27 extraordinary youth books | SLJ 2024 Stars so far

It’s been a great year for YA so far! These standout titles include everything from contemporary coming-of-age stories to thrilling fantasy to diverse romance novels and more.

AHMED-MAN, Samira. This book will not burn. Small, brown.
From size 10– Ahmed’s latest novel is ripped from the headlines and presents the fight against book bans as a hopeful endeavour of active citizen participation. A broad audience would benefit from reading it.

CALL, Rocky. I crash into you. Get.
From size 10– This novel should have an important place in youth libraries.

CHEE, Tracy. kindling. HarperCollins.
From size 10– A must-read, heartbreaking fantasy story about teenagers searching for a home and trying to survive in a world not meant for them.

COLE, Julia B. Ariel, the train crashes. Random/Labyrinth Street.
From size 9– This deeply compassionate and insightful insight into OCD is a must-have for any collection.

GOMERA-TAVAREZ, I am Camille. The girl, the ring and the baseball bat. Levine Querido.
From size 9– This magical realist novel is full of vivid details, wit, likable characters, and pride in Latin American culture. A perfect addition to any teen’s collection.

HAMMONDS, Jak. Thirsty. Roaring stream.
From size 10– A profound must-read about confronting ugly truths and beginning to heal. Recommended for any library with older teens.

IXTA-S, Carolina. Shut up, this is serious. HarperCollins/QuillTree.
From size 9– The main character’s journey of healing will inspire readers, but not before this coming-of-age story of two Latina girls brings them to ugly tears.

YEARS, Hope. The Adventures of Mary Jane. Delacorte.
From size 7– This imaginative retelling of the story of Huck Finn’s red-headed love interest is a rollicking adventure full of spot-on characterization that readers will enjoy regardless of whether they have read the book that inspired it.

KHORRAM, Adib. The separation lists. Choose.
From size 10– A heartwarming romance that focuses on creating authentic connections.

COLOGNE, Freddy. Well, Summoner. Union Square & Co.
From size 10-This novel succeeds in telling an original story of teenagers who must overcome insurmountable obstacles to fight evil and avenge their fallen friend. A first purchase for YA collections.

L.E., Vanessa. The last blood carver. Roaring stream.
From size 7– A clear first purchase that will resonate especially with immigrant and diaspora teenagers who struggle to find themselves in the media.

LEE, I’m Stacey. Kill her twice. Putnam.
From size 9– Whether your teenagers like crime novels, historical novels, or both, this is a book you should definitely give them.

LITTLE BADGER, Darcie. Sheine Lende: A prequel to Elatso. Image by Rovina Cai. Levine Querido.
From size 8–A wonderful addition to the ElatsoUniverse with vivid representation, worthy of any YA collection. Highly recommended.

LUCIER, Makia. Pitaya. HarperCollins/Clarion.
From size 7– A deeply satisfying standalone volume that readers will quickly get through, and a rare Pacific Islands-inspired fantasy that belongs in any young adult collection.

MCCAULEY, Kyrie, that’s all. Bad Graces. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen.
From size 9– A modern, twisted, dark fairytale, perfect for fans of Krystal Sutherland and established fans of McCauley.

MOLDOVA, Cute. just say yes. Get.
From size 8–A great romance with characters who have relatable fears and anxieties. A first purchase for any teen library, but especially where there is a need for a lighter companion to The house on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros.

NICHOLS, Failure. Yours from the Tower. Candlewick/Walker.
From size 7– A delightful, stirring epistolary story about female friendship and romance.

NEW, Gabe Cole. With passionate devotion: A remix of “Pride and Prejudice”. Feiwel & friends.
From size 8– Full of wit and chemistry, this queer reworking of a beloved source text is nothing short of masterful.

OH, Axis. as soon as possible. HarperTeen.
From size 8– A vibrant and dynamic story. This first purchase focuses on women and girls supporting each other in the male-dominated K-pop industry.

BLACK, I’m Leanne. To a darker coast. side street.
From size 9– A phenomenal work that weaves together elements of fantasy, self-discovery, and the search for identity, making it a compelling read for teenagers struggling with their identity.

SUTHERLAND, Crystal. The invocations. Penguin/ Nancy Paulsen.
From size 9– Pass this beautifully written, dark and twisted occult novel on to adult readers who enjoy a bit of LGBTQIA+ romance alongside witchcraft and necromancy.

TAN, June CL. Darker by Four. HarperTeen.
From size 8– A book that deserves both its own anime adaptation and a place on the shelf of every fantasy-loving teenager’s library.

THIRU, Dinesh. Into the sunken city. HarperTeen.
From size 9– Gripping, pulse-pounding deep-sea futurism that is highly recommended as a first purchase for any collection.

Unterberg, Edward. This day changes everything. Wednesday books.
From size 8–A wonderful romantic adventure comedy for teenagers, reminiscent of the “Dash & Lily” series by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan and Today, tonight, tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon.

VAN NAME, Sarah. These bodies between us. Delacorte.
From size 9– A beautiful and at times haunting tale that will appeal to readers of both realism and fantasy literature.

WESTON, I saw Kate’s daughter. Diary of a confused feminist. S. and S.
From size 9– A first purchase that deals with often taboo topics such as periods or mental health and tells an honest and exciting story that leaves room for sequels.

WILLIAMS, I’m LaDarrion. Blood at the root. Random/Labyrinth Street.
From size 10– A long overdue novel. Highly recommended for young adult readers, especially those looking for stories with black characters and experiences at the center.