Our teen book spotlight this week is on books that were published in 2012 and are celebrating their 10th birthday! I do not know what was in the water, air, or universe that year but there were so many amazing titles and authors to come out of that year of publishing that books we read today are still inspired by those groundbreaking works. Many have been adapted into movies we were clamoring to see in the theaters since 2012 and some titles we are still talking about and recommending to others. There is a mixture of stand alone titles as well as firsts in a series to fantasy, realistic, and even some romance. These books and more can be #ya10years as well as on Libby and Hoopla. Check back next week for a new teen book spotlight and if you have any book suggestions, please let us know!!
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein--Trapped inside a cell in Nazi-occupied France, a British spy agrees to reveal war-related secrets in order to avoid torture. Rather than simply describe technical details, however, she writes about her friendship with Maddie, the pilot who flew her to France, and the daily struggles of those involved in the British war effort. In between these moving accounts, she also describes her experiences with the SS officer who has complete control over whether she lives or dies.
Grave Mercy by Robin LeFevers--In 15th-century Brittany, 17-year-old Ismae flees an abusive father and an unwanted arranged marriage, making her way to the Convent of St. Mortain where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Soon after arriving, Ismae is contacted directly by Mortain, the god of death himself, who reveals he has selected her to be his handmaiden. In order to fulfill this role – and remain within the Convent's secure walls – Ismae must become an assassin and instrument of Mortain's will. Ismae reluctantly accepts, and soon after is sent on her first mission: to observe the Breton noble Duval and kill him if he proves to be a traitor. The task at first seems rather straightforward, but is made all the more difficult by the pair's sudden and growing attraction to each other.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas--Celaena Sardothien, 18, is forced to work the salt mines of Endovier as punishment for her crimes as the top assassin in Adarlan. When Crown Prince Dorian summons her to act as his champion in a royal competition, Celaena must prove she's the best assassin in order to gain her freedom. Before facing her opponents -- a cast of ruthless killers and thieves -- Celaena must train with young captain Chaol, who she initially wants to kill, and soon catches the eye of the prince.
Ask the Passengers by A.S. King--Having spent the better part of her life in New York City, Astrid had a hard time moving to the largely rural town of Unity Valley. With her close friends at her side, things don't seem too difficult - until Astrid begins to suspect she is falling in love with a girl. Surrounded by rumors and a town with an air of homophobia, Astrid begins to shun those around her and instead turns her gaze upward, speaking to the passengers of airplanes that fly overhead. Astrid uses this outlet to gradually work through issues of identity and sexuality, eventually coming to understand what it means to love, regardless of society's labels and expectations.
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick--Samantha, who comes from wealth and whose mother is a state senator, has no say in how her life evolves. She longs to have a carefree life like that of her neighbor, Jase Garrett, who belongs to a large, seemingly happy family. Until now, Samantha and Jase haven't connected in any way. When the two teens finally meet, there is an instant spark. Everything is going wonderfully until Samantha learns a shocking secret ... one that doesn't have a perfect ending no matter what she decides to do with her knowledge of it.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz--Fifteen-year-old Ari Mendoza is an angry loner with a brother in prison, but when he meets Dante and they become friends, Ari starts to ask questions about himself, his parents, and his family that he has never asked before.