List of Ten by Halli Gomez

The Secrets Authors Keep: LIST OF TEN News Halli’s Been Waiting to Tell Us!

Have you ever seen those mysterious tweets from authors . . . “I have a secret I can’t wait to tell you!”

How frustrating is that? Well, as it turns out, it’s just as frustrating for the author! Halli’s had both some new book cover secrets as well as some award secrets. As soon as she was allowed to talk, I got the scoop!

Here’s a look into the secrets authors have to keep. Continue reading The Secrets Authors Keep: LIST OF TEN News Halli’s Been Waiting to Tell Us!

Great Middle Grade Books for Summer 2021

You asked for our favorite middle grade reads of 2021 so here they are! Now that summer is here, Rebecca, Richelle, and I are thrilled to recommend these middle grade books for your vacation. They are perfect for the beach, car, airplane, even when waiting in line at your favorite amusement park. The Truths We Hold (Young Readers Edition) by Kamala Harris Before she was … Continue reading Great Middle Grade Books for Summer 2021

10 best ya books for summer 2021

10 Great Young Adult Books for Summer 2021

It’s summer! And we’re actually allowed out of our houses and can get to the beach this year! We know you want a few good books to bring on vacation, so Halli, Richelle, and I came up with a list of our favorites.

Whether you love thrillers or fantasies, contemporaries or romances, you’ll find something(s) you love on this list.

Happy reading! Continue reading 10 Great Young Adult Books for Summer 2021

Book Review: Enduring Freedom

Enduring Freedom is a young adult novel written in dual points of view by Jawad Arash and Trent Reedy. This novel releases at a perfect time as the US military prepares to leave Afghanistan and the twentieth anniversary of 9/11 comes later this year. Synopsis: On September 11, 2001, the lives of two boys on opposite sides of the world are changed in an instant. … Continue reading Book Review: Enduring Freedom

Recommended: LIST OF TEN by Halli Gomez

We’re excited to host our own Halli Gomez for the launch of her YA debut!

This is a jam-packed post with a review of List of Ten, details on the book launch, and an interview with Halli about her inspiration for this #ownvoices story!

Click to read the full post! Continue reading Recommended: LIST OF TEN by Halli Gomez

Everything that Burns has a beautiful girl on the cover

Recommended: EVERYTHING THAT BURNS by Gita Trelease

We’re excited to welcome Gita Trelease back to the Winged Pen for the launch of her 2nd book!

This is a jam-packed post with:
a review of Everything That Burns, a link to register for Gita’s virtual launch hosted by Odyssey Bookshop on February 4th, and an interview with Gita about her inspiration for this dark fantasy and tips for aspiring writers. Continue reading Recommended: EVERYTHING THAT BURNS by Gita Trelease

Cover Reveal: LIST OF TEN by Halli Gomez

Today, we’re so excited to host the cover reveal of a story by one of our own!

Ten: three little letters, one ordinary number. No big deal, right? But for Troy Hayes, a 16-year-old suffering from Tourette Syndrome and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, the number ten dictates his life, forcing him to do everything by its exacting rhythm.

A harrowing yet hopeful account of a teen living with Tourette Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder . . . and contemplating his own mortality. Continue reading Cover Reveal: LIST OF TEN by Halli Gomez

Recommended: GIRL, SERPENT, THORN by Melissa Bashardoust

An atmospheric retelling of tales from Persian culture. Girl, Serpent, Thorn begins as many retellings do, with a neglected princess hidden away from the world. But the fact that Soraya’s skin is poisonous to the touch gives the story a unique twist. As as the princess begins to see her condition not as a curse but as a source of power, the story really becomes interesting. . . Continue reading Recommended: GIRL, SERPENT, THORN by Melissa Bashardoust

Recommended: WHERE DREAMS DESCEND by Janella Angeles

The first thing that drew me into this story was the rich magical world. Kallia performs in a club, descending from above the stage masked and sitting on a crystal chandelier as depicted on the book’s cover. She controls the entire space—lights, music, and atmosphere with her magic, drawing every eye.

But Kallia seeks a bigger stage and freedom from Jack whom she has reason to mistrust. . . Continue reading Recommended: WHERE DREAMS DESCEND by Janella Angeles

Book Announcement: LIST OF TEN by Halli Gomez

We’re thrilled to announce that LIST OF TEN, an #ownvoices young adult contemporary novel by Halli Gomez, will be published spring, 2021 by Sterling Children’s Books!

Since Halli is one of our own, we wanted to get the inside scoop on her path to publication. Continue reading Book Announcement: LIST OF TEN by Halli Gomez

The 2019 Cybils Awards Young Adult Finalists

I had the great pleasure of being of Cybils Awards round 2 judge for the third year. I got to read amazing books that I may not have had a chance to read and vote on the best with other judges. When I say that we, round 2 judges, had a hard time choosing the winner, I’m not lying. It was tough ya’ll!  The seven … Continue reading The 2019 Cybils Awards Young Adult Finalists