Elspeth Spindle is bound by a curse and a mysterious connection to an ancient force known as the "Shade," a supernatural entity that lives inside her mind and grants her immense power but also puts her in constant danger.
- General Recommendations
- Staff-Created List
Book Slump Recommendations - Teen Edition
Pick up one (or more!) of these awesome reads to break out of your book slump and fall in love with reading all over again!
StaffLibrary Staff
San Mateo County Libraries


19 items
- Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a high school student becomes obsessed with solving a local murder case that was deemed closed, but she knows there was more to the story.
- Iris is caught in the middle of a war between gods and mortals. When she becomes a rival to a powerful soldier named Caden, their fierce rivalry evolves into a complex relationship as they uncover hidden truths about their world and their own…
- This coming-of-age novel follows the life of Charlie, a shy, introverted teenager who is navigating the challenges of high school, friendship, love and mental health.
- In a future where death has been conquered, and the population is controlled by Scythes—officials who are responsible for "gleaning" to maintain balance. Citra and Rowan, two teens, have been chosen to apprentice as Scythes. As they navigate the…
- Miuko, a sixteen-year-old girl living in a small village, has her life upended when she is cursed by a demon and is transformed into a creature she cannot recognize, forcing her to go on a quest to undo the curse.
- A gripping, high-stakes prequel that plunges readers back into the haunting world of Panem, before the rise of Katniss Everdeen.
- Javier (Javi), a teenager growing up in a small Texas town is dealing with the challenges of being queer in a community that doesn't always accept him. His life takes a turn when he meets Zach, a charming and outgoing boy who challenges Javi's…
- A raw and deeply introspective journey into the complexities of mental health, healing and self-discovery, and navigating the highs and lows of recovery while confronting the stigma surrounding mental illness.
- Set in a world where bargains are sealed with roses and the stakes are nothing less than life and death, The Rose Bargain follows a protagonist caught in a dangerous game of fate and desire.
- Rhiannon, a skilled hunter, navigates a realm filled with fierce creatures and powerful enemies. As Rhiannon embarks on a dangerous quest, she must confront her past, unravel dark secrets and decide who to trust as she faces new challenges that…
- Justyce, a high school senior, is an honor student who grapples with the difficulties of being Black in America. After a harrowing encounter with the police, Justyce starts writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Catherine dreams of being a baker, not a queen. However, when she catches the eye of the King of Hearts, she’s thrust into a world of royal expectations and power. Torn between love and her own desires, Catherine faces choices that will shape her…
- Evangeline Fox is a young woman heartbroken over a lost love. In desperation, she makes a deal with the Prince of Hearts, a mysterious and dangerous immortal. As Evangeline’s wish leads her into a world of magic, betrayal and unexpected romance, she…
- 16-year-old Starr Cater witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil. As the incident sparks protests and turmoil in her community, Starr grapples with her identity, navigating the divide between her poor neighborhood and her…
- Emilia, a young witch, seeks revenge for the murder of her twin sister. In a world filled with demons, magic and dark secrets, Emilia teams up with Wrath, one of the Seven Deadly Sins, to uncover the truth behind her sister's death. As they delve…
- Fletcher, a young blacksmith's apprentice, discovers he has the ability to summon demons. After an incident forces him to flee his village, Fletcher attends an elite academy to train as a battlemage. As he faces challenges, rivalries and dangerous…
- Huda, a young woman, is deeply influenced by the spiritual and intellectual world of the Sufi tradition in a patriarchal society.
- A group of six outcasts led by the cunning Kaz Brekker are tasked with pulling off an impossible heist. Each member of the team has unique skills, but trust is scarce, and betrayal is always looming. As they face treacherous enemies and high stakes,…
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