Advanced Search

Search

Advanced Search

Walk up and curbside holds pickup services are available (see your library's schedule). Lobby service has changed to walk up as of Monday, Nov 30. (Read More)

Limited services are available, including walk up and curbside services. Virtual programs and library support (Ask Us) are available Mon-Sat (excluding holidays). Some services listed in our website are currently unavailable. View our list of currently available services.

Jacket cover images copied to clipboard.

Genre Guide

YA Books WITHOUT Romance!

By:

amlegaspi

King County Library System

Community-created list

Believe it or not, there are some great Teen or YA books out there that do not have romance in them! The books listed below are certified romance-free. However, they may still contain violence, foul language, or other gritty subject matter. These books are all geared towards teenagers and young adults, although they may be enjoyed by all. Note: Some of the books on this list are the first books of series. In those cases, only the first book has been evaluated and I cannot guarantee that there is no romance in the rest of the series!

By:

amlegaspi

King County Library System

1-25 of 30 items

1-25 of 30 items

Does My Head Look Big in This?

Does My Head Look Big in This?

by Abdel-Fattah, Randa

Book - 2007

Amal is an Australian Muslim teenager who faces identity and self-acceptance issues when she makes the decision to wear the hijab full time. Amal is an Australian Muslim teenager who faces identity and self-acceptance issues when she makes the decision to wear the hijab full time. Show less

Amal is an Australian Muslim teenager who faces identity and self-acceptance issues when she makes the decision to wear the hijab full time. Amal is an Australian Muslim teenager who faces identity and self-acceptance issues when she makes the decision to wear the hijab full time. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-time Indian

by Alexie, Sherman

Book - 2007

Follow Junior in his humorous journey from his troubled school on the Indian reservation to even more trouble at an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the high school mascot. Follow Junior in his humorous journey from his troubled school on the Indian reservation to even more trouble at an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the high school mascot. Show less

Follow Junior in his humorous journey from his troubled school on the Indian reservation to even more trouble at an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the high school mascot. Follow Junior in his humorous journey from his troubled school on the Indian reservation to even more trouble at an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the high school mascot. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Wintergirls

Wintergirls

by Anderson, Laurie Halse

Book - 2009

Learn how anorexia controls the lives and minds of two teenage girls in this emotional and harrowing tale. Learn how anorexia controls the lives and minds of two teenage girls in this emotional and harrowing tale. Show less

Learn how anorexia controls the lives and minds of two teenage girls in this emotional and harrowing tale. Learn how anorexia controls the lives and minds of two teenage girls in this emotional and harrowing tale. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Thief of Always

The Thief of Always

by Barker, Clive

Book - 2008

"Be careful what you wish for" is what Harvey comes to learn in this cautionary fable about a young boy who is tricked by a mysterious creature. "Be careful what you wish for" is what Harvey comes to learn in this cautionary fable about a young boy who is tricked by a mysterious creature. Show less

"Be careful what you wish for" is what Harvey comes to learn in this cautionary fable about a young boy who is tricked by a mysterious creature. "Be careful what you wish for" is what Harvey comes to learn in this cautionary fable about a young boy who is tricked by a mysterious creature. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

White Cat

White Cat

by Black, Holly

Book - 2010

Plagued by guilt for accidentally killing his best friend years ago, Cassel begins to have strange dreams about a white cat, which lead him down a path to uncover the mystery of the path and what really happened to his best friend. Plagued by guilt for accidentally killing his best friend years ago, Cassel begins to have strange dreams about a white cat, which lead him down a path to uncover the mystery of the path and what really happened to his best friend. Show less

Plagued by guilt for accidentally killing his best friend years ago, Cassel begins to have strange dreams about a white cat, which lead him down a path to uncover the mystery of the path and what really happened to his best friend. Plagued by guilt for accidentally killing his best friend years ago, Cassel begins to have strange dreams about a white cat, which lead him down a path to uncover the mystery of the path and what really happened to his best friend. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Gardener

The Gardener

by Bodeen, S. A.

Book - 2010

Mason uncovers the truth about a grotesque human experimentation cover up after becoming suspicious at the nursing home where his mother works. Mason uncovers the truth about a grotesque human experimentation cover up after becoming suspicious at the nursing home where his mother works. Show less

Mason uncovers the truth about a grotesque human experimentation cover up after becoming suspicious at the nursing home where his mother works. Mason uncovers the truth about a grotesque human experimentation cover up after becoming suspicious at the nursing home where his mother works. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Plain Kate

Plain Kate

by Bow, Erin

Book - 2010

Enter a world of magic, talking cats, charms and fear and follow Kate's journey from woodcarver to suspected witch. Enter a world of magic, talking cats, charms and fear and follow Kate's journey from woodcarver to suspected witch. Show less

Enter a world of magic, talking cats, charms and fear and follow Kate's journey from woodcarver to suspected witch. Enter a world of magic, talking cats, charms and fear and follow Kate's journey from woodcarver to suspected witch. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Going Bovine

Going Bovine

by Bray, Libba

Book - 2009

After being diagnosed with incurable Mad Cow disease, Cameron goes on a wacky road trip through middle America meeting a host of eccentric characters along the way. After being diagnosed with incurable Mad Cow disease, Cameron goes on a wacky road trip through middle America meeting a host of eccentric characters along the way. Show less

After being diagnosed with incurable Mad Cow disease, Cameron goes on a wacky road trip through middle America meeting a host of eccentric characters along the way. After being diagnosed with incurable Mad Cow disease, Cameron goes on a wacky road trip through middle America meeting a host of eccentric characters along the way. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Ender's Game

Ender's Game

by Card, Orson Scott

Book - 1994

Set in a dystopian future, Ender is a top-ranking student a military school in space. He becomes excellent at playing a war game that turns out to be much more than just a game. Set in a dystopian future, Ender is a top-ranking student a military school in space. He becomes excellent at playing a war game that turns out to be much more than just a game. Show less

Set in a dystopian future, Ender is a top-ranking student a military school in space. He becomes excellent at playing a war game that turns out to be much more than just a game. Set in a dystopian future, Ender is a top-ranking student a military school in space. He becomes excellent at playing a war game that turns out to be much more than just a game. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Elemental Odyssey: Tales of Zura Book One

The Elemental Odyssey: Tales of Zura Book One

by Canyon, Derek J

Book -

Kyle and his friends are abducted by Zurans (animal-like aliens) while vacationing in South Dakota. They are tasked with helping the Zurans in a mysterious mission before they are allowed to return home. Kyle and his friends are abducted by Zurans (animal-like aliens) while vacationing in South Dakota. They are tasked with helping the Zurans in a mysterious mission before they are allowed to return home. Show less

Kyle and his friends are abducted by Zurans (animal-like aliens) while vacationing in South Dakota. They are tasked with helping the Zurans in a mysterious mission before they are allowed to return home. Kyle and his friends are abducted by Zurans (animal-like aliens) while vacationing in South Dakota. They are tasked with helping the Zurans in a mysterious mission before they are allowed to return home. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl

by Colfer, Eoin

Book - 2002

Artemis Fowl is a 12-year old criminal mastermind who very high tech skills. He discovers and then kidnaps and attempts to ransom a fairy named Holly Short who happens to be a captain of the Lower Elements Police. Artemis Fowl is a 12-year old criminal mastermind who very high tech skills. He discovers and then kidnaps and attempts to ransom a fairy named Holly Short who happens to be a captain of the Lower Elements Police. Show less

Artemis Fowl is a 12-year old criminal mastermind who very high tech skills. He discovers and then kidnaps and attempts to ransom a fairy named Holly Short who happens to be a captain of the Lower Elements Police. Artemis Fowl is a 12-year old criminal mastermind who very high tech skills. He discovers and then kidnaps and attempts to ransom a fairy named Holly Short who happens to be a captain of the Lower Elements Police. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Miss Mabel's School for Girls (The Network Series) (Volume 1)

Miss Mabel's School for Girls (The Network Series) (Volume 1)

by Cross, Katie

Book -

Bianca Monroe has inherited a deadly curse. Determined to break free before it kills her, she enrolls in the respected school to confront the cunning witch who cast the curse: the school's headmistress, Miss Mabel herself. Bianca Monroe has inherited a deadly curse. Determined to break free before it kills her, she enrolls in the respected school to confront the cunning witch who cast the curse: the school's headmistress, Miss Mabel herself. Show less

Bianca Monroe has inherited a deadly curse. Determined to break free before it kills her, she enrolls in the respected school to confront the cunning witch who cast the curse: the school's headmistress, Miss Mabel herself. Bianca Monroe has inherited a deadly curse. Determined to break free before it kills her, she enrolls in the respected school to confront the cunning witch who cast the curse: the school's headmistress, Miss Mabel herself. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Eye of Minds

The Eye of Minds

by Dashner, James

Book - 2013

Michael is a skilled computer hacker who is obsessed with gaming on the VirtNet. He is recruited by the government to find a sinister hacker who is responsible for ongoing acts of cyberterrorism. Michael is a skilled computer hacker who is obsessed with gaming on the VirtNet. He is recruited by the government to find a sinister hacker who is responsible for ongoing acts of cyberterrorism. Show less

Michael is a skilled computer hacker who is obsessed with gaming on the VirtNet. He is recruited by the government to find a sinister hacker who is responsible for ongoing acts of cyberterrorism. Michael is a skilled computer hacker who is obsessed with gaming on the VirtNet. He is recruited by the government to find a sinister hacker who is responsible for ongoing acts of cyberterrorism. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Last Dragonslayer

The Last Dragonslayer

by Fforde, Jasper

Book - 2012

Set in the Ununited Kingdom, Jennifer Strange runs an employment agency for wizards in a world where magic is drying up. She begins experiencing visions that put her on a quest to find the last dragon left in the Kingdom. Set in the Ununited Kingdom, Jennifer Strange runs an employment agency for wizards in a world where magic is drying up. She begins experiencing visions that put her on a quest to find the last dragon left in the Kingdom. Show less

Set in the Ununited Kingdom, Jennifer Strange runs an employment agency for wizards in a world where magic is drying up. She begins experiencing visions that put her on a quest to find the last dragon left in the Kingdom. Set in the Ununited Kingdom, Jennifer Strange runs an employment agency for wizards in a world where magic is drying up. She begins experiencing visions that put her on a quest to find the last dragon left in the Kingdom. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Diamond of Drury Lane

The Diamond of Drury Lane

by Golding, Julia

Book - 2008

Cat Royal is an orphan and talented young actor in Covent Garden's Drury Lane Theater. She is swept up in an intriguing mystery about a lost diamond. Cat Royal is an orphan and talented young actor in Covent Garden's Drury Lane Theater. She is swept up in an intriguing mystery about a lost diamond. Show less

Cat Royal is an orphan and talented young actor in Covent Garden's Drury Lane Theater. She is swept up in an intriguing mystery about a lost diamond. Cat Royal is an orphan and talented young actor in Covent Garden's Drury Lane Theater. She is swept up in an intriguing mystery about a lost diamond. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies

by Golding, William

Book - 1999

This literary classic tells the story of what can go wrong when a small group of boys is marooned on an island and left to create their own system of social order. This literary classic tells the story of what can go wrong when a small group of boys is marooned on an island and left to create their own system of social order. Show less

This literary classic tells the story of what can go wrong when a small group of boys is marooned on an island and left to create their own system of social order. This literary classic tells the story of what can go wrong when a small group of boys is marooned on an island and left to create their own system of social order. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Butterfly

Butterfly

by Hartnett, Sonya

Book - 2010

Tired of dealing with body issues and feeling ugly, Plum Coyle is convinced that on her 14th birthday, she will morph into a beautiful young woman, similar to the way a caterpillar evolves into a butterfly. Tired of dealing with body issues and feeling ugly, Plum Coyle is convinced that on her 14th birthday, she will morph into a beautiful young woman, similar to the way a caterpillar evolves into a butterfly. Show less

Tired of dealing with body issues and feeling ugly, Plum Coyle is convinced that on her 14th birthday, she will morph into a beautiful young woman, similar to the way a caterpillar evolves into a butterfly. Tired of dealing with body issues and feeling ugly, Plum Coyle is convinced that on her 14th birthday, she will morph into a beautiful young woman, similar to the way a caterpillar evolves into a butterfly. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Katya's World

Katya's World

by Howard, Jonathan L.

Book - 2012

Russlaka is an ocean planet very far away from Earth. Katya is a crewmember on a submarine sent to explore this strange planet. Encountering pirates, sea monsters and war criminals, this is a battle-filled adventure not to miss! Russlaka is an ocean planet very far away from Earth. Katya is a crewmember on a submarine sent to explore this strange planet. Encountering pirates, sea monsters and war criminals, this is a battle-filled adventure not to miss! Show less

Russlaka is an ocean planet very far away from Earth. Katya is a crewmember on a submarine sent to explore this strange planet. Encountering pirates, sea monsters and war criminals, this is a battle-filled adventure not to miss! Russlaka is an ocean planet very far away from Earth. Katya is a crewmember on a submarine sent to explore this strange planet. Encountering pirates, sea monsters and war criminals, this is a battle-filled adventure not to miss! Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Cadet of Tildor

The Cadet of Tildor

by Lidell, Alex

Book - 2013

Cadet Renee de Winter is a student at the male-dominated Academy of Tildor. When her mentor is kidnapped, Renee and her friend Alec go on thrilling quest to find and save him. Cadet Renee de Winter is a student at the male-dominated Academy of Tildor. When her mentor is kidnapped, Renee and her friend Alec go on thrilling quest to find and save him. Show less

Cadet Renee de Winter is a student at the male-dominated Academy of Tildor. When her mentor is kidnapped, Renee and her friend Alec go on thrilling quest to find and save him. Cadet Renee de Winter is a student at the male-dominated Academy of Tildor. When her mentor is kidnapped, Renee and her friend Alec go on thrilling quest to find and save him. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Thief's Covenant

Thief's Covenant

by Marmell, Ari

Book - 2012

Adrienne Satti went from a street urchin to a member of the aristocracy and then right back down to a thief due to fortunate and unfortunate life circumst...Show more Adrienne Satti went from a street urchin to a member of the aristocracy and then right back down to a thief due to fortunate and unfortunate life circumstances. Putting her faith in Olgun, a small God who is only worshiped by other thieves, she goes on a mission to claim back her title and seek revenge. Show less

Adrienne Satti went from a street urchin to a member of the aristocracy and then right back down to a thief due to fortunate and unfortunate life circumst...Show more Adrienne Satti went from a street urchin to a member of the aristocracy and then right back down to a thief due to fortunate and unfortunate life circumstances. Putting her faith in Olgun, a small God who is only worshiped by other thieves, she goes on a mission to claim back her title and seek revenge. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Life of Pi

Life of Pi

A Novel

by Martel, Yann

Book - 2002

Barely surviving a devastating shipwreck, "Pi" Patel spends 227 lost at sea with the sole company of a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Barely surviving a devastating shipwreck, "Pi" Patel spends 227 lost at sea with the sole company of a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Show less

Barely surviving a devastating shipwreck, "Pi" Patel spends 227 lost at sea with the sole company of a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Barely surviving a devastating shipwreck, "Pi" Patel spends 227 lost at sea with the sole company of a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Knife of Never Letting Go

The Knife of Never Letting Go

by Ness, Patrick

Book - 2008

Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Todd lives in a place where everyone--humans and animals alike--can broadcast their thoughts, Todd unravels a dark secret about the town and is forced to flee in this intense adventure. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Todd lives in a place where everyone--humans and animals alike--can broadcast their thoughts, Todd unravels a dark secret about the town and is forced to flee in this intense adventure. Show less

Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Todd lives in a place where everyone--humans and animals alike--can broadcast their thoughts, Todd unravels a dark secret about the town and is forced to flee in this intense adventure. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Todd lives in a place where everyone--humans and animals alike--can broadcast their thoughts, Todd unravels a dark secret about the town and is forced to flee in this intense adventure. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Wind Singer

The Wind Singer

An Adventure

by Nicholson, William

Book - 2000

Follow the adventures of siblings Bowman and Kestrel Hath as they attempt to save the city of Aramanth from the evil Morah and the Zars. Follow the adventures of siblings Bowman and Kestrel Hath as they attempt to save the city of Aramanth from the evil Morah and the Zars. Show less

Follow the adventures of siblings Bowman and Kestrel Hath as they attempt to save the city of Aramanth from the evil Morah and the Zars. Follow the adventures of siblings Bowman and Kestrel Hath as they attempt to save the city of Aramanth from the evil Morah and the Zars. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Sabriel

Sabriel

by Nix, Garth

Book - 2014

Set in a in-depth fantasy land called the Old Kingdom, young Sabriel must cross the lands to find her missing father. With only the company of a feline co...Show more Set in a in-depth fantasy land called the Old Kingdom, young Sabriel must cross the lands to find her missing father. With only the company of a feline companion and a young Charter Mage, Sabriel comes face-to-face with her own hidden destiny on her journey. Show less

Set in a in-depth fantasy land called the Old Kingdom, young Sabriel must cross the lands to find her missing father. With only the company of a feline co...Show more Set in a in-depth fantasy land called the Old Kingdom, young Sabriel must cross the lands to find her missing father. With only the company of a feline companion and a young Charter Mage, Sabriel comes face-to-face with her own hidden destiny on her journey. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Here, There Be Dragons

Here, There Be Dragons

by Owen, James A.

Book - 2006

Set in World War I London, three aspiring writers (their shocking true identities are not revealed until the end) work together to protect the "Imaginarium Geographica", a magical atlas of imaginary lands. Set in World War I London, three aspiring writers (their shocking true identities are not revealed until the end) work together to protect the "Imaginarium Geographica", a magical atlas of imaginary lands. Show less

Set in World War I London, three aspiring writers (their shocking true identities are not revealed until the end) work together to protect the "Imaginarium Geographica", a magical atlas of imaginary lands. Set in World War I London, three aspiring writers (their shocking true identities are not revealed until the end) work together to protect the "Imaginarium Geographica", a magical atlas of imaginary lands. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

1-25 of 30 items

1
2

Powered by BiblioCommons.

BiblioCore: app06 Version 8.35.1 Last updated 2020/12/09 11:57

[]

[]

To Top