Did someone say new Free Reads? Yes, that’s right, we did! And we are so excited for September’s Free Reads. This month’s theme is Hispanic Heritage Month! Plus, check out all of September’s new releases with extended excerpts.

Free Reads are only available to Simon Teen members! Not a Simon Teen member yet? It’s free and easy to sign up! Click here to set up your account now. 

Full Reads


1. Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From by Jennifer De Leon

First-generation American LatinX Liliana Cruz does what it takes to fit in at her new nearly all-white school. But when family secrets spill out and racism at school ramps up, she must decide what she believes in and take a stand.

Start reading now!

2. How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love With the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

The Hating Game meets I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter in this Pura Belpré Award–winning novel that’s an irresistible romance starring a Mexican American teen who discovers love and profound truths about the universe when she spends her summer on a road trip across the country.

Start reading now!

3. The Universal Laws of Marco by Carmen Rodrigues

Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera, this stunning novel, told through the lens of a guy in love with the cosmos (and maybe two girls), explores the complicated histories that bring us together and tear us apart.

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4. Your Heart, My Sky by Margarita Engle

Acclaimed author Margarita Engle tells a “deeply felt and engrossing” (Horn Book Magazine) story of love in a time of hunger inspired by her own family’s struggles during a dark period in Cuba’s history.

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5. Tu Corazon, Mi Cielo by Margarita Engle

Inspirada por las dificultades de sus propios parientes durante un período oscuro de la historia de Cuba, la aclamada autora Margarita Engle cuenta “un doloroso y conmovedor” (la revista Horn Book) relato de amor en los tiempos del hambre.

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Extended Excerpts


1. Running Past Dark by Han Nolan

A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti meets Amber Smith’s The Way I Used to Be in this young adult mystery following a teen searching for the truth behind the deadly car crash that claimed the lives of her twin sister and the high school football coach.

Start reading now! 

2. Of Dreams and Destiny by Sandhya Menon

From the New York Times bestselling author of When Dimple Met Rishi comes the third installment in a series set an elite boarding school that’s a contemporary spin on fairy tales, this one a thrilling and swoon-worthy twist on Sleeping Beauty.

Start reading now!

 

3. These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

Perfect for fans of The Last Magician and Serpent & Dove, this heart-stopping debut is an imaginative Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, with rival gangs and a monster in the depths of the Huangpu River.

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4. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Dive into the award-winning, internationally renowned book that is a “tender, honest exploration of identity” (Publishers Weekly) and distills lyrical truths about family and friendship—featuring images from the film!

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5. Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Saenz

The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an “emotional roller coaster” (School Library Journal, starred review) sure to captivate fans of Adam Silvera and Mary H.K. Choi.

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6. Alanna by Tamora Pierce

A girl disguises herself as a boy to train as a knight in this first book in Tamora Pierce’s Margaret A. Edwards Award–winning young adult series—now with a new look!

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7. Foul Heart Huntsman by Chloe Gong

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights and Our Violent Ends comes the second book in the captivating Foul Lady Fortune duology following an immortal assassin in 1930s Shanghai as she races to save her country and her love.

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8. Borderless by Jennifer De Leon

Caught in the crosshairs of gang violence, a teen girl and her mother set off on a perilous journey from Guatemala City to the US border in this “engrossing” (Kirkus Reviews) young adult novel from the author of Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From.

Start reading now! 

9. Under This Forgetful Sky by Lauren Yero

This “heartbreaking and heartfelt” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) star-crossed love story follows two teens in a starkly unequal future world who are struggling to find their places.

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10. Infested by Angel Luis Colon

The Taking of Jake Livingston meets Cemetery Boys in this YA ghost story about a Puerto Rican teen’s battle with a malevolent spirit targeting his apartment building and the all-too-real horrors of gentrification.

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11. A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey

Love & Gelato meets Don’t Date Rosa Santos in this charming, heartfelt story following a Miami girl who unexpectedly finds love—and herself—in a small English town.

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12. Rima’s Rebellion by Margarita Engle

An inspiring coming-of-age story told in prose and “spare, lyrical” verse (The Horn Book Magazine) from award-winning author Margarita Engle about a girl falling in love for the first time while finding the courage to protest for women’s right to vote in 1920s Cuba.

Start reading now! 


Extras


1. The Eid Gift by S.K. Ali

The Eid Gift is a companion short story to Love from A to Z. Adam and Zayneb —engaged but continents apart for so long— are finally in the same city!

Start reading now!

2. Love at First Fight by Sandhya Menon

Join Dimple and Rishi as they do an escape room in this exclusive short story from Sandhya Menon! You’ll also see how Pinky and Samir met for the first time before you can read about them in 10 Things I Hate About Pinky.

Start reading now!

3. As Kismet Would Have It by Sandhya Menon

Will Dimple and Rishi find their happily ever after? Find out in this funny, romantic, endlessly charming e-novella sequel to When Dimple Met Rishi!

Start reading now!

4. The Thief by Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell

A short story prequel to Sky Without Stars about the origins of fan-favorite character, Chatine!

Start reading now!

5. These Precious Scars by Emily Suvada

A haunting short story prequel to the Mortal Coil series.

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6. Better Than the Prom by Lynn Painter

A swoonworthy short story from Wes’s perspective from Better Than the Movies.

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7. Uncharted Dreams by Pascale Lacelle

Romie Brysden is a Dreamer, the best at the prestigious Aldryn College for Lunar Magics. She knows the realm of dreams like a sea captain knows the tides. And she’s gone deeper into this vast sleepscape than any Dreamer ever has. This is a prequest short story to A Curious Tides.

Start reading now!

8. The Priest and the Shepherd by Chloe Gong

Set six years before the events of Foul Lady FortuneThe Priest and the Shepherd follows Orion’s sister, Phoebe, and his best friend, Silas!

Start reading now!