Tag: realistic fiction

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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!

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: The Moon Without Stars by Chanel Miller

As she enters 7th grade, Luna is quiet but confident in who she is – a lover of books and drawing – and she knows that her best friend Scott will be by her side no matter what. But new-found popularity for Luna after she and Scott produce a series of “self-help” zines for classmates shifts her perspective on middle school, her life, and her friendships. As she navigates her new social status, Luna is forced to confront what she’d be willing to compromise, who she’s willing to give up, and how those things affect who she ultimately wants to be.

With an inviting cover that doesn’t age down the middle-school aged characters, this is an ideal bridge book for younger teens as they transition from middle grade to young adult books. Luna’s journey is ultimately a classic tale of the importance of friends and offers opportunities for readers to think about how even those who are different from us might also have their own insecurities. Luna’s straightforward and frank analysis of her own coming of age and her experiences with a diverse array of classmates provide a fresh and relatable perspective on middle school for contemporary young teens. Luna’s observations on getting older also feature a wry sense of humor that could appeal to slightly older teens who are ready to feel nostalgic about the tumultuous years of middle school. 

Younger teens who enjoy realistic, relatable fiction that provide a humorous look at growing up would enjoy this title. It is also, a great alternative and “next level” book for middle school students who are ready to read beyond The Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Dork Diaries. Recent comparable titles include Jess Callan’s Ollie in Between and Naomi Milliner’s The Trouble with Secrets. Fans of classic Judy Blume like Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret and Then Again, Maybe I Won’t will also enjoy this.

–Maryanne Olson

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

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Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho and Deb J.J. Lee

Two young North Korean teens’ lives become intertwined, when they meet crossing the river into China. Yunhu plans to reunite with his mother who crossed earlier, while Myunghee is an orphan traveling alone. Both hope for a better life and a chance at real freedom. But to achieve that they will have to cross the borders of at least two countries and face numerous dangers, including swimming across crocodile infested waters and enduring a harsh prison camp.

The story alternates between Yunhu and Myunghee, giving voice to each of their unique perspectives, while revealing the indoctrination and oppression they experienced in their native country. Lee’s muted but expressive illustrations match the lyrical tone of the text. Readers will be inspired by the perseverance needed to successfully traverse the difficult journey of the Asian Underground Railroad. An author’s note provides additional background information about the North Korean government and life north of the DMZ.

Teens who enjoyed Hyun Sook Kim’s memoir Banned Book Club may be interested in this story about her northern neighbors. Give this to readers who find inspiration in books like Eoin Colfer’s Illegal or Jenny Sanchez Torres’ We Are Not From Here, which feature the arduous journey faced by many refugees seeking a better future.

—Heather Christensen

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2026) Feature Review: The Poetry of Car Mechanics by Heidi E.Y. Stemple


Dylan is lost. He feels like an outsider everywhere he goes. His mother is absent. His grandfather, with whom he lives, doesn’t seem to care. The only place he finds peace is in the woods behind his grandfather’s auto shop. One afternoon, he finds an injured hawk and alerts a sanctuary. At the sanctuary, he finds new purpose and connection. 

This heartfelt novel in verse about finding yourself and reimagining your community will inspire readers who have also felt unseen. Dylan’s poetry is rough and sometimes feels immature, giving it an authentically teenage feel. Additionally, Dylan is a compelling character. The subject matter is relatable to others in small towns. As a verse novel, there is plenty of white space, and the cover, while quiet, hides a compelling story of mental health and life in all its messiness. With the title, this book will appeal to both the nature lover and the auto mechanic who just needs to feel seen. 

Great for readers who loved the verse format of Jason Reynolds’s Track series, but are looking for a little bit more John Green-like content. 

–Josie Snow

Amazing Audiobooks (#AA2026) Featured Review: Soundtrack by Jason Reynolds

  • Soundtrack
  • by Jason Reynolds
  • Narrated by Nile Bullock, Mekhi Hewling, Jade Williams, Brandon Miles, Ryan Vincent Anderson, Amir Royale, Jasmin Richardson, Christopher Grant, Khaya Fraites, Nadine Simmons, Robb Moreira, We Ani, Rocky Anicette and Brandiss Seward
  • Penguin Random House Audio
  • Publication Date: June 3, 2025
  • ISBN: 9780593863466

Soundtrack, written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds, takes listeners on a vibrant journey back to early 2000s New York City, where music pulses through the streets and dreams are built one beat at a time.

Stuy has always wanted to follow in his mother’s footsteps—she was a founding member of the legendary punk band, The Bed-Stuy Magic Dusters. With her guidance, he picks up the drums and joins forces with his friends Dunks, Alexis, Keith, and Frankie. Performing in the subway under the name Soundtrack, the crew unexpectedly explodes into an underground sensation, and their rise begins to transform their lives in powerful and unpredictable ways.

Brought to life by a dynamic full cast and set to an original score by Grammy winner Justin Ellington, this audiobook original is a cinematic, heart-thumping story of friendship, music, identity, and a city that shapes its youth as much as they shape it. Soundtrack is fast-paced, emotionally rich, and incredibly entertaining. The full cast brings each character to life with energy and authenticity, making this feel more like an audio drama than a traditional audiobook. The production is next-level—complete with immersive sound effects and an original score that perfectly complements the story. It’s emotional, joyful, and bursting with the spirit of early 2000s New York City. If you love coming-of-age stories, found family dynamics, or audiobooks that feel like a full sensory experience, Soundtrack is a must-listen.

 Comparable Book Recommendations

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton

Comparable for: music history, band dynamics, complex characters
 Told through an oral history format, this novel follows the rise (and fallout) of an iconic 1970s rock duo. Like Soundtrack, it blends music, identity, and social commentary with a unique structure that works beautifully as an audiobook.

 Solo by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess

Comparable for: lyrical storytelling, self-discovery, music themes
 Told in verse, this YA novel follows Blade, the son of a washed-up rock star, as he searches for his own identity beyond his family’s fame. Music pulses through the story, and the audiobook version is especially impactful.

Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson

Comparable for: Brooklyn setting, teen friendship, rising through music
 Set in 1990s Brooklyn, three teens team up to turn their murdered friend’s music into a posthumous hip-hop career. It’s filled with heart, hustle, and love for NYC’s music scene—perfect for fans of Soundtrack’s vibe and emotional depth.

-Amanda Hunt