Check It Out:

So far, the hottest new releases in fiction this year have been young-adult titles. Authors in this genre have started reaching greater audiences, and the popularity of these titles has gained momentum. Does the “Twilight Series” ring a bell? Many authors are broadening the spectrum of their work, taking on more mature subject matter and plot lines, yet they are sure to never lose their teen fan base. Young-adult fiction has become a popular read for all.

The following titles will guarantee to spark your interest and admiration for young-adult fiction! Get wrapped up in one of these excellent titles today.

“Catching Fire” by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games Trilogy): Collins’ highly anticipated follow up to the bestselling “The Hunger Games” will not disappoint fans. Picking up right where she left off, Collins delves deep into what occurs after Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are victors in the Hunger Games. Life is not as simple as they expected, though, after their triumphant win. As imminent trouble from the Capitol lurks on the horizon, Katniss and Peeta become wrapped up in a rebellion. Collins leads readers to an ending that will have readers begging for more. Start this trilogy by getting your name on the hold list for “The Hunger Games” today!

The Alphas Series by Lisi Harrison: The popular author of the Clique series has done it again with her newest spinoff series, the Alphas. In this first book in the series, “Alphas,” Harrison delves deep into the lives of teens at the ultra-exclusive Alpha Academy boarding school, where only 100 of the most talented girls from the world have been accepted.

Just like in her other titles, Harrison gathers a large group of girls and stirs in the drama. Anyone who has enjoyed Harrison’s bestselling Clique series will want to get this book ASAP!

“L.A. Candy” by Lauren Conrad: Reality TV star Conrad (“Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County” and “The Hills”) has set out on her next endeavor of writing young adult fiction. “L.A. Candy,” while semi-realistically based on Conrad’s own experiences, offers readers a glimpse into the lives of young adults who get involved in a reality TV series. The book, slated as the first in a series, offers the drama of “The Hills,” with love triangles, catfights and broken friendships found among the pages.

“Tricks” by Ellen Hopkins: Hopkins’ latest title continues her collection of books written about the harsh realities of the world through the eyes of struggling teenagers. In this title, she explores five very different teens who have gotten wrapped up in the prostitution rings of Las Vegas. The lives of these teens are dramatically written in prose that reads like it was taken right out of a diary. Hopkins other titles — “Glass,” “Crank,” “Burned” and “Identical” — all explore very difficult and mature subject matter. While captivating and enticing reads, these titles are recommended for older teens and adults.

“Leviathan” by Scott Westerfeld: Set in the height of tension right before the start of World War I, this book takes readers on an exciting and intense journey where the two sides of the war come together to face a fantastical, around-the world adventure aboard Britain’s most powerful airship, the Leviathan. Young prince Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, who is on the run from those who have turned against him, crosses paths with Deryn Sharp, a young girl who disguises herself as a boy in the British Air Service. With secrets that are better kept hidden, both of these characters join together in a whirlwind journey that will be sure to change their lives forever.

These excellent young-adult titles and more will leave you with a lasting impression long after the turn of the last page. Visit the teen section of your favorite Newport Beach Public Library branch today!

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org . For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.