Teen Reads
The CBC looks for a theme to spotlight in each month’s Hot Off the Press list so that we can alert parents, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and all children’s book enthusiasts to cool new offerings from our member publishers.
The Young Adult (YA) category of books is one that can have a broad reach, appealing to those readers just exiting middle grades and who are looking for deeper, more intense storylines, all the way to older adults who enjoy remembering their own “firsts.” Our December Hot Off the Press list has a nice, eclectic mix of YA reads. From beasts and vampires to parties and funerals, these titles all speak to the magnitude of emotion that adolescents experience: the fear of how to find your place in the world, the resilience to keep moving forward, the complexity of friendship and family relationships, the pull of desire, and the courage it takes to fight for what you believe in.
Blood Gone Cold, by Katy Grant (The Rosen Publishing Group / West 44 Books) — Mystery / Thriller, Action / Adventure, Family / Community, Teen.
Abby used to be close to her older sister Natalie, but now they seem to have nothing in common. And their constant bickering is putting a strain on the family’s winter vacation. After a day on the slopes, their frustrated parents leave the girls alone in their cabin together. But when two suspicious men appear at the remote cabin where they’re staying, Natalie is in serious danger. It’s up to Abby to use her quick thinking to fend off the intruders. Though the sisters initially escape the intruders, they’re forced out into the elements—with the men in hot pursuit. Can the sisters put their differences aside to survive this blood-chilling night?
A Cruel Thirst, by Angela Montoya (Random House Children’s Books / Joy Revolution) — Romance, Fantasy, Cultural Diversity, Action / Adventure, Teen.
A fledgling vampire and a headstrong vampire huntress must work together—against their better judgment—to rid the world of monsters in this irresistible young adult romantasy.
Carolina Fuentes wants to join her family in hunting the bloodthirsty vampiros that plague her pueblo. Her father, however, wishes to marry her off to a husband of his choosing, someone who’ll take her away from danger.
Determined to prove she’d make a better slayer than wife, Carolina vows to take down a monster herself. But when she runs into un vampiro who is somehow extremely attractive and kind, her plan crumbles.
Lalo Villalobos was content leading a perfectly dull life until un vampiro turned him. Now forced to flee his city, he heads to the pueblo where he believes the first vampiro was made. Surely its residents must know how to reverse this dreadful curse. Instead of finding salvation, Lalo collides with a beautiful young woman who’d gladly drive a dagger through his heart.
Fortunately, Lalo and Carolina share a common enemy. They can wipe out this evil. Together. If his fangs and her fists can stay focused, they might just triumph and discover what it feels like to take a bite out of love.
Fate Breaker, by Victoria Aveyard (HarperCollins) — Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Series, Teen.
Since Victoria Aveyard launched the instant #1 New York Times bestselling Realm Breaker, the series has taken readers by storm. Now the finale is here to continue this epic fantasy series.
Change your fate—or kneel to it.
The Companions are scattered and hopeless, torn from each other. After Corayne barely escapes with her life, she must forge on alone, leaving her blade broken and her allies behind her. Her only consolation: Corayne now has Taristan’s sword, the only Spindleblade left in existence. Without it, he can’t rip open any more Spindles. Without it, he can’t end the world.
But Taristan and Queen Erida will not be defeated so easily. Both will burn the world to bring down Corayne—and bring forth their demon god, What Waits, ready to claim the realm of Allward for his own.
In a final clash between kingdoms and gods, all must rise to fight—or be destroyed. Everything has come to this. Prepare for a larger-than-life, unforgettable finale to the instant New York Times bestselling Realm Breaker series, where a shattered alliance must rise from the ashes to make their final stand against a ruthless enemy…and the demon god who looks to shroud the entire world in darkness.
The Party, by Natasha Preston (Random House Children’s Books / Delacorte Press) — Mystery / Thriller, Action / Adventure, Horror, Teen.
Are you invited?
In the heart of the English countryside, Bessie and her closest friends gather at a remote castle for a secret party destined to make this the best spring break ever. But when the first of them dies, the party takes a lethal turn.
As the body count continues to rise, Bessie and her friends must contend with a deadly storm and growing internal suspicion, all while trapped inside with a killer.
Set against the backdrop of a sprawling English estate, Natasha Preston’s latest thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat until the party’s over…
Songs for the Offseason, by Ryan Wolf (The Rosen Publishing Group / West 44 Books) — Sports / Games / Recreation, Death / Grief / Loss, Friendships, Teen.
It’s the summer before his senior year, and Dustin can’t wait to take a special trip to Japan with his high school baseball team. His plans are quickly dashed by the sudden death of his similarly athletic cousin. As someone focused on fitness, Dustin is deeply shaken by this loss. While attending his very first funeral, Dustin meets Andrea, the new stepdaughter of a distant relative who seems to have a playlist for every occasion. At first, Dustin dislikes her. But as the summer continues, death seems to be stalking them both. More funerals crop up, one after another, challenging Dustin’s sense of stability. Andrea is there at every gathering, each with its own flair and antics by quirky family members, trying to find meaning in the madness alongside Dustin. As they reflect on life, death, and music, they learn to embrace the weird ways people cope—and find a path forward.
Spell of the Sinister, by Danielle Paige (Bloomsbury / Bloomsbury YA) — Fantasy, Folklore / Fairytales / Myths, BIPOC Characters and Creators, Family / Community, Teen.
Two magical sisters. One more chance at revenge. . . .
Ever since Cinderella disappeared with Prince Mather the queendoms have been in disarray. Now with her magical power completely unchecked, Galatea intends to exact revenge on humans for using the Entente. Her plan? Send Bari off to find a new prince and take over one queendom at a time. But Bari’s mission is complicated when South joins her and sparks begin to fly . . .
Meanwhile, Farrow is on her own journey to reunite with Cinderella and Prince Mather in the first Queendom. Amid brewing conflict, Farrow grapples with her feelings for Mather, her friendship with Cinderella, and her loyalty to the Entente’s original purpose–to influence with helpful magic, never take total control.
Once as close as sisters, Bari and Farrow now find themselves on opposing sides. Will malice win out, or will the next generation of Entente chart a new path to “happily ever after” for their magical coven of fairy godmothers?
We Are the Beasts, by Gigi Griffis (Random House Children’s Books / Delacorte Press) — Horror, Historical Fiction, LGBTQIA+, Action / Adventure, Teen.
Deaths and disappearances pile up as a mysterious beast stalks the French countryside and two girls seize an unlikely opportunity that just might save them all—or serve them up on a platter.
Step into this chilling, historical horror inspired by the unsolved mystery of the Beast of Gévaudan.
When a series of brutal, mysterious deaths start plaguing the countryside and whispers of a beast in the mountains reach the quiet French hamlet of Mende, most people believe it’s a curse—God’s punishment for their sins.
But to sixteen-year-old Joséphine and her best friend, Clara, the beast isn’t a curse. It’s an opportunity.
For years, the girls of Mende have been living in a nightmare—fathers who drink, brothers who punch, homes that feel like prisons—and this is a chance to get them out.
Using the creature’s attacks as cover, Joséphine and Clara set out to fake their friends’ deaths and hide them away until it’s safe to run. But escape is harder than they thought. If they can’t brave a harsh winter with little food… If the villagers discover what they’re doing… If the beast finds them first…
Those fake deaths might just become real ones.
We Did Nothing Wrong, by Hannah Jayne (Sourcebooks / Sourcebooks Fire) — Mystery / Thriller, Friendships, Action / Adventure, Teen.
Lia thought of the dark night, of the broken street light.
Had Diana gone out to meet her? Had she been waiting for her, alone in the park?
Or had someone been waiting for Diana?
Lia and Diana are the “it girls” of Empire Hill High. Their lives are perfect….until Diana disappears and the rumors start flying.
Everyone thinks Diana is a runaway, including the police. Lia is secretly convinced it’s all a prank. Then she finds a crushed red rose tied with a candy-cane ribbon where Diana went missing. And next to it, a note:
YOU
It’s the same ribbon Lia’s received on gifts from a “secret admirer.” Did someone come for Diana that night? And will Lia be next?
For more great book suggestions, be sure to check out the full December Hot Off the Press list!
List compiled by CBC’s resident book connoisseur, Brooke Pisarsky. Check out other Hot Off the Press Spotlight book lists on our blog.
