Young Adult (ages 14-18)

Material appropriate for young adults

A Song Of Wraiths And Ruin

In Roseanne A. Brown’s captivating debut novel, “A Song of Wraiths and Ruin,” readers are transported to a world inspired by West African folklore, where two unlikely adversaries find themselves drawn together by fate and circumstance.

Malik, a desperate refugee fleeing war-torn lands, sees the Solstasia festival in the prosperous desert city of Ziran as a chance to secure a better life for himself and his sisters. However, when his younger sister Nadia is abducted by a vengeful spirit demanding the life of Karina, the Crown Princess of Ziran, Malik strikes a dangerous bargain—to assassinate Karina in exchange for Nadia’s freedom.

Set against a backdrop of ancient evils and simmering tensions, “A Song of Wraiths and Ruin” is a gripping tale of injustice, magic, and romance. With its richly imagined world and compelling characters, this New York Times bestseller is sure to enchant readers.

Tales From Gold Mountain: Stories Of The Chinese In The New World (A Groundwood Book) (A Groundwood Book)

Through eight original tales, readers gain insight into the hardships faced by the first Chinese immigrants in America. In “Spirits of the Railway,” a young man endeavors to appease the restless ghosts of railroad workers who were never properly laid to rest, shedding light on the sacrifices made by laborers in building the nation’s infrastructure. In “Forbidden Fruit,” a father’s bias threatens to tear apart his daughter’s chance at love and happiness, highlighting the impact of cultural traditions and familial expectations on individual lives.

Beasts Of Ruin

In a world where promises to gods bind souls, Koffi finds herself ensnared in Fedu’s deceptive realm—a luxurious mansion masking a deadly mist that holds her and other darajas captive. Trapped within Thornkeep’s manicured gardens, escape seems impossible until Koffi discovers a latent power within the mist itself—a power that could hold the key to her freedom and unlock the mysteries of her own magic.

In a race against time and fate, Koffi and Ekon – a former soldier now branded a fugitive – must reckon with the changing landscape of their world and confront the truths that threaten to tear them apart. But with each trial they endure, they draw closer to each other and the possibility of shaping their own destinies.

We Free The Stars (Sands of Arawiya, Book 2)

Follow up to We Hunt the Flame from the Sands of Arawiya duology, We Free the Stars takes readers on a journey after the battle on Sharr has ended, with Altair, Zafira, Nasir, and Kifah navigating a world in which Arz has fallen. Although Altair remains a captive, the trio are set on finishing Altair’s plan of restoring the hearts of the Sisters of Old to the minarets of each caliphate, which will bring magic to all of Arawiya. But this task will prove to be immensely difficult. With order needing to be restored and time running out, sacrifices will have to be made.

The Prince And The Coyote

Fifteen year old Acolmiztli, crown prince of a Pre Columbian Mexico (c. 1418), wants nothing more than to see Tetzcoco thrive. But after a palace plot leaves his father dead, Acolmiztli is forced into exile with his mother and siblings, where they must seek refuge in the wilderness as their lives depend on it. After a coyote comes to their aid by helping Acolmiztli find his way, he takes on the new name of Nezahualcoyotl, or fasting coyote (“Neza” for short). A blend of poetry and prose, including translations of surviving poems written by Nezahualcoyotl, translated from classical Nahuatl by David Bowles, this action-packed epic takes readers on an adventure, bringing to life one of Mexico’s most treasured heroes – Nezahualcoyotl.

Run For Your Life

Azari’s life is split in two, but what links them? Running. Sometimes she runs because she wants to, but sometimes she runs because she has no other choice. When Azari and her mother flee to Ireland as refugees, they find themselves in a center for asylum seekers, Direct Provision. Here they must room with a stranger, eat unfamiliar food they don’t the names of, and are forced to answer intrusive questions from the authorities. Azari has secrets, but will she ever be able to stop running?

Okinawa

This heartbreaking manga, by an award-winning mangaka, examines the effects of World War 2 and post-war military colonization in Okinawa. An essential manga classic presented in English for the first time.

Okinawa is the WOW Recommends Book of the Month for April 2024.

Catfish Rolling

Years after a major earthquake, which is said to have been caused by a rising and falling catfish under Japan, creates different zones in which time passes differently, Sora and her father secretly investigate the off-limit zones in order to find the answer behind the time anomalies and the disappearance of Sora’s mother. But one day her father begins to act strangely – his memory appears to be deteriorating. When he disappears, Sora has no choice but to venture down deep into the time zone to find her father and, perhaps, the catfish itself.

Savage Her Reply

A dark, feminist retelling of the Irish fairytale, “The Children of Lir”, told through the voice of Aife. When Aife marries King Lir, he already has four children from his previous wife. Out of jealousy of a father’s love for his children, Aife turns King Lir’s children into swans for 900 years. What will become of them?

Rez Ball

Debut novelist, Byron Gtaves, tells the story of Tre Brun who finds solace and purpose on the basketball court of the Red Lake Reservation high school team, despite grappling with the persistent ache of losing his older brother, Jaxon, to tragedy. When Jaxon’s former teammates extend a hand of camaraderie, Tre views this opportunity as a chance to honor his Ojibwe heritage and pursue his ambition of leading his team to their inaugural state championship.

Winner of the American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award and the William C. Morris Debut Award from the American Library Association.