Category: Young Adult

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📖✨ Today’s book recommendation: THE UNSELECTED JOURNALS OF EMMA M. LION by Beth Brower

-Historical Fiction

I first heard about Emma M. Lion and her journals a few years ago from a friend. She was absolutely obsessed and dying for the third volume to come out. I wasn’t too sure. The title and cover are so simple–could they really hold words worth raving about?

Well, let me tell you, dear reader, yes, yes they do! It’s like the best of Jane Austen and P.G. Wodehouse mixed together. Or a clean Bridgerton mixed with Harriet the Spy. Funny, romantic, witty, cozy, mysterious, and just so, so fun!

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighbourhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s.

Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Emma’s voice is sharp as a hatpin, and her observations had me actually laughing out loud. If you love clever heroines, cozy mysteries, and character-driven stories with hidden depth—this one’s a must. 💌🖋️

Here is a friendly warning though: These books always leave you wanting more! Don’t say I didn’t warn you! 😂

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: LEGEND by Marie Lu

 -Young Adult Dystopian Fiction

Today I have another YA dystopian recommendation for you! This one has been around for a bit, but there’s a reason that it (and the rest of the series) repeatedly hit the NYT bestseller list. Its appeal is timeless! 

LEGEND is a story of two remarkable teenagers who are initially on opposite sides of the law. June is a military student prodigy and Day (official name: Daniel) is a wanted criminal who excels at evading the government.

🔪Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
*****

While a fun romance sparks between the two main characters, the best part of this novel is the suspense and non-stop action. Every page keeps you on your toes with plenty of twists and turns. 

This is the book that launched Marie Lu’s career. The original series was a trilogy, but six years later, Lu added a fourth book called REBEL. There are also super fun graphic novels adapted by Leigh Dragoon and illustrated by Kaari. Do yourself a favor and check these out!

Happy reading!

Marie Lu Legend Series
Legend
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Today’s book recommendation: SCYTHE by Neal Shusterman

-Young Adult Dystopian Thriller

If you or your teenager likes thrilling dystopian stories, have I got a book for you! One of my teenage sons actually introduced it to me. At first I wasn’t sure. It’s a story about murder and death, after all. 

My initial hesitation disappeared when I realized that SCYTHE doesn’t glorify killing. Since it takes place in a future where the world has conquered illness, crime, and hunger, the job of ending lives is given to specially trained Scythes, in order to keep the population in check. 

Basically, the book is about an internal war among the Scythe organization–those who honor the old ways and carry out their duty with respect and those who kill for sport. Yes, it’s fast-paced and violent, but it really makes you think about what is important in life and clearly shows which side is right in the age-old battle of good vs. evil.

🔪Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.
*****

While the novel uses a dual point of view, alternating between teenagers Citra and Rowan, I really enjoyed Shusterman’s use of journal entries from various adult scythes to flesh out the history and struggles of the Scythe organization.

SCYTHE is a riveting and immersive read, which is why my son inhaled the whole 4-book series in a matter of days! Shusterman obviously knows his audience. 😊 If you liked Hunger Games, I recommend you give this series a try.

Happy reading!

Arc of a Scythe, Four Volume Set by Neal Shusterman Scythe Thunderhead The Toll Gleanings
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Today’s book recommendation: THE DOUBLE V CAMPAIGN by Lea Lyon

-YA Nonfiction

This book is a must-read for teenagers and adults, alike! It’s the chapter of World War II history that you don’t get in school!

When America entered WWII, many African Americans wondered how they could go to war for a country that still didn’t treat them as full and equal citizens. The Double V campaign was the answer.

A man named James Thompson came up with it and the black-owned newspaper, the Philadelphia Courier spread the word.

The double “V” stood for a double victory—abroad in the war and at home for civil rights. This was huge because it allowed African Americans to feel patriotic about serving in the war, while also being true to their fight for equal rights.

My favorite part was when author Lea Lyon shows how by organizing a potential march on Washington, activists were able to force President Roosevelt’s hand, getting him to sign an executive order to desegregate the defense industry.

Then, five years later, right after the war, their efforts culminated in another executive order, this time with President Truman desegregating the military. This act was so important because it led the way for other industries to do the same.

All of these events were the beginning of America’s decades long civil rights movement, and I honestly had no idea about any of it! Really, I hope educators will pick up this book and incorporate it into their curriculum. It’s a quick read and so inspiring! I really couldn’t put it down.

Highly recommend and happy reading! 🙂

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Today’s book recommendation: BOMB: THE RACE TO BUILD-AND STEAL-THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS WEAPON by Steve Sheinkin -Young Adult Nonfiction

Okay, I already admitted that I love spy stories, but this one is a MUST READ! Sheinkin is a genius at making this true story from the past read like an international espionage thriller novel. Even if you know your history, you can’t help but turn the page to see what happens next.

Also, one thing I love is the amount of detailed research Sheinkin puts into his books. It’s absolutely astonishing! If he says it was raining, it was actually raining on that day in history, and if there are tulips blooming, then there were tulips blooming!

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned three continents.

In Great Britain and the United States, Soviet spies worked their way into the scientific community; in Norway, a commando force slipped behind enemy lines to attack German heavy-water manufacturing; and deep in the desert, one brilliant group of scientists was hidden away at a remote site at Los Alamos. 

This is the story of the plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius that created the world’s most formidable weapon. This is the story of the atomic bomb.
*****

There is a reason this book has won all kinds of awards, including National Book Award Finalist, Newbery Honor Book, and Cybils Winner for Nonfiction. It’s really that good!

Sheinkin beautifully weaves the American, Russian, and German parts of the story together, and you come away from the book with a healthy fear of the power of the atom bomb and an appreciation for the individuals involved in making it. 

True stories are sometimes the most unbelievable, and this is one you don’t want to miss.

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: GIRL FROM NOWHERE by Tiffany Rosenhan – Young Adult Thriller

If you like spy stories, this is the one for you! The pacing is right on the money, and who doesn’t love living the fantasy of having all the language, self-defense, and survival skills that the main character, Sophia, has by the time you’re a teenager? 😊

Honestly, I am kind of obsessed with espionage stories, so I was an easy sell, but if you or your teenagers are looking for a bit of pure entertainment, look no further!

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
Ninety-four countries. Thirty-one schools. Two bullets. Now it’s over . . . or so she thinks.

Sophia Hepworth has spent her life all over the world–moving quickly, never staying in one place for too long. She knows to always look over her shoulder, to be able to fight to survive at a moment’s notice. She has trained to be ready for anything.

Except this. Suddenly it’s over. Now Sophia is expected to attend high school in a sleepy Montana town. She is told to forget the past, but she’s haunted by it. As hard as she tries to be like her new friends and live a normal life, she can’t shake the feeling that this new normal won’t last.

Then comes strong and silent Aksel, whose skills match Sophia’s, and who seems to know more about her than he’s letting on . . .

What if everything Sophia thought she knew about her past is a lie?

Cinematic and breathtaking, Tiffany Rosenhan’s debut stars a fierce heroine who will risk everything to save the life she has built for herself.
*****

I’ve had the privilege of meeting Tiffany, and she is as delightful as her book! And while she hasn’t traveled to all of the countries that Sophia has, she has traveled extensively, and it adds a wonderful note of authenticity to the novel.

Make sure you can afford to neglect all your responsibilities for a good day or two before you dive into this one because you won’t want to put it down. 😂

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: NINETY-NINE FIRE HOOPS: A MEMOIR by Allison Hong Merrill

This book is exceptional! One of the finest memoirs I’ve had the privilege of reading. It was as much a page-turner as a thriller, and I love thrillers! I laughed out loud and was so touched by Allison Hong Merrill’s raw honesty and insight.

It’s an immigrant story where one young woman’s search for love and belonging takes her from Taiwan to America. Really, this is an important book for everyone. It’s a story of empowerment and self-determination, and it will leave you feeling inspired to live your best life.

While this is an adult memoir, I highly recommend it for teens age 15+. There are heavy topics of neglect and abuse that Allison suffered both as a child and during her first marriage, but you won’t find anything graphic.

There’s a reason this one has won so many awards 🏆 and it would make the perfect holiday gift 🎁 for yourself and for those you love.

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: THE SPLENDOR by Breeana Shields – Young Adult Fantasy

This book is a must read! Two of my teenagers read it, as well as me, and we all are big fans!

My daughter said she woke up too early one morning and instead of being sad that she didn’t get enough sleep, she was happy she could read more of this book. 🙂

And I totally understood! Shields did a remarkable job creating the perfect atmosphere for the story. This book is so immersive–you open it up and you’re in a glamorous and magical world of illusions and fantasy.

“The Splendor” is the name of a hotel where the guests have their most closely-held fantasies become reality (through illusion) during the length of their stay.

Juliette manages to get her beloved sister, Clare, a stay there for her birthday, but when she returns home, she is a changed person-distant, cold, and uncaring.

So, Juliette sets off to experience it for herself and unravel the mystery of what has happened to her sister.

If you like THE NIGHT CIRCUS and CARAVAL, you will definitely love this book. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: CASTERS AND CROWNS by Elizabeth Lowham – Young Adult Fantasy

This delightful book came out just last month!

It’s a sweet romantasy, meaning it’s both a romance and a fantasy, and the romance is of the chaste, slow-burn variety. The Casters are those who are born with the ability to wield magic, but magic is highly feared and even outlawed by the Crown.

In an effort to prove herself to her father, the crown princess tries to negotiate for peace with the Casters, but ends up getting herself cursed. If she doesn’t find a way to break the curse, she will die, followed by every member of her royal family, one by one.

A certain handsome Baron, who is loyal to the Crown, but also happens to be a Caster, has to overcome his own fears in order to help her find a way to unite her kingdom.

There’s elements of fairytales like Sleeping Beauty and 12 Dancing Princesses, but this book really has a feel all its own. I loved the antics of the Baron’s younger siblings, the love letters being delivered by bird, and the ending surprised me in the best kind of way!

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: MURDER AMONG FRIENDS by Candace Fleming – YA Nonfiction

In honor of Halloween, here is a true story for you and/or your older teens that will give you all the chills! 👻

Candace Fleming is an incredibly talented author and she has taken mountains of primary source material and crafted it into a true crime tale that feels like a thriller.

Back in the 1920s in Chicago, two teenagers decided to brutally murder an innocent child in order to collect ransom money. More than the money though, their main motivation was to prove they could pull off the perfect crime and never get caught.

And they might have gotten away with it, but for one little mistake–a dropped pair of prescription glasses. 👓

The first part of this book is about the actual crime and capture, and then moves on to the boys’ confessions and the ensuing courtroom battle.

The part I found most compelling was the courtroom arguments regarding mental health. This was a landmark case because there wasn’t a lot of precedent at this time for pleading insanity or for trying teenagers for murder.

This book isn’t for the weak of heart! That being said, Fleming keeps the violence matter-of-fact and the focus of the book is really on the psychology of the boys and the legal system of the time. She addresses relevant contributing factors like police corruption, anti-semitism, the boys’ homosexual relationship, nature vs. nurture, and wealth & privilege with exquisite care, which makes for great discussion starters for you and your teens.

If you’re feeling brave, go ahead and give this thought-provoking book a try.

Happy reading and happy Halloween!