Must Read Books Spring 2019

On the Come Up

by Angie Thomas

What it’s about: Bri’s dad was an underground hip hop legend, on the cusp of getting big and raising his family up out of poverty, but then he was killed. Bri has aspirations to become one of the greatest rappers of all time or, at the very least, win her first rap battle. But then her first song, which is full of her unfiltered anger and frustration, goes viral and Bri finds herself somewhat famous and at the center of controversy. She has to figure out how to navigate the media and the music industry and decide if making it is worth the price.

Why read it? It’s the highly anticipated second novel from the author of The Hate U Give. An ode to hip hop and fighting for your dreams, On the Come Up also explores freedom of speech and how, especially for young black people, it isn’t always free.

Kiss Number 8

by Colleen AF Venable & Ellen T. Crenshaw

What it’s about: High school is everything Mads had ever hoped it would be. She’s the sidekick to Cat, her wild and fun best friend, has a great relationship with her dad, and thus far has avoided getting kissed by Adam, the boy next door. But then she realizes her dad is hiding something big about his family and that maybe the reason she doesn’t want to kiss Adam is because she’d rather kiss Cat.

Why read it? It’s a realistically messy coming-of-age graphic novel about self-acceptance, sexuality, and faith.

The Everlasting Rose

by Dhonielle Clayton

What it’s about: Camellia Beauregard is on the run with a price on her head. In The Belles, Camellia worked to become the favorite of the royal family, before seeing the dark side to her world of over-commodified beauty magic. She made a choice and found out that her kind have more power than anyone realized. Now she has to use that power and that of her allies to avoid the forces of the evil queen and either restore the peace or bring total revolution to Orléans.

Why read it? The Belles (recommended in Geaux Girl! as a must-read title for spring 2018) explored the price of beauty and this sequel takes the ideas further to also comment on class oppression and the cost of freedom. And it’s a stunningly built fantasy world with compelling characters and non-stop action that’s even better than the first one.

Opposite of Always

by Justin A. Reynolds

What it’s about: Boy meets girl, and there’s an instant connection, and before long they’re meeting each other’s friends and making plans to go to his prom. Jack is falling hard for Kate. And then she dies. But somehow Jack ends up back at the party where they met, and Kate is there again, happy and healthy. Jack gets to do it all over again, and again, each time finding chances to try and save her, but his actions are not without consequences.

Why read it? It’s Romeo and Juliet meets Groundhog Day in this story for anyone who’s ever wanted an epic do-over.

Field Notes on Love

by Jennifer E. Smith

What it’s about: Hugo and his girlfriend, Margaret, both from Surrey, England, had planned an epic train trip across America as their one last hurrah before starting university. Then she dumps him. She leaves him the tickets, but they were booked under her name and are nontransferable, so he places an ad, looking for a replacement Margaret Campbell to take the trip with him. Mae from New York is still reeling after her rejection from USC’s film school when she sees her full name in Hugo’s ad. Maybe it’s not the best idea to go on a cross-country trip with a complete stranger, but maybe it’s just what she needs to get over her disappointment and find inspiration for her next film.

Why read it? It’s a feel-good, page-turning romance, that is satisfying and never overly sentimental, with great characters and an enchanting setting.

These recommendations were provided by Kacy Helwick, Youth Collection Development Librarian at the New Orleans Public Library.

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