Our Teen Advisory Board have been busy reading and letting us know what they’re loving; below, you can read June recommendations from five of our fantastic 2021 board members. You can also browse the favourite books by favourite authors collection – compiled by the entire board – here.

Claire Heazlewood is reading House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland.

House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland: this book was full of writing as smooth and beautiful as the cover art. The story was highly original and enthralling, and the characters intriguing. And this book can’t be placed into just one category: it could be filed under supernatural/paranormal, horror, mystery, dark fantasy or even fairy tales (I’m pretty sure that I caught some Hansel and Gretel references). The fact that it’s genre-elusive actually points to its absolute superiority. Also, it’s disturbing but it does that well.

Zoe Hibbarb is reading Amelia Westlake by Erin Gough and re-reading Just Kids by Patti Smith.

Amelia Westlake is a heart-warming story which touches on sensitive issues which unfortunately are not spoken about enough. It is a beautifully written romance book which balances a sweet relationship with a passion for social justice. The story was very easy to be swept into! Another great book which I reread for the millionth time was Just Kids by Patti Smith. Her beautiful song-writing style is reflected in this book recounting her life with Robert Mapplethorpe. It is a mix of beautiful writing, poetry and photography which provides insight into an incredible, unique mind.

Tahlia Malojer is reading The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins, The End of the World is Bigger than Love by Davina Bell, and Loner by Georgina Young.

I’m currently doing a re-read of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which is one of my all time favourite books. I love how we are able to see how Snow develops into the person we see in the Hunger Games trilogy. I am also part of the way through All This Time, which I am loving already and look forward to finishing. The End of the World is Bigger Than Love has also worked its way into my favourite books list. I really enjoyed the dual narrative and how there is uncertainty about who is the unreliable narrator. It was a truly fascinating read! Loner by Georgina Young was also amazing as the events that occurred were completely plausible and relatable for readers, especially older ones.

Annalise Comer is reading When Rains Turns to Snow by Jane Godwin.

I recently read When Rain Turns to Snow by Jane Godwin. I absolutely loved it because it gave an authentic insight into teen relationships and drama. It also managed to convey the emotions of the main character, whether it be happiness, anger, sadness or betrayal.

David Dodson is reading The Secret History by Donna Tartt.

Truly brilliant. The classics student within me was incredibly satisfied. The plot follows a group of elitist misfits at New England College as they attempt to cover up a murder, press the boundaries of morality and redefine what it means to be human. It was thoroughly immersive and equally harrowing. I’d give it 9/10, just because it was a little over 600 pages, and I felt that some of the side plots could’ve been lost.