December Teen Books recommended by Teen Librarian Eliana L.
Iron Widow by Jay Zhao
“The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the mecha aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall. It doesn't matter that the girls often die from the mental strain. When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, it's to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister's death. But she gets her vengeance in a way nobody expected—she kills him through the psychic link between pilots and emerges from the cockpit unscathed. She is labeled an Iron Widow, a much-feared and much-silenced kind of female pilot who can sacrifice boys to power up Chrysalises instead.” (Goodreads)
Check out our December YA Book Club read! Sign up for Book Club here.
Check out this title on Libby as an ebook and audiobook.
Ten Thousand Tries by Amy Makechnie
Twelve-year-old Golden Maroni is determined to become captain of his soccer team, like his hero Lionel Messi. He also wants to master eighth grade, because he has no control over his spiraling personal life. Golden’s dad is battling ALS, leaving him less and less physically able to control his body every day. Golden knows that if you want to master a skill or talent, you have to do it ten thousand times. He decides to put that much effort into his life, in soccer and everyday, to keeps everything under control. But his dad keeps getting worse and his friends are pushed away by his intensity. Golden has to learn the lesson that being in control of everything is not possible, and not healthy. Read Golden’s meaningful story, and join the December Teen Book Club discussion by signing up here!
Check out this title on Hoopla as an audiobook.
Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong
In 1931 Shanghai, Rosalind Lang nearly died and was brought back to life through experimental tech. She heals from any wound and no longer ages, but also no longer sleeps. Rosalind ends up using her newfound abilities to try and foil a terror plot. Undercover as the wife of another spy, Orion Hong, Rosalind finds herself annoyed with his playboy ways. As they uncover a larger conspiracy, more and more is revealed about their mission and each other.