Tag: YA

American contemporary, Award Winners, Cross over, Good Books for Boys, Poignant Coming-of-Age Story, YA

There’s a New John in YA: Where Things Come Back Review

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John Corey Whaley has a touch of John Green about him: hugely talented (and handsome) young male author who has incredible insight into modern teenagehood. His debut novel was one of the most highly touted and decorated books of 2011, winning both the Printz and The William C. Morris, in addition to gracing many other shortlists.… Continue reading There’s a New John in YA: Where Things Come Back Review

American contemporary, Cross over, Poignant Coming-of-Age Story, Summer Reads, YA

Two Girls on the Verge: Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone Review

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I read this book because John Green told me to. Well not personally, but in this very glowing, very public blog post. Literary teen fiction is one of my fail-safe genres as you can pretty much guarantee that "literary teen fiction" translates to "well-written poignant coming of age story." The title sounds a little like… Continue reading Two Girls on the Verge: Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone Review

Cross over, Historical Fiction, Poignant Coming-of-Age Story, YA

True Crime, Real Ghosts, Great Read: Mister Death’s Blue-Eyed Girls Review

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"Mary Downing Hahn has written about fictional ghosts in acclaimed books such as The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall, The Old Willis Place, and Wait Til Helen Comes. Now, in this compelling young adult novel inspired by a true crime, she writes of real-life ghosts who have haunted her for most of her life." If that… Continue reading True Crime, Real Ghosts, Great Read: Mister Death’s Blue-Eyed Girls Review

Books for Everyone, middle grade, Summer Reads, YA

Have Book, Will Travel: Kids and Teen Summer Reading Selections 2011

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Summer is finally upon us and in celebration I have compiled mini reading lists. You may notice an absence of series books (Hunger Games, 39 Clues, Harry Potter, etc). This was intentional, as the summer is the perfect time to dig up hidden stand alone gems. Some of these books in fact ARE in series (Looking at the… Continue reading Have Book, Will Travel: Kids and Teen Summer Reading Selections 2011

Good Books for Boys, Positive Gay Characters, YA

Double Your Reading Pleasure: Will Grayson, Will Grayson

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If you have any interest at all in YA, or are planning on writing YA, you must read this book. Reading this book is akin to taking a master class in YA literature. David Levithan is not only the co-writer of such cult-turned-iconic works as Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, but he is also a Scholastic… Continue reading Double Your Reading Pleasure: Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Fantasy, YA

Finnikin Rocks My World: Finnikin of the Rock

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Melina Marchetta makes me want to be a better writer. She leaves room in her novels for the reader to think and imagine, rather than digest and accept. She is not only one of Australia’s finest YA exports, but one of the best YA authors working anywhere. Her dialogue is smart, witty, and authentic. Marchetta likes… Continue reading Finnikin Rocks My World: Finnikin of the Rock