SLJ 2025 Stars So Far | Young Adult & Adult Books for TeensLike this list

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• 64 Superb YA & Adult Books for Teens Titles | SLJ 2025 Stars So Far | School Library Journal

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  Spanning genres from fantasy to thriller to romance and everything in-between, these titles for teens are sure to delight.

• The Corruption of Hollis Brown

  Ancrum, K. (Kayla), 1991-

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  "A profoundly beautiful, strange, and introspective love story, at turns soothing and scalding. Recommended for every collection."

• Lovely Dark and Deep

  Bonnin, Elisa A.

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  "A strong entry point into dark academia fantasy, recommended for all libraries serving YA readers."

• Up in Smoke

  Brooks, Nick, 1989-

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  "Political urban grit meets classic whodunit cop show. Fabulous."

• We Are Villains

  Callender, Kacen

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  "This thrilling novel is a recommended first purchase for YA collections."

• Recommended Reading

  Coccia, Paul, 1982-

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  "Teens who love retellings of Emma will devour this story; it is full of smart banter and lovely romantic moments throughout."

• Sunrise on the Reaping

  Collins, Suzanne, 1964-

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  "Required reading for fans of the original trilogy. A must-have in all collections."

• Lover Birds

  Egan, Leanne

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  "Egan masterfully weaves issues that are current and relevant to teens into a Jane Austen–esque framework. A must have for YA collections."

• Sọmadịna

  Emezi, Akwaeke

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  "Emezi’s latest novel will help readers see beauty in the void. Fans of their work or Nnedi Okorafor’s “Nsibidi Script” series will doubtlessly gravitate to this one."

• Take a Chance on Me

  Eulberg, Elizabeth

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  "This romance will make readers want to travel to England, listen to British rock songs, and eat lots of chips. Hand this one to all romance readers."

• The Family I'm in

  Flake, Sharon G.

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  "A deeply moving portrayal of contemporary teens living complex lives with dignity and courage, this should find a home in any library serving middle and high schoolers."

• After Life

  Forman, Gayle, 1970-

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  "Smartly told with fast-paced and suspenseful chapters, there is no question librarians would be pleased to add this novel to collections."

• Hyo the Hellmaker

  Ghosh, Mina Ikemoto

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  "A testament to how folklore, craftsmanship, and visual elements can come together to create an unforgettable reading experience."

• Nobody in Particular

  Gonzales, S., 1992-

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  "Anything Gonzales writes should be an automatic purchase for librarians, including this story that bursts with hope and love rising above people intent on destroying it."

• Among Ghosts

  Hartman, Rachel, 1972-

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  "An engrossing, thoughtful fantasy on the human condition—with dragons. A first purchase for all collections."

• On Again, Awkward Again

  Kelly, Erin Entrada

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  "Completely charming and pithy, with laughs galore, this romance should be in all middle school and high school collections."

• His Mortal Demise

  Le, Vanessa, 1999-

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  "Fast-paced and full of lush details, this sharp and satisfying duology belongs in all teen collections."

• Breath of the Dragon

  Lee, Shannon, 1969-

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  "This straight shot of pure shonen manga energy is a priority purchase for libraries struggling to meet the needs of middle schoolers who are striving readers."

• Dropping Beats

  Lessore, Nathanael

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  "Famous or not, the star of the story, 13-year-old aspiring rapper Shaun “Growls” Thompson, shines in this must-have for all YA collections."

• Nav's Foolproof Guide to Falling in Love

  Lewis, Jessica, 1994-

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  "For avid YA romance readers or casual readers with an interest in LGBTQIA+ experiences, this book provides a heartwarming and relatable overview of a teenager’s life."