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Series: N/A
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: 2017
Summary:
A girl receives an unexpected letter from her birth mother as she and her boyfriend struggle to decide what to do about an accidental pregnancy, while facing a growing distance with her best friend, who's keeping secrets of her own.
Series: N/A
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: June 2016
Summary:
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, Angie Thomas’s searing debut about an ordinary girl in extraordinary circumstances addresses issues of racism and police violence with intelligence, heart, and unflinching honesty. Soon to be a major motion picture from Fox 2000/Temple Hill Productions.
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.
Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.
But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.
Author: Lauren Karcz
Series: N/A
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: July 25, 2017
Summary:
Mercedes Moreno is an artist. At least, she thinks she could be, even though she hasn't been able to paint anything worthwhile since her award-winning piece Food Poisoning #1 last year.
Her lack of inspiration might be because her abuela is lying comatose in faraway Puerto Rico after suffering a stroke. Or the fact that Mercedes is in love with her best friend, Victoria, but is too afraid to admit her true feelings.
Despite Mercedes’s creative block, art starts to show up in unexpected ways. A piano appears on her front lawn one morning, and a mysterious new neighbor invites Mercedes to paint with her at the Red Mangrove Estate.
At the Estate, Mercedes can create in ways she never has before. She can share her deepest secrets and feel safe. But Mercedes can't take anything out of the Estate, including her new-found clarity. As her life continues to crumble around her, the Estate offers more solace than she could hope for. But Mercedes can’t live both lives forever, and ultimately she must choose between this perfect world of art and truth and a much messier reality.
Series: N/A
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: 2017
Summary:
A romantic comedy in which a Mississippi teen finds herself in front of the cameras as her beauty-queen big sister prepares for a reality-TV wedding to a Scottish aristocrat.
Author: Jen Wilde
Series: N/A
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Publication Date: March 14, 2017
Summary:
When BFFs Charlie, Taylor and Jamie go to SupaCon, they know it’s going to be a blast. What they don’t expect is for it to change their lives forever.
Charlie likes to stand out. SupaCon is her chance to show fans she’s over her public breakup with co-star, Jason Ryan. When Alyssa Huntington arrives as a surprise guest, it seems Charlie’s long-time crush on her isn’t as one-sided as she thought.
While Charlie dodges questions about her personal life, Taylor starts asking questions about her own.
Taylor likes to blend in. Her brain is wired differently, making her fear change. And there’s one thing in her life she knows will never change: her friendship with Jamie—no matter how much she may secretly want it to. But when she hears about the Queen Firestone SupaFan Contest, she starts to rethink her rules on playing it safe.
Author: Shani Petroff
Series: N/A
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Publication Date: February 7, 2017
Summary:
An unprepared understudy is forced to take the stage with her secret crush in this YA romantic comedy of errors.
Understudies never get to perform
. . . which is why being Juliet's understudy in the school's yearly "Evening with Shakespeare" is the perfect role for Emily. She can earn some much-needed extra credit while pursuing her main goal of spending time with Wes, aka Romeo, aka the hottest, nicest guy in school (in her completely unbiased opinion). And she meant to learn her lines, really, it's just:
a) Shakespeare is HARD,
b) Amanda, aka the "real" Juliet, makes her run errands instead of lines, and
c) there's no point because Amanda would never miss the chance to be the star of the show.
Then, Amanda ends up in the hospital and Emily, as the (completely unprepared!) understudy, has to star opposite the guy of her dreams. Oops?
Author: Estelle Laure
Series: N/A
Publisher: HMH Books For Young Readers
Publication Date: April 4, 2017
Summary:
From the author of This Raging Light comes the story of Eden Jones, a 17-year-old girl who feels lost after surviving a near fatal accident. Unable to connect with her family and friends, Eden forms an unlikely relationship with Joe, a boy who comes to the hospital to visit Jasmine, a friend who may soon be gone forever. Eden is the only person who can get through to Jasmine, but is she brave enough to face a world that’s bigger and more magical than she ever would have allowed? Lyrical, unexpected, and romantic, Estelle Laure’s new novel is about interwoven lives, long goodbyes, and the imperfect beauty of young love.
Series: N/A
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication Date: 2017
Summary:
A standalone companion to One Man Guy, about two teenage boys who have the perfect romantic relationship – until one cheats on the other.
Series: N/A
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: 2017
Summary:
After accidentally causing the death of her best friend Aubrey, Dara Shepard must forgive herself before Ethan, Aubrey’s brother, ever will. As Dara and Ethan fall in love, their worlds fall into place—except when Dara’s parents think their relationship is a mistake. Just because they share special memories of Aubrey, doesn’t mean their love will help wash away their grief.
Through a non-linear narrative that explores the before and after of the accident, we see Dara’s sophomore year with Aubrey, and her senior year with Ethan.
Author: Carrie Mesrobian
Series: N/A
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: March 28, 2017
Summary:
Taking a hard look at the societal conventions that constrain teenage girls, William C. Morris Award finalist Carrie Mesrobian tells one girl’s story with bracing honesty and refreshing authenticity.
By her senior year of high school, Rianne has exhausted all the fun there is to have in small town Wereford, Minnesota. Volleyball season is winding down, the parties all feel tired, and now that she’s in a serious relationship with reformed player Luke Pinsky, her wild streak has ended. Not that she ever did anything more than the guys her age did...but she knows what everyone thinks of her.
Including her parents. Divorced but now inexplicably living together again, Rianne wonders why they’re so quick to point out every bad choice she’s making when they can’t even act like adults. With an uncomfortable home life and her once-solid group of friends now dissolving, the reasons for sticking around after high school are few. So why is Rianne in lockstep when it comes to figuring out her future?
That’s not the only question Rianne can’t answer. Lately she’s been wondering why, when she has a perfect-on-paper boyfriend, she wants anything but. Or how it is that Sergei, a broken-English-speaking Russian, understands her better than anyone who’s known her all her life? And why has Rianne gotten stuck with an “easy girl” reputation for doing the same exact things guys do without any judgment? Carrie Mesrobian, acclaimed author of Sex & Violence and Cut Both Ways, sets fire to the unfair stereotypes and contradictions that persist even in the twenty-first century.
You Don’t Know Me But I Know You
Author: Rebecca BarrowSeries: N/A
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: 2017
Summary:
A girl receives an unexpected letter from her birth mother as she and her boyfriend struggle to decide what to do about an accidental pregnancy, while facing a growing distance with her best friend, who's keeping secrets of her own.
Why I'm Excited For It
As someone who is adopted, I am very excited to read this book. I want to see how Barrow discusses the topic and what types of challenges the main character faces and how they deal with it. I can’t wait to check this one out.
The Hate U Give
Author: A.C. ThomasSeries: N/A
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: June 2016
Summary:
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, Angie Thomas’s searing debut about an ordinary girl in extraordinary circumstances addresses issues of racism and police violence with intelligence, heart, and unflinching honesty. Soon to be a major motion picture from Fox 2000/Temple Hill Productions.
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.
Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.
But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.
Why I'm Excited For It
This is going to be such an important book in today’s society. I have a feeling that it will be one of the books that should be on required reading in high schools around the world to see what it is like to grow up in two different worlds and not be completely sure which one you wholly belong in. This is one that everyone should be looking into immediately.
The Gallery of Unfinished Girls
Author: Lauren KarczSeries: N/A
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: July 25, 2017
Summary:
Mercedes Moreno is an artist. At least, she thinks she could be, even though she hasn't been able to paint anything worthwhile since her award-winning piece Food Poisoning #1 last year.
Her lack of inspiration might be because her abuela is lying comatose in faraway Puerto Rico after suffering a stroke. Or the fact that Mercedes is in love with her best friend, Victoria, but is too afraid to admit her true feelings.
Despite Mercedes’s creative block, art starts to show up in unexpected ways. A piano appears on her front lawn one morning, and a mysterious new neighbor invites Mercedes to paint with her at the Red Mangrove Estate.
At the Estate, Mercedes can create in ways she never has before. She can share her deepest secrets and feel safe. But Mercedes can't take anything out of the Estate, including her new-found clarity. As her life continues to crumble around her, the Estate offers more solace than she could hope for. But Mercedes can’t live both lives forever, and ultimately she must choose between this perfect world of art and truth and a much messier reality.
Why I'm Excited For It
Art and girls loving girls? I need this in my life yesterday. This one has all the elements that I wish my high school life had: me as a talented artist with a girl who loved me back. I think this is going to be a great LGBTQ+ read and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
Prince in Disguise
Author: Stephanie Kate StrohmSeries: N/A
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: 2017
Summary:
A romantic comedy in which a Mississippi teen finds herself in front of the cameras as her beauty-queen big sister prepares for a reality-TV wedding to a Scottish aristocrat.
Why I'm Excited For It
After reading THE TAMING OF THE DREW, I will read literally everything that Stephanie Kate Strohm produces. I’ve purchased her backlist titles as well because she perfects the rom-com so I cannot WAIT to see how this plays out. I think it will have giggles, tears, and swoony moments and I am very excited to get my hands on it. I’m sure Dani and I will buddy read this over on Books Are My Fandom.
Queens of Geek
Author: Jen WildeSeries: N/A
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Publication Date: March 14, 2017
Summary:
When BFFs Charlie, Taylor and Jamie go to SupaCon, they know it’s going to be a blast. What they don’t expect is for it to change their lives forever.
Charlie likes to stand out. SupaCon is her chance to show fans she’s over her public breakup with co-star, Jason Ryan. When Alyssa Huntington arrives as a surprise guest, it seems Charlie’s long-time crush on her isn’t as one-sided as she thought.
While Charlie dodges questions about her personal life, Taylor starts asking questions about her own.
Taylor likes to blend in. Her brain is wired differently, making her fear change. And there’s one thing in her life she knows will never change: her friendship with Jamie—no matter how much she may secretly want it to. But when she hears about the Queen Firestone SupaFan Contest, she starts to rethink her rules on playing it safe.
Purchase:
Why I'm Excited For It
I am super excited for this one. First of all, Swoon Reads never disappoints with great romances and this one is girls loving girls so I’m here for it even more. Add in fandoms and I’m 100% sold. Plus if you’ve been to a big con, you know it is all about going outside the box and being the you you want to be all the time but under the guise of someone else. So I am very excited to see how this plays out.
Romeo & What’s Her Name
Author: Shani PetroffSeries: N/A
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Publication Date: February 7, 2017
Summary:
An unprepared understudy is forced to take the stage with her secret crush in this YA romantic comedy of errors.
Understudies never get to perform
. . . which is why being Juliet's understudy in the school's yearly "Evening with Shakespeare" is the perfect role for Emily. She can earn some much-needed extra credit while pursuing her main goal of spending time with Wes, aka Romeo, aka the hottest, nicest guy in school (in her completely unbiased opinion). And she meant to learn her lines, really, it's just:
a) Shakespeare is HARD,
b) Amanda, aka the "real" Juliet, makes her run errands instead of lines, and
c) there's no point because Amanda would never miss the chance to be the star of the show.
Then, Amanda ends up in the hospital and Emily, as the (completely unprepared!) understudy, has to star opposite the guy of her dreams. Oops?
Purchase:
Why I'm Excited For It
I literally cannot wait for this one. Every time I read the summary I squeal with excitement. Not only does this sound fantastically funny, but I bet there will be some great romantic moments. I am very excited for this one to arrive on my doorstep (well in my mailbox) so I can read it IMMEDIATELY.
But Then I Came Back
Author: Estelle LaureSeries: N/A
Publisher: HMH Books For Young Readers
Publication Date: April 4, 2017
Summary:
From the author of This Raging Light comes the story of Eden Jones, a 17-year-old girl who feels lost after surviving a near fatal accident. Unable to connect with her family and friends, Eden forms an unlikely relationship with Joe, a boy who comes to the hospital to visit Jasmine, a friend who may soon be gone forever. Eden is the only person who can get through to Jasmine, but is she brave enough to face a world that’s bigger and more magical than she ever would have allowed? Lyrical, unexpected, and romantic, Estelle Laure’s new novel is about interwoven lives, long goodbyes, and the imperfect beauty of young love.
Purchase:
Why I'm Excited For It
I was a huge fan of THIS RAGING LIGHT and am very excited to read this sequel/companion that focuses on Eden after the events of the prior book. Also I wouldn’t be opposed to an appearance by Digby. Just saying.
Hold My Hand
Author: Michael BarakivaSeries: N/A
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication Date: 2017
Summary:
A standalone companion to One Man Guy, about two teenage boys who have the perfect romantic relationship – until one cheats on the other.
Why I'm Excited For It
I have a hard time with “second chance romances” because I have some personal issues with that. But this one seems like it will really explore what it means to have a “perfect” relationship and how to deal with the aftermath of something horrible. Do you build it back up? Or do you let it fall down? I’m really excited to see what these two choose to do.
These Things I’ve Done
Author: Rebecca PhillipsSeries: N/A
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: 2017
Summary:
After accidentally causing the death of her best friend Aubrey, Dara Shepard must forgive herself before Ethan, Aubrey’s brother, ever will. As Dara and Ethan fall in love, their worlds fall into place—except when Dara’s parents think their relationship is a mistake. Just because they share special memories of Aubrey, doesn’t mean their love will help wash away their grief.
Through a non-linear narrative that explores the before and after of the accident, we see Dara’s sophomore year with Aubrey, and her senior year with Ethan.
Why I'm Excited For It
Other than the fact that Rebecca Phillips is one of my favourite authors, this one sounds really great. I think it will be emotional and fantastic — and Rebecca will allow Dara to grow and expand in a realistic way. I think this is going to be one of my favourite reads next year.
Just a Girl
Author: Carrie MesrobianSeries: N/A
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: March 28, 2017
Summary:
Taking a hard look at the societal conventions that constrain teenage girls, William C. Morris Award finalist Carrie Mesrobian tells one girl’s story with bracing honesty and refreshing authenticity.
By her senior year of high school, Rianne has exhausted all the fun there is to have in small town Wereford, Minnesota. Volleyball season is winding down, the parties all feel tired, and now that she’s in a serious relationship with reformed player Luke Pinsky, her wild streak has ended. Not that she ever did anything more than the guys her age did...but she knows what everyone thinks of her.
Including her parents. Divorced but now inexplicably living together again, Rianne wonders why they’re so quick to point out every bad choice she’s making when they can’t even act like adults. With an uncomfortable home life and her once-solid group of friends now dissolving, the reasons for sticking around after high school are few. So why is Rianne in lockstep when it comes to figuring out her future?
That’s not the only question Rianne can’t answer. Lately she’s been wondering why, when she has a perfect-on-paper boyfriend, she wants anything but. Or how it is that Sergei, a broken-English-speaking Russian, understands her better than anyone who’s known her all her life? And why has Rianne gotten stuck with an “easy girl” reputation for doing the same exact things guys do without any judgment? Carrie Mesrobian, acclaimed author of Sex & Violence and Cut Both Ways, sets fire to the unfair stereotypes and contradictions that persist even in the twenty-first century.
Purchase:
Why I'm Excited For It
I think this one is going to be super important for teen girls to read. I am very excited to see how Rianne takes the pressures others place on her and balances it with what she wants. I feel like this is going to be one of those books that I wish I had read in high school but will still change me for the better even in adulthood.
Thanks for sharing this list! I read mainly fantasy so I don't keep track of contemporaries as much, so this is super helpful! ^_^ Hope you love all of these books! I'm definitely going to check them out!
ReplyDeleteBrittany @ Brittany's Book Rambles
To be honest,y I'm really not normally a huge contemporary fan, but quite a few of these sound really interesting, so I may have to branch out a bit! Thanks for bringing these to my attention!
ReplyDelete