Book Review: Unbecoming

UNBECOMING by Jenny Downham is a compelling work of realistic fiction focusing on family secrets and

three generations of women.

When Katie’s estranged grandmother suddenly moves into her home, the whole family must adjust to not only grandma’s dementia but also to long hidden family secrets. Multiple crises converge as Katie adjusts to a realization about her own sexuality, tries to understand her mother’s bizarre behavior, and wrestles with her younger brother’s special needs.

Downham’s beautifully written prose provides fascinating insights into the lives of a grandmother, mother, and teenaged daughter. This poignant, moving story will resonate with many teens.

Librarians will want to add this book to their growing collection of young adult novels focusing on multi-generational issues. Young adults are likely to enjoy the authentic look at aging, relationships, and family secrets.

Published by David Fickling Books, an imprint of Scholastic on February 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Accident Season

THE ACCIDENT SEASON by Moïra Fowley-Doyle is an eerie paranormal suspense for young adults that feels like realistic fiction.

October is accident season, literally. Each Fall, Cara and her family are mysteriously struck by horrible injuries from bruises to broken bones. They don’t talk about how it started, it’s just a fact of life. When Cara begins to wonder about a mysterious friend’s connection to their family, the story really gets rolling.

Told through the eyes of 17-year-old Cara, the author skillfully weaves together a story thick with family secrets and tragedy, but with a hint of hope. Throughout the book, readers will search for clues to unravel the mystery and determine where reality ends and the supernatural begins. Themes involving injury, abuse, drinking, sex, relationships, friends, and family are all interconnected in this unusual YA novel.

Librarians will find a huge crowd for this paranormal thriller. The perfect book for an October reading club, young adults will be drawn to both the well-developed characters and the multi-layered story that will keep them guessing. Magic realism is hot with teens, so be prepared for this book to be a hit.

To learn more about this amazing new Irish author, follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/moirawithatrema or check out her Tumbler page at http://ecritureacreature.tumblr.com/.

Published by Kathy Dawson Books, an imprint of Penguin on August 18, 2015.

Book Review: Circus Mirandus

CIRCUS MIRANDUS by Cassie Beasley is a middle grade fantasy filled with mysterious magic and family secrets.

Micah grew up hearing his grandfather’s stories about a magical circus. Now on his death bed, Grandpa Ephraim is hoping to communicate with the Lightbender who promised him a miracle when he attended this circus long ago. Micah and his friend Jenny set out on a quest to find the circus and help Ephraim get his wish, but it won’t be easy with Great-Aunt Gertrudis’ interference.

Beasley does an exceptional job balancing a boy’s magical hopes with the reality of death. This story of faith and yearning is written in a way that middle grade readers will understand.

Librarians will want to market this book to middle grade readers who enjoy magical characters that bridge reality and fantasy. Reminiscent of A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd, pair it with other books that have roots in reality with a twist of magic. Or, add it to a display of books about the circus that also includes nonfiction works about circus life.

For the book website, go to http://www.circusmirandus.com/.

To learn more about the author, go to http://cassiebeasley.com/.

Published by Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Group on June 2, 2015.