Tag: fiction

Amazing Audiobooks (#AA2027) Featured Review: The Better to Eat You With by Tehlor Mejia

  • The Better to Eat You With 
  • Author: Tehlor Mejia
  • Narrated by Victoria Villarreal
  • Penguin Random House
  • Publication Date: September 23, 2025
  • ISBN: 9798217157129

Evan’s annual summers at a rented cabin have always been a haven for her, when she gets to see her best friend, Billie, again. But so many things are changing: Evan’s parents are arguing more and more, Billie seems more interested in boys than in spending time with Evan, and Evan can’t shake her mom’s voice from her head, reminding Evan to make healthy, perfect food choices and constantly watch what she eats. And the more she listens to the voice, the more sinister clues she finds of a mysterious creature terrorizing the resort… 

Evan and her complex, competing inner narratives come alive through Victoria Villarreal’s narration. Each character is distinct, including the voices that Evan hears in her mind throughout the summer, from the one that sounds a lot like her mom to the inner knowing of her body’s hunger. The audiobook heightens the suspense that is core to this middle grade horror novel that is light on gore but still darkly allegorical.

The Better to Eat You With is recommended for fans of Happy Town by Greg van Eekhout, Blood in the Water by Tiffany Jackson, and Louder than Hunger by John Chu.

-Lee Cooney (they/them)

Other Nominated Titles

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!

Amazing Audiobooks (#AA2027) Featured Review: Beth is Dead by Katie Bernet

  • Beth Is Dead
  • Author: Katie Bernet
  • Narrated by Caitlin Kelly, Emily Tremaine, Ferdelle Capistrano, and Piper Goodeve
  • Simon and Schuster Audio
  • Publication Date: January 6, 2026 
  • ISBN: 9781668157596

The March sisters are as famous as their father who wrote a wildly controversial bestseller based on their lives. Feminists excoriate him for taking advantage of his daughters, and stalkers are doing the freaky things stalkers do, so there are plenty of suspects when Beth March winds up dead at the bottom of a ravine. Determined to discover her killer, Jo March begins a dogged search for answers. 

Four heavy hitting narrators bring the story to life with pitch perfect renditions of the March sisters. Past and present events are telegraphed well, and the vocal mannerisms are distinctive, keeping this complexly plotted reimagined classic clear for readers.

This is an ideal suspense/thriller listen for teens who liked That’s Not My Name written by Megan Lally and narrated by Sophie Amoss and Robb Moreira, or 49 Miles Alone written by Natalie D. Richards and narrated by Victoria Rillarreal, Laura Knight Keating, and Suzy Jackson.  For teens who are looking for reimagined classics, suggest Rosa By Any Other Name by Hailey Alcaraz and narrated by Victoria Villarreal or Bad Girls Never Say Die by Jennifer Mathieu with narration by Sandy Rustin.

-Jodi Kruse

Other Nominated Titles

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!

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: Bad Kid: My Life as a “Troubled Teen” by Sofia Szamosi

When Sofia was thirteen years old, her mother signed her daughter up for a special program for “troubled teens” several states away. Two men came and forcefully transported her to the wilderness experience. From there, Sofia found herself trapped in a cycle of mandatory attendance in many of these supposedly therapeutic programs because of her mother’s fear and the label of being a “bad kid”.

The artwork is clear and gripping, and shows the emotion and frustration of Sofia and her fellow bad kids as they move from program to program. The stark palette of black, white, and red highlight the emotion of the story, as color is used infrequently for emphasis. Readers will read with fascination as the author describes her personal experience with the unregulated intervention industry. Teens are finely attuned to what is and is not fair treatment, and this graphic memoir explores the personal and intimate coming-of-age story of the author’s struggle and limited access to education, communication with family, and basic freedoms. 

Comparable titles include: Bad Boy by Walter Dean Myers, Shackled: A Tale of Wronged Kids, Rogue Judges, and a Town that Looked Away by Candy J. Cooper, Wild Bird by Wendelin Van Draanen, and Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American by Laura Gao. Recent documentaries about the troubled teen industry, including The Program and Hell Camp, might also be of interest.

 

–Emily Williams

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

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: King of Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwin

  • King of the Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwin
  • Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster
  • Publication Date: October 14, 2025
  • ISBN: 9781665973120

Pernell is determined to make the most of his third summer in a row at summer school by becoming this summer’s Cypher King – the leader of the summer school lunchroom informal rap circles. With tape recorder in hand, Pernell records his journey for “future listeners” through freestyling, interviews with friends and family, and stray observations. Throughout, he (and those around him) slowly begin to accept that his ADHD diagnosis which has always been treated like a “problem” might actually be what makes him who he is and his strength as a potential Cypher King. 

Told through a mix of engaging freestyle verse, humorous observations, and thoughtful interactions with parents and friends, Goodwin has created a compelling protagonist that teens will either root for or relate to. Pernell’s journey to embrace his neurodiversity as a strength rather than a weakness never feels preachy or heavy-handed and takes real teen readers’ own issues with teachers and adults who might not understand seriously. Teens will no doubt appreciate that there is little attempt to lionize the burnt out English teacher who serves as Pernell’s main antagonist. The font of the book is unique and there is a lot of white space on the page which should draw in reluctant readers who are turned off by traditional text. Pernell’s relatability and sense of humor should appeal to a wide range of teens but reluctant readers who struggle with school due to undiagnosed or misunderstood neurodivergency will find this particularly resonant. While the book takes place nearly 30 years ago (right before 2000) the focus on now iconic hip hop and punk music of the late 90s will likely still appeal to most teens, but particularly readers with a fondness for nostalgia music.  

A great choice for reluctant readers who enjoyed Jason Reynolds Track series or Kwame Alexander’s Booked as younger readers. This is also a lighter choice for teens who liked heavier novels in verse like Jason Reynold’s Long Way Down or Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam’s Punching the Air.  

–Maryanne Olson

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

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!

Amazing Audiobooks (#AA2027) Featured Review: Ms. Marvel: Remnants of the Past by Saadia Faruqi

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  • Ms. Marvel: Remnants of the Past
  • Author: Saadia Faruqi
  • Narrated by Kausar Mohammed
  • Books On Tape
  • Publication Date: January 6, 2026 
  • ISBN: 9788217297580 

Kamala Khan is a typical Pakistani American teenager living in Jersey City. But she’s also a superhero:  Ms. Marvel. Balancing these two worlds is often her biggest obstacle from attending high school, managing friendships and relationships, and, oh yeah, taking down villains. This time, the villain is Kingpin who has possession of a magical artifact which sends Ms. Marvel to Lahore, Pakistan under the guise of Khan visiting a sick relative. 

Mohammed’s work in voice acting and personal background as a Muslim Pakistani woman naturally flows into capturing Khan’s comedic superhero energy and the Jersey City family and friends as the single narrator with a stamina that holds strong throughout the audiobook. Similarly, the emotional mix of silly and serious scenes are handled adeptly and provide the depth of storytelling Faruqi intended in addressing colonialism and curation through the lens of a teen turned superhero. 

Since Angeline Boulley’s sophomore book, Warrior Girl Unearthed, tackles the subject of repatriating stolen artifacts from marginalized communities, the books align well. Or, listen to others in the Marvel YA novel series universe by Penguin Random House like Lee’s Gamora and Nebula and Reynold’s Miles Morales: Spider-Man for more superhero energy.

-Alicia Abdul

Other Nominated Titles

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!

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: One Word, Six Letters

On a dare, Freshman Dayton yells a slur at a school assembly and is labeled the school’s resident homophobe. But he’s definitely not and it’s just a word (right?). When Farshid hears that word in their freshman assembly, he wonders if it was directed at him. Maybe if he goes to the gym more and becomes the picture of masculinity, no one will think of him and that word together. As the school year continues, the incident continues to loom over Dayton and Farshid.  

Like many of Khorram’s YA books, One Word, Six Letters deals with some sensitive, but important topics with a side of humor. The second-person POV allows readers to see the incident and the fallout from both Dayton and Farshid’s perspectives and dig deeper into the lives and issues that impact these well-developed characters. This books tackles homophobia, misogyny and body dysmorphia as they relate to teen boys, and it does it well. At just over 200 pages, it is also perfect for teens looking for a quick read.  

Give to teens looking for a quick but reflective realistic story about high school life. If you enjoyed Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli or How It All Blew Up by Arvin Ahmadi, you may like One Word, Six Letters by Adib Khorram.

-Alejandria Galarza

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

Amazing Audiobooks (#AA2027) Featured Review: Red Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman

  • Red Star Rebels 
  • Author: Amie Kaufman
  • Narrated by Max Meyers, Jessica Almasy, Pete Bradbury, Lisa Flanagan, James Fouhey, Sean Patrick Hopkins, Amy Landon, Samara Naeymi, Jeremy Carlisle Parker, Gail Shalan, Full Cast
  • Penguin Random House Audio
  • Publication Date: February 2, 2026
  • ISBN: 9798217172221

It’s 2067 and one rich family has colonized Mars, selling the opportunity to escape an overcrowded Earth to the highest bidders. Hunter Graves, the grandson of the man who settled Mars, arrives at the United Nations base just as an emergency evacuation sends everyone scrambling, leaving him behind. Cleo has been stowed away on the base, and she’s in the exact same pickle as Hunter. It turns out the evacuation is just a cover for a group of mercenaries who arrive with a plan to blow up the base in eight hours. Hunter and Cleo must work together to save themselves while the timer counts down to an asphyxiating doom.

Amie Kaufman’s young adult sci-fi thriller utilizes a full cast of narrators and impeccable audio production to bring the suspenseful and action-packed novel alive. Told from the alternating viewpoints of the two main characters, Red Star Rebels promises an immersive experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.

For readers who enjoy this title, Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff’s 2015 Illuminae Files audiobook provides a similar experience with a full cast of narrators and audio effects aiding the book’s storytelling. Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff and The Disasters by M.K. England run in the same vein as Red Star Rebels if you like high stakes science fiction!

-Eoin Kennedy

Other Nominated Titles

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!