Books mentioned and mini-reviews:
George, by Alex Gino (review copy provided by publisher, but I listened to the audiobook)
This is a very cute children’s book about a trans girl and how a school production of Charlotte’s Web leads her to come out. Perfect for school libraries.
The Truth About Forever, by Sarah Dessen
Macy gets a new job and finds better friends and romance while trying to deal with the loss of her father and her mother’s expectations. I really liked this and shouldn’t have read it at the same time as another book with a similar plot! I would reread it in the future. My second favourite Sarah Dessen so far – but I have only read three!
The Wicked King, by Holly Black
The sequel to The Cruel Prince – lots of political intrigue and fairy tricks, two of my most favourite things!
Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, by Morgan Matson
Since Amy’s father died she’s been living alone in their old home, but now it’s time for her to join her mother, several states away, and bring the car along too. Because of the circumstances of her dad’s death, Amy won’t drive herself, so her mother finds Roger, the son of a friend, to do the driving. They get on well, and before long they’re deciding to throw Amy’s mum’s careful plans to the wind, and go on an epic detour, meeting a host of colourful characters on the way, I really enjoyed this, especially as it had a soundtrack! Both characters make playlists, and you can find all Roger’s in one big playlist on Spotify.
Undeniable, by Liz Bankes
This is a YA romance about Gabi, who is doing a summer internship on a TV show. Having recently broken up with her boyfriend, she isn’t looking for anything new, but Spencer, a student and extra on the show, is determined to win her over. Gabi has a lot of complicated feelings about this and the end of her relationship that are beautifully explored in the book. This one is a keeper for sure!
Are We There Yet? by David Levithan
Two brothers, one already in the working world, the other about to start applying to university, are tricked by their parents into going on holiday to Italy together. I liked taking a literary trip to Italy, but otherwise this one didn’t quite work for me.
The Unexpected Everything, by Morgan Matson
My favourite Morgan Matson so far! Andie’s summer is all planned out, but after her congressman father is embroiled in a political scandal, she loses her place at summer school, and has to find other things to do. She gets a job as a dog walker (this book has the MOST adorable cover) and starts walking a dog for a mysterious boy who lives all by himself…romance and emotional revelations ensue!
No Big Deal, by Bethany Rutter
I read this for my YA bookclub, #bookclubYA. It’s about Emily, who is really happy with herself and generally fat-positive, dealing with other people who are not quite so happy, including her mother and her best friend who has come back from her holiday having lost lots of weight. Then she meets a boy who seems really into her, but are things quite right? I really enjoyed this, another book that all school libraries should get!
The Liars, by Jennifer Mathieu (review copy from NetGalley)
Published in the US as The Liars of Mariposa Island, this is a historical YA mostly set in 1986, about brother and sister Joaquin and Elena Finney. There are also chapters from the perspective of their mother, Caridad, when she was a teenager and young woman, showing how she went from a life of luxury and utmost privilege, to being a refugee from the Cuban revolution. I really enjoyed this book and the way it played with truth and lies via its very unreliable narrators.
The Deathless Girls, by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (review copy from NetGalley)
This is a beautifully told story delving into the history of two of the brides of Dracula, who in this retelling are Kizzy and Lil, seventeen year old twins. They are travellers and one day they are attacked by slave traders, who kill all the adults and take the children and teenagers. This leads them to be taken to a castle where they work as servants, being prepared to be serving girls (and sex slaves) for the men. But the beautiful Kizzy catches the eye of one of the prince Dracul’s servants… I really enjoyed this but for me it ended too soon! It was all about how they became the brides of Dracula, and I long to find out what happens next!
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