Best Teen Books 2020Like this list

25 items

• Clap When You Land

  Acevedo, Elizabeth,

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  When their Papi’s plane crashes, Camino and Yahaira, two teens living very different lives in the Dominican Republic and New York, learn about his long-held secrets and each other. This gripping novel in verse explores family, identity, and grief.

• Red Hood

  Arnold, Elana K.,

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  In this Red Riding Hood retelling, 16-year-old Bisou finds herself alone in the woods when a wolf attacks and she kills it in defense. When the body of a classmate is found in the same spot, Bisou starts to question her memory and discover her power.

• The Black Flamingo

  Atta, Dean,

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  Michael, a half-Jamaican, half-Greek Cyprian gay teen in London, joins the Drag Society and develops a drag identity: the Black Flamingo. This coming-of-age novel in verse celebrates Michael’s journey towards self-acceptance and authenticity.

• Girl, Serpent, Thorn

  Bashardoust, Melissa,

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  Cursed with skin that is poisonous to the touch, Soraya has lived her life in isolation. When she sees a chance to lift her curse, she takes it - even if it means betraying her family. Inspired by Persian stories, this is a lyrical modern fairytale.

• Black Girl Unlimited

  the Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard

  Brown, Echo,

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  In this semi-autobiographical novel, wizard Echo travels between the world of magic and the East Side where many, including her parents, suffer from addiction. A remarkable story of resilience and perseverance in the tradition of magical realism.

• Girl, Unframed

  Caletti, Deb,

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  Syd wanted to spend the summer with her friends. Instead, she's stuck with her fading movie-star mom Lila, and Lila’s creepy boyfriend Jake. Lists of courtroom exhibits prefacing each chapter provide clues about how this complex story will end.

• Felix Ever After

  Callender, Kacen,

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  When an anonymous student begins sending him transphobic messages, Felix decides to seek revenge, but he doesn't expect to end up in a love triangle. A hopeful, relatable read that embraces life's messiness.

• We Are Not Free

  Chee, Traci,

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  14 Japanese-American teens face internment during WWII. Their interconnected stories show how people and relationships change over years of unjust treatment, limited choices, and barbed-wire fences. Nuanced and compelling.

• Flamer

  Curato, Mike,

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  During a week at camp the summer before he starts high school, biracial Catholic Aiden grapples with bullies, friendship, faith, and sexuality. The vivid illustrations capture Aiden's struggles with poignant simplicity.

• The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh

  Fleming, Candace,

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  Aviator Charles Lindbergh was an environmentalist, an inventor, and a hero to many. He was also a white supremacist, anti-Semitic, and a Nazi sympathizer. This suspenseful narrative biography tells the story of a complex, flawed man.

• Lobizona

  Garber, Romina,

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  Undocumented immigrant Manu isn’t aware of her werewolf heritage. When an ICE raid leaves her on her own, she traces her roots to a cursed city in Argentina and discovers another world where she might finally be able to belong.

• Almost American Girl

  An Illustrated Memoir

  Ha, Robin,

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  A trip from their home in South Korea to Alabama becomes a permanent move when Chuna’s mother suddenly gets married. With no friends and no knowledge of English, 14-year-old Chuna struggles to adapt to her new life in this moving graphic memoir.

• Raybearer

  Ifueko, Jordan,

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  Tarisai is compelled by her mother’s magic to win a position on the Crown Prince’s Council, gain his trust - then kill him. Is she strong enough to defy the magic and protect him instead? A lush and unusual fantasy with diverse characters.

• Drawing the Vote

  An Illustrated Guide to Voting in America

  Jenkins, Tommy, 1972-

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  In this engaging introduction to the history of voting, author Jenkins and illustrator Lacker cover 250 years of voting in the United States. Simple artwork balances the informative text in this passionate argument for civic participation.

• All Boys Aren't Blue

  a Memoir-manifesto

  Johnson, George M. (George Matthew), 1985-

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  In this collection of essays, author and activist Johnson explores family, identity, and the complexities of growing up queer and Black in American. The topics can be heavy, but Johnson's warm, conversational tone draws in readers of all backgrounds.

• This Is My America

  Johnson, Kim, 1979-

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  Tracey has always been sure her father isn't guilty of the murder he's been convicted of. When her brother's also accused of murder, she becomes determined to save them both from an unjust legal system. A timely, thought-provoking mystery.

• You Should See Me in a Crown

  Johnson, Leah (Young adult author),

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  Liz Lighty isn’t sure her high school is ready for an awkward, poor, Black prom queen, but she enters anyway for the scholarship money that comes with the title. The last thing she expected was to fall for her competition. A charming queer romance.

• Snapdragon

  Leyh, Kat,

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  Jacks has a reputation as the town witch, but Snaps isn't afraid - especially after Jacks saves Snaps' dog and helps her care for abandoned possum babies. Joyful and inclusive, this magical graphic novel celebrates community and friendship.

• Astronauts

  Women on the Final Frontier

  Ottaviani, Jim,

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  This in-depth and enlightening comic digs into the history of women in space and the rigors of the astronaut training process. Witty illustrations accompany the thoroughly-researched, fascinating text. Funny, informative, and occasionally enraging.

• Stamped

  Racism, Antiracism, and You

  Reynolds, Jason,

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  Based on Kendi's National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning, this young reader's version brings to life the historical roots and present-day manifestations of anti-black racism in America. It's accessible but thought-provoking.