2020 Staff Picks for Teens

There were some absolutely fabulous teen titles published this year, including wonderfully thought-provoking nonfiction, fantastical adventures, and stunning LGBTQIA+ stories. Here are our favorites!

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds was recommended by Seana T. at Glen Allen, Barbra S. at Varina, Amy B. at Libbie Mill, Julia B. at Tuckahoe, Logan F. at Tuckahoe, Courtney M. at North Park, and Gay Lynn V. at Twin Hickory, and is an all-around favorite. This book is easily digestible and a fantastic place for teens (and adults!) to start learning about racism in America. If you enjoyed this book and would like to keep learning about how to be anti-racist, we also suggest This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work by Tiffany Jewell.

There are so many other great titles to read as well! Check out these favorites:

King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender – recommended by Jamie C. at Libbie Mill
The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson – recommended by Lisa K. at Glen Allen and Savannah C. at Library Administration
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam – recommended by Tracey B. at Libbie Mill
Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare – recommended by Rick S. at Library Administration
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo – recommended by Lauren M. and A. C. at Tuckahoe, Bec J. at Libbie Mill, and Robyn W. at Fairfield
Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen – recommended by Rachel S. and Amanda S. at Fairfield
Check, Please! Book 2: Sticks & Scones by Ngozi Ukazu – recommended by Lea M. at Fairfield
The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu – recommended by Drew C. at Twin Hickory
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson – recommended by Kendall H. at Library Administration
All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir Manifesto by George M. Johnson – recommended by Kelsey C. at Varina
The Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbert – recommended by Nideria B. at Sandston
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas – recommended by Courtney W. at Libbie Mill
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson – recommended by Alicia A. at Library Administration
Raybearer by Jordon Ifueko – recommended by Barbie B. at Library Administration
Thorn by Intisar Khanani – recommended by Kareemah H. at Varina
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender – recommended by Hannah H. at Tuckahoe

For more suggestions, try My Next Read! Just fill out the form and we will send you a personalized book list.