JLG’s On the Radar Teen: New YA Fiction

Young adults often appreciate variety in their choice of fiction genre. They may want to root for the underdog or climb through a magic mirror. Maybe heroes who fight evil creatures are their cup of tea. Perhaps they want to read about someone else who struggles with peer pressure or bad choices. Offering new realistic and fantasy fiction for teens provides an opportunity for your students to have choices about seeing their own issues in another world―whether it’s magical or not. The following new novels may be just what they are seeking.

FUNKE, Cornelia. Fearless. Little, Brown. 2013. ISBN 9780316056106. JLG Level: FH : Fantasy/Science Fiction High (Grades 9-12).

For years Jacob Fearless has slipped in and out of the Mirrorworld, selling its magical items from one world to the next. He’s fought with powerful creatures and bargained with merciless criminals. He’s never truly been afraid of anything, until he learns he has months to live. Saving his brother’s life may cost him his own if he can’t find a magical cure to counteract the Dark Fairy’s curse. Jacob’s race against time is complicated by competition to find the one thing that can save him. A mythical object, the Witch Slayer’s Crossbow, is said to heal the wounded if the shooter acts in love. With the assistance of Fox, his shape-shifter companion, the doomed treasure hunter follows a riddle in their search for the elusive object that to Jacob, is priceless. Book Two in the Mirrorworld series leaves readers in anticipation of Book Three.

Readers may also like Obsidian Mirror by Catherine Fisher or House of Secrets by Chris Columbus.

NORTHROP, Michael. Rotten. Scholastic. 2013. ISBN 9780545495875. JLG Level: Y : Young Adults (Grades 9 & up).

JD “Jimmer” Dobbs spent the summer upstate. His friends have ideas about where he’s been; no one believes his staying-with-my-aunt story. JD has never been called a “good kid.” He’s been known to skip classes, do a little underage drinking, and maybe even steal a thing or two. When he returns home, he’s greeted by the growl and bark of the abused Rottweiler his mom adopted from the rescue shelter. JD renames him JR―Johnny Rotten, after the Sex Pistols lead singer. An underdog himself, the sixteen-year-old boy bonds with the dog as he struggles with re-entry into his own life. His attachment becomes stronger when he must fight to save JR from being put down after being provoked and biting one of JD’s friends. The family sues, and it’s up to JD to find evidence to save a dog that gives him a reason to save himself.

Readers may also like Bronxwood by Coe Booth or Endangered by Eliot Schrefer.

ZINN, Bridget. Poison. Hyperion. 2013. ISBN 9781423139935. JLG Level: FH : Fantasy/Science Fiction High (Grades 9-12).

Kyra never imagined that she would use her powers of potion-making to kill her best friend, Princess Ariana. She also never thought she’d miss a shot; her poisoned arrows have always flown true. Luckily for the now-missing Ariana, Kyra’s search leads her to a handsome stranger who owns a dog with a fondness for her pig Rosie. No matter how many times Kyra slips away, Fred always appears. Sometimes she saves his life; sometimes he rescues her. Together they uncover a plot that endangers the kingdom far beyond what Kyra’s prophetic dreams foretold, risking their lives before dark magic engulfs them all.

Readers may also like Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs or Magisterium by Jeff Hirsch.

For these and other fabulous books for teens, search Junior Library Guild.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

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