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General Recommendations

Best Teen Fiction of 2020

By:

ChiPubLib_Teens

Chicago Public Library

Staff-created list

Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best fiction published in 2020 for teens.

By:

ChiPubLib_Teens

Chicago Public Library

1-25 of 30 items

1-25 of 30 items

All the Days Past, All the Days to Come

All the Days Past, All the Days to Come

by Taylor, Mildred D.

Book - 2020

Concluding the Logan family saga that began with 1975’s Song of the Trees, this novel spans the years 1943 to 1963. As the story opens, Cassie is a colleg...Show more Concluding the Logan family saga that began with 1975’s Song of the Trees, this novel spans the years 1943 to 1963. As the story opens, Cassie is a college student in Mississippi, and as she reaches adulthood, she becomes a successful lawyer, marries a white coworker, and gets involved in the Civil Rights movement. Show less

Concluding the Logan family saga that began with 1975’s Song of the Trees, this novel spans the years 1943 to 1963. As the story opens, Cassie is a colleg...Show more Concluding the Logan family saga that began with 1975’s Song of the Trees, this novel spans the years 1943 to 1963. As the story opens, Cassie is a college student in Mississippi, and as she reaches adulthood, she becomes a successful lawyer, marries a white coworker, and gets involved in the Civil Rights movement. Show less

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The Black Flamingo

The Black Flamingo

by Atta, Dean

Book - 2020

Growing up in England, Michael doesn’t feel black, Greek or queer enough to fit in anywhere, until he goes to university and joins the Drag Society. The a...Show more Growing up in England, Michael doesn’t feel black, Greek or queer enough to fit in anywhere, until he goes to university and joins the Drag Society. The author’s beautiful poems capture the magic of Michael finding his voice while performing as the Black Flamingo. Show less

Growing up in England, Michael doesn’t feel black, Greek or queer enough to fit in anywhere, until he goes to university and joins the Drag Society. The a...Show more Growing up in England, Michael doesn’t feel black, Greek or queer enough to fit in anywhere, until he goes to university and joins the Drag Society. The author’s beautiful poems capture the magic of Michael finding his voice while performing as the Black Flamingo. Show less

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The Blossom and the Firefly

The Blossom and the Firefly

by Smith, Sherri L.

Book - 2020

While serving as a maid for pilots in Japan, fifteen-year-old Hana meets sixteen-year-old Taro as he trains for a kamikaze mission. Set during eight days ...Show more While serving as a maid for pilots in Japan, fifteen-year-old Hana meets sixteen-year-old Taro as he trains for a kamikaze mission. Set during eight days in 1945, this gripping historical romance emphasizes a cultural aspect of World War II that hasn’t been seen before in teen fiction. Show less

While serving as a maid for pilots in Japan, fifteen-year-old Hana meets sixteen-year-old Taro as he trains for a kamikaze mission. Set during eight days ...Show more While serving as a maid for pilots in Japan, fifteen-year-old Hana meets sixteen-year-old Taro as he trains for a kamikaze mission. Set during eight days in 1945, this gripping historical romance emphasizes a cultural aspect of World War II that hasn’t been seen before in teen fiction. Show less

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A Breath Too Late

A Breath Too Late

by Callen, Rocky

Book - 2020

After dying by suicide, the ghost of Ellie Walker observes the aftermath of her actions in her home and school. She reflects on the abuse and depression t...Show more After dying by suicide, the ghost of Ellie Walker observes the aftermath of her actions in her home and school. She reflects on the abuse and depression that led to her decision in this unflinching story that includes resources for those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. Show less

After dying by suicide, the ghost of Ellie Walker observes the aftermath of her actions in her home and school. She reflects on the abuse and depression t...Show more After dying by suicide, the ghost of Ellie Walker observes the aftermath of her actions in her home and school. She reflects on the abuse and depression that led to her decision in this unflinching story that includes resources for those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. Show less

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Cemetery Boys

Cemetery Boys

by Thomas, Aiden

Book - 2020

A trans boy growing up in East L.A., Yadriel wants to be initiated as a brujo, but his conservative family won’t accept him as a boy. When he decides to p...Show more A trans boy growing up in East L.A., Yadriel wants to be initiated as a brujo, but his conservative family won’t accept him as a boy. When he decides to perform the ritual himself, he accidentally summons the spirit of his murdered classmate Julian, who wants Yadriel to uncover why he was killed. Show less

A trans boy growing up in East L.A., Yadriel wants to be initiated as a brujo, but his conservative family won’t accept him as a boy. When he decides to p...Show more A trans boy growing up in East L.A., Yadriel wants to be initiated as a brujo, but his conservative family won’t accept him as a boy. When he decides to perform the ritual himself, he accidentally summons the spirit of his murdered classmate Julian, who wants Yadriel to uncover why he was killed. Show less

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Charming as A Verb

Charming as A Verb

by Philippe, Ben

Book - 2020

Haitian American New Yorker Henri gets by on his (you guessed it!) charm at his posh private school until his classmate Corrine threatens to expose his fa...Show more Haitian American New Yorker Henri gets by on his (you guessed it!) charm at his posh private school until his classmate Corrine threatens to expose his fake dog-walking business. Will Henri fulfill his dream of attending Columbia University and use his social graces to help Corrine become more popular, or will his conscience interfere with his schemes? Show less

Haitian American New Yorker Henri gets by on his (you guessed it!) charm at his posh private school until his classmate Corrine threatens to expose his fa...Show more Haitian American New Yorker Henri gets by on his (you guessed it!) charm at his posh private school until his classmate Corrine threatens to expose his fake dog-walking business. Will Henri fulfill his dream of attending Columbia University and use his social graces to help Corrine become more popular, or will his conscience interfere with his schemes? Show less

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Clap When You Land

Clap When You Land

by Acevedo, Elizabeth

Book - 2020

After her father dies in a plane crash, New Yorker Yahaira discovers that she has a sister, Camino, in the Dominican Republic. Written from both girls’ pe...Show more After her father dies in a plane crash, New Yorker Yahaira discovers that she has a sister, Camino, in the Dominican Republic. Written from both girls’ perspectives in Acevedo’s amazing verse, this moving story captures the agony of grief and the strong pull of family ties. Show less

After her father dies in a plane crash, New Yorker Yahaira discovers that she has a sister, Camino, in the Dominican Republic. Written from both girls’ pe...Show more After her father dies in a plane crash, New Yorker Yahaira discovers that she has a sister, Camino, in the Dominican Republic. Written from both girls’ perspectives in Acevedo’s amazing verse, this moving story captures the agony of grief and the strong pull of family ties. Show less

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Dark and Deepest Red

Dark and Deepest Red

by McLemore, Anna-Marie

Book - 2020

In this stunning retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Red Shoes, Lana, who keeps her Romani heritage a secret, is accused of witchcraft during the D...Show more In this stunning retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Red Shoes, Lana, who keeps her Romani heritage a secret, is accused of witchcraft during the Dancing Plague in Strasbourg during the summer of 1518. In modern times, Rosella puts on a pair of red shoes that won’t come off and cause her to behave more boldly than she ever has before. Show less

In this stunning retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Red Shoes, Lana, who keeps her Romani heritage a secret, is accused of witchcraft during the D...Show more In this stunning retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Red Shoes, Lana, who keeps her Romani heritage a secret, is accused of witchcraft during the Dancing Plague in Strasbourg during the summer of 1518. In modern times, Rosella puts on a pair of red shoes that won’t come off and cause her to behave more boldly than she ever has before. Show less

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Elatsoe

Elatsoe

by Little Badger, Darcie,d1987-

Book - 2020

Ellie, a Lipan Apache teen living in Texas, can reanimate animals into ghosts. When her cousin Trevor tells her in a dream that he was murdered, Ellie and...Show more Ellie, a Lipan Apache teen living in Texas, can reanimate animals into ghosts. When her cousin Trevor tells her in a dream that he was murdered, Ellie and her ghost dog Kirby travel to the town of Willowbee to find the killer and bring him to justice. Show less

Ellie, a Lipan Apache teen living in Texas, can reanimate animals into ghosts. When her cousin Trevor tells her in a dream that he was murdered, Ellie and...Show more Ellie, a Lipan Apache teen living in Texas, can reanimate animals into ghosts. When her cousin Trevor tells her in a dream that he was murdered, Ellie and her ghost dog Kirby travel to the town of Willowbee to find the killer and bring him to justice. Show less

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Every Body Looking

Every Body Looking

by Iloh, Candice

Book - 2020

Haunted by memories of childhood sexual abuse and her mother’s addiction, Nigerian American Ada pursues her love of dance as a college freshman. This intense novel in verse captures one young women’s journey towards empowerment. Haunted by memories of childhood sexual abuse and her mother’s addiction, Nigerian American Ada pursues her love of dance as a college freshman. This intense novel in verse captures one young women’s journey towards empowerment. Show less

Haunted by memories of childhood sexual abuse and her mother’s addiction, Nigerian American Ada pursues her love of dance as a college freshman. This intense novel in verse captures one young women’s journey towards empowerment. Haunted by memories of childhood sexual abuse and her mother’s addiction, Nigerian American Ada pursues her love of dance as a college freshman. This intense novel in verse captures one young women’s journey towards empowerment. Show less

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Felix Ever After

Felix Ever After

by Callender, Kacen

Book - 2020

Not only has Harlem resident Felix Love never been in love, but he feels like he has too many marginalizations working against him. He’s black, he’s queer and he’s trans, and he’s determined to use his artistic talent to get into Brown University. Not only has Harlem resident Felix Love never been in love, but he feels like he has too many marginalizations working against him. He’s black, he’s queer and he’s trans, and he’s determined to use his artistic talent to get into Brown University. Show less

Not only has Harlem resident Felix Love never been in love, but he feels like he has too many marginalizations working against him. He’s black, he’s queer and he’s trans, and he’s determined to use his artistic talent to get into Brown University. Not only has Harlem resident Felix Love never been in love, but he feels like he has too many marginalizations working against him. He’s black, he’s queer and he’s trans, and he’s determined to use his artistic talent to get into Brown University. Show less

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Hard Wired

Hard Wired

by Vlahos, Len

Book - 2020

Fifteen-year-old Quinn just found out that he’s the world’s first self-aware artificial intelligence created by a research team. This page-turning science fiction novel examines the ethical issues of AI. Fifteen-year-old Quinn just found out that he’s the world’s first self-aware artificial intelligence created by a research team. This page-turning science fiction novel examines the ethical issues of AI. Show less

Fifteen-year-old Quinn just found out that he’s the world’s first self-aware artificial intelligence created by a research team. This page-turning science fiction novel examines the ethical issues of AI. Fifteen-year-old Quinn just found out that he’s the world’s first self-aware artificial intelligence created by a research team. This page-turning science fiction novel examines the ethical issues of AI. Show less

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Illegal

Illegal

by Stork, Francisco X.

Book - 2020

In this sequel to 2017’s Disappeared, Sara and her brother Emiliano have made it across the border from Mexico to the U.S., but their problems have only b...Show more In this sequel to 2017’s Disappeared, Sara and her brother Emiliano have made it across the border from Mexico to the U.S., but their problems have only begun. While Sara applies for asylum at a detention center, Emiliano travels to Chicago to live his dad in a suspenseful look at current immigration issues. Show less

In this sequel to 2017’s Disappeared, Sara and her brother Emiliano have made it across the border from Mexico to the U.S., but their problems have only b...Show more In this sequel to 2017’s Disappeared, Sara and her brother Emiliano have made it across the border from Mexico to the U.S., but their problems have only begun. While Sara applies for asylum at a detention center, Emiliano travels to Chicago to live his dad in a suspenseful look at current immigration issues. Show less

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Kent State

Kent State

by Wiles, Deborah

Book - 2020

Told in multiple unnamed voices, this novel in verse captures the tragic events of May 4, 1970, when four college students were shot and killed during a V...Show more Told in multiple unnamed voices, this novel in verse captures the tragic events of May 4, 1970, when four college students were shot and killed during a Vietnam protest at Kent State University. The tension builds between the students, town residents and the Ohio National Guard as the day spirals out of control. Show less

Told in multiple unnamed voices, this novel in verse captures the tragic events of May 4, 1970, when four college students were shot and killed during a V...Show more Told in multiple unnamed voices, this novel in verse captures the tragic events of May 4, 1970, when four college students were shot and killed during a Vietnam protest at Kent State University. The tension builds between the students, town residents and the Ohio National Guard as the day spirals out of control. Show less

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The Kingdom of Back

The Kingdom of Back

by Lu, Marie

Book - 2020

Filled with gorgeous imagery, this historical fantasy uncovers the life story of Nannerl Mozart, the talented older sister of famous composer Wolfgang Ama...Show more Filled with gorgeous imagery, this historical fantasy uncovers the life story of Nannerl Mozart, the talented older sister of famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart who also wrote her own music. As the close siblings deal with their father’s pressure to perform perfectly in front of royal audiences in Europe, they escape to a fantasy world they call the Kingdom of Back. Show less

Filled with gorgeous imagery, this historical fantasy uncovers the life story of Nannerl Mozart, the talented older sister of famous composer Wolfgang Ama...Show more Filled with gorgeous imagery, this historical fantasy uncovers the life story of Nannerl Mozart, the talented older sister of famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart who also wrote her own music. As the close siblings deal with their father’s pressure to perform perfectly in front of royal audiences in Europe, they escape to a fantasy world they call the Kingdom of Back. Show less

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The Lucky Ones

The Lucky Ones

by Lawson, Liz

Book - 2020

Almost a year after a school shooter took the lives of her twin brother and friends, May feels overwhelmed by PTSD, guilt and anger. While dealing with th...Show more Almost a year after a school shooter took the lives of her twin brother and friends, May feels overwhelmed by PTSD, guilt and anger. While dealing with the negative attention caused by his lawyer mom defending the shooter, Zach meets May, which changes both of their lives. Show less

Almost a year after a school shooter took the lives of her twin brother and friends, May feels overwhelmed by PTSD, guilt and anger. While dealing with th...Show more Almost a year after a school shooter took the lives of her twin brother and friends, May feels overwhelmed by PTSD, guilt and anger. While dealing with the negative attention caused by his lawyer mom defending the shooter, Zach meets May, which changes both of their lives. Show less

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The New David Espinoza

The New David Espinoza

by Aceves, Fred

Book - 2020

After a video of a bully hitting him goes viral, David spends the summer lifting weights at Iron Life gym, obsessed with gaining muscle. Aceves’s second novel tackles the often overlooked topic of male body dysmorphia. After a video of a bully hitting him goes viral, David spends the summer lifting weights at Iron Life gym, obsessed with gaining muscle. Aceves’s second novel tackles the often overlooked topic of male body dysmorphia. Show less

After a video of a bully hitting him goes viral, David spends the summer lifting weights at Iron Life gym, obsessed with gaining muscle. Aceves’s second novel tackles the often overlooked topic of male body dysmorphia. After a video of a bully hitting him goes viral, David spends the summer lifting weights at Iron Life gym, obsessed with gaining muscle. Aceves’s second novel tackles the often overlooked topic of male body dysmorphia. Show less

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Not So Pure and Simple

Not So Pure and Simple

by Giles, L. R.

Book - 2020

After Del accidentally signs a Purity Pledge at his church to impress his lifelong crush, Kiera, he struggles to get her attention. HIs friend Jameer offe...Show more After Del accidentally signs a Purity Pledge at his church to impress his lifelong crush, Kiera, he struggles to get her attention. HIs friend Jameer offers to help, but only in exchange for getting answers to their fellow Pledgers’ birds and bees questions from Del’s progressive school’s sex-ed program. Show less

After Del accidentally signs a Purity Pledge at his church to impress his lifelong crush, Kiera, he struggles to get her attention. HIs friend Jameer offe...Show more After Del accidentally signs a Purity Pledge at his church to impress his lifelong crush, Kiera, he struggles to get her attention. HIs friend Jameer offers to help, but only in exchange for getting answers to their fellow Pledgers’ birds and bees questions from Del’s progressive school’s sex-ed program. Show less

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Parachutes

Parachutes

by Yang, Kelly

Book - 2020

When spoiled rich girl Claire moves from Shanghai to East Covina, California, to attend American Prep High School, she bonds with other wealthy Asian “par...Show more When spoiled rich girl Claire moves from Shanghai to East Covina, California, to attend American Prep High School, she bonds with other wealthy Asian “parachutes” living without their parents in the U.S. Her host mom’s hardworking daughter, Dani, resents Claire’s stuck up attitude, until they find themselves supporting each other after incidents of sexual assault. Show less

When spoiled rich girl Claire moves from Shanghai to East Covina, California, to attend American Prep High School, she bonds with other wealthy Asian “par...Show more When spoiled rich girl Claire moves from Shanghai to East Covina, California, to attend American Prep High School, she bonds with other wealthy Asian “parachutes” living without their parents in the U.S. Her host mom’s hardworking daughter, Dani, resents Claire’s stuck up attitude, until they find themselves supporting each other after incidents of sexual assault. Show less

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Punching the Air

Punching the Air

by Zoboi, Ibi Aanu

Book - 2020

In this novel in verse, master YA storyteller Ibi Zoboi teams up with Yusef Salaam to tell the story of Amal, a black teen who's wrongly convicted of a cr...Show more In this novel in verse, master YA storyteller Ibi Zoboi teams up with Yusef Salaam to tell the story of Amal, a black teen who's wrongly convicted of a crime and incarcerated at 16. Based on Salaam's experiences as a member of the Central Park Five, this all-too-relevant tale shows how art can transform tragedy into hope. Show less

In this novel in verse, master YA storyteller Ibi Zoboi teams up with Yusef Salaam to tell the story of Amal, a black teen who's wrongly convicted of a cr...Show more In this novel in verse, master YA storyteller Ibi Zoboi teams up with Yusef Salaam to tell the story of Amal, a black teen who's wrongly convicted of a crime and incarcerated at 16. Based on Salaam's experiences as a member of the Central Park Five, this all-too-relevant tale shows how art can transform tragedy into hope. Show less

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Raybearer

Raybearer

by Ifueko, Jordan

Book - 2020

Although her mother, The Lady, conceived her with a djinn so that she could assassinate the Crown Prince, once Tarisai befriends the prince she vows to pr...Show more Although her mother, The Lady, conceived her with a djinn so that she could assassinate the Crown Prince, once Tarisai befriends the prince she vows to protect him. If you enjoyed Children of Blood and Bone, pick up this debut fantasy inspired by Nigerian mythology. Show less

Although her mother, The Lady, conceived her with a djinn so that she could assassinate the Crown Prince, once Tarisai befriends the prince she vows to pr...Show more Although her mother, The Lady, conceived her with a djinn so that she could assassinate the Crown Prince, once Tarisai befriends the prince she vows to protect him. If you enjoyed Children of Blood and Bone, pick up this debut fantasy inspired by Nigerian mythology. Show less

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Red Hood

Red Hood

by Arnold, Elana K.

Book - 2020

Arnold delivers another hard-hitting modern fairy tale as she gives us her version of Little Red Riding Hood. Bisou successfully defends herself against a...Show more Arnold delivers another hard-hitting modern fairy tale as she gives us her version of Little Red Riding Hood. Bisou successfully defends herself against a wolf in the woods, and when she tells her grandmother about the attack, she discovers that she possesses powers that tie her to her fellow women and the moon. Show less

Arnold delivers another hard-hitting modern fairy tale as she gives us her version of Little Red Riding Hood. Bisou successfully defends herself against a...Show more Arnold delivers another hard-hitting modern fairy tale as she gives us her version of Little Red Riding Hood. Bisou successfully defends herself against a wolf in the woods, and when she tells her grandmother about the attack, she discovers that she possesses powers that tie her to her fellow women and the moon. Show less

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Tigers, Not Daughters

Tigers, Not Daughters

by Mabry, Samantha

Book - 2020

Taking its title from Shakespeare’s King Lear, this lyrical story of the Mexican-American Torres sisters tackles grief and revenge. After oldest sister An...Show more Taking its title from Shakespeare’s King Lear, this lyrical story of the Mexican-American Torres sisters tackles grief and revenge. After oldest sister Ana dies, she haunts the family’s home until her siblings finally confront their neglectful father and Ana’s abusive boyfriend. Show less

Taking its title from Shakespeare’s King Lear, this lyrical story of the Mexican-American Torres sisters tackles grief and revenge. After oldest sister An...Show more Taking its title from Shakespeare’s King Lear, this lyrical story of the Mexican-American Torres sisters tackles grief and revenge. After oldest sister Ana dies, she haunts the family’s home until her siblings finally confront their neglectful father and Ana’s abusive boyfriend. Show less

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Unscripted

Unscripted

by Kronzer, Nicole

Book - 2020

Although Zelda is thrilled to be accepted to the Varsity improv team at the Rocky Mountain Theatre Arts Camp, she quickly discovers the rampant sexism of ...Show more Although Zelda is thrilled to be accepted to the Varsity improv team at the Rocky Mountain Theatre Arts Camp, she quickly discovers the rampant sexism of her male teammates. As Zelda and the girls in the Gilda Radner cabin learn to stand up for themselves, they never lose their sense of humor. Show less

Although Zelda is thrilled to be accepted to the Varsity improv team at the Rocky Mountain Theatre Arts Camp, she quickly discovers the rampant sexism of ...Show more Although Zelda is thrilled to be accepted to the Varsity improv team at the Rocky Mountain Theatre Arts Camp, she quickly discovers the rampant sexism of her male teammates. As Zelda and the girls in the Gilda Radner cabin learn to stand up for themselves, they never lose their sense of humor. Show less

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The Voting Booth

The Voting Booth

by Colbert, Brandy

Book - 2020

In alternating chapters, we meet Marva, who's extremely motivated to vote in her first election, and Duke, who wants to vote but runs into numerous compli...Show more In alternating chapters, we meet Marva, who's extremely motivated to vote in her first election, and Duke, who wants to vote but runs into numerous complications at his polling place. Colbert tackles the timely topic of the barriers that hinder voters (especially people of color and the elderly) from casting their ballots, all within the scope of a charming meet-cute. Show less

In alternating chapters, we meet Marva, who's extremely motivated to vote in her first election, and Duke, who wants to vote but runs into numerous compli...Show more In alternating chapters, we meet Marva, who's extremely motivated to vote in her first election, and Duke, who wants to vote but runs into numerous complications at his polling place. Colbert tackles the timely topic of the barriers that hinder voters (especially people of color and the elderly) from casting their ballots, all within the scope of a charming meet-cute. Show less

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