New Teen Romance

Romance sells a lot of books, especially around Valentine’s Day. Here are some of the best new teen romance titles released in the past year.   

In Trung Le Nguyen’s latest graphic novel Angelica and the Bear Prince, Angelica is grieving and dealing with burnout. When she receives messages of support from a bear, or rather, the person performing as the theater mascot, she gets a job at the theater to learn who is the person behind the mask. GN

S. Isabelle’s novel The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick brings young Stella out from London’s outskirts into high society when she stands to inherit a fortune and also continue writing her late mother’s anonymous advice column. Can she manage to give sound advice when she encounters the boy who broke her heart? 

In Marie Arnold’s I Was Told There Would Be Romance, Haitian American Fancy wants to be invited to an exclusive party, but she needs a boyfriend to gain an invitation. Enter her crush Rahim, who goes along with her scheme if she will only concoct a Voodoo potion for him.  

Laura Gao’s graphic novel Kirby’s Lessons for Falling (in Love) follows Kirby, an avid rock climber who is sidelined after a fall that breaks her arm. Forced to join the school newspaper for extra credit, she is recruited by Bex to write an astrology-based romance advice column. As the two find sparks between them, Kirby must confront her guilt around her queer identity and the homophobia of her church. GN

Amber McBride’s novel The Leaving Room follows two Keepers, Gospel and Melodee, who encounter each other in the afterlife, where they exist to help young people transition through death. Though it is forbidden, their connection grows as they help young people make their way, and soon they seek a way to bond permanently.  

Swati Teerdhala’s novel Maya in Multicolor follows Maya, who will recover from heartbreak by throwing a big traditional Holi festival dance party.  When she is paired with notorious playboy Nishant, she finds she must work closely with the one person she can’t have and doesn’t want. 

In Aaron Starmer’s novel Night Swimming, high school graduates Trevor and Sarah make a pact to secretly visit every pool in their town in the middle of the night, giving Trevor a chance to explore his feelings for Sarah.  

In Marissa Meyer’s graphic novel We Could Be Magic, young Tabi’s faith in romance is renewed by a theme park princess. When she grows older, she auditions for that same role, but quickly learns the world is not ready for a full-figured princess. Luckily, with the help of a new friend and a real crush, she may not need to fill that role. GN

~posted by Wally B.