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...
After the ink dries
Gustafson, Cassie
Paper Book
Courtney Summers meets Deb Caletti in this "all too believable" (Publishers Weekly) page-turning suspense story about a teen girl--reeling in the wake of betrayed trust--who learns what it is to face hard truths about yourself and others, and how to find strength when you need it most....
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...
Ain't burned all the bright
Reynolds, Jason
Paper Book
A Caldecott Honor winner! Prepare yourself for something unlike anything: A smash-up of art and text for teens that viscerally captures what it is to be Black. In America. Right Now. Written by #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Jason Reynolds....
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...
And we rise : the Civil Rights Movement in poems
Martin, Erica
Paper Book
*"A powerful, necessary book." SLJ, starred review A powerful, impactful, eye-opening journey that explores through the Civil Rights Movement in 1950s-1960s America in spare and evocative verse, with historical photos interspersed throughout. In stunning verse...
The anthropocene reviewed essays on a human-centered planet
Green, John 1977-
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...
Ashfall legacy
Lore, Pittacus
Paper Book
Pittacus Lore finished telling the story of the Lorien Nine in the New York Times bestselling I Am Number Four and Lorien Legacies Reborn series. Now he's back to recount an all-new adventure rooted in the real mysteries surrounding Roswell, New Mexico, that will enthrall fans of Brandon...
The awakening of Malcolm X
Shabazz, Ilyasah
Paper Book
The Awakening of Malcolm X is a powerful narrative account of the activist's adolescent years in jail, written by his daughter Ilyasah Shabazz along with 2019 Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe award-winning author, Tiffany D. Jackson. No one can be at peace until he...
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 determined to...
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...
Between shades of gray : the graphic novel
Donkin, Andrew
Paper Book
Just in time for the 10th anniversary ofBetween Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys's award-winning debut novel, and inspiration for the major motion pictureAshes in the Snow, is now a gorgeous graphic novel! From #1New York Timesand international bestselling...
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...
Bluebird
Cameron, Sharon
Paper Book
Author of Reese's Book Club YA Pick The Light in Hidden Places, Sharon Cameron, delivers an emotionally gripping and utterly immersive thriller, perfect for fans of Ruta Sepetys's Salt to the Sea. In 1946, Eva leaves behind the rubble of Berlin for the streets of New York...
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...
Burn down, rise up
Tirado, Vincent
Paper Book
Mysterious disappearances. An urban legend rumored to be responsible. And one group of friends determined to save their city at any cost. Stranger Things meets Jordan Peele in this utterly original debut from an incredible new voice. For over a year, the Bronx has been plagued by...
Concrete rose
Thomas, Angie
Paper Book
International phenomenon Angie Thomas revisits Garden Heights seventeen years before the events of The Hate U Give in this searing and poignant exploration of Black boyhood and manhood. A Printz Honor Book! If there's one thing seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter knows, it's that a real man...
The cost of knowing
Morris, Brittney
Paper Book
Four starred reviews! Dear Martin meets They Both Die at the End in this gripping, evocative novel about a Black teen who has the power to see into the future, whose life turns upside down when he foresees his younger brother's imminent death, from the acclaimed...
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,<...
Dark room etiquette
Roe, Robin
Paper Book
We Were Liars meets Room in this masterfully plotted psychological thriller from the critically acclaimed author of A List of Cages, Robin Roe. SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD SAYERS WAYTE HAS EVERYTHING. Popularity, good looks, perfect grades--there's nothing Sayers'...
The dead and the dark
Gould, Courtney
Paper Book
"Imagine Riverdale crossing streams with Stephen King's The Outsider and you'll get a sense of this gripping supernatural mystery...Gould's debut begins as a snappy paranormal yarn and unspools into a profound story about the complex interplay between grief, guilt, and identity."...
Dead flip
Farizan, Sara
Paper Book
In this "terrifyingly fun" (NYT) horror comedy, two friends must solve the mystery of their long-missing former friend's supernatural reappearance--perfect for fans of Stranger Things. Growing up, Cori, Maz, and Sam were inseparable best friends, sharing their love for...
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 streaming now! Discover the origin story of the Darkling in #1 New York Times-bestselling author Leigh Bardugo's Demon in the Wood--the...
Donuts and other proclamations of love
Reck, Jared
Paper Book
A sweet romantic story about donuts, food trucks, family, and first loves. It's easy to look at high school senior Oscar Olsson and think- lost. He hates school, struggles to read, and wants nothing to do with college. But Oscar is anything but lost---he knows exactly what...
An emotion of great delight
Mafi, Tahereh
Paper Book
From bestselling and National Book Award-nominated author Tahereh Mafi comes a stunning novel about love and loneliness, navigating the hyphen of dual identity, and reclaiming your right to joy--even when you're trapped in the amber of sorrow. It's 2003, several months since the US...
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...
Girl on fire
Keys, Alicia
Paper Book
From New York Times bestselling author and 15-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Alicia Keys comes a new authentic and poignant coming-of-age young adult graphic novel, about finding the strength within when your whole world changes in an instant. Lolo Wright always...
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...
Horror hotel
Fulton, Victoria
Paper Book
This addictive YA horror about a group of teen ghost hunters who spend the night in a haunted LA hotel is The Blair Witch Projectfor the TikTok generation. "Fast-paced and freaky."-Kendare Blake, #1 NYTbestselling author of All These Bodies
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
Paper Book
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
An instant #1 New York Times bestseller! A USA Today bestseller! Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid's Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers. The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to...
Kiss & tell
Khorram, Adib
Paper Book
"Kiss & Tellis a total rush! Perfectly sweet and swoon worthy. I loved every page!" -Julie Murphy, New York Timesbestselling author of Dumplin' A smart, sexy YA novel about a boy band star, his first breakup, his first rebound, and what it means to be...
I kissed Shara Wheeler : a novel
McQuiston, Casey
Paper Book
*INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER* *INSTANT #1 INDIE BESTSELLER* *INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER* From the New York Times bestselling author of One Last Stop and Red, White & Royal Blue comes a romantic comedy about chasing down what you...
Lawless spaces
Haydu, Corey Ann
Paper Book
Perfect for fans of Deb Caletti, this "powerful, absorbing, and beautiful" (Booklist) coming-of-age novel in verse follows a teen girl who connects with the women of her maternal line through their journals and comes to better understand her fraught relationship with her mother. ...
The lesbiana's guide to Catholic school
Reyes, Sonora
Paper Book
National Book Award Finalist * William C. Morris YA Debut Award Finalist * Goodreads Finalist for Best Teen Book of the Year * Walter Honor Award Winner * Pura Belpré Honor Book * Lambda Literary Award Winner for LGBTQ+ Young Adult A sharply funny and moving debut novel about a queer...
Letters to a young athlete
Bosh, Chris
Paper Book
A legendary NBA player shares his remarkable story, infused with hard-earned wisdom about the journey to self-mastery from a life at the highest level of professional sports Chris Bosh, NBA Hall of Famer, eleven-time All-Star, two-time NBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and the...
Long story short
Kaylor, Serena
Paper Book
"Like the best of the Bard himself, Long Story Short combines dazzling repartee with iconic, nuanced characters and the kind of charged, perfectly paced romance fit for the world stage...a sparkling Shakespearean homage and a wonderful debut." --Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund...
The lost Dreamer
Huerta, Lizz
Paper Book
A lush, immersive debut fantasy about a group of women whose way of life is threatened by a new king; a fierce celebration of community, sisterhood, and finding our power. Indir is a Dreamer, descended from a long line of seers; able to see beyond reality, she carries the rare...
Love & other great expectations
Dean, Becky
Paper Book
An American girl embarks on a competitive scavenger hunt in England-and along the way, meets up with a bookish British boy who might make the trip take some unexpected turns. Praise for Love & Other Great Expectations "Take it from a romance-addicted Anglophile-...
Love in English
Andreu, Maria E.
Paper Book
A fresh, joyful YA novel that is layered with themes of immigration, cultural identity, and finding your voice in any language.  Sixteen-year-old Ana is a poet and a lover of language. Except that since she moved to New Jersey from Argentina, she can barely find the...
M is for monster
Dutton, Talia
Paper Book
When Doctor Frances Ai's younger sister Maura died in a tragic accident six months ago, Frances swore she would bring her back to life. However, the creature that rises from the slab is clearly not Maura. This girl, who chooses the name "M," doesn't remember anything about Maura's life and...
The Mary Shelley Club
Moldavsky, Goldy
Paper Book
New York Times-bestselling author Goldy Moldavsky delivers a deliciously twisty YA thriller that's Scream meets Karen McManus about a mysterious club with an obsession for horror. When it comes to horror movies, the rules are clear: x Avoid...
The most dazzling girl in Berlin
Wilson, Kip
Paper Book
A fascinating historical novel about Hilde, an orphan who experiences Berlin on the cusp of World War II as she discovers her own voice and sexuality, ultimately finding a family when she gets a job at a gay cabaret, by award-winning author Kip Wilson. On her eighteenth birthday, Hilde...
I must betray you
Sepetys, Ruta
Paper Book
#1 New York Times Bestseller and winner of the Carnegie Medal! A gut-wrenching, startling historical thriller about communist Romania and the citizen spy network that devastated a nation, from the #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of Salt to...
The name she gave me
Culley, Betty
Paper Book
A heartbreakingly beautiful novel in verse about adoption, family, friendship, and love in all its many forms, perfect for fans of Robin Benway and Jandy Nelson, from the acclaimed author of Three Things I Know Are True. Rynn was born with a hole in her heart--literally....
Nothing more to tell
McManus, Karen M.
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * From the critically acclaimed author of One of Us Is Lying comes a new page-turning mystery. Be sure to keep your friends close . . . and your secrets closer. Four years ago, Brynn left Saint Ambrose School following the...
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
Paper Book
Elena Soo has always felt overshadowed. Whether by her more successful older sisters, her more popular twin brother, or her more outgoing best friend, everyone except Elena seems to know exactly who they are and what they want. But she is certain about one thing - she has no interest in going to...
Punching bag
Ogle, Rex
Paper Book
Punching Bag is the compelling true story of a high school career defined by poverty and punctuated by outbreaks of domestic abuse. Rex Ogle, who brilliantly mapped his experience of hunger in Free Lunch, here describes his struggle to survive; reflects on his complex, often paradoxical...
Serendipity : ten romantic tropes, transformed
Meyer, Marissa
Paper Book
Love is in the air in Serendipity, a collection of stories inspired by romantic tropes and edited by #1 New York Times bestselling author Marissa Meyer. The secret admirer. The fake relationship. The matchmaker.
Seven dirty secrets
Richards, Natalie D.
Paper Book
From the New York Times bestselling author of Five Total Strangers comes a pulse-pounding YA thriller about a girl who goes on a mysterious scavenger hunt, only to discover that someone knows her worst secret...and is out for blood. I know seven dirty secrets- One caused...
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 Reviews (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...
Six crimson cranes
Lim, Elizabeth
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * A princess in exile, a shapeshifting dragon, six enchanted cranes, and an unspeakable curse... Drawing from fairy tales and East Asian folklore, this original fantasy from the author of Spin the Dawn is perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone....
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...
These deadly games
Urban, Diana
Paper Book
"A propulsive mystery with high stakes and devious, masterful twists that will leave you guessing until the very last page. Diana Urban's latest had my jaw on the floor." --Jessica Goodman, bestselling author of They Wish They Were Us Let's play a game. ...
These hollow vows
Ryan, Lexi
Paper Book
A New York Times Bestseller!  Cruel Prince meets A Court of Thorns and Roses in this sexy, action-packed fantasy about a girl who is caught between two treacherous faerie courts and their dangerously seductive princes. Brie hates the Fae and refuses to have...
They'll never catch us
Goodman, Jessica
Paper Book
**A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** From rising star Jessica Goodman, author of They Wish They Were Us, comes a new fast-paced thriller about two sisters vying for the top spot on their cross-country team-until a teammate's disappearance throws their lives off course. ...
This poison heart
Bayron, Kalynn
Paper Book
Darkness blooms in bestselling author Kalynn Bayron's new contemporary fantasy about a girl with a unique and deadly power. Briseis has a gift: with a single touch she can grow plants from tiny seeds to rich blooms. When Briseis's aunt dies and wills her a...
Together we burn
Ibañez, Isabel, (Novelist)
Paper Book
Isabel Ibañez's Together We Burn is 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 Eighteen-year-old Zarela Zalvidar is a...
Tonight we rule the world
Smedley, Zack
Paper Book
From the critically acclaimed author of Deposing Nathan comes an explosive examination of identity, voice, and the indelible ways our stories are rewritten by others. In the beginning, Owen's story was blank . . . then he was befriended by Lily, the aspiring author who...
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
An international bestseller! From the New York Times bestselling author of Sorcery of Thorns and An Enchantment of Ravens comes a thrilling, "dark coming-of-age adventure" (Culturess) about a teen girl with mythic abilities who must defend her world...
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
An instant #1 New York Times bestseller! A USA Today bestseller! Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid's Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers. The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to...
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.
Paper Book
* 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...
Welcome to St. Hell
Hancox, Lewis 1989-
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. ...
The words we keep
Stewart, Erin
Paper Book
WINNER OF THE SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD FOR TEENS! A beautifully realistic, relatable story about mental health--anxiety, perfectionism, depression--and the healing powers of art--perfect for fans of Girl in Pieces and How it Feels to Float. Whatever you struggle with...
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...
A year to the day
Benway, Robin
Paper Book
National Book Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Robin Benway returns with a story of love, loss, and sisterhood reminiscent of I'll Give You the Sun and Every Day. Told in reverse chronological order, A Year to the Day will claim a permanent home in your heart. IT'S BEEN...
You'd be home now
Glasgow, Kathleen 1969-
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
An Instant New York Times Bestseller! If I Stay meets Your Name in Dustin Thao's You've Reached Sam, a heartfelt novel about love and loss and what it means to say goodbye. Seventeen-year-old Julie Clarke has her future all...

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