Tag: Contemporary

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: Truth is by Hannah V. Sawyerr

  • Truth Is
  • by Hannah V. Sawyerr
  • Amulet Books
  • Publication Date: September 23, 2025
  • ISBN: 9781419776830

Young poet Truth Bangura knows the truth – she’s pregnant – before she even takes the test. She also knows she can’t disappoint her overly protective mom whose own career plans were derailed when she became pregnant at seventeen. And when Truth’s high achieving best friend doesn’t understand her choice to seek an abortion, she finds herself alone. Truth decides to move forward on her own and finds a new circle of friends in a slam poetry team. If it wasn’t for a viral video of her performing a poem about her choice, her secret might have been safe. 

Through a variety of poetic forms from free verse to journal entries, poetry prompts, and multiple choice lists, this novel in verse keeps the pages turning quickly.  Readers will be drawn into Truth’s predicament and her struggle to forge her own path when everything and (mostly) everyone seems to be against her. The book also provides some eye-opening insight into the difficulty of seeking abortion care. Truth’s slow building romance with a supportive teammate is icing on the cake for reluctant readers.   

Juniors and seniors who feel a little uncertain about their futures will identify strongly with Truth. Budding writers may also be inspired by many of the writing prompts. Readers who enjoyed the depiction of poetry slams in “Bright Red Fruit” by Safia Elhillo and learning about the struggle for abortion access in “Plan A” by Deb Coletti will really get into this book.

–Lily Mayfield

Follow YALSA’s The Hub on YouTube for exclusive author interviews!

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: Love Me Tomorrow by Emiko Jean

Cynical about romance, teenage Emma makes a wish at a festival for proof that love is real, only to find herself falling for three very different boys at the same time. Complicating matters further, she begins receiving mysterious notes from someone claiming to be from her future—and they know enough of her deepest secrets for her to believe them. As Emma develops an obsession with uncovering the letter-writer’s identity, this engaging mystery unfolds alongside mild, age-appropriate content including references to sex, virginity, and underage substance use.

Intricately plotted and evenly paced, this sweet romantic comedy will effortlessly hook readers, first with its vibrant cover and then with its witty, sharp dialogue. The clever blend of contemporary romance and sci-fi mystery creates an addictive whodunit element, keeping readers desperate to catch every clue as they try to guess which of Emma’s three suspects is writing the letters.

Teenagers who enjoy a sweet  romantic comedy with a love triangle, a will-they-won’t-they trope, and a sprinkle of magic. Readers who enjoyed Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy and Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter will eat this up.

–Kelly Roberts

Follow YALSA’s The Hub on YouTube for exclusive author interviews!

Amazing Audiobooks (#AA2027) Featured Review: The Oks Are Not Ok

  • The Oks Are Not OK
  • Author: Grace K. Shim
  • Narrated by Shannon Tyo
  • Penguin Random House Audio
  • Publication Date: Mar 03, 2026
  • ISBN:9798217280834

When the Ok family’s financial circumstances abruptly change, they’re forced to trade their glamorous LA life for a wi-fi free, small farming town where no one knows they’re the family behind the now bankrupt and disgraced It’s Ok! fashion empire. As 16-year-old Elena adjusts to her new life, she begins to rethink the merit of her past as a party girl and influencer. Soon, she begins to reconsider what success truly means to her and what it looks like to show up as a good sister and friend. 

Weaving humor with heart, The Oks Are Not OK is a feel-good story about reinvention and family. Tyo’s narration is expressive and bright and her characters are distinct and well-crafted. Elena’s charisma and charm are especially clear in the narration. Elena’s shift from self-involved influencer to community advocate is gentle and Tyo’s narration makes it feel authentic. As Elena starts to build friendships and reconnect with her brother and parents, Tyo’s warm yet lively narration really shines. This audiobook will appeal to readers who enjoy a light-hearted character-driven story and an engaging yet relaxed listening experience.

For fans of Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean, You Have A Match by Emma Lord, and the TV comedy, Schitt’s Creek.

– Tina Chesterman

The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.

Each week, the teams feature a review of one of the officially nominated titles. Additional titles to receive this designation are listed as well. At year’s end, the team will curate a final list from all nominated titles and select a Top Ten.

Follow YALSA’s The Hub on YouTube for exclusive author interviews!

Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2027) Featured Review: Winter White by Annie Cardi

  • Winter White
  • by Annie Cardi
  • Union Square & Co. 
  • Publication Date: January 27, 2026
  • ISBN: 978-1454960584

Pia and her younger brother live with their father, Leo, on an isolated farm in rural Maine. Their father says they must stay on the farm for their own safety. Leo has a temper so it’s best that they do as their father says. An accident puts Leo out of commission and for the first time, Pia must go to town by herself and continue her dad’s mysterious delivery service. While in town, Pia befriends librarians and a cute boy named Felix. She also starts to question what is really being delivered underneath the cartons of eggs and if her father is telling the truth about their life. While this is a retelling of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, readers don’t need to be familiar with the play to enjoy and understand this retelling.  

Winter White is an introspective, well-paced read. The book has a strong sense of place and believable characters. Serious topics like domestic abuse and drug trafficking are handled realistically, but sensitively. Teens will find Pia relatable. The depiction of the public library and the librarians that work there is a spot-on. If teen readers aren’t already using their library, this book is a wonderful introduction to the power and support they can find there.       

With short chapters and clocking in at just over 250 pages, this is an approachable, well-paced story for selective readers looking for a gritty, realistic tale. The modern retelling will also hold appeal for students reading Shakespeare in their literature classes, including as an assigned text to complement literature curriculum. Winter White is a great readalike for fans of Strong Like You by T.L. Simpson and The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen. 

–Megan Nigh

Follow YALSA’s The Hub on YouTube for exclusive author interviews!

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: One Word, Six Letters by Adib Khorram

When Dayton takes a dare and shouts the f slur at a visiting author, the fallout is immediate and severe. Dayton receives a 3 day in school suspension. His friends stop speaking to him. The fallout also affects Farshid who is questioning his sexuality. Farshid is also dealing with anxiety and body dysmorphia issues which are exacerbated by the use of the f slur. 

A powerful novel and a great read. Khorram shows how one poor choice can spiral and how slurs used while “just joking” cause harm. The story is told from a dual POV, However, the chapters are clearly labelled enabling the reader to know which character is speaking. Khorram skillfully and sensitively deals with the issues of body dysmorphia , toxic masculinity and being different from your peers. Short chapters and a fast moving plot make this a great Quick Pick!

Similar titles include Here to Stay by Sarah Farizan and Dragging Curtis County by Curtis Campbell. 

–Beth Slade

Check out of interview with the author of One Word, Six Letters Adib Khorram!

Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2027) Featured Review: The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer

Mallory has a long line of witches in her family line but her magical power is conning people out of their money on tours of Bluebeard’s house. But then Bluebeard’s heir Armand brings Mallory and her sister to his home to get rid of the ghosts, including Bluebeard’s. But are the ghosts killing people or is it someone who is alive doing the murdering?

This book has a twisty turny mystery that will keep readers engaging. It includes elements of mystery as well as romance and fantasy. The book is fast paced and well written.  Characters are well developed and multi-layered. The main character, Mallory, is intelligent, courageous and resourceful.

Readers who enjoy a good mystery with a romantic element will enjoy this book. The pacing of the book, while on the longish side, will make it appeal to both strong readers as well as striving readers. Fans of romantasy books will enjoy this one.

This book will appeal to fans of Meyer’s other series. Fans of Sasha Peyton Smith and Catherine Doyle books will enjoy this one too.

–Melissa Palmer

Follow YALSA’s The Hub on YouTube for exclusive author interviews!

Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2027) Featured Review: K-Jane Lydia Kang

  • K-Jane
  • by Lydia Kang
  • Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins Publishers
  • Publication Date: October 21, 2025
  • ISBN: 978-0063354623

With the impending arrival of a new baby brother, 17-year-old Jane Choi begins to question her family’s lack of Korean culture. To save her baby brother from the same fate, Jane becomes K-Jane and begins exploring everything Korean on a secret, private social media channel solely for use by her cousins. When more and more people find out about the channel, everything falls apart and Jane comes face-to-face with the question that started it all: what does it mean to be Korean? 

K-Jane is a funny and quick-paced exploration of cultural identity and belonging with relatable characters. Some of Jane’s actions end up being cringy in all the best and humorous ways. The exploration of cultural disconnect is relatable to teens beyond Korean Americans and Jane’s heartfelt voice make this an accessible read. Readers who enjoy a quick, light-hearted reads with laugh-out-loud moments will enjoy diving into Jane Choi’s world. Comparable titles include Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim by Patricia Park and Eighteen Roses by Shannon C.F. Rogers.

–Alejandria Garcia

Follow YALSA’s The Hub on YouTube for exclusive author interviews!

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2026) Feature Review: Marisol Acts the Part by Elle Gonzalez Rose

With the hit teen TV show that launched her career wrapping up, Marisol thought the only thing she’d need to worry about was booking her next gig. But when her long-time boyfriend breaks up with her claiming she is too “unserious” in a press statement, Marisol sets out to prove him wrong, landing a guest role on the same prestigious drama TV show he’s recently booked. Marisol flies to NYC and feels like a fish out of water in the city and on the set, particularly when her usual charms fall flat with her co-stars and the intense, mercurial director. But a new friendship – that might be something more? – with the beautiful acting newcomer and lead of the show, Jamila, might serve as both the perfect distraction and a new opportunity for Marisol to prove who she is.

Teens will be hooked by this light-hearted behind-the-scenes look at being a teen celebrity and the breezy and funny writing. Beyond that, this is also a joyful and positive coming-of-age tale featuring an unforgettably loveable protagonist, inspiringly supportive teen friendships, and a sweet and mutually respectful relationship. The villains provide just enough intrigue to keep the plot moving but don’t overshadow this airy rom-com. 

Give to teens who enjoy romance, particularly queer romance. Teens who prefer modern-day books about friendship and overcoming adversity with the support of your friends will also enjoy this. This is also a great choice for teens who like TikTok, Instagram, and following celebrity gossip or who dream of moving to NYC or LA. Readalikes include popular queer romances like Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper series and Becky Albertalli’s books. Teens who enjoy romantic books set in NYC like Nicola Yoon’s The Sun is Also a Star will enjoy this book’s authentic take on being young in NYC. 

–Maryanne O.

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2026) Feature Review: One of the Boys by Victoria Zeller

  • One of the Boys
  • by Victoria Zeller
  • Levine Querido
  • Publication Date: May 13, 2025
  • ISBN: 9781646145027

Former star football kicker Grace is struggling to settle into her senior year of high school after coming out as trans when her former teammates offer her an opportunity to rejoin the team. Grace navigates tough choices between her new life and new friends and all the things she misses about her former life – including and especially football – while confronting anti-trans behavior from classmates and the world at large as news of her decision to play gets out.

This is an exceptionally timely and important tale that is grounded in relatability and a whole lot of heart. Grace is a complicated character who often makes the “wrong” choice, which makes her that much more likeable and appealing to a wide range of teen readers. The author uses sometimes sarcastic, sometimes frank language that feels authentic to the teen experience. Grace is surrounded by a compelling group of secondary characters, including a wide array of queer teens exploring their own paths. The book’s suburban setting – at times more progressive than you’d expect and at times painfully transphobic – might appeal to queer teens outside of more diverse, urban environments (where many stories of queer teens take place). But Grace’s – and the author Victoria Zeller’s – love for football is the real standout here; Grace’s dedication to the sport and her teammates is infectious, and the author does a superb job of capturing its essence for fans but also making it appealing, exciting and clear for non-sports fans as well. 

A wide range of teens will like this book – sports fans, queer teens, and fans of realistic stories about senior year. Give to fans of recent sports books like Byron Graves’ Rez Ball or shows like Friday Night Lights and All American. This title would also appeal to fans of books about the trans experience like Meredith Russo’s If I Was Your Girl and Alex Gino’s Melissa.

–Maryanne O.

Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2026) Featured Review: Cope Field by T.L. Simpson

  • Cope Field
  • by T. L. Simpson
  • Publisher: North Star Editions
  • Release date: April 22, 2025
  • ISBN: 9781635831054

Crawford “Craw” Cope lives in constant anger. He’s currently serving community service for letting his anger get the best of him and won’t say exactly what happened or how his father ended up with a baseball bat to the face because of it. In their tiny town in the Ozarks Craw meets a punk rock girl at community service who challenges him to finally talk, and think about life outside of the abuse and expectations of his father, but is Craw in too deep trying to protect his father as the baseball legend everyone believes in?

Craw’s voice and inner anger as he deals with abuse, expectations, and living in a place the book says “many don’t get out of” is so freshly done and has enough of small town life and baseball to entice some readers that have yet to find that read they connect with. Craw’s little brother is so sweet and funny, and Hannah, while being a bit of a manic pixie punk girl, also has fleshed out enough character development to be more than just an eye opener for Craw. Readers might come for the baseball and the mystery of what happened before the start of the book, but will stay for the realistic and often hard to read authenticity.

Teens that enjoy realistic reads with hopeful endings will enjoy this one. Fans of Cope FIeld would also like T. L. Simpson’s first book, Strong Like You, Saints of the Household by Ari Tison, and Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt.

– Molly Dettmann

The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.

Each week, the teams feature a review of one of the officially nominated titles. Additional titles to receive this designation are listed as well. At year’s end, the team will curate a final list from all nominated titles and select a Top Ten.
The Best Fiction for Young Adults Committee appreciates teen feedback as members evaluate the nominated titles. Teen librarians are encouraged to share the List of Potential Nominees under consideration with their patrons and solicit feedback using the link: tinyurl.com/bfya2026