Need a good book? Middle School Librarian Fiona Dolce (aka Ms. D) and Middle and High School Services Supervising Librarian Alexander Gutierrez (aka Mr. G) are here with lots of great fiction and graphic novels for students in grades 6–12.
Below, see what the librarians have to say about each book. Then, click on each title to see the full description in the catalog and place a hold. Happy fall reading!
For middle schoolers, Ms. D recommends…
Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman
Ms. D says: “Unseelie is a story of strength and resilience for two sisters who have been pushed to the edge of society. This fantasy novel covers mythology in a whole new way.”
Becoming Who We Are: Real Stories About Growing Up Trans by Sammy Lisel
Ms D. says: “Real stories from trans people across the world. This graphic novel is powerful for those interested in learning about the LGBTQ+ community, those a part of the community, as well as for families of people who are transgender. The art in this graphic novel is also beautifully done, piecing together dynamic and compelling stories.”
Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows
Ms D. says: “Bye Forever, I Guess is a book that will capture the attention of any teen who loves Dungeons and Dragons or fandoms. The mix of texting as well as novel prose really adds depth and fun to the page.”
The Museum of Lost and Found by Leila Sales
Ms D. says: “Teens are full of creative and innovative ideas, so why not put them on display! This book explores the importance of having space to express ourselves. This realistic fiction read is perfect for fans of stories about community, expression, history, and secrets.”
Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce
Ms D. says: “Moving to a new town and new school is hard, especially in the middle of the year. When Quinn is invited to join a Dungeons and Dragons game, perhaps this new town isn’t so bad after all. I loved how this book combined one of my favorite genres (romance) as well as my love for DnD!”
Ultraviolet by Aida Salazar
Ms D. says: “When faced with a lot of firsts—first love, first fight, first breakup—Elio is overwhelmed. This teen coming-of-age story sheds an important light on the struggles teen boys face. Ultraviolet is a book of strength, compassion, and perseverance.”
Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson
Ms D. says: “Another one of my favorite genres (thriller), Blood in the Water is a creepy read. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering and wanting to know what really happened to a local Black teen in Martha’s Vineyard.”
Star Splitter by Matthew J. Kirby
Ms D. says: “Eerie and unsettling is the best way I could describe this book. When Jessica Mathers is transported to a blood-covered planet, you are immediately sucked into the story. Each twist and turn of this book keeps you wanting more.”
Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera
Ms D. says: “The exploration of mythologies is always interesting to me, so picking up this book, I was interested to learn about Alebrijes. Throughout this book, I was able to explore a new world—one of science fiction, monsters, and more.”
Warrior on the Mound by Sandra W. Headen
Ms D. says: “Historical fiction and sports fiction are two genres that can be hard for me to read, though Warrior on the Mound proved me wrong! This book shares an important voice, one of a Black baseball player during segregation. I recommend this read to anyone wanting to read about history, baseball, and social justice.”
For high schoolers, Mr. G recommends…
Smashed by Junji Ito
Mr. G says: “Junji Ito is a renowned horror writer/illustrator who’s very well known in Japan, and this collection of stories not only captures his unique art style but also tells captivating stories that always seem to end in a wild twist.”
The Tournament by Rebecca Barrow
Mr. G says: “An exciting thriller about a boarding school for girls where survival isn’t just instinct, it’s a class. This school holds an annual tournament for seniors where seven lucky students have the chance to claim glory in a deadly competition. If you think getting good grades and applying to colleges is stressful, you’re gonna love this one.”
Empty Heaven by Freddie Kolsch
Mr. G says: “A spooky tale that explores the concept of haunting a completely different level, I’m honestly surprised it worked so well. The town is haunted, the people are haunted, and even our main character is haunted with a monster who claims to genuinely love her. I also enjoyed Kolsch’s writing style, it’s so fluid and slow paced with small details written into scenes, which made it perfect for such a creepy story.”
The Otherwhere Post by Emily Taylor
Mr. G says: “A somewhat majestic mystery/romance about a girl named Maeve uncovering the truth about her father’s death by communicating through a postal system that travels through dimensions. We eventually find out that some mysteries are better left unsolved and the burden a parent carries could weigh more than anyone could have imagined.”
Immortal Consequences by I. V. Marie
Mr. G says: “This creepy story explores death in a way that I would’ve never thought possible. Blackwood Academy is a school located on the fringes of the afterlife, and once a student enrolls, there’s no way out, except through Decennial (graduation). Every year six students are chosen to compete during the annual Decennial— except this year is different, and the competitors eventually find that there are things worse than death in this world.”
What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould
Mr. G says: “Imagine being abducted, dropped off at a camp in the dead center of some haunted woods and set to survive for 50 days with complete strangers. That’s what happens to Devin Green, who, up until now, was on a path of self-destructive behaviors and had since turned a new leaf. This mystery/thriller not only offers an element of horror but also a spark of gratefulness and hope as the characters cling to survival as their prize at the end of the never-ending tunnel.”