Must Read Books Spring-Summer 2023

The Davenports 

by Krystal Marquis

What it’s about: A historical romance story, with much more emphasis on the romance than the history, The Davenports is about an immensely wealthy Black family in 1910 Chicago. The teenage Davenport daughters, Olivia and Helen, Olivia’s best friend, and their childhood friend-turned-maid all navigate finding love and themselves as they discover who they want to be.

Why read it? It’s set about 100 years too late to technically be a “Regency romance,” but the book is being described as a Bridgerton-type YA romance with an all-Black cast. It’s an escapist fantasy with strong characterization starring four passionate, take-charge women who all seem to want what society is telling them they cannot have.

The First to Die at the End

by Adam Silvera

What it’s about: A prequel set in the world of BookTok favorite They Both Die at the End. No one knows if Death-Cast will really be able to predict the day someone is going to die or if it’s an elaborate hoax, but Orion Pagan, who has a serious heart condition, and Valentino Prince, whose twin sister recently had a near-death experience, have both signed up. They meet by chance in Times Square the day the service goes live. One receives a call, the other doesn’t. Neither knows how the day will end, but they decide to spend it together.

Why read it? Sometimes you just want a book to break your heart, and this one will, but not before letting you experience the joy of living and loving. You can enjoy this book without having to read the first novel, but for those who love They Both Die at the End, there are a lot of little references and Easter eggs to look forward to.

True Biz 

by Sara Nović

What it’s about: The book follows three protagonists at a residential school for the deaf: Charlie, the rebellious new girl who’s never met another deaf person before, Austin, the popular boy from a multigenerational deaf family whose baby sister was born hearing, and February, the school’s headmistress, an ally and CODA (child of deaf adults), who is trying to keep the school open.

Why read it? “True biz” is a slang exclamation in American Sign Language (ASL) that means something like “really,” “seriously,” “no joke,” or “real talk” (rather than being a direct translation of spoken English, ASL is a language with its own grammar and idioms). This book is an engrossing and enjoyable window into the complexities of deaf culture and community—all wrapped up in a brilliant coming-of-age story.

TEEN PICKS

Vulnerable AF

by Tarriona “Tank” Ball

What it’s about: Through a series of poems and short prose pieces, Tarriona Ball from the band Tank and the Bangas tells the story of an intense real-life relationship and how she came out on the other side of heartbreak with her sense of self (and sense of humor) intact.

Why read it? “Reading Vulnerable AF, my favorite artist’s first poetry book, made me feel a connection I’ve only found when listening to my favorite love songs. The title holds true to precisely what this book is about: authentic vulnerability. If you’ve ever become so deeply infatuated with someone that you couldn’t tell your left from your right, or you happen to be a hopeless romantic like me, this book is for you.”
Allyson (17)

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

by V.E. Schwab

What it’s about: In 1714, a woman made a fateful bargain. Desperate to get out of her upcoming marriage, she agreed to surrender her soul. In return she got freedom and longevity, but the cost is that she is forgotten by everyone she meets as soon as she leaves their sight. After 300 years surviving, thieving, and experiencing history and art, she’s shocked to meet a young man who remembers her.

Why read it? “This book is gripping and constantly has you clinging to the next page waiting to find out more. It traps your soul from the beginning to the end. They say that if you follow closely, Addie will take you through continents and centuries—chasing shadows, stalking the vanishing footsteps of an idea, a touch, a constellation of seven freckles. It’s joy and it’s pain and it’s unforgettable. A great way to get out of a reading slump.”
Maya (18)

Offering a wide range of studying resources, products, and services, the Library has everything you need to succeed—at home or inside the Library.

Connect with live, one-on-one tutoring online with Homework Louisiana, get test prep and study guides from LearningExpress, access free and interactive information from Britannica Library, unlock instant access to thousands of e-books, audiobooks,
and so much more.

Many of the New Orleans Public Library’s 15 locations are also equipped with teens-only spaces, which are a great place to study, do homework, or work on a project with your peers.

Learn more about all the academic resources the Library has to offer at nolalibrary.org/learn.

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