Calvert Library's Book Bites for Teens

Henry “Monty” Montague doesn’t care that his roguish passions are far from suitable for the gentleman he was born to be. But unfortunately his quests for pleasure and vice are in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return from his tour of continental Europe, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy. So Monty vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

In today’s story, a teen with “Bubble Baby Disease,” who cannot leave her house, falls in love with the boy who moves in next door. This novel is the answer to the question of how far we’re willing to go for love.

Del has had a crush on Kiera Westing since kindergarten. And now, during their junior year, she’s finally available. So when Kiera volunteers for an opportunity at their church, Del’s right behind her. Though he quickly realizes he’s inadvertently signed up for a Purity Pledge.

Things happen when people touch Juliette. Strange things. Bad things. Dead things. No one knows why her touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon. But Juliette has plans of her own. After a lifetime without freedom, without love, she's finally discovering her strength - and maybe even a future with the one boy she thought she'd lost forever.

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

In today’s story, Divergent meets The Selection when 24 teenagers from around the world are chosen to compete for 6 coveted spots on a mission to save humanity by colonizing Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons.

Desperate to be forever remembered for her music, Nannerl Mozart makes a dangerous pact with a mysterious stranger from a magical land, which may cost her everything.

The deep and enduring friendship between Vincent and Theo Van Gogh shaped both brothers' lives. Confidant, champion, sympathizer, friend―Theo supported Vincent as he struggled to find his path in life. They shared everything, swapping stories of lovers and friends, successes and disappointments, dreams and ambitions.

Sunny was originally born in New York City, but she now lives in Nigeria. On top of living in a country that she isn’t fully accepted in, she also deals with the taunts of her peers because of being albino. While navigating life’s daily challenges, she accidentally discovers that she has magical abilities, which become useful in helping to solve a dark mystery.

Marva Sheridan has always been driven to make a difference in the world, and what better way than to vote in her first election? Duke Crenshaw is so done with this election; he just wants to get voting over with so he can prepare for his band's first paying gig tonight. Only problem? Duke can't vote. When Marva sees Duke turned away from their polling place, she takes it upon herself to make sure his vote is counted. And that's how their whirlwind day begins, rushing from precinct to precinct, cutting school, waiting in endless lines, turned away time and again, trying to do one simple thing: vote. Soon it's clear that there is more to their connection than a shared mission for democracy.