Welcome to another edition of our new semi-regular series: Blast from the Past. A refresher: We will occasionally read (or listen) to a book we had loved as children but have not re-visited as adult writers. And then we’ll tell you about it. How did the story hold up? Is the magic still there? What differences do we notice, both cultural and in storytelling techniques … Continue reading Blast From the Past!
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
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
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
Some people ARE illegal. Lobizonas do NOT exist. Both of these statements are false. Manuela Azul has been crammed into an existence that feels too small for her. As an undocumented immigrant who’s on the run from her father’s Argentine crime-family, Manu is confined to a small apartment and a small life in Miami, Florida. Until Manu’s protective bubble is shattered. Her surrogate grandmother is … Continue reading Recommended – LOBIZONA by Romina Garber
This is the absolutely true account of how Lansburg, Pennsylvania was invaded by aliens and the weeks of chaos that followed. There were sightings of UFOs, close encounters, and even abductions. There were believers, Truth Seekers, and, above all, people who looked to the sky and hoped for more.
Only. . . there were no aliens. Continue reading Recommended: IT CAME FROM THE SKY by Chelsea Sedoti
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
We hope all our subscribers and readers are well, have enough toilet paper, and in all ways are making it through these strange times as safely and comfortably as possible.
While we don’t want to make light of a virus that’s causing both pain and suffering and economic disruption, we do want everyone to take advantage of one of the thing this period provides a unique opportunity for:
LOTS OF READING!
Check out our list below. Hopefully, you’ll find a book you can cuddle up and stay safe with. Continue reading 10 Great Young Adult Books to Read During Self-Quarantine
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
Inspired by the real-life “flash mob” violence that struck Chicago in 2011, Every Stolen Breath is a fast-paced and immersive thriller… Continue reading Recommended: EVERY STOLEN BREATH by Kimberly Gabriel
Welcome to Windows & Mirrors, where we feature books that provide us windows to lives outside our own and mirrors to our shared common human experiences. Today we are featuring I’M NOT DYING WITH YOU TONIGHT co-written by debut author Gilly Segal and former bookstore owner/director/screenwriter Kimberly Jones. Campbell and Lena have very little in common other than that they’re both at their high school’s football game. Campbell, … Continue reading Featured: I’M NOT DYING WITH YOU TONIGHT
Lifel1k3, the 1st book in Kristoff’s YA sci-fi series, was as imaginative as it was action-packed. It pulled me in for another 448-page romp through post-apocalyptic cities and barren desert with Jay Kristoff and his characters. I wasn’t disappointed. Continue reading Recommended: DeV1AT3 by Jay Kristoff
