2016 was a bit of a mixed bag, wasn’t it? We lost a lot of heroes in 2016, and we mourn the artists, authors, musicians, actors, and other inspiring people that passed away in 2016.
But 2016 was also an incredible year for YA books. We read SO MANY great books this year, it was hard to choose our favorites. We saw amazing series continued (A Torch In the Night? The Rose and the Dagger? A Court of Mist + Fury? The Siege? Crooked Kingdom? Glass Sword??) and new series kicked off (The Reader, Rebel of the Sands, And I Darken…!!), we read incredible debut books, brilliant Graphic Novels, and amazing work from local authors. We loved seeing that YA lit continues to be on the cutting edge of inclusiveness, with representation of ever more diverse casts of characters and ranges of experience.
With all this in mind, have a look at your HCPL Teen Librarians’ Top Teen Reads of 2016 after the jump. You may just find your next book to read on this list – click on the titles to head to our catalog and place copies on hold!
Love Blind by Kristen Desir, and Drag Teen by Jeffrey Self, recommended by Amanda at Fairfield Library
Faith Volume 1: Hollywood and Vine by Jody Houser, recommended by Susan at Gayton Library
My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows, recommended by Drew at Glen Allen Library: “An adventure that blends historical fiction, fantasy, comedy, and romance into one charming package. Just plain fun.”
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo, This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab, and Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys, recommended by Alicia at Headquarters
The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner, recommended by Adrienne at Libbie Mill Library: “That last year of high school when everything is changing – and you don’t know where you will land and who will still be with you. Set in a small southern town, four friends cling to their friendships as change pulls them in different directions. Also snake handling, tons of snark, and stuff that will make you cry. Great read-a-like if you loved Eleanor & Park, The Fault in Our Stars, If I Stay.”
Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart, recommended by Dee at Libbie Mill Library: “A heartbreaking story about a transgendered girl and a boy with bipolar disorder and their friendship amidst the hardships of middle school. Such a great read that pulls at the heartstrings.”
Girl Mans Up by M-E Girard, recommended by Jamie at Libbie Mill Library: “An original story about navigating love, friendship and identity and staying true to oneself, despite everyone else’s expectations.”
Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton, recommended by Rachel at Libbie Mill Library: “Cross a western with Indian mythology and the result is a fast, fun start to a new series.”
The Initiation, Lock & Key Book 1 by Ridley Pearson, recommended by Rhiannon at Libbie Mill Library: “For those who enjoy mysteries, Sherlock Holmes origin stories, and plucky young narrators who just happen to be James Moriarty’s little sister.”
Frannie + Tru by Karen Hattrup, and The Steep and Thorny Way by Cat Winters, recommended by Barbara at North Park
What Light by Jay Asher, recommended by Leslie at Sandston Library: “A light, romantic, Christmas-time read. Pairs well with hot cocoa and marshmallows.”
Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson, recommended by Aimee at Tuckahoe Library
Burn Baby Burn by Meg Medina, and The Sun is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon, recommended by Patty at Twin Hickory Library
The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater, and Zodiac Starforce: By the Power of Astra by Kevin Panetta, recommended by Jess at Varina Library
Invisible Fault Lines by Kirsten Paige-Madonia, and Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs, recommended by Natasha at Varina Library
Don’t forget you can Ask A Librarian or use 3 Books 4 Me to get help finding your next read! See you in 2017!!
HCPL TeenScene's Read + Review 