Teen Ambassador Reviews, Part 1
As much as I love sharing book recommendations, I love it even more to hear feedback from teens about what they’re reading. An anonymous member of the MML Teen Ambassadors wanted to share this list of young adult books they’ve read in 2026 so far. I plan to post more media lists and by students, as well as other kinds of writing. Click any book cover to request it from the catalog using your library card.
If you’d like to be a Teen Ambassador and work on projects like this, please fill out the interest form here.
Sincerely,
Your Teen Librarian
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This is a coming-of-age epistolary novel, meaning it is written entirely in letters. It covers very heavy topics about mental health and friendship surrounding the main character, Charlie. It is a very short read but has a lot of emotional depth.
A note from the Teen Services Librarian: On Tuesday, November 10 from 6:45 to 8 pm, the Challenge Yours(h)elf Book Club will focus on this book! This book club focuses on banned and challenged books. In 2025, Perks was the second most challenged book in school libraries and public libraries around the country.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The first book in a dystopian, young adult trilogy, this book follows Katniss, a 16-year-old girl living in an oppressive society, as she deals with themes of sacrifice and rebellion. It is written very well, and the trilogy as a whole is very well developed and very interesting to read. The books are fast-paced, and although they manage heavy, real-world topics, they are enjoyable to read and easy to comprehend. Suzanne Collins has also published the prequels Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Sunrise on the Reaping. The movie versions of each book are very faithful adaptations.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
The first book in a magical trilogy, it is about a teenage girl and her sister attempting to escape their family by entering a fantasy world. The book has many intriguing plot points and many moments that leave the reader trying to figure out what will happen next. The characters are complex and have individual motives and flaws. The book has a very unique plot and has a fast-paced, scavenger-hunt-like structure.
Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter
Part of a duology, this young adult romance follows a high school girl. It is very fast-paced; the topics are light and enjoyable. It is inspired by romance movies from over the decades, and every chapter starts with a quote from a romance movie. The characters are relatable, and you are put into their minds as you read. The sequel to Better than the Movies, Nothing like the Movies, is not as fast-paced and enjoyable as the first one because the plot gets a little dragged out, but it is filled with the same characters and themes.
A Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
This young adult mystery follows Pippa, a high-schooler trying to solve a cold-case. This book has a very intriguing narrative with many different plot points, but it is a slow read and takes some brainpower.
A note from the Teen Services Librarian: Collectively, the Maplewood Library’s copies of this title have been checked out 34 times this year!
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
This young adult romance follows a girl who is allergic to the outside world. Her life consists of her mom and nurse, and she has never left her own home. Everything changes when she meets her next-door neighbor. This book is a light and enjoyable read and it has a mix of diary entries, doodles, and more traditional chapters.