TAYSHAS Reading List 2023

The TAYSHAS Reading List is produced annually by a Texas Library Association committee, with the goals of motivating students in grades 9-12 to read for pleasure, to become lifelong readers, and to participate in the community of readers in Texas. Some of these titles may also be available at eBooks, eAudioooks, or audiobooks on CD or Playaway.

Additional titles on the 2023 list: 14 Ways to Die and Lock the Doors, both by Vincent Ralph

Updated August 10, 2023
Lewisville Public Library
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Ace of spades
Àbíké-Íyímídé, Faridah
Paper Book
Gossip Girl meets Get Out in Ace of Spades, a YA contemporary thriller by debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about two students, Devon & Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully. All you need to know is . . . I'm here to divide and...
The Agathas
Glasgow, Kathleen
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * Who killed Brooke Donovan? It's the biggest mystery of the summer, and everyone in Castle Cove thinks they know what happened. But they're wrong. Two unlikely friends come together to solve the case in this fast-paced, fun, modern Agatha Christie inspired...
All my rage
Tahir, Sabaa
Paper Book
National Book Award WINNER Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature WINNER An INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! An INSTANT INDIE BESTSELLER! "All My Rage is a love story, a tragedy and an infectious teenage fever dream about what home...
All of us villains
Foody, Amanda
Paper Book
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER An Indie Bestseller! An Indie Next Pick! The blockbuster co-writing debut of Amanda Foody and C. L. Herman, All of Us Villains begins a dark tale of ambition and magick... You Fell in Love with...
The anthropocene reviewed essays on a human-centered planet
Green, John
Paper Book
"Masterful. The Anthropocene Reviewed is a beautiful, timely book about the human condition--and a timeless reminder to pay attention to your attention." --Adam Grant, #1 bestselling author of Think Again and host of the podcast Re:Thinking Instant #1...
Aristotle and Dante dive into the waters of the world
Sáenz, Benjamin Alire
Paper Book
A #1 New York Times bestseller Four starred reviews! "Messily human and sincerely insightful." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning novel Aristotle and...
Being Mary Bennet
Peterson, J C.
Paper Book
It is a truth universally acknowledged that every bookworm secretly wishes to be Lizzy Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. A less acknowledged truth is that Mary Bennet might be a better fit. For Marnie Barnes, realizing she's a Mary Bennet is devastating. But she's...
Better than the movies
Painter, Lynn
Paper Book
A USA TODAY and New York Times bestseller Perfect for fans of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett, this "sweet and funny" (Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks) teen rom-com follows a hopelessly romantic teen girl and her cute yet obnoxious neighbor as...
Blade of secrets
Levenseller, Tricia
Paper Book
In Blade of Secrets, a romantic YA fantasy adventure from the author of Daughter of the Pirate King, a teenage blacksmith with social anxiety is forced to go on the run to protect the world from the most powerful magical sword she's ever made. Eighteen-year-old...
The box in the woods
Johnson, Maureen
Paper Book
After solving the case of Truly Devious, Stevie Bell investigates her first mystery outside of Ellingham Academy in this spine-chilling and hilarious stand-alone mystery from New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson. Amateur sleuth Stevie Bell needs a good...
Concrete rose
Thomas, Angie
Paper Book
View more details of this book at www.walkerbooks.com.au
The cost of knowing
Morris, Brittney
Paper Book
From the acclaimed author of SLAY, comes a gripping novel, about brothers, grief, and what it means to be a young Black man in America. For fans of Dear Martin and They Both Die at the End. Sixteen year old Alex Rufus lives with his younger brother, Isaiah, in a...
The counselors
Goodman, Jessica
Paper Book
"A nervy, intense, and expertly crafted thriller that kept me hooked page after page. Dark secrets? Summer camp setting? Complex teen girls? Murder? Count me in. A simply stunning book." -Kathleen Glasgow,New York Timesbestselling author of Girl in Pieces, You'd Be Home Now,<...
Demon in the wood a Shadow and bone graphic novel
Bardugo, Leigh
Paper Book
See the Grishaverse come to life on screen with the Netflix series, Shadow and Bone -- Season 2 premiering March 16, 2023! Discover the origin story of the Darkling in this beautifully illustrated, first-ever Grishaverse graphic novel. Before he led Ravka's Second Army,...
An emotion of great delight : a novel
Mafi, Tahereh
Paper Book
From bestselling author of the Shatter Me series and the National Book Award-nominated A Very Large Expanse of Sea, Tahereh Mafi, comes a stunning novel about love and loneliness, navigating dual-identity as a Muslim teenager in America, and reclaiming your right to joy. It's 2003. It's...
Fat chance, Charlie Vega
Maldonado, Crystal
Paper Book
Coming of age as a Fat brown girl in a white Connecticut suburb is hard. Harder when your whole life is on fire, though. A NEW ENGLAND BOOK AWARD WINNER! Charlie Vega is a lot of things. Smart. Funny. Artistic. Ambitious. Fat. People sometimes have a...
Galaxy : the prettiest star
Axelrod, Jadzia
Paper Book
It takes strength to live as your true self, and one alien princess disguised as a human boy is about to test her power. A vibrant story about gender identity, romance, and shining as bright as the stars. "An effervescent and poignant tale about discovering and embracing your truest...
Hollow fires
Ahmed, Samira (Fiction writer)
Paper Book
This powerful, gripping thriller from a New York Times bestselling author shows the insidious nature of racism, the terrible costs of unearthing hidden truths--and the undeniable power of hope.   Safiya Mirza dreams of becoming a journalist. And one...
How Moon Fuentez fell in love with the universe
Vasquez Gilliland, Raquel
Paper Book
"Breathlessly atmospheric...A gorgeous, hopeful book." --Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of Today Tonight Tomorrow The Hating Game meets I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter in this Pura Belpré Award-winning novel that's an irresistible romance starring a...
How not to fall in love
Firkins, Jacqueline
Ebook
A hardened cynic and a hopeless romantic teach each other about love in this swoony and heartful romance that's perfect for fans of Tweet Cute and The Upside of Falling. Harper works in her mom's wedding shop, altering dresses for petulant and picky brides who are more focused on hemlines...
Huda F are you?
Fahmy, Huda
Paper Book
From the creator of Yes, I'm Hot In This, this cheeky, hilarious, and honest graphic novel asks the question everyone has to figure out for themselves- Who are you? Huda and her family just moved to Dearborn, Michigan, a small town with a big Muslim population. In her old...
Iron Widow
Zhao, Xiran Jay
Paper Book
The instant #1 New York Times bestseller, now available in a stunning new paperback look with bonus content. Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid's Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers. The boys of...
I kissed Shara Wheeler
McQuiston, Casey
Paper Book
From the bestselling author of Red, White and Royal Blue and One Last Stop comes a debut YA romantic comedy about chasing down what you want, only to find what you need . . .Chloe Green is so close to winning. After her moms moved her from SoCal to Alabama for high school, she's spent the past four...
Love & other great expectations
Dean, Becky
Paper Book
An American girl embarks on a competitive scavenger hunt in England-and along the way, she meets up with a bookish British boy who can't help her with the clues . . . but might make the trip take some unexpected turns. Britt Hanson has always preferred scoring goals on the soccer...
I must betray you
Sepetys, Ruta
Paper Book
Trapped by an evil dictatorship, will Cristian be forced to betray his family or will he risk everything he loves to resist? A powerful, heart-breaking thriller based on real events. *Winner of the Yoto Carnegie Shadowers' Choice Medal for Writing 2023*
Nothing more to tell
McManus, Karen M.
Paper Book
From the bestselling author of One of Us is Lyingcomes another page-turning thriller from the Queen of Crime . . . Someone got away with murder. The most terrifying part is that they're back - or maybe they never left. . . Five years ago,...
Once upon a broken heart
Garber, Stephanie
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! ONCE UPON A BROKEN HEART marks the launch of a new series from Stephanie Garber about love, curses, and the lengths that people will go to for happily ever after For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has...
Once upon a K-prom
Cho, Kat
Ebook
Punching bag
Ogle, Rex
Paper Book
A New York Public Library Best Book of 2021 The companion to Rex Ogle's award-winning Free Lunch is a searing account of adolescence in a household torn by domestic violence. Punching Bag is the compelling true story of a high school career defined...
Serendipity : ten romantic tropes, transformed
Meyer, Marissa
Paper Book
The secret admirer. The fake relationship. The matchmaker. From stories of first love, unrequited love, love that surprises, love that's been there all along, 10 of the brightest and award-winning authors writing YA have taken on some of your favourite...
The silence that binds us
Ho, Joanna
Paper Book
"A grieving teen fights Asian hate by finding her voice in this complex, timely story." --Kirkus (starred review) "With a layered, sensitive voice, Ho's weighty novel delves into themes of racism, classism, loss, and healing." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Inspired by the...
Six crimson cranes
Lim, Elizabeth
Paper Book
A princess in exile. Six enchanted cranes. An unspeakable curse. A beautiful and immersive YA fantasy retelling of the Grimm brothers' The Six Swans fairytale, set in an East-Asian inspired world, by the author of Spin the Dawn.
Squire
Alfageeh, Sara
Paper Book
From two incredible rising talents comes the fantasy graphic novel Molly Knox Ostertag calls "instantly compelling." A New England Book Award and Harvey Award winner! Aiza has always dreamt of becoming a Knight. It's the highest military honor in the once-great Bayt-Sajji Empire, and...
This poison heart
Bayron, Kalynn
Paper Book
_______________'Kalynn Bayron does more than re-write a fairy-tale ... She breaks it apart and rebuilds it into a wholly original and captivating story where girls finally decide for themselves who lives happily ever after' - Brigid Kemmerer'Brings much-needed inclusivity and...
Together we burn
Ibañez, Isabel
Paper Book
Age range 12+ A lush, enchanting standalone fantasy inspired by medieval Spain, filled with romance, adventure, and just the right amount of danger! An ancient city plagued by dragons. A flamenco...
Vampires, hearts, & other dead things
Fuston, Margie
Paper Book
An ALA Morris Award Finalist​! In this "equal parts heartbreaking and joyful" (School Library Journal) debut YA novel that's The Coldest Girl in Coldtown meets They Both Die at the End, a teen girl takes a trip to New Orleans with her estranged best...
Vespertine
Rogerson, Margaret
Paper Book
From the New York Times bestselling author of Sorcery of Thorns and An Enchantment of Ravens comes a thrilling new YA fantasy about a teen girl with mythic abilities who must defend her world against restless spirits of the dead. Perfect for fans...
Vinyl moon
Browne, Mahogany L.
Paper Book
A teen girl hiding the scars of a past relationship finds home and healing in the words of strong Black writers. A beautiful sophomore novel from a critically acclaimed author and poet that explores how words have the power to shape and uplift our world even in the midst of pain. ...
Iron Widow
Zhao, Xiran Jay
Paper Book
The instant #1 New York Times bestseller, now available in a stunning new paperback look with bonus content. Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid's Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers. The boys of...
We Can Be Heroes
McCauley, Kyrie.
Paper Book
Kyrie McCauley, author of the William C. Morris YA Debut Award winner If These Wings Could Fly, delivers a powerful contemporary YA novel about the lasting bonds of friendship and three girls fighting for each other in the aftermath of a school shooting....
The weight of blood
Jackson, Tiffany D.
Ebook
* AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * INDIE BESTSELLER * JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION * KIDS' INDIE NEXT LIST PICK * NPR BEST PICK * KIRKUS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR * New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson ramps up the horror and tackles America's history and legacy of...
Welcome to St Hell : my trans teen misadventure
Hancox, Lewis
Paper Book
A groundbreaking memoir about being a trans teen, in the vein of FUN HOME and FLAMER... and at the same time entirely its own. Lewis has a few things to say to his younger teen self. He knows she hates her body. He knows she's confused about who to snog. He knows she's really a he and will...
When you get the chance
Lord, Emma
Paper Book
One of Cosmo's Best YA of 2022 A bighearted novel about falling in love, making a mess, and learning to let go, from Emma Lord, the New York Times bestselling author of the Reese Witherspoon YA Book Club pick You Have a Match. ...
Why is everybody yelling? : growing up in my immigrant family
Russo, Marisabina
Paper Book
"A wonderful book about figuring out who we are and who we want to be when we grow up. It's also about being an American--especially a first-generation American." --Roz Chast This graphic-novel debut from an acclaimed picture book creator is a powerfully moving memoir...
The words we keep
Stewart, Erin
Paper Book
A beautifully realistic, relatable story about mental health and the healing powers of friendship and art, perfect for fans of Kathleen Glasgow's Girl in Pieces and Jennifer Niven's All the Bright Places. 'Gorgeous and deeply touching.' - Kathleen Glasgow, New York...
XOXO
Oh, Axie
Paper Book
Jenny's never had much time for boys, K-pop, or really anything besides her dream of being a professional cellist. But when she finds herself falling for a K-pop idol, she has to decide whether their love is worth the risk. A modern forbidden romance wrapped in the glamorous and...
You'd be home now
Glasgow, Kathleen
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * From the critically acclaimed author of Girl in Pieces comes a stunning novel that Vanity Fair calls "impossibly moving" and "suffused with light". In this raw, deeply personal story, a teenaged girl struggles to find herself amidst the...
You'll be the death of me
McManus, Karen M.
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * From the author of One of Us Is Lying comes a brand-new pulse-pounding thriller. It's Ferris Bueller's Day Off with murder when three old friends relive an epic ditch day, and it goes horribly--and fatally--wrong. Ivy, Mateo,...
You've reached Sam
Thao, Dustin
Paper Book
Seventeen-year-old Julie has her future all planned out-move out of her small town with her boyfriend Sam, attend college in the city, spend asummer in Japan.But then Sam dies. And everything changes.Heartbroken, Julie skips his funeral, throws out his things, and tries everything to forget him and...

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