Spring is a time for renewal and anticipation, and this year, when it comes to teen literature, we have much to look forward to. Below are six books that each bring something fresh and exciting to the table, whether in subject matter, form, or voice: a nearly wordless picture book by one of Italy’s foremost illustrators, a celebrated author’s fantasy debut, a verse novel exploring boys’ emotional lives through a friendship that’s at a crossroads, a frank and much-needed graphic novel delving into mental health in a Muslim family and community, and a heartfelt story that reminds readers that money and reputation can’t protect teens from harmful home lives. Each of these books also has value and strong appeal for adult readers, especially those who parent or work with adolescents, whether as a springboard for conversation or a way to gain insight into their concerns.
Old as Stone, Hard as Rock: Of Humans and War written and illustrated by Alessandro Sanna; trans. by Ammiel Alcalay (Unruly, Feb. 4): Readers who pick up this exquisite visual meditation on war will immediately notice the pages’ beautifully tactile nature; their heft and texture add depth to Sanna’s rich, vibrant paintings. Hands accustomed to plastic devices will engage with this volume in ways reminiscent of both the intensely physical nature of early childhood reading and the bygone days of printing on cotton rag paper.
(S)Kin by Ibi Zoboi (Versify/HarperCollins, Feb. 11): The latest from Haitian American Zoboi, a Coretta Scott King Author Award winner, is a riveting contemporary fantasy in verse that follows two Black teen girls, both living in Brooklyn but coming from disparate worlds. Caribbean folklore—particularly stories of the soucouyant, or skin-shedding witch—is woven into a deeply moving exploration of anger, magic, colorism, oppression, kinship, skinship—and hope.
When We Ride by Rex Ogle (Norton Young Readers, March 25): Prolific, creative, much-lauded author Ogle offers readers a heart-wrenching, unforgettable verse novel on a topic that’s too rarely given serious treatment in YA: loving friendship between boys. Over the course of senior year, longtime best friends Diego “Benny” Benevides and Lawson Pierce, who both live in grinding poverty, find themselves on wildly different trajectories as Lawson deals drugs and Benny aims for college.
Huda F Wants To Know? by Huda Fahmy (Dial, April 1): This third entry in National Book Award finalist Fahmy’s graphic novel series about hijabi teen Huda is another masterful blend of humor, empowerment, cultural specificity, and universal emotional truths. Huda, who’s dealing with the stress of junior year in high school, is shocked to learn her parents are divorcing. This sensitive, informative, and reassuring treatment of mental health struggles will resonate widely.
Cope Field by T.L. Simpson (Flux, April 22): This unflinching and highly engaging sophomore novel by Arkansas journalist Simpson introduces Crawford, whose volatile former pro baseball player father is a beloved local celebrity. Since Momma left, it’s just been Pops, Craw, and his brother. Assaulting his dad leads Craw to community service, friendship with a girl who has her own family problems, and a critical turning point regarding the abuse he’s suffering at home.
Laura Simeon is a young readers’ editor.
