Book Review: The Astonishing Color of After

THE ASTONISHING COLOR OF AFTER by Emily X.R. Pan is a compelling, young adult novel exploring life, death, and family secrets.

When her mom commits suicide, Leigh is convinced her mother has turned into a bird. When this half Asian and half white teen visits her maternal grandparents in Taiwan for the first time, she slowly becomes immersed in the culture and begins to uncover family secrets that help her better understand her mother, her family, and herself. Flashbacks help readers understand what led to her mother’s suicide along with providing insights into Leigh’s friendship and romance with Axel.

Librarians will find that teens enjoy the magical realism elements of this novel along with the contemporary setting. The balance of hope and despair and the movement between the past and present will add to the appeal for teens readers.

Published on March 20, 2018 by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Constellations

The CONSTELLATIONS by Claudia Gray is a thought-provoking science fiction adventure series exploring the relationship between a soldier and a robot.

In the first book DEFY THE STARS (2017), readers are introduced to teen soldier Noemi who stumbles upon a sophisticated robot named Abel. Although enemies, they work together to save Noemi’s planet of Genesis.

In the second book DEFY THE WORLDS (2018), a deadly plague threatens Genesis. Noemi and Abel once again must work together to save the universe. A cliffhanger at the end of this book establishes intriguing questions for the next book in this series.

Librarians will find an audience for this series among young adults who enjoy the combination of science fiction and adventure with a hint of romance. Exploring topics such as immortality and tolerance, the series is deeper than the standard YA options.

Published by Hachette. ARCs courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Select

SELECT by Marit Weisenberg is a fast-paced, young adult fantasy.

When Julia is sent to a public high school, she tries to blend in. However she soon finds herself in a forbidden relationship that will impact her family and beyond.

Librarians will find fans of paranormal romance attracted to the love story, while fantasy lovers will enjoy the idea of the select community. The final twist will make readers wonder when the sequel will be released.

Published by Charlesbridge Teen on October 3, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Wildman

WILDMAN by J. C. Geiger tells the story of a life-changing road trip in the Pacific Northwest.

Lance’s life is under control until his car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. A series of weird choices set him on a five day adventure that blends reality with magical realism. From train hopping and late night parties to a quirky romance, Lance’s quiet life will never be the same.

Librarians will find this coming of age story appeals to fans of John Green. The author’s blend of hilarious situations with authentic emotional connections will appeal to fans of contemporary fiction.

Published on Disney-Hyperion, an imprint of Hachette Book Group on June 6, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Yvain

YVAIN: THE KNIGHT OF THE LION by M.T. Anderson is a graphic novel set in the world of King Arthur’s court.

Based on Chrétien de Troyes’ 12th century epic poem, Sir Yvain is a knight who encounters two women who are each powerful in their own way. Sword fights and battles with dragons provide balance to this medieval romance. The book concludes with an excellent author’s note and illustrator’s note detailing the background and inspiration for the book.

Librarians will find teens who enjoy medieval stories and graphic novels drawn to both the story and the illustrations. Fans of M.T. Anderson will be happy to see him embracing the graphic novel format. Graphic novel lovers will enjoy the sophisticated graphics and well-illustrated story. Teachers may wish to weave this graphic novel into a literature course.

Published by Candlewick on March 14, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Learning to Swear in America

LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA by Katie Kennedy tells the humorous story of a teen physicist enlisted to save the world from an asteroid.

When seventeen-year old physicist Yuri arrives in American to help NASA stop an Earth-killing asteroid, he finds his work environment frustrating. However after meeting Dovie and her family he slowly begins to understand American culture… just in time for the end of the world. Although somewhat predictable, the “teen saves the world” plot line is generally a hit with young people.

Librarians will find this young adult novel’s quirky characters and dark humor enjoyable and easy to sell to teens. The unusual combination of the near apocalyptic science with the humorous romantic elements add to the appeal.

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

Published by Bloomsbury on July 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Summer of Sloane

SUMMER OF SLOANE by Erin L. Schneider explores issues of betrayal, forgiveness, and romance during a summer in Hawaii.

When she learns that her best friend is pregnant with her boyfriend’s baby, Sloane uses a summer trip to Hawaii to distract her from their betrayal. However texts and voicemails are constant reminders of the mess she left behind making it difficult for her to enjoy a new romance.

Librarians will find a market for this book among readers who enjoy teen angst, romance, and complex friendships. Well-rounded characters and engaging plot twists make this a page-turner for teens who enjoy realistic fiction. Better than the standard romance fare, this work of contemporary fiction addresses issues of deception and forgiveness head-on.

To learn more about this author, go to http://www.erinlschneider.com/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on May 3, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: My Kind of Crazy

MY KIND OF CRAZY by Robin Reul is a contemporary fiction, young adult novel exploring the friendship among teens.

When Hank accidentally lights Amanda’s lawn on fire, Peyton is the only witness. This event sets up a story of teen friendship and evolving relationships. The combination of dark humor and interesting characters will keep readers interested.

Librarians will find that the author’s balance of humor and authentic, timely issues such as mental illness and abuse will be of interest to many young adults. Teens who enjoy stories about friendship and teen romance will enjoy the ride.

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

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on April 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Girl from Everywhere

GIRL FROM EVERYWHERE immerses readers in a world of time travel, fantasy, adventure, and romance.

Nix and her father literally sail through time. Traveling to both real and fantasy locations, Nix’s father is seeking a map of 1868 Honolulu in hopes of changing the past. However, this mystery map has serious implications for Nix.

Librarians will want to add this title to their growing collection of books focusing on time travel adventures.

This story of loyalty, family, and adventure is sure to engage young adult audiences. Readers who enjoy intrigue and well-developed characters will be drawn to this fantasy. A sequel is in the works.

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

Published by Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins on February 16, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Underwater

UNDERWATER by MARISA REICHARDT is a powerful story of tragedy, recovery, and reconnection with the world.

After a traumatic experience, Morgan is unable to leave her apartment. With the help of a new neighbor, a therapist, and her family, she begins to takes slow steps into the outside world. Along the way, she learns to forgive others and herself.

The author effectively peels away the layers of Morgan’s life-altering experience to reveal the tragic story behind her agoraphobia.

Librarians will find that readers enjoy the realistic, contemporary story with a hint of romance. This character-driven young adult novel draws attention to a variety of issues from PTSD to school shootings making it a timely choice for today’s teen audience.

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

Published by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan on January 12, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Passenger

PASSENGER by Alexandra Bracken is a time travel suspense with an abrupt cliffhanger.

This first book in a new science fiction series features seventeen-year-old Etta who discovers she has the ability to travel through time. Thrust into a dangerous situation involving rival time traveling families, Etta must find a valuable object before time runs out.

Of particularly note is Etta’s love interest, a biracial boy born into slavery. His reactions to Etta and to cultures outside his birth time are fascinating.

Fans of both historical fiction and science fiction will enjoy the ride. Most readers will like the hint of romance. The element of suspense will keep young adults happy until the abrupt conclusion. Librarians will find teens clamoring for the next book in this adventure series.

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

Published by Disney-Hyperion on January 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Not If I See You First

NOT IF I SEE YOU FIRST by Eric Lindstrom is an absorbing, coming-of-age story exploring friendship, trust, and the challenges of being a blind teen.

Parker’s a typical young adult dealing with the drama of school, friendships, and boyfriends. What makes this witty story fascinating is how the author deals with Parker’s blindness. The author’s compassionate, matter-of-fact portrayal of Parker’s disability makes this work of contemporary, realistic fiction unique and compelling.

Librarians will find this young adult drama to be a excellent way to introduce youth to a well-developed character who happens to be blind. Young adults will enjoy the realistic characters, authentic situations, and insights into the life of a blind high school student. Add this well-written novel to your growing diversity collection.

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

Published by Poppy, an imprint of Hachette Book Group on December 1, 2015. ARC courtesy of publisher.

Book Review: Lightning Queen

THE LIGHTNING QUEEN by Laura Resau tells the captivating story of a friendship that bridges the Rom and the Mexico Indian cultures.

In this poignant story that weaves together historical and contemporary tales, an old man shares with his grandson the story of growing up in the remote mountains of Mexico and his encounters with a young gypsy girl. Inspired by true stories, this fascinating multi-cultural tale of friendship will draw readers into the world of mid-20th century Mexico.

Librarians will find that fans of both historical and contemporary fiction will enjoy the bridge between the past and the present as well as between the cultures. With a hint of romance and magic, this fast-paced novel is a good choice for readers seeking stories focusing on the topics of cultural diversity and friendship.

The book’s end notes along with the author’s website provide excellent background information and resources for teachers.

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

Published by Scholastic on October 27, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Calvin

CALVIN by Martine Leavitt is an imaginative, coming-of-age novel exploring a teen’s discovery that he has schizophrenia.

Told as a letter written to Calvin & Hobbes’ comic book author Bill Watterson, the story traces a schizophrenic teen’s experiences with love and survival as he deals with his mental illness for the first time.

Leavitt’s conversational style and sense of humor combine for an appealing alternative to the many young adult novels focusing on mental illness.

Librarians will want to add this YA novel to the growing selections available on teen schizophrenia.

Published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan on November 17, 2015.

Book Review: First & Then

FIRST & THEN by Emma Mills combines teen romance, football, and blended families for an engaging, contemporary novel.

Devin leads a typical teen life. She has a crush on her best friend and is uncertain about life after high school. However when Devon’s cousin Foster joins the family, he shakes things up. Although he’s social inept, Foster’s talent as a kicker has drawn interest from the star football player. Devin soon learns that there are many ways to experience love.

Whether examining the fine line between friendship and romance or exploring the anguish of parental abandonment, Mills skillfully reflects the issues facing today’s teens.

Librarians will find a large audience for this book among lovers of realistic fiction. While some readers will be drawn to the Jane Austen references, others will be attracted to sports connections.

Although this is Emma Mills’ debut novel, she’s well-known for her vlog Elmify.

Check out the vlog at https://www.youtube.com/user/elmify.

Published by Henry Holt and Co. on October 13, 2015. ARC courtesy of Edelweiss.

Book Review: Dumplin'

DUMPLIN’ by Julie Murphy is a contemporary, coming-of-age novel for young adults focusing on friendship, body image, and self-assurance.

Murphy tells the humorous, yet poignant story of a self-proclaimed fat girl who decides to enter a beauty pageant. Along the way, Willowdean and her friends experience the heartbreak and happiness that comes with best friends and teen romance.

Librarians will find a market for this book among youth who enjoy realistic fiction. Rather than dwelling on topics related to weigh loss, the relatable story focuses on issues of self-esteem, self-assurance, and gaining confidence.

Learn more about the author at http://juliemurphywrites.com/.

Published by Balzer & Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins on September 15, 2015. ARC e-book.

Book Review: The Scorpion Rules

THE SCORPION RULES by Erin Bow is a fast-paced, young adult, dystopian drama set four hundred years in the future.

Known as Children of Peace, the heirs of each country are sent to live in a boarding school controlled by the United Nations which is run by an artificial intelligence. If a war is declared, the “hostages” of the countries involved with the conflict are killed. Greta along with her friends Elian, Xie and other classmates are faced with difficult decisions when their school is attacked.

Librarians will find this science fiction novel to be equally popular among boys and girls. The balance of violence, romance, and life-changing dilemmas will appeal to young adults who enjoy a thought-provoking storyline with a twist of wicked wit. Fans of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy will find Talis’ dark humor particularly compelling.

Unlike many of today’s dystopian works that rely on adventure and violence, this story leans more toward classic science fiction storytelling and questions about the nature of humanity. Readers will enjoy the satisfying ending but still be thirsty for more books about the Children of Peace.

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

Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster on September 22, 2015. ARC paper and ebook.

Book Review: Honor Girl

HONOR GIRL: A GRAPHIC MEMOIR by Maggie Thrash tells the story of first love at an all-girl summer camp.

Maggie spends her summers at Camp Bellflower in Kentucky. From music to target shooting, she experiences the typical drama of summer friendships. However, the summer she turns 15, Maggie falls for a 19-year-old camp counselor. Camp rumors and melodrama don’t diminish her experience of first love.

Using flashbacks to her time in summer camp, the author skillfully weaves a story of self-discovery and young love. She also reminds readers that it’s impossible to revisit the past. Although the book explores a lesbian relationship, Thrash’s portrayal of teen angst and struggles with sexuality are universal themes.

The colorful drawings will appeal to the young adult audience. Librarians will find HONOR GIRL to be a popular addition to the growing number of quality graphic memoirs for young adults.

Learn more about the author at http://www.maggiethrash.com/.

Published by Candlewick on September 8, 2015.

Book Review: The Night We Said Yes

THE NIGHT WE SAID YES by Lauren Gibaldi is a young adult romance that alternatives between “this summer” and “last summer”.

When Ella’s ex-boyfriend moves back to town, she must decide whether her broken heart can be mended so they can start anew. Told through short, alternating chapters, readers learn how Ella and Matt got together and discover whether their friendship can be rekindled.

From teen bands and Karaoke songs to summer parties and truth-or-dare, this coming-of-age romance is perfect for light, effortless reading. Teens who enjoy “chick lit” will flock to this summer romance. Those that prefer complex characters and deep meanings should seek out other works of contemporary, realistic fiction.

To learn about this new author, go to http://laurengibaldi.com/.

Published by HarperTeen, June 2015.

Book Review: Proof of Forever

PROOF OF FOREVER by Lexa Hillyer is a coming-of-age fantasy exploring what happens when four high school friends attend a summer camp reunion.

The flash of a photo booth camera transports four teens back to their last few days of summer camp a couple years earlier. Joy, Tali, Luce, and Zoe have grown apart, but must work together to figure out how to get “back to the future” while making the most of their second chance summer.

A great summer read, this book does an excellent job bridging the classic “group of girls” story with an interesting fantasy twist. This combination provides the opportunity for more in-depth character development than is generally found in either genre.

Librarians will find a couple different audiences for this book. First, fans of “chick lit” and contemporary romance will be drawn to the focus on friendship and relationships. Second, those who enjoy time-travel stories will appreciate the fantasy situation.

With lots of “friendship foursome” books available, consider a summer reading display featuring this book along with others like The Sisterhood of the Traveling books.

To learn more about this new author, go to http://www.lexahillyer.com/.

Published by HarperTeen on May 2, 2015.