YA authors are definitely in their prime for the month of April!
Check out just a few of the awesome titles you can
expect to find on the "NEW YA" shelves ...
Check out just a few of the awesome titles you can
expect to find on the "NEW YA" shelves ...
When We Collided
By: Emery Lord
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Audience: Teens - Grades 8 & Up
*AUTHOR WE LOVE!*
Seventeen year-old Jonah Daniels has lived in Verona Cove, California, his whole life, and only one thing has ever changed: his father used to be alive, and now he is not. With a mother lost in a deep bout of depression, Jonah and his five siblings struggle to keep up their home and the restaurant their dad left behind. But at the start of summer, a second change rolls in: Vivi Alexander, the new girl in town.
Vivi is in love with life. Charming and unfiltered, she refuses to be held down by the medicine she's told should make her feel better. After meeting Jonah, she slides into the Daniels' household seamlessly, winning over each sibling with her imagination and gameness. But it's not long before Vivi's zest for life begins to falter. Soon her adventurousness becomes all-out danger-seeking.
Through each high and low, Vivi and Jonah's love is put to the test . . . but what happens when love simply isn't enough?
Emery Lord is back at it with all the feels! I enjoyed Lord’s previous novels, but this one, this one, is something special. This heart-wrenching story about love, life, grief, family, and mental illness reaches into your heart and doesn’t let go until the very last page. This lies not only in vivid storytelling but also in characters that burst with life, color, complexity and a humanity that is so very, very real. It is rare to find characters that touch us in such a unique way and both Vivi and Jonah are able to do so in spades. The contrast between Vivi’s manic lust for life and Jonah’s grief is startling and palpable as Lord does an exquisite job of exuding these feelings throughout every inch of her storytelling. This allows readers to feel exactly how heavy Jonah’s sorrow is and the dizzying feeling of Vivi’s zest for life and the intensity of her manic episodes and depression. Additionally, this is what also makes these characters so very special, particularly as readers see the way two people, each dealing with different forms of mental health, see and understand the world differently and what happens when they come together.
It is wonderful to see so many YA authors discussing mental health in their novels. Lord’s exploration of bipolar disorder, depression, and grief is so beautifully done as she sensitively weaves them into a story that explains what each of these feel in terms of the lives of her teen characters making them relatable rather than clinical. The Author’s Note is also wonderful and a testament to readers that they are not alone, something that I think every teen needs to know. I could sing the praises of this book all day long, and it is certainly one I will not forget anytime soon. Thank you, Emery Lord, for doing what you do.
By: Emery Lord
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Audience: Teens - Grades 8 & Up
*AUTHOR WE LOVE!*
Seventeen year-old Jonah Daniels has lived in Verona Cove, California, his whole life, and only one thing has ever changed: his father used to be alive, and now he is not. With a mother lost in a deep bout of depression, Jonah and his five siblings struggle to keep up their home and the restaurant their dad left behind. But at the start of summer, a second change rolls in: Vivi Alexander, the new girl in town.
Vivi is in love with life. Charming and unfiltered, she refuses to be held down by the medicine she's told should make her feel better. After meeting Jonah, she slides into the Daniels' household seamlessly, winning over each sibling with her imagination and gameness. But it's not long before Vivi's zest for life begins to falter. Soon her adventurousness becomes all-out danger-seeking.
Through each high and low, Vivi and Jonah's love is put to the test . . . but what happens when love simply isn't enough?
Emery Lord is back at it with all the feels! I enjoyed Lord’s previous novels, but this one, this one, is something special. This heart-wrenching story about love, life, grief, family, and mental illness reaches into your heart and doesn’t let go until the very last page. This lies not only in vivid storytelling but also in characters that burst with life, color, complexity and a humanity that is so very, very real. It is rare to find characters that touch us in such a unique way and both Vivi and Jonah are able to do so in spades. The contrast between Vivi’s manic lust for life and Jonah’s grief is startling and palpable as Lord does an exquisite job of exuding these feelings throughout every inch of her storytelling. This allows readers to feel exactly how heavy Jonah’s sorrow is and the dizzying feeling of Vivi’s zest for life and the intensity of her manic episodes and depression. Additionally, this is what also makes these characters so very special, particularly as readers see the way two people, each dealing with different forms of mental health, see and understand the world differently and what happens when they come together.
It is wonderful to see so many YA authors discussing mental health in their novels. Lord’s exploration of bipolar disorder, depression, and grief is so beautifully done as she sensitively weaves them into a story that explains what each of these feel in terms of the lives of her teen characters making them relatable rather than clinical. The Author’s Note is also wonderful and a testament to readers that they are not alone, something that I think every teen needs to know. I could sing the praises of this book all day long, and it is certainly one I will not forget anytime soon. Thank you, Emery Lord, for doing what you do.
Tell the Wind and Fire
By: Sarah Rees Brennan
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Publisher: Clarion Books
Audience: Teens - Grades 8 & Up
*AUTHOR WE LOVE!*
Lucie Manette was born in the Dark half of the city, but careful manipulations won her a home in the Light, celebrity status, and a rich, loving boyfriend. Now she just wants to keep her head down, but her boyfriend has a dark secret of his own—one involving an apparent stranger who is destitute and despised. Lucie alone knows of the deadly connection the young men share, and even as the knowledge leads her to make a grave mistake, she can trust no one with the truth. Blood and secrets alike spill out when revolution erupts. With both halves of the city burning, and mercy nowhere to be found, can Lucie save either boy—or herself?
If I could read Sarah Rees Brennan all day long, I’m pretty sure I’d be okay with that. Her characters are always, always, finely crafted, well developed, and most importantly, incredibly interesting. This is certainly the case in her latest novel. While this book is a creative homage to Dickens, "A Tale of Two Cities," tinged with a spectacular supernatural twist, what makes it utterly extraordinary is its examination of people. Brennan makes this point quite clear not only in her storytelling but also in an absolutely exquisite Author’s Note. What’s even better is that Brennan is able to approach this subject matter in manner that never feels trite, contrived or didactic but rather inspires an opportunity to start a discussion about topics that are important and relevant. Once again, a "Bravo! Miss Brennan," is in order for another fantastic novel.
By: Sarah Rees Brennan
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Publisher: Clarion Books
Audience: Teens - Grades 8 & Up
*AUTHOR WE LOVE!*
Lucie Manette was born in the Dark half of the city, but careful manipulations won her a home in the Light, celebrity status, and a rich, loving boyfriend. Now she just wants to keep her head down, but her boyfriend has a dark secret of his own—one involving an apparent stranger who is destitute and despised. Lucie alone knows of the deadly connection the young men share, and even as the knowledge leads her to make a grave mistake, she can trust no one with the truth. Blood and secrets alike spill out when revolution erupts. With both halves of the city burning, and mercy nowhere to be found, can Lucie save either boy—or herself?
If I could read Sarah Rees Brennan all day long, I’m pretty sure I’d be okay with that. Her characters are always, always, finely crafted, well developed, and most importantly, incredibly interesting. This is certainly the case in her latest novel. While this book is a creative homage to Dickens, "A Tale of Two Cities," tinged with a spectacular supernatural twist, what makes it utterly extraordinary is its examination of people. Brennan makes this point quite clear not only in her storytelling but also in an absolutely exquisite Author’s Note. What’s even better is that Brennan is able to approach this subject matter in manner that never feels trite, contrived or didactic but rather inspires an opportunity to start a discussion about topics that are important and relevant. Once again, a "Bravo! Miss Brennan," is in order for another fantastic novel.
The Haters
By: Jesse Andrews
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Publisher: Amulet Books
Audience: Teens - Grades 10 & Up
*AUTHOR WE LOVE!*
For Wes and his best friend, Corey, jazz camp turns out to be lame. It’s pretty much all dudes talking in Jazz Voice. But then they jam with Ash, a charismatic girl with an unusual sound, and the three just click. It’s three and a half hours of pure musical magic, and Ash makes a decision: They need to hit the road. Because the road, not summer camp, is where bands get good. Before Wes and Corey know it, they’re in Ash’s SUV heading south, and The Haters Summer of Hate Tour has begun.
I sincerely believe that Jesse Andrews is the new voice of teenagers. He is not only hilarious, but he tells it like it is and doesn’t romanticize the trials and tribulations of growing up. He did this in Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl and he’s done it in his latest novel as well. Wes is an extraordinary character and I think he represents a lot of teens out there in terms of his insecurities, self-discoveries and, admittedly, embarrassing situations. He’s thoughtful but still capable of not only making mistakes but doing and saying terrible things to those closest to him. This makes him human rather than an idealized image of what a teen should be. Friendships and relationships can be tenuous at this age and I think Andrews did an exceptional job of illustrating that in a high stress and unique way. I was a huge fan of Wes and Corey’s friendship. How they met, their inside jokes, their bickering, their history all felt authentic and definitive of teenage boy friendships. In addition to all of this, I loved the format of the book, which mixes prose with dialogue outlines, lists, and charts. All of the music references were also a great touch and the characters the trio meets along the way were all well drawn and an interesting contrast to the book’s star characters. Really my only issue with this novel was Ash. She just had a bit too much of the stereotypical manic pixie dream girl [MPDG] in her, making her an unlikable character. Andrews certainly knows how to write female characters so it would have been much more interesting to see what he would have done with Ash had he not fallen a bit too much into the MPDG trap. Beyond that, this is a solid second novel that I think teens will get behind and fans of Andrews previous novel certainly won’t be disappointed.
By: Jesse Andrews
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Publisher: Amulet Books
Audience: Teens - Grades 10 & Up
*AUTHOR WE LOVE!*
For Wes and his best friend, Corey, jazz camp turns out to be lame. It’s pretty much all dudes talking in Jazz Voice. But then they jam with Ash, a charismatic girl with an unusual sound, and the three just click. It’s three and a half hours of pure musical magic, and Ash makes a decision: They need to hit the road. Because the road, not summer camp, is where bands get good. Before Wes and Corey know it, they’re in Ash’s SUV heading south, and The Haters Summer of Hate Tour has begun.
I sincerely believe that Jesse Andrews is the new voice of teenagers. He is not only hilarious, but he tells it like it is and doesn’t romanticize the trials and tribulations of growing up. He did this in Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl and he’s done it in his latest novel as well. Wes is an extraordinary character and I think he represents a lot of teens out there in terms of his insecurities, self-discoveries and, admittedly, embarrassing situations. He’s thoughtful but still capable of not only making mistakes but doing and saying terrible things to those closest to him. This makes him human rather than an idealized image of what a teen should be. Friendships and relationships can be tenuous at this age and I think Andrews did an exceptional job of illustrating that in a high stress and unique way. I was a huge fan of Wes and Corey’s friendship. How they met, their inside jokes, their bickering, their history all felt authentic and definitive of teenage boy friendships. In addition to all of this, I loved the format of the book, which mixes prose with dialogue outlines, lists, and charts. All of the music references were also a great touch and the characters the trio meets along the way were all well drawn and an interesting contrast to the book’s star characters. Really my only issue with this novel was Ash. She just had a bit too much of the stereotypical manic pixie dream girl [MPDG] in her, making her an unlikable character. Andrews certainly knows how to write female characters so it would have been much more interesting to see what he would have done with Ash had he not fallen a bit too much into the MPDG trap. Beyond that, this is a solid second novel that I think teens will get behind and fans of Andrews previous novel certainly won’t be disappointed.
A Fierce and Subtle Poison
By: Samantha Mabry
Release Date: April 12, 2016
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Audience: Teens - Grades 8 & Up
*DAZZLING DEBUT!*
Everyone knows the legends about the cursed girl--Isabel, the one the señoras whisper about. They say she has green skin and grass for hair, and she feeds on the poisonous plants that fill her family’s Caribbean island garden. Some say she can grant wishes; some say her touch can kill. Seventeen-year-old Lucas lives on the mainland most of the year but spends summers with his hotel-developer father in Puerto Rico. He’s grown up hearing stories about the cursed girl, and he wants to believe in Isabel and her magic. When letters from Isabel begin mysteriously appearing in his room the same day his new girlfriend disappears, Lucas turns to Isabel for answers--and finds himself lured into her strange and enchanted world. But time is running out for the girl filled with poison, and the more entangled Lucas becomes with Isabel, the less certain he is of escaping with his own life.
I think the best place to start is to say that this book is complete and utter magic. In an age where readers can’t help but see a lot of similarities in the books they’re reading it always comes as a welcome surprise when something so new and vivid and unique and spectacular graces their presence. That’s what A Fierce and Subtle Poison is – new and vivid and unique and spectacular. Mabry’s ability to invoke so much feeling not just from the storytelling but from the lush Caribbean setting and the folklore created by the island’s inhabitants is beyond impressive. Additionally, while Mabry’s characters aren’t particularly likable, their stories are ridiculously compelling making it all the more interesting to be in their heads in order to understand why they are the way that they are. I could go on and on about how wonderful and amazing this book is, but I feel as though everyone must read it for themselves to truly capture the magic that I felt when I read this book for the first time. If this is magical realism, then Mabry is totally nailing it! An utterly amazing debut.
By: Samantha Mabry
Release Date: April 12, 2016
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Audience: Teens - Grades 8 & Up
*DAZZLING DEBUT!*
Everyone knows the legends about the cursed girl--Isabel, the one the señoras whisper about. They say she has green skin and grass for hair, and she feeds on the poisonous plants that fill her family’s Caribbean island garden. Some say she can grant wishes; some say her touch can kill. Seventeen-year-old Lucas lives on the mainland most of the year but spends summers with his hotel-developer father in Puerto Rico. He’s grown up hearing stories about the cursed girl, and he wants to believe in Isabel and her magic. When letters from Isabel begin mysteriously appearing in his room the same day his new girlfriend disappears, Lucas turns to Isabel for answers--and finds himself lured into her strange and enchanted world. But time is running out for the girl filled with poison, and the more entangled Lucas becomes with Isabel, the less certain he is of escaping with his own life.
I think the best place to start is to say that this book is complete and utter magic. In an age where readers can’t help but see a lot of similarities in the books they’re reading it always comes as a welcome surprise when something so new and vivid and unique and spectacular graces their presence. That’s what A Fierce and Subtle Poison is – new and vivid and unique and spectacular. Mabry’s ability to invoke so much feeling not just from the storytelling but from the lush Caribbean setting and the folklore created by the island’s inhabitants is beyond impressive. Additionally, while Mabry’s characters aren’t particularly likable, their stories are ridiculously compelling making it all the more interesting to be in their heads in order to understand why they are the way that they are. I could go on and on about how wonderful and amazing this book is, but I feel as though everyone must read it for themselves to truly capture the magic that I felt when I read this book for the first time. If this is magical realism, then Mabry is totally nailing it! An utterly amazing debut.
Dan vs. Nature
By: Don Calame
Release Date: April 12, 2016
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Audience: Teens - Grades 10 & Up
*AUTHOR WE LOVE!*
Shy and scrawny Dan Weekes spends his time creating graphic novels inspired by his dream girl and looking out for his mom as she dates every man in the state of California. Then his mom drops a bomb: she and her latest beau, Hank, are engaged, and she’s sending her "two favorite men" on a survivalist camping trip to "bond." Determined to trick Hank into showing his true — flawed — colors on the trip, Dan and his nerdy germaphobe best friend, Charlie, prepare a series of increasingly gross and embarrassing pranks. But the boys hadn’t counted on a hot girl joining their trip or on getting separated from their wilderness guide—not to mention the humiliating injuries Dan suffers in the course of terrorizing his stepdad-to-be. With a man-hungry bear on their trail, no supplies, and a lot of unpleasant itching going on, can Dan see his plan through now that his very survival depends on Hank?
I absolutely adore Don Calame. Not just because of his ability to write witty, bold and hilarious novels but also his ability to write truly spectacular dude books. Books that are equal parts entertaining and authentic in terms of their ability to really connect with male teen readers. Everything from the language to the ridiculous schemes to the broships to the crushes drip with that male adolescent voice and it’s hard not to fall a little in love with his characters. This is certainly true in his latest work, as Dan Weekes and his best friend Charlie will certainly become legendary. In addition to fantastic and fun stories, Calame does an excellent job of balancing the silly with those heavier themes. Dan’s concern for his single mother is incredibly sweet as he is forced to pick up the pieces after each bad boyfriend break-up. While Hank may be different, Dan doesn’t know that and his plan to nip any plans of marriage for his mother and this interloper are used not only as a defense mechanism for his mother’s sake but also for himself, as he reconciles the exit of his own bad dad. In addition to this, the friendship between Dan and Charlie is fantastic. While they get into plenty of trouble, they’re also there for each other, whether it be crazy schemes or taking a beating from the school bully. It’s the subtlety of these more sentimental moments that are mixed in with the humor that create such fun and well-balanced novels. It’s in all of the “Swim the Fly” novels and I found it “Dan vs. Nature” as well. Also, it is still difficult to find really great dude books, so I appreciate when authors like Calame come around and simply knock them out of the park with their awesomeness!
By: Don Calame
Release Date: April 12, 2016
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Audience: Teens - Grades 10 & Up
*AUTHOR WE LOVE!*
Shy and scrawny Dan Weekes spends his time creating graphic novels inspired by his dream girl and looking out for his mom as she dates every man in the state of California. Then his mom drops a bomb: she and her latest beau, Hank, are engaged, and she’s sending her "two favorite men" on a survivalist camping trip to "bond." Determined to trick Hank into showing his true — flawed — colors on the trip, Dan and his nerdy germaphobe best friend, Charlie, prepare a series of increasingly gross and embarrassing pranks. But the boys hadn’t counted on a hot girl joining their trip or on getting separated from their wilderness guide—not to mention the humiliating injuries Dan suffers in the course of terrorizing his stepdad-to-be. With a man-hungry bear on their trail, no supplies, and a lot of unpleasant itching going on, can Dan see his plan through now that his very survival depends on Hank?
I absolutely adore Don Calame. Not just because of his ability to write witty, bold and hilarious novels but also his ability to write truly spectacular dude books. Books that are equal parts entertaining and authentic in terms of their ability to really connect with male teen readers. Everything from the language to the ridiculous schemes to the broships to the crushes drip with that male adolescent voice and it’s hard not to fall a little in love with his characters. This is certainly true in his latest work, as Dan Weekes and his best friend Charlie will certainly become legendary. In addition to fantastic and fun stories, Calame does an excellent job of balancing the silly with those heavier themes. Dan’s concern for his single mother is incredibly sweet as he is forced to pick up the pieces after each bad boyfriend break-up. While Hank may be different, Dan doesn’t know that and his plan to nip any plans of marriage for his mother and this interloper are used not only as a defense mechanism for his mother’s sake but also for himself, as he reconciles the exit of his own bad dad. In addition to this, the friendship between Dan and Charlie is fantastic. While they get into plenty of trouble, they’re also there for each other, whether it be crazy schemes or taking a beating from the school bully. It’s the subtlety of these more sentimental moments that are mixed in with the humor that create such fun and well-balanced novels. It’s in all of the “Swim the Fly” novels and I found it “Dan vs. Nature” as well. Also, it is still difficult to find really great dude books, so I appreciate when authors like Calame come around and simply knock them out of the park with their awesomeness!
The Lie Tree
By: Francis Hardinge
Release Date: April 19, 2016
Publisher: Amulet Books
Audience: Teens - Grades 7 & Up
*AUTHOR WE LOVE!*
When Faith’s father is found dead under mysterious circumstances, she is determined to untangle the truth from the lies. Searching through his belongings for clues she discovers a strange tree. A tree that feeds off whispered lies and bears fruit that reveals hidden secrets. The bigger the lie, the more people who believe it, the bigger the truth that is uncovered. The girl realizes that she is good at lying and that the tree might hold the key to her father’s murder, so she begins to spread untruths far and wide across her small island community. But as her tales spiral out of control, she discovers that where lies seduce, truths shatter. . . .
There are two things that Francis Hardinge excels at – developing strong and interesting female characters and creating atmosphere. I saw this in “Cuckoo’s Song” and it is definitely evident in her latest novel. This entire story is shrouded in a veil of mystery, darkness and intrigue that is so striking you can’t help but feel it right to the marrow of your bones. There is gossip and underhanded dealings, there is the stiffness that comes with being a female in the 19th Century, there is science vs. religion, there are secrets, so many secrets and at the heart of it all is a tree that deals in truth and lies. The combination of all of these elements as well as extraordinary storytelling makes this a novel that is simply impossible to put down. Additionally, with themes of family, religion, mythology, magic, science, and feminism peppering the pages of this book as well as characters that are well-developed, striking and unique, readers can quickly and easily be pulled into a fascinating discussion. Overall, this book is a little weird, a little twisted, a little dark, but a whole lot of awesome.
By: Francis Hardinge
Release Date: April 19, 2016
Publisher: Amulet Books
Audience: Teens - Grades 7 & Up
*AUTHOR WE LOVE!*
When Faith’s father is found dead under mysterious circumstances, she is determined to untangle the truth from the lies. Searching through his belongings for clues she discovers a strange tree. A tree that feeds off whispered lies and bears fruit that reveals hidden secrets. The bigger the lie, the more people who believe it, the bigger the truth that is uncovered. The girl realizes that she is good at lying and that the tree might hold the key to her father’s murder, so she begins to spread untruths far and wide across her small island community. But as her tales spiral out of control, she discovers that where lies seduce, truths shatter. . . .
There are two things that Francis Hardinge excels at – developing strong and interesting female characters and creating atmosphere. I saw this in “Cuckoo’s Song” and it is definitely evident in her latest novel. This entire story is shrouded in a veil of mystery, darkness and intrigue that is so striking you can’t help but feel it right to the marrow of your bones. There is gossip and underhanded dealings, there is the stiffness that comes with being a female in the 19th Century, there is science vs. religion, there are secrets, so many secrets and at the heart of it all is a tree that deals in truth and lies. The combination of all of these elements as well as extraordinary storytelling makes this a novel that is simply impossible to put down. Additionally, with themes of family, religion, mythology, magic, science, and feminism peppering the pages of this book as well as characters that are well-developed, striking and unique, readers can quickly and easily be pulled into a fascinating discussion. Overall, this book is a little weird, a little twisted, a little dark, but a whole lot of awesome.