Bookshop's Favorite Young Adult Books

Through this graphic memoir, we get a look into Deborah’s life. Her mental health struggles and experience of domestic abuse show how our own challenges can feel inescapable and, in turn, can make us blind to those around us. Deb Lee’s delicate and detailed illustrations, done in a muted blue palette, encapsulate the mentality of depression so well. In Limbo is a masterfully crafted graphic memoir. 

—Andrea

I had a great time with this fun time-travel adventure! With every page full of intrigue, action, humor, and adorable queer romance, I was captivated by Ren and his friends from the year 2122. This upbeat yet mysterious sci-fi comic is perfect for any teen looking for an introduction into the wonderful world of graphic novels.

—Mo

Stella North is determined to win an air race for young fliers, a race billed as a symbol of peace in 1937 Europe. When one of the other competitors is killed, her goals radically change. Now she’s racing to solve the identity of the mysterious saboteur as well as to stay alive. Fans of Ruta Septys and Marcus Zuzak will love reading about these aviator teens on the precipice of a life-changing war.  —Ivy

An action-packed sapphic romance full of Irish mythology, Ravensong tells the story of Neve, a senior in high school and one third of the Morrigan—a trio of Irish war gods—reincarnated into modern times. Neve is eager to turn 18, when memories are revealed and she can fight alongside her sisters. However, she's caught off guard after developing feelings for a mortal. Curiously, at the same exact moment, the Hellgate starts acting strange. This novel explores themes of duty, love, and family with epic battles, plot twists, and a delightful cast of characters.

—Zoe

Told in short chapters with sketchbook line drawings and black censor boxes throughout its pages, Different for Boys has a raw honesty that makes it feel like you’ve stumbled across a stranger’s journal. It draws you in with its unique use of redacted words and phrases, as it tackles big issues like sexuality, milestones, masculinity, and the changing friendships of four very different boys. This book truly packs a punch. —Alana

Horror fans take note! In order to pay for college, Jade strikes a deal with her estranged father. She must spend a couple weeks in Vietnam with him as he turns an old, possibly haunted, house into a luxury bed & breakfast. Ghosts, however, never stay quiet for long, and this house—so entwined in her family history—may have more than a few. This book will keep you up and make your skin crawl in the best way possible. —Ivy

Andy is drowning in grief while Shelbi is doing her best to stay anonymous as a senior at her brand new high school. Suddenly an accidental text throws these two into a friendship neither saw coming. Nic Stone never shies away from hard topics but instead writes about them with grace, humor, and wry observation. I raced through this book, rooting for Andy and Shelbi, not wanting to pause until I could see just how their stories resolved.

—S.M.C.

Written over a dozen years ago yet somehow even more relevant today, Cory Doctorow’s tale of clever teens engaged in a technological rebellion serves as both a wake-up call and a lesson in resistance. If George Orwell’s 1984 is on your mind these days, then jump into the 21st century with this book. Now available bound with the sequel Homeland, first published in 2014. -Michelle

As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Julia finds it difficult to create her own dreams while meeting her parents’ expectations. What does it mean to navigate two cultures? In a world where girls of color continue to be underestimated, this coming-of-age story is one that any Mexican-American girl could relate to. I love the authenticity in this story. -Noreen

What does it mean to grow up when you'll never get old? Black continues the literary traditions of Dracula and Interview With the Vampire by adapting vampire symbolism to the modern day and a young adult audience in this delicate, elegant text, with beautiful prose and a sly nod towards our often ridiculous, often dangerous obsession with sexy vampires... and, don't worry, a beautiful and dangerous vampire boy to boot.-Yves