What Remains by Helene Dunbar

It was always the three of them -- Cal, Spencer, and Lizzie -- ever since first grade.  They were best friends so tight they were almost one person.  Cal and Spencer devoted themselves to keeping Lizzie safe -- from her mother, depression, and life.

Then in an instant everything changes in one car accident.

Lizzie is dead.
Cal required a heart transplant that takes away his life plan of playing baseball.

Now Cal is trying to deal with his grief and guilt from the accident.

He also must deal with Lizzie's heart (now inside him).  It's talking to him and influencing him in ways he can't control.

Cal always thought he and his friends could overcome anything.  Now he's now sure if just him and Spencer will be okay without Lizzie.



While this is obviously not a "happy" story, it is engrossing to read.  Cal immediately grabs your attention so that you want to know if and how he heals.  I found this book ultimately to be very optimistic.  I would definitely recommend this book to all teens.

That Inevitable Victorian Thing by E.K. Johnston

In a near-future where the British Empire never fell, the heir to the throne princess Victoria-Margaret is having one last summer before taking up her duties. 

She is spending the summer in Canada as Margaret meeting new friends and being a regular person.  There she meets August and Henrietta who have known almost their whole lives that they were going to marry. 

But in this world, people are genetically matched by computer to make sure they are good matches. 

When Henrietta and Margaret check their genetic matches online, they discover something strange, unsettling, and wonderful . . .

Although this book is set in the near future, it has a very historical feel to it.  I would recommend it to those who enjoy historical romances or those interested in LGBT+ stories.

Release by Patrick Ness

Adam Thorn is having a bad day . . . .

He has to hide his relationship with his boyfriend from his religious family.
He's dealing with sexual harassment at work.
His best friend is moving away in a few weeks.
He's trying to figure out his love life and his feelings for his former boyfriend.

And then the spirit of a murdered girl emerges from the local lake looking for retribution.

It all just might lead to the end of the world.



This book tells two different stories.  The main story is about Adam and how he will get through his day.  The second story is about the ghost and the supernatural spirit it ensnares in its pursuit of answers.  While it takes a while to merge the stories together, it does come to a satisfying and marged conclusion.  This would be a great book for teens looking for LGBT+ stories.

NIchijou: My Ordinary Life by Keiichi Arawi

Their school is just like yours -- except for the robot student built by a mad scientist.

They deal with normal problems like forgetting their homework -- except for the rogue deer fought off by the principal.

Yes, their school life is just like yours . . .





This manga series is a collection of short episodes in the life of several students at an "ordinary" Japanese high school.  The humorous stories are appropriate for all ages and would be a good pick for younger manga readers.