Teens

49 Miles Alone by Natalie D. Richards

A year ago, Katie and her cousin Aster survived a night that left their world and easy friendship fractured. Desperate to heal and leave the past behind them, they tackle four days of hiking in the Utah backcountry. But the desert they've loved for years has tricks up its sleeve. An illness, an injury, and a freak storm leave them short on confidence and supplies. When they come across a young couple with extra supplies on the trail, they're grateful and relieved—at first. Riley exudes friendliness, but everything about her boyfriend Finn spells trouble. That night, after some chilling admissions about Finn from Riley, Katie and Aster wake to hear the couple fighting. Helpless and trapped in the darkness, they witness Riley's desperate race into the night, with Finn chasing after. In the morning, they find the couple's camp, but Riley and Finn? Vanished. Katie is sure Riley is in trouble. And with help a two-day hike away, they know they are the only ones who can save her before something terrible happens. The clock is ticking and their supplies are dwindling, but Katie and Aster know they have to find Riley before Finn—or the desert—gets to her first. - Baker & Taylor

Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025 by Edward B. Fiske

Every college and university has a story, and no one tells those stories like former New York Times education editor Edward B. Fiske. That's why, for more than 40 years, the Fiske Guide to Colleges has been the leading guide to 320 four-year schools, including quotes from real students and information you won't find on college websites. Fully updated and expanded every year, Fiske is the most authoritative source of information for college-bound students and their parents. Helpful, honest, and straightforward, the Fiske Guide to Colleges delivers an insider's look at what it's really like to be a student at the "best and most interesting" schools in the United States, plus Canada, Great Britain, and Ireland—so you can find the best fits for you. In addition to detailed and candid stories on each school, you will find: A self-quiz to help you understand what you are really looking for in a collegeLists of strong programs and popular majors at each college"Overlap" listings to help you expand your optionsIndexes that break down schools by state, price, and average debtExclusive academic, social, and quality-of-life ratingsAll the basics, including financial aid stats and acceptance ratesPlus a special section highlighting the 20 public and private Best Buy schools—colleges that provide the best educational value. - Baker & Taylor