"80's. Radical bikes. Bush presidential yard signs. Radio Shack. Supernatural mystery. It's basically Stranger Things with a group of girls." - Jordan
"One of my favorite books of the year. Adeyemi takes teen fantsay to another level by making it an allegory of fighting oppression by calling forth ancestral magic. Strong female protagonist, told from three perspectives, plot clips along, twists and truns, great relationships. Read it." - Sarah
"I don't know where to being with this book. Shana Youngdahl brings characters to life that have personal struggles and stories that are unique and individual, yet universal and relatable. We follow Scarlett through a winding narrative of her year. The writing is beautiful, the romaces spark, the non-linear narrative structure is refreshing. Difficult topics are met head-on with unbelievable emotion. A story everyone should read." - Konner
"I would be fine forever being lost in the magical world of Tamora Pierce. Alanna is her first protagonist, a girl who disguises herself as a boy to undergo knight training at the palace. Pierce’s characters are fiercely lovable and their stories challenge gender roles and traditional sense of self. These books raised me to be a feminist without me even realizing. There’s magical medieval birth control!! But teachings aside, these adventures are stay up reading with a flashlight good. Transformative for young adults and just as satisfying fantasy for adults." - Clare
"Atta writes the bildungsroman I wish I'd had around to read at age 16. His line of questioning for the world would have been a treasured confidant-- a confidant to my identity, my sexuality, and my artistic self all at once. Don't let the sparse pages fool you, Black Flamingo is loaded with thought and a ferocity for transcendence. Dean Atta has pulled off a feat with his debut YA novel and it's a joy to read." -Jordan
"The brutal dystopian, ruthless survivalist, queer feminist, bio-horror thriller novel you didn't konw you needed. Girls' school on an island goes under quarantine when "Tox" starts changing the plants, animals, and people: growing scales, extra spines, two hearts. Three girls uncover whats really going on in a race to save themselves from both the island and eachother." - Sarah
"Prince Sebastian has a huge secret: at night he puts on dresses and takes on Paris as Lady Crystallia. His best friend and dressmaker, Frances, makes the garments but must keep her brilliance a secret too for the sake of her friend. A tale as beautiful as the dresses Sebastian wears, it's a must read story for all ages." - Konner
"Whimsical, witty, and wholly original. Cassandra starts her first journal entry writing from the kitchen sink because ‘sitting in a place where you have never sat before can be inspiring.’ In the entries that follow, you fall in love with Cassandra’s wacky family, run down castle, and become swept up in her coming of age. A delightful read for any young writer.” -Clare
"This graphic novel is so tender and thought provoking. Tamaki perfectly capture the cusp of teenagehood, floating inbetween the worlds of child and adult. A beautiful, whistful air of summer." - Clare
"This book contains everything you want in an epic fantasy novel: the lush world building, a cool take on supernatural abilities, incisive social commentary on what a society becomes under totalitarianism, vulnerable and compelling inner lives of protagonists. Plus the main character is a LIBRARIAN! Wow. This book is awesome." - Sarah