Teen Reads
A number of local schools produce their yearly challenge lists around this time of the year. Here are some of the best high school and middle school titles to start off the school year. MS = middle school GN = graphic novel (Updated August 2025)
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Into the Sunken City
Jin lives with her sister Thara in a small inn on a rainy, flooded earth of the near future. When she is made an offer to dive into the ruins of Las Vegas for treasure, she can hardly pass up the chance to pay off her debts and save the inn, but because her father died while diving, she must face her fears, pirates, and a sea monster if she is to succeed. MS
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Remarkably Bright Creatures
After Tova’s husband dies, she takes a night job at the local aquarium, where she talks with various animals, including curmudgeonly octopus Marcellus. Though Marcellus shies away from most humans, he takes a liking to Tova when she helps him return to his tank, and he decides he must help her learn what happened to her son, who died in a boating accident years earlier.
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Hungry Ghost
Valerie responds to her mother’s constant criticism of her diet by bingeing in secret. When tragedy strikes their family, Valerie realizes she must make changes, including standing up to her mother. GN
Format: Graphic Novel
Availability: Available
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