Advanced Search

Search

Advanced Search

Library buildings are now open to the public. Learn more >

Jacket cover images copied to clipboard.

General Recommendations

2021 Teen Summer Reading Recommendations

By:

YouthServices_KCMO

The Kansas City Public Library

Staff-created list

Our youth librarians have chosen titles to spark your interest this summer and beyond! Choose from these books or find your own to earn you summer reading prize! See kclibrary.org/summerreading for details.

By:

YouthServices_KCMO

The Kansas City Public Library

23 items

23 items

The Inheritance Games

The Inheritance Games

by Barnes, Jennifer

Book - 2020

17-year-old Avery’s life changes overnight when she is named as the sole heir to billionaire—and complete stranger—Tobias Hawthorne’s fortune, conditional...Show more 17-year-old Avery’s life changes overnight when she is named as the sole heir to billionaire—and complete stranger—Tobias Hawthorne’s fortune, conditional upon her ability to live in his Texas mansion with his disinherited family for a year. Puzzles abound in this atmospheric mystery perfect for fans of Knives Out. Show less

17-year-old Avery’s life changes overnight when she is named as the sole heir to billionaire—and complete stranger—Tobias Hawthorne’s fortune, conditional...Show more 17-year-old Avery’s life changes overnight when she is named as the sole heir to billionaire—and complete stranger—Tobias Hawthorne’s fortune, conditional upon her ability to live in his Texas mansion with his disinherited family for a year. Puzzles abound in this atmospheric mystery perfect for fans of Knives Out. Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 1 on 2 copies

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Black Girl, White School

Black Girl, White School

Thriving, Surviving, and 'no, You Can't Touch My Hair' : An Anthology

Book - 2020

Poems, anecdotes, and entries that provide support and guidance for black girls attending PWI’s from other black girls and women that are currently attending a PWI or have attended one. Poems, anecdotes, and entries that provide support and guidance for black girls attending PWI’s from other black girls and women that are currently attending a PWI or have attended one. Show less

Poems, anecdotes, and entries that provide support and guidance for black girls attending PWI’s from other black girls and women that are currently attending a PWI or have attended one. Poems, anecdotes, and entries that provide support and guidance for black girls attending PWI’s from other black girls and women that are currently attending a PWI or have attended one. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Influence

Influence

by Shepard, Sara

Downloadable Audiobook - 2021

Delilah Rollins thinks all her dreams are coming true when she goes viral on social media. But the life of an influencer is not as glamorous as it seems,...Show more Delilah Rollins thinks all her dreams are coming true when she goes viral on social media. But the life of an influencer is not as glamorous as it seems, and she soon finds herself steeped in a mystery of blackmail, manipulation, and murder. Shepard worked alongside real-life influencer Lilia Buckingham for this project. Show less

Delilah Rollins thinks all her dreams are coming true when she goes viral on social media. But the life of an influencer is not as glamorous as it seems,...Show more Delilah Rollins thinks all her dreams are coming true when she goes viral on social media. But the life of an influencer is not as glamorous as it seems, and she soon finds herself steeped in a mystery of blackmail, manipulation, and murder. Shepard worked alongside real-life influencer Lilia Buckingham for this project. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 1 on 2 copies

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

This Is My America

This Is My America

by Johnson, Kim

eBook - 2020

Tracy has spent the last several years working to free her father from prison, where he is serving a life sentence for a crime he did not commit. Suddenl...Show more Tracy has spent the last several years working to free her father from prison, where he is serving a life sentence for a crime he did not commit. Suddenly, Tracy finds her world shattered again when her older brother is arrested for the murder of a classmate. Tracy must do whatever she can to prove their innocence before more lives are ruined forever. Show less

Tracy has spent the last several years working to free her father from prison, where he is serving a life sentence for a crime he did not commit. Suddenl...Show more Tracy has spent the last several years working to free her father from prison, where he is serving a life sentence for a crime he did not commit. Suddenly, Tracy finds her world shattered again when her older brother is arrested for the murder of a classmate. Tracy must do whatever she can to prove their innocence before more lives are ruined forever. Show less

Available

Check out

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

When You Look Like Us

When You Look Like Us

by Harris, Pamela N.

eBook - 2021

They don’t look for the girls that look like us [Black girls]. It is a story about a brother trying to bring his sister home since no one else will. They don’t look for the girls that look like us [Black girls]. It is a story about a brother trying to bring his sister home since no one else will. Show less

They don’t look for the girls that look like us [Black girls]. It is a story about a brother trying to bring his sister home since no one else will. They don’t look for the girls that look like us [Black girls]. It is a story about a brother trying to bring his sister home since no one else will. Show less

Available

Check out

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Stamped

Stamped

Racism, Antiracism, and You

by Reynolds, Jason

Downloadable Audiobook - 2020

This fast-paced, conversational book reveals the history of racism in the United States and how it has shaped our present. It illustrates how these racist ideas can be identified and stamped out as we move forward. This fast-paced, conversational book reveals the history of racism in the United States and how it has shaped our present. It illustrates how these racist ideas can be identified and stamped out as we move forward. Show less

This fast-paced, conversational book reveals the history of racism in the United States and how it has shaped our present. It illustrates how these racist ideas can be identified and stamped out as we move forward. This fast-paced, conversational book reveals the history of racism in the United States and how it has shaped our present. It illustrates how these racist ideas can be identified and stamped out as we move forward. Show less

Available

Check out

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Muted

Muted

by Charles, Tami

Book - 2021

Denver wants to make it big. But is her dream worth the sacrifices she will make? Denver wants to make it big. But is her dream worth the sacrifices she will make? Show less

Denver wants to make it big. But is her dream worth the sacrifices she will make? Denver wants to make it big. But is her dream worth the sacrifices she will make? Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Concrete Rose

Concrete Rose

by Thomas, Angie

Downloadable Audiobook - 2021

In the prequel to The Hate U Give, we find ourselves in 1998 alongside a 17-year-old Maverick Carter, a small-time drug dealer and gang member, who finds ...Show more In the prequel to The Hate U Give, we find ourselves in 1998 alongside a 17-year-old Maverick Carter, a small-time drug dealer and gang member, who finds his world flipped upside down as he discovers he is the parent of a newborn son. Maverick suddenly must decide where he wants his life to go and who he wants to be, split between his duties as a father and the loyalty he feels to the King Lords. Show less

In the prequel to The Hate U Give, we find ourselves in 1998 alongside a 17-year-old Maverick Carter, a small-time drug dealer and gang member, who finds ...Show more In the prequel to The Hate U Give, we find ourselves in 1998 alongside a 17-year-old Maverick Carter, a small-time drug dealer and gang member, who finds his world flipped upside down as he discovers he is the parent of a newborn son. Maverick suddenly must decide where he wants his life to go and who he wants to be, split between his duties as a father and the loyalty he feels to the King Lords. Show less

Available

Check out

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Pretty Funny for A Girl

Pretty Funny for A Girl

by Elliott, Rebecca

eBook - 2020

Haylah Swinton is known for making light of every situation while embracing her plus-size figure. With aspirations of becoming a stand-up comedian, she jumps at the chance to be a ghostwriter for Leo, who is a popular kid in school. Haylah Swinton is known for making light of every situation while embracing her plus-size figure. With aspirations of becoming a stand-up comedian, she jumps at the chance to be a ghostwriter for Leo, who is a popular kid in school. Show less

Haylah Swinton is known for making light of every situation while embracing her plus-size figure. With aspirations of becoming a stand-up comedian, she jumps at the chance to be a ghostwriter for Leo, who is a popular kid in school. Haylah Swinton is known for making light of every situation while embracing her plus-size figure. With aspirations of becoming a stand-up comedian, she jumps at the chance to be a ghostwriter for Leo, who is a popular kid in school. Show less

Available

Check out

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Raybearer

Raybearer

by Ifueko, Jordan

Book - 2020

This imaginative story based on West African folklore is chock-full of magic, wondrous places and customs, court intrigue, lies, love, deceit, and manipul...Show more This imaginative story based on West African folklore is chock-full of magic, wondrous places and customs, court intrigue, lies, love, deceit, and manipulation. Tarisai, the main character, is thrown in the midst of it all and is faced with decisions that could cost her loved ones their lives. For anyone who enjoys sweeping fantasies like "Children of Blood and Bone" and "An Ember in the Ashes." Show less

This imaginative story based on West African folklore is chock-full of magic, wondrous places and customs, court intrigue, lies, love, deceit, and manipul...Show more This imaginative story based on West African folklore is chock-full of magic, wondrous places and customs, court intrigue, lies, love, deceit, and manipulation. Tarisai, the main character, is thrown in the midst of it all and is faced with decisions that could cost her loved ones their lives. For anyone who enjoys sweeping fantasies like "Children of Blood and Bone" and "An Ember in the Ashes." Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

I'll Be the One

I'll Be the One

I'll Be the One Series, Book 1

by Lee, Lyla

Downloadable Audiobook - 2020

Talented singer and dancer Skye Shin enters a reality TV K-Pop performance competition in Los Angeles, where she fights back against fat-phobic bullying and falls for ultra-wealthy model and fellow competitor Henry Cho. Talented singer and dancer Skye Shin enters a reality TV K-Pop performance competition in Los Angeles, where she fights back against fat-phobic bullying and falls for ultra-wealthy model and fellow competitor Henry Cho. Show less

Talented singer and dancer Skye Shin enters a reality TV K-Pop performance competition in Los Angeles, where she fights back against fat-phobic bullying and falls for ultra-wealthy model and fellow competitor Henry Cho. Talented singer and dancer Skye Shin enters a reality TV K-Pop performance competition in Los Angeles, where she fights back against fat-phobic bullying and falls for ultra-wealthy model and fellow competitor Henry Cho. Show less

Available

Check out

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Clap When You Land

Clap When You Land

by Acevedo, Elizabeth

Book - 2020

Camino and Yahaira live very different lives, one in New York City and the other in the Dominican Republic. When their father dies in a plane crash, their lives are forever changed as they learn about their father’s secrets and each other. Camino and Yahaira live very different lives, one in New York City and the other in the Dominican Republic. When their father dies in a plane crash, their lives are forever changed as they learn about their father’s secrets and each other. Show less

Camino and Yahaira live very different lives, one in New York City and the other in the Dominican Republic. When their father dies in a plane crash, their lives are forever changed as they learn about their father’s secrets and each other. Camino and Yahaira live very different lives, one in New York City and the other in the Dominican Republic. When their father dies in a plane crash, their lives are forever changed as they learn about their father’s secrets and each other. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Gilded Ones

The Gilded Ones

Deathless Series, Book 1

by Forna, Namina

Downloadable Audiobook - 2021

Will Deka succumb to her fate or make her own path with others like her? Will Deka succumb to her fate or make her own path with others like her? Show less

Will Deka succumb to her fate or make her own path with others like her? Will Deka succumb to her fate or make her own path with others like her? Show less

Available

Check out

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Cinderella Is Dead

Cinderella Is Dead

by Bayron, Kalynn

Book - 2020

What happens after Happily Ever After? 200 years after the death of Cinderella, the women of her kingdom are oppressed by a patriarchal society that has s...Show more What happens after Happily Ever After? 200 years after the death of Cinderella, the women of her kingdom are oppressed by a patriarchal society that has stripped them of all rights. Two teenage girls team up to attempt the impossible- dismantle the corrupt system, free the women of Lille, and learn the truth of what really happened to Cinderella. Show less

What happens after Happily Ever After? 200 years after the death of Cinderella, the women of her kingdom are oppressed by a patriarchal society that has s...Show more What happens after Happily Ever After? 200 years after the death of Cinderella, the women of her kingdom are oppressed by a patriarchal society that has stripped them of all rights. Two teenage girls team up to attempt the impossible- dismantle the corrupt system, free the women of Lille, and learn the truth of what really happened to Cinderella. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

What They Don't Teach Teens

What They Don't Teach Teens

Life Safety Skills for Teens and the Adults Who Care for Them

by Cristall, Jonathan

Book - 2020

The 21st century guidebook of life safety skills for teens, their parents, and other caregivers, covering physical safety, sexual consent, social media, your rights with the police, situational awareness, dating violence, smartphones, and more. The 21st century guidebook of life safety skills for teens, their parents, and other caregivers, covering physical safety, sexual consent, social media, your rights with the police, situational awareness, dating violence, smartphones, and more. Show less

The 21st century guidebook of life safety skills for teens, their parents, and other caregivers, covering physical safety, sexual consent, social media, your rights with the police, situational awareness, dating violence, smartphones, and more. The 21st century guidebook of life safety skills for teens, their parents, and other caregivers, covering physical safety, sexual consent, social media, your rights with the police, situational awareness, dating violence, smartphones, and more. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Sanctuary

Sanctuary

by Mendoza, Paola

eBook - 2020

You'll hold your breath while rooting for 16-year-old Vali as she's fleeing authorities across the country towards California, the only state in near futu...Show more You'll hold your breath while rooting for 16-year-old Vali as she's fleeing authorities across the country towards California, the only state in near future America that grants sanctuary to undocumented immigrants. Will she survive the horrific experiences facing her and make it to safety? Show less

You'll hold your breath while rooting for 16-year-old Vali as she's fleeing authorities across the country towards California, the only state in near futu...Show more You'll hold your breath while rooting for 16-year-old Vali as she's fleeing authorities across the country towards California, the only state in near future America that grants sanctuary to undocumented immigrants. Will she survive the horrific experiences facing her and make it to safety? Show less

Available

Check out

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Black Flamingo

The Black Flamingo

by Atta, Dean

Downloadable Audiobook - 2020

This Stonewall Award-winning novel in verse explores Michael’s experiences growing up as a biracial teenager in London, dealing with feelings of isolation as he comes out as gay and ultimately finds his voice through poetry and drag. This Stonewall Award-winning novel in verse explores Michael’s experiences growing up as a biracial teenager in London, dealing with feelings of isolation as he comes out as gay and ultimately finds his voice through poetry and drag. Show less

This Stonewall Award-winning novel in verse explores Michael’s experiences growing up as a biracial teenager in London, dealing with feelings of isolation as he comes out as gay and ultimately finds his voice through poetry and drag. This Stonewall Award-winning novel in verse explores Michael’s experiences growing up as a biracial teenager in London, dealing with feelings of isolation as he comes out as gay and ultimately finds his voice through poetry and drag. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 2 on 2 copies

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

When You Were Everything

When You Were Everything

by Woodfolk, Ashley

eBook - 2020

Told in two timelines, watch as a friendship between Cleo and Layla ends and the aftermath that they have to deal with. This emotional story is about self-forgiveness, new beginnings and the value of friendships. Told in two timelines, watch as a friendship between Cleo and Layla ends and the aftermath that they have to deal with. This emotional story is about self-forgiveness, new beginnings and the value of friendships. Show less

Told in two timelines, watch as a friendship between Cleo and Layla ends and the aftermath that they have to deal with. This emotional story is about self-forgiveness, new beginnings and the value of friendships. Told in two timelines, watch as a friendship between Cleo and Layla ends and the aftermath that they have to deal with. This emotional story is about self-forgiveness, new beginnings and the value of friendships. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 0 on 1 copy

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega

by Maldonado, Crystal

Book - 2021

A coming of age story. Charlie navigates her relationship with her parents, culture, and her own body. A coming of age story. Charlie navigates her relationship with her parents, culture, and her own body. Show less

A coming of age story. Charlie navigates her relationship with her parents, culture, and her own body. A coming of age story. Charlie navigates her relationship with her parents, culture, and her own body. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Together, Apart

Together, Apart

by Craig, Erin A.

Downloadable Audiobook - 2020

A collection of short stories by some of the most popular YA authors of the day, Together, Apart tells us the stories of multiple teenagers who find themselves falling in love during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. A collection of short stories by some of the most popular YA authors of the day, Together, Apart tells us the stories of multiple teenagers who find themselves falling in love during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Show less

A collection of short stories by some of the most popular YA authors of the day, Together, Apart tells us the stories of multiple teenagers who find themselves falling in love during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. A collection of short stories by some of the most popular YA authors of the day, Together, Apart tells us the stories of multiple teenagers who find themselves falling in love during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Show less

Available

Check out

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Angel of Greenwood

Angel of Greenwood

by Pink, Randi

eBook - 2021

A historical YA novel that takes place during the Greenwood Massacre of 1921, in an area of Tulsa, OK, known as the "Black Wall Street." A historical YA novel that takes place during the Greenwood Massacre of 1921, in an area of Tulsa, OK, known as the "Black Wall Street." Show less

A historical YA novel that takes place during the Greenwood Massacre of 1921, in an area of Tulsa, OK, known as the "Black Wall Street." A historical YA novel that takes place during the Greenwood Massacre of 1921, in an area of Tulsa, OK, known as the "Black Wall Street." Show less

Available

Check out

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Harrow Lake

Harrow Lake

by Ellis, Kat

Book - 2020

After her father is stabbed in their Manhattan apartment, Lola Nox, daughter of legendary horror movie director Nolan Nox, is shipped off to the eerie Ind...Show more After her father is stabbed in their Manhattan apartment, Lola Nox, daughter of legendary horror movie director Nolan Nox, is shipped off to the eerie Indiana town where he filmed the cult classic Nightjar and confronts an unsettling obsession with the movie among the townspeople. Show less

After her father is stabbed in their Manhattan apartment, Lola Nox, daughter of legendary horror movie director Nolan Nox, is shipped off to the eerie Ind...Show more After her father is stabbed in their Manhattan apartment, Lola Nox, daughter of legendary horror movie director Nolan Nox, is shipped off to the eerie Indiana town where he filmed the cult classic Nightjar and confronts an unsettling obsession with the movie among the townspeople. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

One of Us Is Next

One of Us Is Next

The Sequel to One of Us Is Lying

by McManus, Karen M.

Downloadable Audiobook - 2020

In this sequel to One of Us is Lying another mystery emerges in the form of a deadly game of Truth or Dare. Once targeted, you have to play or the things ...Show more In this sequel to One of Us is Lying another mystery emerges in the form of a deadly game of Truth or Dare. Once targeted, you have to play or the things you hide will be revealed to all. A must read for anyone who enjoys mysteries, suspense and clever plot twists. (Can be enjoyed even if you haven't read One of Us is Lying.) Show less

In this sequel to One of Us is Lying another mystery emerges in the form of a deadly game of Truth or Dare. Once targeted, you have to play or the things ...Show more In this sequel to One of Us is Lying another mystery emerges in the form of a deadly game of Truth or Dare. Once targeted, you have to play or the things you hide will be revealed to all. A must read for anyone who enjoys mysteries, suspense and clever plot twists. (Can be enjoyed even if you haven't read One of Us is Lying.) Show less

Available

Check out

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Powered by BiblioCommons.

BiblioCore: app04 Version 8.37.5 Last updated 2021/05/25 13:29

[]

[]

To Top