Teens have lived through amazing times all around the world. MS=Books for middle school readers. (Updated November 2023)
The Blood Years
Rieke's life changes when war breaks out in Europe and her home of Czernowitz, known as a safe haven for Jewish people, is invaded.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View The Blood YearsSongs of Irie
In 1976, amidst Jamaica's civil unrest, Irie and Jilly connect despite their very different backgrounds. But as the political divide worsens around them, their differences threaten to drive them apart.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Songs of IrieTroublemaker
As parts of Los Angeles burn from the Rodney King riots in 1994, Jordan's desire to help his father protect the family business leads him to transport a handgun across the city. MS
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View TroublemakerFor Lamb
When Lamb begins an interracial friendship with Marny in the Jim Crow South, it sets off a series of life-changing and tragic events.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View For LambMy Fine Fellow
Helena and Penelope attempt to join the Culinarians, a cadre of chefs for society's elite in 1830s London, and when they meet Elijah with similar ground-breaking hopes, they hope to educate him and bring him up as well. MS
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View My Fine FellowPedro & Daniel
Mexican American brothers Pedro and Daniel find joy and resilience through their unbreakable bond, even amidst experiences of abuse at home, coming out, troubles at school, and the AIDS epidemic. MS
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Pedro & DanielRana Joon and the One & Only Now
In 1996 Los Angeles, Rana Joon wants to live her authentic life, but her strict Iranian parents will never accept her as queer.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Rana Joon and the One & Only NowThe Poetry of Secrets
Isabel's family is Jewish, but during the Spanish Inquisition, they must practice their faith in secret. When she meets a boy whose thirst for art and passion is as strong as hers, her family's safety is threatened.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View The Poetry of SecretsValiant Ladies
Rich young ladies by day, brawling vigilantes by night, Kiki and Ana fight for fun and justice until Kiki's older brother is found dead. MS
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Valiant LadiesThe Red Palace
In 1758 Korea, eighteen-year-old palace nurse Hyeon's world turns upside down when four women are murdered in the same night. When her mentor becomes the main suspect, Hyeon takes matters into her own hands to uncover the truth. MS
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View The Red Palace