National Network for Equitable Library Service

"A must read. 10/10." —Broderick Hunter, actor, model, and activist. This fearless debut novel explores racism, injustice, and self-expression through the story of a promising Black football star in Louisiana. The system is rigged. For guys like Russell Boudreaux, football is the only way out of their small town. As the team's varsity tight end, Rus has a singular goal: to get a scholarship and play on the national stage. But when his best friend is unfairly arrested and kicked off the team, Rus faces an impossible choice: speak up or live in fear.

Lucky loves her grandparents, and they are all the family she really has. True, her grandma forgets things... like turning off the stove, or Lucky's name. But her grandpa takes such good care of them that Lucky doesn't realize how bad things are. That is until he's gone. When her grandma accidentally sets the kitchen on fire, Lucky can't hide what's happening any longer, and she is sent into foster care. She quickly learns that some foster families are okay, some aren't, and some really, really aren't.

The New York Times Bestseller! "An absolute page turner, I'm Not Dying with You Tonight is a compelling and powerful novel that is sure to make an impact." — Angie Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give. An NAACP Image Award Nominee, I'm Not Dying with You Tonight follows two teen girls—one Black, one White—who must confront their assumptions about racial inequality as they depend on each other to navigate the violent race riot that sets their city ablaze with civil unrest. Lena has killer style, an awesome boyfriend, and a plan to make it big.

A debut young adult rom-com about an African American ballerina who finds love on the road to an audition - "In a world where it's easy to lose faith in love, I Wanna Be Where You Are is a brilliant burst of light. A dazzling debut." —Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin and Odd One Out - When Chloe Pierce's mom forbids her to apply for a spot at the dance conservatory of her dreams, she devises a secret plan to drive two hundred miles to the nearest audition.

#1 New York Times Bestseller – A “stunning” (America Ferrera) YA novel about a teenager coming to terms with losing her sister and finding herself amid the pressures, expectations, and stereotypes of growing up in a Mexican American home. “Alive and crackling – a gritty tale wrapped in a page-turner.” — The New York Times. Perfect Mexican daughters do not go away to college. And they do not move out of their parents’ house after high school graduation. Perfect Mexican daughters never abandon their family. But Julia is not your perfect Mexican daughter. That was Olga’s role.

Thirteen-year-old Joey Willis is used to being left out of conversations. Though she's been deaf since the age of six, Joey's mother has never allowed her to learn sign language. She strains to read the lips of those around her, but often fails. Everything changes when Joey meets Dr. Charles Mansell and his baby chimpanzee, Sukari. Her new friends use sign language to communicate, and Joey secretly begins to learn to sign. Spending time with Charlie and Sukari, Joey has never been happier. She even starts making friends at school for the first time.

"Come for the crackling queer banter, stay for the history of magic (steeped in shrewd social consciousness)." —Ryan Douglass, New York Times bestselling author of The Taking of Jake Livingston. "The perfect witchy read" —BuzzFeed. Magically brilliant, academically perfect, chronically overcommitted—Shay Johnson has all the makings of a successful witch. As a junior at T.K. Anderson Magical Magnet School, she’s determined to win the Brockton Scholarship—her ticket into the university of her dreams. Her competition? Ana freaking Álvarez. The key to victory?

A romantic coming-of-age story about growing up, falling in love, and surviving life—all set in the world of superheroes—from debut author Cristina Fernandez, proving that you don't need a superpower to be the hero of your own origin story, perfect for fans of The Rest of Us Just Live Here and Renegades. Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year 2023. CCBC Choices Best of 2023. Falling for a superhero is dangerous. You have to trust that they'll catch you.

New York Times Bestseller – A pair of ex-best friends turned high school rivals must work together to survive the great outdoors—and each other—in this cozy enemies-to-lovers romance from the beloved author of the Brown Sisters trilogy. “A pure delight. This book is confirmation: no one does love stories like Talia Hibbert.”—Leah Johnson, author of You Should See Me in a Crown – Rise to the Sun. Bradley Graeme is pretty much perfect. He’s a star football player, manages his OCD well (enough), and comes out on top in all his classes . . .

From Marissa Meyer, the #1 New York Times–bestselling story of Wonderland's most notorious villain: the Queen of Hearts - Long before she was the terror of Wonderland, she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love. Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen.