 Internment by Samira Ahmed is one of those books that grabs you by the shirt and demands your attention like a warning siren you’d be a fool to ignore. It’s set in a disturbingly plausible near-future America where Muslim citizens are forced into internment camps by a xenophobic government emboldened by fear and nationalism. And yes, it’s fiction, but the kind that makes your stomach drop because you know it’s built on the bones of history and world events.
The story follows Layla Amin, a seventeen-year-old girl who refuses to accept the new regime’s cruelty. She and her family are sent to one of these camps, but Layla isn't going to be kept down. What unfolds is part dystopian rebellion, part raw teenage coming-of-age, and part love letter to resistance itself. Layla is fiery, flawed, and deeply human, and her voice is the driving force of the novel that feels both personal and revolutionary. Ahmed doesn’t pull punches. The prose is sharp and emotionally charged, and she forces the reader to confront how easily democracies can tip into tyranny when fear is weaponized. The villains in this book aren’t cartoonish, they're blandly bureaucratic, smiling fascists in polos and slacks. If you're a fan of The Handmaid’s Tale, 1984, or They Called Us Enemy, this one belongs on your shelf. It’s not comfortable, but it’s necessary. And in a time when book bans and hate speech are on the rise, Internment dares to ask the question: what will you do when it's at your door? Will you know? Get the book at the library, or check out the eBook or audiobook. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian
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 Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak is one of those books that sticks with you long after you turn the last page. It follows Melinda Sordino, a high school freshman who becomes an outcast after calling the cops at a summer party. What no one knows is that something terrible happened to her that night, something she can’t bring herself to talk about. As the school year drags on, she withdraws more and more, struggling with trauma, isolation, and the weight of staying silent.
Anderson’s writing is raw and honest, perfectly capturing what it’s like to feel unheard and alone. Melinda’s journey is heartbreaking but also incredibly powerful as she slowly finds her voice through art. It’s a tough read at times, but that’s what makes it so important. Despite its message, Speak has been challenged and banned in schools because of its themes of sexual assault and mental health. Some argue it’s “too mature” for teens, but honestly, that’s exactly why it should be read. Pretending these issues don’t exist doesn’t protect kids, it just leaves them unprepared to deal with them in real life. This book is a must-read, not just for teenagers but for anyone who’s ever felt silenced or ignored. Speak is about survival, resilience, and the power of speaking up, which makes banning it all the more frustrating. Instead of taking it off shelves, we should be making sure everyone has access to stories like Melinda’s. because they matter. Get the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. The library has the graphic novel available for checkout, and you can get the eBook graphic novel. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  I went into this expecting a boy-and-his-dog story, but it turned out to be so much more. At its heart, it’s about a boy who idolizes his late grandfather. His father walked out, his mother is struggling with a back injury that’s led to opioid addiction, and they live in extreme poverty. He’s doing everything he can to keep their hardships hidden from others, fearing intervention from protective services, while desperately trying to hold onto the property his grandfather left him.
An incredible read. Want to read it? Click here to reserve! Or if you prefer, get the eBook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  I Am Alfonso Jones is a graphic novel that hits hard. Alfonso is a Black 15-year-old boy with big dreams, but his life is cut short when he’s wrongfully shot by an off-duty cop after a hanger is mistaken for a gun. In the afterlife, he meets other victims of police violence, while his family and friends fight for justice back home.
The story is raw, emotional, and eye-opening, with powerful artwork that brings it to life. It’s been challenged in some schools for tackling police brutality and racial injustice, but that just makes it an even more important topic to discuss. If you’re looking for a book that makes you think and feel, with great art to boot, this one’s a must-read. Check it out at the library. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  The Poet X is a powerful story told in verse about Xiomara, a Dominican-American teen who finds her voice through poetry. Caught between her strict religious upbringing and her need for self-expression, she pours her thoughts into her notebook, using poetry to figure out who she really is.
Acevedo’s writing is raw and emotional, making Xiomara’s journey feel real and relatable. The book has been banned in some schools because it talks about sexuality, religion, and standing up for yourself—but that just makes it even more worth reading for adults and youth alike. If you love stories about finding your voice and pushing back against expectations, this one’s for you. Reserve it at the library or get the audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Wu Zetian is, without a doubt, awesome. She is one of my favorite heroines. From the first pages, she drew me in and kept me guessing what she was going to do, and every time she blew me away with her attitude and flair. The novel’s twists and turns were (for me) unpredictable—and that’s a hard feat. That, mixed with Xiran’s stellar descriptions and worldbuilding, had me hooked for DAYS after I read it. There are themes of feminism, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are prominent in the writing. The first time I read it was in 2021. I have been patiently waiting for three years for the sequel, and I’m excited to say that for Christmas this year, I finally got a publication date, AND the second book. Keep a lookout for Heavenly Tyrant for a chance to see where Zeitan’s story goes after this excellent read.
Mariah Wills, Library Clerk Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! Digital copies are available with your SPL card. Click here for eBook and click here for the audiobook. |
The SPL StaffWe work here at the library, and we’re into all kinds of books! How Do I Get These Books?See our Quickstart Guides page for information on how to use the online catalog and how to get eBooks and audiobooks for your specific device. You can also contact us there if you need more help!
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