The Teens’ Top Ten is a “teen choice” list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year! Nominators are members of teen book groups in fifteen school and public libraries around the country.
25 nominations were posted during National Library Week in April, and readers across the country voted on their favorite titles earlier this year.
Here are this year’s picks for the Teens’ Top 10 — most available at CA Library!
2023 Teens’ Top 10 Picks:
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir — When his attempts to save his family’s motel spiral out of control, Salahudin and his best friend Noor, two outcasts in their town, must decide what their friendship is worth and how they can defeat the monsters of their past and in their midst. “A knife-sharp narrative with an obliterating impact that will leave readers thinking of it long after turning the last page” (Booklist). Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook
Five Survive by Holly Jackson — From the author of the bestselling A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series comes a new blockbuster thriller about a road trip that turns deadly. When their RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere with no cell service, a group of friends realize they’ve been trapped by someone out in the dark, someone who clearly wants one of them dead. “Intervals of intense suspense and a well-crafted puzzle blend to create a thrill ride of a story” (Kirkus Reviews). Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook
Gallant by VE Schwab — Olivia Prior has grown up at the grim Merilance School for Girls with no no past except for her one treasure, her mother’s journal, so when a letter arrives inviting her to come home to the ruinous manor, Gallant, she seizes the chance to find out about her family. “Bittersweet, gripping, and with atmosphere to spare, Schwab’s latest gothic tale is exactly the right mix of dark and delightful” (Horn Book). Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh — In this retelling of the Korean legend “The Tale of Shim Cheong”, sixteen-year-old Mina is swept away to the Spirit Realm, where, assisted by a motley crew of demons, gods, and lesser spirits, she sets out to awaken the sleeping Sea God and save her homeland and family from deadly storms. “Mina’s first-person narrative gives readers deep insight into her thoughts and memories, heightening the otherworldly experience and keeping readers turning the pages. A perfect fit for readers who love Spirited Away” (Booklist). Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys — In a country governed by isolation, fear, and a tyrannical dictator, seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer, but he decides to use his position to try to outwit his handler, undermine the regime, give voice to fellow Romanians, and expose to the world what is happening in his country. “Mysterious as it is thrilling, the book’s short chapters create an atmosphere of impending danger leading to a historical event in Eastern Europe that may be unknown to many yet is necessary to be told” (School Library Journal). Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace — Sparks fly when a competitive figure skater and hockey team captain are forced to share a rink. Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook
Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes — Sixteen-year-old Mexican American Yami Flores starts Catholic school, determined to keep her brother out of trouble and keep herself closeted, but her priorities shift when Yami discovers that her openly gay classmate Bo is also annoyingly cute. “Filled with humor and love, this fast-paced novel will have readers immersed in Yamilet’s world, rooting for her and her loved ones all the way” (School Library Journal). Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook
Nothing More to Tell by Karen McManus — Brynn Gallagher uses her internship at a new true crime show to investigate the unsolved murder of her favorite teacher, uncovering secrets about her school, her teacher, and her ex-best friend in the process. “McManus brings her signature blend of high-stakes high-school drama and murderous twists readers won’t see coming” (Booklist). Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook
The Rumor Game by Dhonielle Clayton and Sona Charaipotra — At a posh private school for the children of Washington, D.C.’s elite, three girls become targets of vicious rumors and the only one who can stop the gossip in its tracks is not even sure they want to. “Trickery and pettiness abound in this gripping, Gossip Girl-leaning novel told in the three teens’ alternating voices” (Publishers Weekly). Get the Audiobook
Some Mistakes Were Made by Kristin Dwyer — When a rash decision lands her halfway across the country to finish her senior year, Ellis’ relationship with her best friend is thrown into chaos until a visit home forces her to confront the heartache, betrayal, and anger she left behind. “The slow-build romance is swoonworthy, and young adult fans of Colleen Hoover seeking emotional devastation and unforgettable characters will find much to enjoy here” (Booklist).
