This week is the
98th annual Children's Book Week,
and I'm celebrating the event by featuring books geared to young
adult and middle grade readers that were (or will be) published in
March, April, and May of 2017. Last week, I recommended
8 books that included a little magic or fantasy, and on Monday I featured
6 contemporary novels for young readers. Today, I finish up with 6 more novels set in the modern world.
- The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Saenz
(Clarion; March): A young teen who's always been content with his lot
in life--white boy adopted by a gay Mexican American man and loved by
his extended family--reaches the age of wanting to know his biological
history and questioning who he really is. Everyone has loved this
sensitively written novel that explores self-identity, family,
friendship, and LGBTQ issues.
- Kill All Happies by Rachel Cohn
(Disney Hyperion; May): This novel, set in a small desert town in
California, takes young readers on a crazy two-day graduation party to
end all graduation parties. A diverse cast of characters indulge in teen
antics; expect mildly mature content.
- Piper Perish by Kayla Cagan
(Chronicle; March): An artistic high schooler dreams of leaving Texas
for New York City, but as senior year comes to an end will she be brave
enough to follow her passion? This book contains themes of family,
ambition, friendship, sexual identity, mental illness, and independence.
- Enemy Exposure by Meghan Rogers
(Philomel; March): Fans of action-packed thrillers starring tough young
women will like this story about a Korean teen who is acting as a
double agent for the United States. In this second installment in the
Raven Files series, our hero, Jocelyn, must rescue an old friend, but
can she save herself as well?
- Get It Together, Delilah! by Erin Gough
(Chronicle; April): Set in Australia, this is the story of a teen who
juggles school, work, and social pressures while dreaming of the girl
she hopes will like her back. This award-winning novel presents an
authentic, nonstereotypical look at teen relationships and family issues
and will appeal to a diverse range of readers.
- Big & Little Questions (According to Wren Jo Byrd) by Julie Bowe
(Kathy Dawson Books; March): The protagonist in this book for middle
grade readers is Wren Jo Byrd, who is having trouble adjusting to her
parents' divorce and idea of shared custody. After befriending the new
girl at school, Wren learns she isn't the only one who's had to get used
to a new life because of family problems.
Note: Books featured for Children's Book Week represent
only those titles that came to my attention through a variety of
avenues. They are also books I've had a chance to look through or read
(print, audio, or ebook). I'm grateful to the publishers and other
agencies that provided copies of these books for my honest opinion in a
review or feature.
I love books set in Australia. I'll have to check out the Erin Gough book. Thanks for the updates!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to read several of these books.
ReplyDeleteThese books really interest me.
ReplyDelete