I Must Betray You

Ruta Sepetys

Suspenseful and shocking, I Must Betray You offers students a rare glimpse into the historic events preceding the 1989 Romanian Revolution. Accused of anti-communist behavior, teenager Cristian Florescu is forced to become an informer for the secret police. Though reluctant to spy on his friends and family, Cristian sees this role as an opportunity to show the world the truth about life under the dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu—but at what cost?

Gallant

V. E. Schwab

After receiving a mysterious letter from a formerly unknown uncle, Olivia Prior leaves her orphanage to live at Gallant, the Prior family’s manor. But Gallant is nearly deserted, save for her cousin, two housekeepers, and ghosts that only Olivia can see. As she explores the estate, Olivia stumbles into a shadow world in which the manor is decaying and a foreboding presence looms. With vivid descriptions and an eerie atmosphere, Gallant will captivate students as they join Olivia in uncovering the dark secrets of the Prior family.

The Midnight Library

Matt Haig

After trying to end her life, Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library—a place between life and death. Each book in the library represents an alternative life she could have had based on the decisions she made. As Nora explores each book, she learns that different choices don’t necessarily mean better outcomes. With powerful prose, The Midnight Library encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and the possibilities that lie within their choices.

The Invention of Wings

Sue Monk Kidd

Inspired by the life of Sarah Grimké, an early advocate for abolition and women’s rights, The Invention of Wings offers a piercing look into the injustices of slavery-era America. On her birthday in 1803, Sarah is given ownership of Hetty “Handful” Grimké, an enslaved girl. But Sarah rejects the idea of slavery, instead forging a complex friendship with Handful that spans more than three decades. As they navigate the challenges of their time, Sarah and Handful look to find their own meanings of freedom.

The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life, Freedom, And Justice

Anthony Ray Hinton

In 1985, Anthony Ray Hinton was arrested for capital murder in Alabama, a crime he didn’t commit. At first, he believed it was just a case of mistaken identity and he'd be set free. Instead, he was sentenced to death by electrocution. This powerful memoir dives into Hinton’s twenty-seven years on Death Row, his legal fight for freedom, and his eventual release. The Sun Does Shine includes a foreword by Bryan Stevenson, Hinton’s attorney and the bestselling author of Just Mercy.

The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet

John Green

Based on his podcast of the same name, The Anthropocene Reviewed is a collection of essays by bestselling author John Green. Inspired by the ubiquity of reviews in modern culture, Green explores a range of topics with wit and humor, from the internet and Diet Dr. Pepper to Halley’s Comet and teddy bears, giving each a rating on a five-star scale.

The Bluest Sky

Christina Diaz Gonzalez

Coming February 2024!
Written for middle-grade readers, The Bluest Sky is a heartrending story of a family during a pivotal moment in modern world history. When Cuban officials open the port of Mariel to those who wish to emigrate, Héctor’s family must decide whether to stay, maintaining a façade of loyalty to the communist government who exiled his father, or risk it all for a new life in the United States. Torn between his love for his father and the only home he’s ever known, Héctor grapples with the consequences of leaving.