Vincent and Theo:  The Van Gogh Brothers, by Deborah Heiligman

"Get a sneak peek into Vincent Gogh’s life and the road he traveled to become the artist he is known for today. Vincent’s story should never be told without his brother, Theo, because without Theo, he would not be the artist he is today.  After reading this book I really wanted to visit the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam to see his paintings in real life.  A must read!"

~recommended by Youth Services Librarian Tiffany B. from Windsor Regional Library

 Here to Stay by Sara Farizan 

"Teen Read Week is here! What are you reading? I went for this new release from the author of If You Could Be Mine.

Bijan just wants to play basketball, but when he makes the winning basket for the Varsity team, he is no longer able to fly under that radar. How will he deal with his new found popularity? Find out by reading Here to Stay by Sara Farizan available now @ Sonoma County Library."

~recommended by Nicole F., Teen Services Librarian at Rincon Valley Regional Library

“Heap House”, written and illustrated by Edward Carey

In an alternate reality of Victorian London, the Iremonger family has an agreement with Queen Victoria. The Iremongers do not go into London, and in return they control the “Heaps” of trash that surround the city. Each Iremonger is given a Birth Object from the Heaps that they must carry at all times. When Clod Iremonger starts to hear other people’s Birth Objects speak, he begins to uncover old and dark secrets about his family. 

“Heap House” is a first in a trilogy. If you like weird fiction, creepy drawings, and great world building, this series is for you.

~recommended by Melissa C., Teen Services Librarian at Guerneville Regional Library

The 57 Bus, by Dashka Slater

I remember reading the news about this terrible event a few years ago. As soon as the book was published I couldn’t wait to read it. The 57 Bus did not disappoint. It’s a great book that fairly discusses all the angles of the story.

~recommended by Rachel I., Educational Initiatives Librarian at Sonoma County Library Headquarters

What I Lost by Alexandra Ballard

This book is an amazing debut novel about Elizabeth, a 16-year-old with anorexia. The book takes place over a few months in a treatment center for eating disorders. Elizabeth is likable and sad and funny and complex and most of all, REAL. I was totally lost in her world while reading this book.

~recommended by Katie D., Youth Selection Librarian at Sonoma County Library Headquarters

If you love podcasts like Serial, In the Dark, or My Favorite Murder, you'll be totally absorbed by Courtney Summers' new YA thriller "Sadie." The story revolves around 19-year-old Sadie and her bold, reckless quest to find the killer who took the life of her younger sister, Mattie. Meanwhile, a curious journalist creates a podcast looking into Mattie's murder and Sadie's subsequent disappearance. We see the mystery unfold not just through Sadie's eyes but through the perspective of family, neighbors, and nemeses who participate in the podcast.

This novel is taut, intense, and beautifully written. The author creates an unforgettable character in Sadie - she's tough and driven, exasperated by a stutter that affects how strangers treat her. Her determination is what makes us root for her and fret when she makes rash decisions.

This gritty and un-put-down-able thriller is the perfect way to kick off the Fall season!

~recommended by Allison P., Teen Services Librarian at Healdsburg Regional Library

Celebrate Teen Read Week and National Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15) with The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. This is an #ownvoices novel in verse that will feel accessible whether or not you regularly read poetry. The first person narrative follows a teenager named Xiomara Batista as she rebels against her conservative religious Dominican family and learns to express herself through slam poetry. 

~recommended by Stuart W., Teen Services Librarian at Central Santa Rosa Library