20 May Books So Short You Can Read Them in One Sitting
Want a good read but pressed for time? Looking for a book to love but intimidated by the page count? Try one of these Teen Central picks and find a story you can enjoy in a single sitting.
Coraline
by Neil Gaiman
The day after they moved in, Coraline began to explore. She discovers a mysterious locked door in her family’s new home that leads to a strange mirror-world that looks like her own but is subtly different. At first, the other world seems wonderful—better food, magical toys, and enticing parents—but the alternate mother and father want to keep Coraline forever and change her into someone who will never leave. Coraline learns other children are trapped there, and she must use her courage, cleverness, and whatever tools she can find to rescue them and save her own life.
Take a Chance on Me
by Elizabeth Eulberg
Evie flees to London for the summer after a viral video shows her confronting her cheating ex, seeking escape. She spends her days exploring the city’s historic streets and trying to distract herself. By chance, she keeps running into Aiden, a charming, kind British busker who treats her gently and makes her consider trusting again. Evie must decide whether to take a chance on a new romance while keeping her past from ruining her future.
Poison for Breakfast
by Lemony Snickett
This true tale begins when Lemony Snicket finds a puzzling note under his door that reads, “You had poison for breakfast.” As he follows a winding trail of clues to investigate his own possible demise, Snicket explores his tastes and habits. Along the way he reflects on topics from the proper way to prepare an egg to the idea of tzimtzum and the joy of swimming in open water.
Spelling It Out
by Margaret Finnigan
Ben Bellini never planned to be a champion speller, but after finding success he trains with a professional coach in San Francisco while visiting his forgetful nan. As he prepares for a chance at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, he befriends a determined competitor, Asha Krishnakumar. Strange moments with his nan make Ben worry something is wrong, and he fears no one will believe him if he seeks help. Over one summer he must balance supporting his family with chasing his own dreams and deciding what he truly owes others versus himself.
Ghosts of Fear Street: Nightmare in 3-D
by R. L. Stine
The ghosts of Fear Street are said to haunt anyone who walks its path, passing eerie woods, a lurking lake, and a sinister cemetery. A visit to Sal’s Five and Ten leads Wes Parker to buy a 3-D poster that supposedly hides a secret image. After looking for hours, he finds it—but wishes he hadn’t. The creature inside the poster has noticed Wes and now wants out—and it wants him.
What Lane?
by Torrey Mondolonov
Anything his friends can do, Stephen feels he should be able to do too, so he goes along when they dare each other to sneak into an abandoned building. Lately he questions whether he can do everything his friends do, because being mixed makes him feel like he lives in two different worlds with different rules. He notices strangers treat him differently than his friends, which makes him unsure where he belongs. Stephen navigates these shifting “lanes” as he figures out which ones are truly his and who should be by his side.
Snagged: A Lady Lovely Locks Novel
by Carrie Harris
Sixteen-year-old Leigh Carroll, who lost her mother as a baby and now helps support her and her hardworking father, finds solace and snark in cosplay. While reimagining a retro character, Lady Lovely Locks, she buys a vintage wig at a convention and discovers it magically transports her into the character’s kingdom. In that world she becomes Lady Lovely Locks and realizes the connection runs deeper when she sees a portrait of her mother in the castle. What began as an escape turns into a fated journey linking Leigh’s past to a supernatural destiny.
A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe
by Mahogany L. Browne
Teens, their families, and communities in New York City endure the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic while holding on to love and hope. A group of young people—Malachi, Tariq, Zamira, and Mohamed—cope in different ways: Malachi channels his experience into an Armageddon story; Tariq cares for his sick grandmother during quarantine; Zamira faces depression after losing her parents; and Mohamed works to sustain community spirit. A social worker observes the ways the foster system has failed these children.
– written by Alex B, Teen Central Library Assistant
