Teen Shelf Help

A guide to help teens and their guardians find the books that are right for them.

These stories concern the everyday lives and conflicts of teens. Guardians are always encouraged to review the books to help teens find out if they're the right fit!

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick
ISBN: 9780439755207
From first-time novelist Jordan Sonnenblick, a brave and beautiful story that will make readers laugh and break their hearts at the same time. Thirteen-year-old Steven has a totally normal life: he plays drums in the All-Star Jazz band, has a crush on the hottest girl in the school, and is constantly annoyed by his five-year-old brother, Jeffrey. But when Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, Steven's world is turned upside down. He is forced to deal with his brother's illness and his parents' attempts to keep the family in one piece. Salted with humor and peppered with devastating realities, DRUMS, GIRLS, AND DANGEROUS PIE is a heartwarming journey through a year in the life of a family in crisis.

Is this book right for me?

This realistic fiction title is issue-oriented with a sarcastic main character. Angst-filled and emotionally intense, it focuses on dealing with illness. Great for fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio!

This story features a witty, talented character grappling with a life-changing crisis. Heavy topics like mental and physical health, cancer, medical procedures, and death of a friend are addressed.

Accelerated Reader: Upper Middle Grades, 6+ (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 940L (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 5-8 (Booklist)
Grades 6-9 (School Library Journal)
Ages 12+ (Kirkus Reviews)
Ages 12+ (Publishers Weekly)
Ages 12+ (Compass Book Ratings)

A Pho Love Story by Loan Le
ISBN: 9781534441934
If Bao Nguyen had to describe himself, he'd say he was a rock. Steady and strong, but not particularly interesting. His grades are average, his social status unremarkable. He works at his parents' pho restaurant, and even there, he is his parents' fifth favorite employee. Not ideal. If Linh Mai had to describe herself, she'd say she was a firecracker. Stable when unlit, but full of potential for joy and fire. She loves art and dreams pursuing a career in it. The only problem? Her parents rely on her in ways they're not willing to admit, including working practically full-time at her family's pho restaurant. For years, the Mais and the Nguyens have been at odds, having owned competing, neighboring pho restaurants. Bao and Linh, who've avoided each other for most of their lives, both suspect that the feud stems from feelings much deeper than friendly competition. But then a chance encounter brings Linh and Bao in the same vicinity despite their best efforts and sparks fly, leading them both to wonder what took so long for them to connect. But then, of course, they immediately remember. Can Linh and Bao find love in the midst of feuding families and complicated histories?

Is this book right for me?

This own voices romantic comedy features a classic hating-to-dating theme due to family rivalry. It's written in multiple perspectives, with alternating first-person chapters adding tension and energy. Great for fans of Bubble Trouble by Wendy Wan-Long Shang!

This debut title encourages following your dreams and standing up for what's right. Readers will learn about Vietnamese language, culture, food, and history. Racism is addressed, with very little romantic content and some strong profanity.

Accelerated Reader: Middle Grades, 4-8 (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 710L (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 9-12 (Booklist)
Grades 7+ (School Library Journal)
Ages 12-18 (Kirkus Reviews)
Ages 12+ (Publishers Weekly)
Ages 12+ (Common Sense Media)

Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan
ISBN: 9780399186219
Julia is very short for her age, but by the end of the summer run of The Wizard of Oz, she'll realize how big she is inside, where it counts. She hasn't ever thought of herself as a performer, but when the wonderful director of Oz casts her as a Munchkin, she begins to see herself in a new way. As Julia becomes friendly with the poised and wise Olive--one of the adults with dwarfism who've joined the production's motley crew of Munchkins--and with her deeply artistic neighbor, Mrs. Chang, Julia's own sense of self as an artist grows. Soon, she doesn't want to fade into the background--and it's a good thing, because her director has more big plans for Julia! Bubbling over with humor and tenderness, this is an irresistible story of self-discovery and of the role models who forever change us.

Is this book right for me?

A realistic fiction novel about radical self-acceptance. This character-driven story is angsty while dealing with grief but remains amusing and upbeat. Great for fans of 11 Before 12 by Lisa Greenwald!

The main character in this story is authentic, with endearing enthusiasm and occasional sourness. This story covers grief over a pet's death with a light touch and focuses on the character changing the way she views herself.

Accelerated Reader: Middle Grades, 4-8 (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 810L (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 3-7 (Booklist)
Grades 5-7 (Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books)
Grades 4-7 (School Library Journal)
Ages 10-14 (Kirkus Review)
Ages 8-12 (Publishers Weekly)
Ages 8+ (Common Sense Media)
Ages 9+ (Compass Book Ratings)

Up for Air by Laurie Morrison
ISBN: 9781419733666
Thirteen-year-old Annabelle struggles in school, no matter how hard she tries. But as soon as she dives into the pool, she's unstoppable. She's the fastest girl on the middle school swim team, and when she's asked to join the high school team over the summer, everything changes. Suddenly, she's got new friends, and a high school boy starts treating her like she's somebody special--and Annabelle thinks she'll finally stand out in a good way. She'll do anything to fit in and help the team make it to the Labor Day Invitational, even if it means blowing off her old friends. But after a prank goes wrong, Annabelle is abandoned by the older boy and can't swim. Who is she without the one thing she's good at?

Is this book right for me?

This realistic fiction title is richly detailed and sympathetic, featuring a main character with a learning disability. Great for readers moving from middle grade fiction to teen fiction!

This story explores a teen's struggle to fit in while staying true to herself. The main character navigates body changes, her first crush, drifting friendships, and self-doubt. It also touches on learning differences, seeking support, and her father's recovery from alcohol addiction.

Accelerated Reader: Middle Grades, 4-8 (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 900L (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 5-8 (Booklist)
Grades 5-7 (School Library Journal)
Ages 10-14 (Kirkus Review)
Ages 10-14 (Publishers Weekly)

The Vlogger Diaries by Tim Collins
ISBN: 9781782436171
If you can't make friends, make subscribers! Olivia Warren is living the vlogging dream. With thousands of subscribers, a gorgeous boyfriend and freebies coming through the door, it couldn't be going better. But Olivia has a secret. The girl on the vlog isn't her. How long can it last? Will Olivia be exposed as a fraud? And will Olivia's cat ever stop sleeping and do something cute enough to go viral? Discover the hilarious story of one teenage girl's journey from geeky nobody to online superstar .

Is this book right for me?

A funny, realistic fiction title full of diary entries and doodles. Great for those who don't normally like to read as well as fans of Dork Diaries!

This book explores self-acceptance despite past mistakes. There are themes touching on school hierarchies and the consequences of internet fame, which may prompt conversations about responsible online behavior and its effects on mental well-being.

Accelerated Reader: Not available. │ Lexile Measure: Not available.

Suggested for:

Grades 5-8 (School Library Journal)
Ages 12+ (Kirkus Review)