Introducing the Best Books for Teens 2017
We're thrilled to announce our annual NYPL Best Books for Teens list!
A committee of 20 dedicated librarians read (and read and read) all the young-adult books published in 2017 that we could get our hands on. Then we debated, voted, and came up with our 50 favorite books of the year—fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, comic books, fantasy, history, romance, sports, and more.
Check out the full list at nypl.org/teens2017. And let us know what you think in the comments below, or on social media with the hashtag #BestBooks.
Top Ten Favorites (in alphabetical order)
The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater
The lives of two teens collide in a story of violence, prejudice, and redemption.
Cells at Work, vols. 1-4 by Akane Shimizu
The cells that run our bodies have more adventures than you can possibly imagine. You'll never look at cellular biology the same way again!
Dreadnought by April Daniels
When the world's most famous superhero passes his mantel to Danielle, her life kicks into super-chaos. With a new, powerful body, she must take on enemies both known and unknown.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
One minute, Khalil is explaining Tupac's T.H.U.G. L.I.F.E. to Starr; the next minute, he's murdered at the hands of the police. What happens next is explosive, controversial, and unforgettable.
How Dare the Sun Rise by Sandra Uwiringiyimana
When your entire life is upended by genocide, how do you move forward? Sandra answers with her inspiring and urgent story.
I Believe in a Thing Called Loveby Maurene Goo
When Desi falls in love, she tries to solve it like any problem—with a formula. But this is a K-drama formula, guaranteed to bring lifelong happiness or a world of tears.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Every young woman in Grace's school feels hopeless until three outsiders take on the toxic rape culture that dominates their town.
Saint Death by Marcus Sedgwick
Arturo's life on the U.S./Mexico border is full of challenges, but if he can't win a card game against a notorious narco gang leader, none of his other problems are going to matter.
What Girls Are Made Of by Elana K. Arnold
An authentic and unapologetic story of a girl beginning to care for herself and her body when no one else will.
Check out all 50 of our favorites at nypl.org/teens2017!
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Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.
Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!