A gripping exploration of teenage gun violence, Long Way Down takes place in just sixty seconds as fifteen-year-old Will decides whether or not to seek revenge for his brother's murder. Told in a series of short, powerful verses, Will's journey on an elevator brings him face-to-face with those connected to his brother's death and the grim realities of street justice. Written by bestselling author Jason Reynolds, this fierce novel is a must-read for anyone looking to confront the devastating impact of gun violence on youth culture today.

Long Way Down

This stunning debut novel tackles American race relations through the story of a good kid, an honor student, and always there to help a friend who despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind can't escape prejudice. Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers and starts a journal to him to find out. When he goes driving with his best friend, everything changes. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the realities of social injustice.

Dear Martin

Follow Marvin Johnson as he searches for answers in the aftermath of his brother's death at the hands of the police in this heart-wrenching debut novel. Tyler Johnson Was Here explores timely themes of gun control and the Black Lives Matter movement, offering a powerful portrait of youth and family. This gripping story will make you reflect on the meaning of justice and freedom, and will leave a lasting impact.

Tyler Johnson Was Here

In Monster, 16-year-old Steve Harmon finds himself on trial for murder. As an amateur filmmaker, he decides to transcribe his trial into a script to cope with the horrific events. But with cynical authority figures and conniving inmates, Steve is forced to face who he really is in the face of prison, where he may spend the rest of his life. This compelling novel by Walter Dean Myers is a gripping page-turner that blurs reality and leaves readers questioning the truth.

Monster

A coming-of-age story set in the South Bronx, this debut novel explores themes of class, race, and finding one's place in the world. After overspending on her father's credit card, Margot Sanchez is forced to work at her family's struggling grocery store to pay off her debt. As she tries to maintain her prestige prep school image, Margot resorts to lying, cheating, and stealing. But her invitation to an exclusive beach party could be the key to her escape. Will family drama and a handsome neighborhood boy stand in her way?

The Education of Margot Sanchez

Step into the world of 13-year-old African-American girl Rose Lee Carter in the summer of 1955 Mississippi. Amidst the cotton fields, Rose dreams of a better life but is crushed by the brutal murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till, sparking a powerful awakening. This middle-grade debut, with echoes of The Watsons Go to Birmingham and Brown Girl Dreaming, will captivate readers.

Midnight Without a Moon

Maya Aziz is an Indian-American torn between following her parent's expectations and pursuing her own dreams. She wants to attend film school in New York City and maybe even kiss a guy she's been admiring from afar. But her plans are put on hold after a suicide bomber who shares her last name strikes in the American heartland. Suddenly, her Muslim family becomes the target of a community consumed with hatred and fear. Love, Hate, and Other Filters is a captivating and timely story about identity, love, and the price of belonging.

Love, Hate and Other Filters

A powerful and timely story about racism and police brutality in America told from two perspectives: one black, one white. After Rashad is brutally beaten by a police officer, bystander Quinn struggles to understand the incident and grapples with what side of history he wants to be on. Together, they confront the reality that prejudice and racism still exist in America and must risk everything to change the world. A poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the unspeakable truths of our society.

All American Boys

Set in a privileged Manhattan high school, two students, Lily and Dari, come together as they struggle to navigate the complications of race, friendship, and tragedy. Lily, returning after a difficult year, finds solace in Dari's creativity and mystery. As they become closer, they must confront societal norms and prejudices that threaten their connection. Kara Lee Corthron's breathtaking novel, "The Truth of Right Now," asks the question: can friendship survive when romance is not an option?

The Truth of Right Now

This book explores the aftermath of a black teenager's murder by a white shooter, and the conflicting accounts that emerge in the community. As Tariq's loved ones try to come to terms with his death, they struggle to understand what really happened. Written by award-winning author Kekla Magoon, this thought-provoking story is sure to spark conversation and reflection.

How It Went Down

American Street follows Fabiola Toussaint, a Haitian immigrant, as she navigates the challenges of Detroit's west side and a new school after her mother is detained by U.S. immigration. With the help of her American cousins, Fabiola finds her footing and even meets a surprising romance. But when a dangerous proposition presents itself, Fabiola must make an impossible choice about the cost of the American dream.

American Street

This gripping novel delves into the complexities of a group of teens who face systemic oppression and violence in their school and community. Moss Jeffries, a thoughtful student and loyal friend, struggles with panic attacks and the loss of his father. Moss and his friends battle against a lack of funding and intimidation from school authorities. But when tragedy strikes, Moss is faced with a difficult decision: give in to fear or realize that anger can be a gift.

A Novel

Anger Is a Gift

A teenage girl, Starr Carter, must navigate between two worlds: her poor neighborhood and her wealthy prep school. After witnessing the fatal shooting of her unarmed childhood friend at the hands of a police officer, Starr must decide whether or not to speak out and risk her own safety. The Hate U Give is a powerful exploration of racial tensions and police brutality that will leave readers questioning their own assumptions and beliefs.

The Hate U Give

Follow Jade as she navigates a mostly-white private school with scholarship in hand, and grapples with "opportunities" that feel more like burdens. When she's invited to a mentorship program for "at-risk" girls, she's sure she doesn't belong. But maybe there's something she can teach these women about the real world. Friendships, race, privilege, and identity all come to the forefront in this powerful story of a teen girl striving for success.

The Hate U Give

Angie Thomas