Tantalizing Reads for Teens

Written by Calgary Public Library; Photo: Courtesy of Calgary Public Library

Check out our top 10 summer must-reads just for teens. Hammock Required.

1. We Should Hang Out Sometime by Josh Sundquist (Nonfiction). When he was 25, paralympian and YouTube star Josh Sundquist realized he had never had a real relationship, and decided to revisit each of his near misses to figure out why. Was it his missing leg, or was he doing something wrong?

2. This One Summer by Jillian and Mariko Tamaki (Graphic Novel). Summers at Awago Beach have always been magical for Rose, but this year, her parents are fighting, her mom is no fun and her childhood friend, Windy, is starting to seem a little too childish. This is a beautifully illustrated story about reaching the age where you realize that everyone around you has their own complex lives, and their own secrets to keep.

3. We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen (Fiction). Stewart is a socially awkward genius, trying to be happy despite his mom’s death; Ashley is popular, has bad grades and is hiding a huge secret about her dad. When their parents move in together, their very different worlds collide.

4. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (Fiction). Simon has been hiding his sexuality and laying low. But when his email account gets thrown into the wrong hands and blackmailed by a bully, he will have to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he is pushed out.

5. A Spy in the House by Ying S. Lee (The Agency series; Fiction). As an orphan in Victorian London, Mary Quinn has very few options, so she is understandably surprised to be rescued from the gallows and offered a chance to join an exclusive private school. When Mary completes her education, she makes a startling discovery - the Academy is also an all-female detective agency, and they want her to work for them.

6. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson (Graphic Novel). A shapeshifting monster girl, a kindhearted villain and a villainous hero. In this epic fantasy, first appearances never reveal the truth.

7. Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson (Fiction; Reckoners series). Years ago, a mysterious red light appeared in the sky and gave some people superpowers. It’s true what they say though: “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” In a world full of supervillains, can ordinary people find the strength to be heroes?

8. All Fall Down by Ally Carter (Fiction; Embassy Row series). Grace is a daredevil, a rebel and the granddaughter of a powerful ambassador. She returns to Embassy Row to investigate her mother’s death, and is soon caught up in an international conspiracy threatening her and everyone she loves.

9. World Trigger by Daisuke Ashihara (Graphic Novel). The Neighbors are invulnerable monsters from the dimension next to ours, determined to destroy Earth. Osamu Mikumo is hardly a great warrior, but he will do whatever it takes to protect his home.

10. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (Fiction). Nobody Owens grew up in a graveyard, raised by ghosts and his guardian, Silas, who is something else entirely. A living boy does not truly belong in a graveyard - but the world outside still holds many threats, including the man who murdered his family.

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