Editor’s Note: We asked for some summer reading suggestions from Washington County librarians, and they did not disappoint. This week we have some great reads for teens. Click here for last week’s recommendations for children. Click here for more information on the county’s summer reading adventure.
Great Summer Reads for Teens
Tiffany White, teen services librarian
“A Language of Dragons” by S.F. Williamson
This book has been hailed as a perfect blend of historical fiction and fantasy and as an addictive, dark academic tale featuring a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance and morally gray characters who you may love to hate or hate to love. Vivien has her summer set, has her plans to take care of her family, and accidentally sets off a civil war instead. The thin thread of peace between humans and dragons is riding on Vivien’s shoulders and her ability to break codes.
“Ariel Crashes a Train” by Olivia Cole
Looking for a deep read this summer? Olivia Cole has you covered with this novel focused on a young woman who learns to accept herself and her obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This title follows Ariel as she struggles being too much for all of the world around her while trying to meet the expectations of everyone around her. She is scared of her brain, of her thoughts, and the impact that sharing those parts of the real her can have. A summer job at a carnival leads her to supportive friends and perhaps self-acceptance.
“Kill Creatures” by Rory Power
This title should satisfy a thriller fan’s need for a dark story featuring messy and unreliable characters. Nan can’t remember anything that happened that night a year ago, but her three best friends went missing. Now, on the night of the memorial vigil, one of the girls returns, and no one is more surprised than Nan because she killed all three girls a year ago.
“Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon” by Naoko Takeuchi
Are you looking for a classic manga with timeless messages, including the power of friendship, love triumphing over evil, and an optimistic main character? Sailor Moon was popularized in the 1990s but is still popular with manga readers in 2025. Did you know they just announced the Sailor Moon Museum will be leaving Japan later this year for the first time ever?
“Under the Neon Lights” by Arriel Vinson
This summer read includes fun with a focus on roller skating, first love, and discovering your worth for sixteen-year-old Jaelyn. It does not shy away from the gentrification her community is facing and how it has and has not affected Jaelyn. Vinson’s characters are realistic and this novel in verse will have you immersed in her story.
“What Color is Your Parachute? For Teens” by Carol Christen
This read is for our future-focused readers interested in exploring which career paths interest them. This title will guide you through exercises to explore your ideal work environment, what matters most to you in work, and prepare you for college and high school planning. You can pair this read with resources available on the Homework HelpNow database offered by the library.
Download the Library Mobile app!
The Washington County Library mobile app is a great way to stay connected with the library. Using the mobile app you can:
- Search the library catalog for books and other materials.
- Find library branch locations and hours.
- Save multiple library barcodes so you can check out materials on different accounts – this is a great option for families!
- Keep up with library events.
- Scan barcodes in bookstores to find books at the library.
The library mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices. It can be found in each device app store, or linked on the library website: https://www.washcolib.org/463/Library-Apps.
