matter is disturbing, and the plot sometimes tricky to follow, literary-minded teens will be engaged by the stories of teenage characters navigating difficult circumstances.” Booklist, YA Interest

THE ART OF THE GRAPHIC MEMOIR: Tell Your Story, Change Your Life by Tom Hart
A poignant and instructive guide for all aspiring graphic memoirists detailing the tenets of artistry and story-telling inherent in the medium. Hart examines what makes a graphic memoir great, and shows you how to do it. With two dozen professional examples and a deep-dive into his own story, Hart encourages readers to hone their signature style in the best way to represent their journeys on the page.

“Teen readers of graphic memoirs will devour the advice on how to create their own.” Booklist, YA Interest