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Find Your Next Read

Teens in library stacks

LET US HELP YOU FIND WHAT TO READ NEXT

There are numerous resources that the library has to help you find what to read next. Through librarian newsletters and a BookMatch system, you can find award-winning young adult books, explore new topics, or find more books on your favorite subjects.

Whether it's Mystery or Historical Fiction, there is a genre (or two) for everyone! 

Are you hooked on a genre and want to find your next book? You can subscribe to our NextReads Newsletters to get the latest librarian recommendations for Tweens and Teens HERE. 

 

See the latest outstanding award winners in Young Adult Literature!

Alex Award: The Alex Awards honors ten books written for adults that have special appeal for young adults.

Margaret A. Edwards Award: The Margaret A. Edwards Award honors an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature.

Michael L. Printz Award: This award honors a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. 

Coretta Scott King Award: This award commemorates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and honors Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Awarded annually to recognize outstanding books for young adults and children by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience.

Newbery Medal Award: The Newbery Medal is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for youth.

Pura Belpre Award: The Pura Belpré Award is presented to a Latino writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience. The award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library.

Robert F. Sibert Award: The Sibert Award honors the most distinguished informational book published in English for its significant contribution to children’s literature.

William C. Morris Award: The William C. Morris YA Debut Award, first given in 2009, honors a book published by a first-time author writing for teens and celebrating impressive new voices in young adult literature.

YALSA Nonfiction Award: YALSA’s Award for Excellence in Nonfiction honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18) during a November 1-October 31 publishing year. 

Cardinal Cup Award: The Cardinal Cup (formerly the Jefferson Cup) was established in 1982 to honor a distinguished biography, historical fiction or American history book for young people.

Stonewall Award: The Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award (Stonewall Book Award) is awarded annually to the best children and young adult books which represent the LBGTQIA+ experience.

Each year the Virginia State Literacy Association votes on outstanding books to recommend to readers in the state. Their purpose is to:

  • Encourage young readers to become better acquainted with contemporary books with outstanding literary appeal,
  • Broaden students’ awareness of literature as a life-long pleasure,
  • Encourage reading aloud in classrooms as a means of introducing reading for pleasure, and
  • Honor favorite books and their authors.

A winner is announced for each level- Primary, Elementary, Middle School, and High School. The winning book will have gathered the highest number of votes in their category. Check out the current 2024-2025 list.

Virginia's Readers' Choice 2024-2025

Cardinal Cup Older Readers