2021 Teen Summer Reading List

This week, I'm sharing my annual summer reading list for teens.  It includes books of all genres -- mystery, science fiction, romance, fantasy, etc.  Here are a few of my favorites . . . .

Far Far Away by Tom McNeal

When Jeremy Johnson Johnson's strange ability to speak to the ghost of Jacob Grimm draws the interest of his classmate, Ginger Boltinghouse, the two find themselves at the center of a series of disappearances in their hometown.

Rebel Mechanics by Shanna Swendson

In 1888 New York City, sixteen-year-old governess Verity Newton agrees to become a spy, whatever the risk, after learning that the man for whom she has feelings sympathizes with rebels developing non-magical sources of power, via steam engines, in hopes of gaining freedom from British rule.

Hiding by Henry Turner

When a teen boy who excels at being unseen finds himself hiding in his ex-girlfriend's house, he uncovers carefully concealed truths about her, her family, and himself.

Twin Daggers by MarcyKate Connolly

Before she can rescue her twin sister, sixteen-year-old magic-wielding spy Aissa must choose between pursuing revenge against the ruling Technocrats or abandoning her mission and trusting her sworn enemies.

We'll Fly Away by Bryan Bliss 

Toby and Luke are best friends, bound by a goal of leaving their hometown for Luke's wrestling scholarship, but a series of events during their senior year will test their resolve.

More Books --

36 Questions That Changed My Mind About You by Vicki Grant

The Afterward by E.K. Johnson

All Is Fair by Dee Garretson

The Companion by Kate Alender

Crier's War by Nina Varela

Divided Fire by Jennifer San Filippo
Frankly in Love by David Yoon

The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig
Jo & Laurie by Margaret Stohl & Melissa de la Cruz
Last Bus to Everland by Sophie Cameron

The Liar's Daughter by Megan Cooley Peterson
Lifestyles of Gods & Monsters by Emily Roberson

Nice Try, Jane Sinner by Lianne Oelke

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

The Secret Life of Kitty Granger by G.D. Falksen

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

Verona Comics by Jennifer Dugan

We Speak in Storms by Natalie Lund
We'll Fly Away by Bryan Bliss

Check these books out on display at the Arnold Branch through July 23, 2021.

Rebel Mechanics by Shanna Swendson

It's 1888, and British magisters have always ruled the colonies of hte New World.  But now an underground society of mechanics, scientists, and engineers are developing non-magical sources of power.  With these steam engines and dynamos they hope to gain their freedom.

When Verity Newton arrives in New York and lands a job as a governess for a leading magister family, she quickly learns they have some big secrets.  Why does it seem that the children's young uncle is sympathetic to the Rebel Mechanics cause?  And why does he come home battered and bloody so often?

As Charity falls for a Rebel inventor and agrees to become a spy against the magisters, she also becomes more enmeshed in the magister family's life.  She soon realizes she's in a unique position to help the rebellion -- but to do so she'll have to reveal her dangerous secret . . .


This is the first book in the Rebel Mechanics series by Shanna Swendson.  It is a great alternate history story that incorporates both magic and steampunk.  The characters are interesting and draw you into the story.  I would highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, romance, fantasy, or steampunk.

Enchanted, Inc.

I was excited to discover that one of my favorite series is now being continued in e-books.  I read the first four books in the Enchanted, Inc. series when they first came out in print in 2005.  I was saddened to hear after book four that the publisher was no longer going to publish the books.  However, now with the popularity of e-books, the author Shanna Swendson is continuing the series.  So far, she was released three new stories.  I can't wait to download and read them.

Enchanted, Inc. by Shanna Swendson - book 1
Katie Chandler moves to New York in order to make her mark in the business world, but is unprepared for the adventures she encounters when she is approached by MSI, a company that deals in magic, spells, and illusions.

Once Upon Stilettos - book 2
Katie finds herself in trouble when her immunity to magic goes awry and men begin falling at her feet, but she begins to wonder whether she has really become irresistible or whether it is the result of her stunning new red shoes.

Damsel Under Stress - book 3
At last, Owen Palmer, the dreamboat wizard at Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc., has conjured up the courage to get Katie Chandler under the mistletoe at the office holiday party. But just when it looks like Katie has found her prince, in pops her inept fairy godmother, Ethelinda, to throw a wand into the works.

Don't Hex with Texas - book 4
Katie Chandler has fled fast-paced Manhattan and returned home to a simpler life, working at her family's feed-and-seed store in Cobb, Texas. But now magic is invading the town and Owen Palmer appears to investigate.

Good vs. Evil

It's an epic theme -- good vs. evil.  Whether huge battles for the whole world or a small fight for just one person, we love to read about the the fight between good and evil.  Check out these great teen books and see which one prevails.

Raven's Gate by Anthony Horowitz
Sent to live in a foster home in a remote Yorkshire village, Matt, a troubled fourteen-year-old English boy, uncovers an evil plot involving witchcraft and the site of an ancient stone circle.

Enchanted, Inc. by Shanna Swendson
Katie Chandler moves to New York in order to make her mark in the business world, but is unprepared for the adventures she encounters when she is approached by MSI, a company that deals in magic, spells, and illusions.

The Vindico by Wesley King
When supervillains of the Vindico realize they are getting too old to fight the League of Heroes, they kidnap and begin training five teens, but James, Lana, Hayden, Emily, and Sam will not become the next generation of evil without a fight.

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula LeGuin
A boy grows to manhood while attempting to subdue the evil he unleashed on the world as an apprentice to the Master Wizard.

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
When three angels are sent from heaven to protect the town of Venus Cove against the gathering forces of darkness, their mission is threatened as the youngest angel, Bethany, enrolls in high school and falls in love with another student.