Best of 2024: Teen

Great YA mystery fiction for lovers of Los Angeles' vast history or for those who want to know more. Set in 1930s DTLA Chinatown, the book gently leans on the times of Anna May Wong.

This absorbing tale, set in Los Angeles in 1932, invites us into the lives of the Chow sisters, May, Gemma, and Peony. May’s childhood friend, who made it into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, has been murdered, her death swept aside due to racism and payoffs to higher-ups. After an innocent man from their community is arrested, they vow to find their friend’s killer.

An unflinching look at female trauma, The Wilderness of Girls focuses on the lives of several teenage girls in upstate New York. Running from her past, Rhi stumbles upon a group of "feral" girls in the woods. They say they are princesses from another world, but is it true? Where did these girls really come from? How did they survive alone in the woods? Who is the strange man they call "Mother" who raised them? What happens when they have to integrate into society? Franklin does not provide tidy answers to these questions. She tells the story from multiple perspectives, with each character given a unique voice and perspective. This book will keep you guessing until the end.

Neon is just twenty-four seconds away from his life-changing forever...he is about to have sex for the first time with his girlfriend of two years. Moving backward in time, the reader learns what has led up to this pivotal moment, including having "the talk" with his mother and falling in love.

It is a beautiful snapshot of young love from the boy's perspective. Utilizing flashbacks and inner monologues, we meet Neon, who is nervous about consummating his relationship. Hilarious and heartfelt, the cast of characters' open honesty and realism makes for a moving read.

Not only did I enjoy reading this romance novel, but I also enjoyed its representation! The author did a very good job explaining the importance of Mariachis in Mexican culture and did an outstanding job writing a story about the loss of a loved one and the journey of grief.

Rafael must come to terms with his favorite person's death, his abuelo, while also moving, leaving his school’s Mariachi band where he’s their superstar. Rey, the boy he briefly met, now stands in the way of him headlining the group. Even though both boys fight their feelings, it shines between them. Will Rafie ruin his chance at true love, or is winning the most important goal of all? Read or listen to this exquisitely read audiobook that deals with life, love, mental health, and more for an experience you won't soon forget.

Mariachis always sing love songs, so what happens when two fall for each other? The plot is resolved intelligently and sensitively. Some hot scenes.

Curl up with a cup of cocoa and read this anthology full of haunted mansions, monsters, hoodoo, asylums, zombies and more by some of your favorite YA authors.

In this pulse-pounding read, Sunny must take care of her younger brother according to her mother's last wishes, but he's always been the troubled outcast. Is he a murderer, or does the family hide an even more terrifying secret? Sunny must do all she can to uphold their family legacy, but at what cost?

A movingly beautiful novel in verse dealing with OCD and intrusive thoughts. Ariel, a queer girl trying to survive her parent's expectations has to deal with violent fantasies and wants help that no one will give her. Her rituals and isolation won't keep those around her safe, but during a summer job, new friends are met who might be the support she needs for a future.

Giving a spotlight to MMIW, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women plaguing the US and Canada, we meet Mara, who is new to living at the Blackfeet reservation. Soon, she is pulled into the mystery of a missing girl as well as another girl found murdered during a celebration. Twists, turns, and multiple points of view will have readers guessing until the last heartbreaking pages.

Sade is going to a high school for the first time, and a prestigious boarding school no less. She’s not sure what to expect, but when her roommate disappears after the first night, her life is thrown into turmoil as she tries to help her roommate's best friend find out what happened. Secrets, intrigue, death, love, and friendship all swirl together until the past is revealed.

Two first-year students at Wellesley College have competing relationship advice Instagram accounts—Sophie anonymously runs "Dear Wendy," and Jo anonymously runs "Sincerely, Wanda," which is known for snarky replies to "Wendy." However, Sophie and Jo become fast friends when they work together on a project for their Gender and Women’s Studies class, not realizing the other is their mortal social media enemy! Despite the dating advice Sophie and Jo gave, Dear Wendy is about the love between best friends.

In a nail-biting re-imagining of Jane Eyre, two women trapped by an evil man must face the secrets and horror of their lives to persevere and make it through to the other side.

Novel in verse about twins, Lake and Storm, pulled apart by the foster system and sent down dark roads. Beautiful and heartfelt, this painful read reminds us of what's important in life and what to fight for.

Suspenseful historical fiction set during World War I and beyond about switchboard operators sent abroad to help the US Army. After returning home and working as a telephone operator, Edda is confronted with her past and the horror that transpired overseas. Will she be able to deal with her past and the mystery ahead? Read and find out.

In one of the best short story collections of the year, excellent, diverse authors put the question of what happens when the white guy dies first, as opposed to most horror films, in each of the delicious short stories. Turn on the lights, grab a cup of tea, and get immersed in these tales.

After a horrific incident against the town's sheriff, a trans teen must decide if he can weather the storm of trying to take his town's controlling ruler on while keeping his family and his sanity safe.

Second in the series and as amazing as the first installment. Nora is trying to enjoy the last weeks of summer by going camping as she learns her stepdad is out of jail and is most likely out to kill her again. When hostages are taken, boobytraps and quick thinking must happen as more secrets are unearthed.

This excellent anthology places black girls at the forefront as they slay monsters and deal with evil. Excellent for a night in with the lights on and a hot drink as you delve into zombies, cults, werewolves, haunted houses, and more.

This book is horrific, simultaneously repelling and mesmerizing. I adore so many pieces here: a flawed character who represents her time; an ugly, honest, brutal work; the sheer determination to wring you as the colonists are wrung.

Ribay weaves a beautiful intergenerational Filipino story of four boys as they come of age at different times but deal with similar issues.

In a world of magic and consequences, old friends Hanalei and Sam reunite on a search for seadragons—but while Sam wants to use the seadragon egg, Hanalei is determined to protect it.

A sparkling, slow-burn romance about Niamh, a dressmaker with the magical ability to weave emotions into her work. She's called to create clothing for the royal wedding of Prince Christopher (Kit), who she eventually falls for. Readers, prepare yourselves for political intrigue, magic, and utmost fantasy.