Back-to-School Book Suggestions

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

This book is super funny! It has a special and rather characteristic dark, wry humor, and was turned into a major motion picture. The protagonist, Gregory Gaines, an amateur filmmaker whose mother forces him to re-befriend an old childhood friend who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia, is one of the most dynamic characters I've read in quite a while. He's also completely unlikeable. That was one of the best things about this book - the characters weren't elevated to selfless saints because of their proximity to a girl with cancer. I would recommend a read- albeit one that comes with a warning. The book can be a little (unnecessarily IMHO) crude and explicit. Borrow it here (as a hard copy) or here (as an ebook).

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams Genesis Begins Again is about thirteen-year-old Genesis Anderson, aspiring singer, insecure teenager, and good student. She's just like your average young teen, but she constantly battles self-hatred because of the racism and colorism that she faces. This is exacerbated by her bullies, mean teachers, and her father and family's colorist beliefs. But when Genesis transfers to her new school, she learns to love herself and her dark skin, makes friends, and embraces her talent as a nascent singer. Touching and well-written, it is a must-read. Borrow it here (as a hard copy), here (as an ebook), or here (as an audiobook).

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

The novel follows Leo Borlock, a high school student, as he becomes friends and falls in love with a new girl named Stargirl Caraway. Stargirl is unlike anyone Leo has ever met. She is free-spirited, eccentric, and unapologetically herself. Initially, Stargirl’s unique personality wins over the school, but she is a nonconformist whose perceived "oddness" leads to ostracization. As Leo grapples with his feelings for Stargirl, he must decide whether to embrace individuality or conform to social pressures. This novel is famous for a reason. Borrow it here (as a hard copy) or here (as an ebook).

Always Never Yours by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegmund-Broka

This book is full of heart and stuffed with charm. Megan Harper, aspiring director and theater-dedicated high school student, is cursed. Every one of her exes goes on to find their own true love after breaking up with her. Megan is fine with it. Really. She doesn't pity herself, instead spending her time putting together her school's plays with flair- behind the scenes. However, her dream college requires her to have acted, so she decides to audition for the smallest role possible- and ends up with Juliet. This is a disaster! But maybe it doesn't have to be. Throw together theater shenanigans, high school life, and cute playwrights named Owen Okita, and maybe you'll have a brand-new love story. This book is dangerously cute, and I would highly recommend a read. Borrow it here (as a hard copy) or here (as an ebook).

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Ah, Cinder, Cinder, Cinder. What could I possibly do that would do justice to Marissa Meyer's masterpiece? Cinder is a remix of the classic fairytale Cinderella. Cinder, the protagonist, is a teenage cyborg mechanic. Orphaned at a young age, Cinder comes to live with a scientist and his family. After her father dies, Cinder is mistreated by her stepmother and elder stepsister, surprising literally no one. The combination of a futuristic high-tech world with many similarities to Cinderella will leave you spell-bound. Borrow it here (as a hard copy), here (as an ebook), or here (as an audiobook).

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

Five students walk into detention. Four walk out alive. One of Us is Lying is Karen McManus' most famous work, which has also recently been made into a TV series on Peacock. The novel follows four students in Bayview High after their mysterious detention where their classmate Simon, the creator of a famous gossip blog at Bayview, dies. But his death was no accident - he was murdered. And just before he died, he planned to reveal juicy secrets about his fellow detention students. Bronwyn, the geek. Addie, the princess. Cooper, the jock. And Nate, the criminal. Thrilling and suspenseful, I personally couldn't get enough of the twists and turns. Borrow it here (as a hard copy), here (as an ebook), or here (as an audiobook).