On The Books-School's Out-Teen Edition

I have droned on before about how lucky young adult and teen readers are in regard to the books available to them today. More depth of storytelling than ever before.  Entire worlds and mythologies built. Characters with a multitude of racial, ethnic, and sexual identities and stories that edge, sometimes dive, into a darker side. 

It’s entirely too good to be left only for the young, we old folks are indulging in this bounty as well! Here are a few featured books alongside read alike picks, all new in 2022.

THE COUNSELORS – Jessica Goodman

A teen horror novel set at a summer camp? What more could you ask for? Goldie is excited for summer to start; she is finally at counselor level at her beloved camp and can’t wait to hang out with her two best friends. But Goldie is hiding a secret and when a body surfaces in the lake, she zeros in on who was there the night it happened. Turns out, Goldie isn’t the only one keeping secrets. Maybe don’t read while you are at camp…consider yourself warned.

You may also enjoy…It Will End Like This by Kyra Leigh, Horror Hotel by Victoria Fulton, A Night To Die For by Lisa Schroeder

HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR MURDER – Danielle Valentine

Touted as Scream meets Happy Death Day, how can you possibly resist? Alice is the sole witness in her sister’s murder trial.  On the first day of testimony, Alice is knocked out by a Sidney Prescott look-alike in the courthouse bathroom.  When she wakes up, it’s Halloween night a year earlier, the same day her sister was murdered.  Alice has until midnight to save her sister and find the killer.  Described by R.L. Stine of Fear Street fame as great nasty fun!

You may also enjoy…The Red Palace by June Hur, The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow, Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert

I KISSED SHARA WHEELER – Casey McQuiston

Ever since her mom’s moved her to Alabama, Chloe has only dreamed of one thing: beating out prom queen Shara Wheeler for valedictorian.  But before she can taste sweet victory, Shara does something totally unexpected: she kisses Chloe and then disappears. Soon Chloe teams up with the other two people Shara kissed to solve the mystery of where she went. Funny, weird, and sweet knockout of a read!

You may also enjoy…Kiss & Tell by Adib Khorram, Live, Laugh, Kidnap by Gabby Noone, See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon

HOTEL MAGNIFIQUE – Emily J. Taylor

This novel takes place in a magical hotel that never stays in the same place. When the glamourous hotel arrives in Jani’s dismal town, she and her sister jump at the chance to join the staff. But soon, Jani realizes the hotel is anything but charmed and in fact holds horrible secrets. With the help of a new friend, Jani investigates what makes the magical hotel work. Mystery & magic and plenty of mayhem, what more could you want?

You may also enjoy…Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder, The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman, Bright Ruined Things by Samantha Cohoe