Recommended YA books & news for April
This month we have gothic horror, gripping fantasy, wild behaviour in remote places and contemporary stories of romance, politics and self-exploration.
Find our April picks for kids books here.
YA BOOK OF THE MONTH
House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
Ever since the three Hollow sisters – Grey, Vivi and Iris – disappeared on a suburban street in Scotland as children only to return a month a later with no memories, black irises and white hair, eerie occurrences seem to follow in their wake. Ten years later, the eldest of the sisters, Grey, now an internationally famous model and fashion designer, has again disappeared. Iris and Vivi are left to trace her last few days, but they aren’t the only ones looking for her.
Australian author Krystal Sutherland’s third novel is a contemporary twisted fairytale that delivers real chills. Our reviewer Angela praised Sutherlands exceptional storytelling: ‘This is not only a contemporary twisted fairytale; it is also an evocative rendering of the bonds of sisterhood.’
You can read her full review here.
SIX YA BOOKS TO READ THIS MONTH
The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
Seventeen-year-old Kiva Meridan has spent the last decade in the notorious death prison, Zalindov, working as the prison healer. When the Rebel Queen is captured, Kiva is charged with keeping the ill woman alive long enough for her to undergo the Trial by Ordeal. Then a coded message from Kiva’s family arrives, containing a single order: Don’t let her die. We are coming. Aware that the Trials will kill the sickly queen, Kiva risks her own life to volunteer in her place. If she succeeds, both she and the queen will be granted their freedom. But no one has ever survived.
Our reviewer Xiao Xiao raved about this first book in a new fantasy trilogy by acclaimed author Lynette Noni, promising that it’s ‘gripping and fast paced with an ending that will leave readers reeling.’
You can read her full review here.
The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud
England has been radically changed by a series of catastrophes - large cities have disappeared and London has been replaced by a lagoon. The surviving population exist traditionally in fortified towns, while strangely evolved beasts prowl the wilderness beyond. Conformity is rigidly enforced: those who are different are killed, others are driven out into the wilds. Only a few fight back - and two of these outlaws, Scarlett McCain and Albert Browne, display an audacity and talent that makes them legends.
Our reviewer Angela, a first-time reader of bestselling British author Stroud, thoroughly enjoyed this near-future outlaw adventure story: ‘Beautifully written, as well as being genuinely thrilling and action-packed, this is a brilliant start to a new young adult series.’
You can read her full review here.
The True Colour of a Little White Lie by Gabriel Bergmoser
After a catastrophic attempt to ask out his crush, fourteen-year-old Nelson is desperate to escape the daily humiliations of his small-town high school. And with his parents taking over a nearby ski lodge, that chance seems to have arrived. Up at the lodge he discovers a whole new freedom, where nobody knows he’s a loser and he can be whatever he wants. But reinvention is complicated, especially when a few white lies land you in the middle of an unexpected love triangle which leads you to sign up for a ski race that you’re nowhere near good enough for.
Our reviewer Joe was impressed and entertained by this light-hearted romp: ‘I loved following Nelson on his journey of self-discovery and seeing him learn some valuable lessons about confidence and honesty: about not just being true to yourself, but being true to everyone else as well.’
You can read his full review here.
Sunburnt Veils by Sara Haghdoosti
Tara wears hijab even though her parents hate it, and in a swipe right world she’s looking for the ‘will go to the ends of the earth for you’ type of love. Or, she would be, if she hadn’t sworn off boys to focus on acing her first year at uni so she can transfer into med. When a bomb threat on her first day throws her together with entitled politician’s son Alex, things get complicated. Tara decides to run for student union, but the pressure of school, potential romance, changing friendships, family and in-your-face Islamophobia is almost too much.
This debut novel by Sara Haghdoosti set in the heady and confusing days of first year uni contains a pitch-perfect combination of politics, romance, drama and humour. I loved Tara’s fight to define herself on her own terms, and really appreciated the cast of well-drawn characters in her life.
On Thursday 6 May 2021 we’ll be hosting an online event with Sunburnt Veils author Sara Haghdoosti. Sara will be in conversation with fellow author Sarah Ayoub. Find all the details here.
Dirt Circus League by Maree Kimberly
Asa’s running from a troubled past. To a remote outback town, a disappointing father and a fresh start that’s already souring. But then the notorious Dirt Circus League arrives. A troupe of menacing outcast teens performing spectacular fight sequences and challenging any who dares to take part. They’re led by the charismatic Quarter. He’s dark, powerful and intensely attractive - and he faces a threat only Asa can see. Will Asa be drawn into the league’s mysterious and violent community? And, as she discovers the violent secrets at its heart, will she delve into her own untapped abilities to save herself -and heal those caught in its evil web?
This wildly unpredictable debut dystopian fantasy explores the powerful allure of danger and the battles we face with our demons in a world beyond our control.
Off the Map by Scot Gardner
Getting lost, falling in love, pushing boundaries, exploring the world - there are 15 stories in this collection, written by the inimitable Scot Gardner (The Dead I Know and Changing Gear). The stories are all set in the same group of small fictional towns, and some share characters, allowing the reader to see multiple perspectives and question their assumptions. Gardner has a unique, fiery and honest voice that has won him many fans over his productive career.
Our reviewer Dani is one of them, and she highly recommends this ‘funny and thoughftul’ collection of contemporary stories.
You can read her full review here.
NEWS, EVENTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
There’ve been a number of notable awards announcements this month! The Children’s Book Council of Australia announced its always-anticipated Book of the Year Awards shortlists for 2021, across all age groups. You can find the Older Readers shortlist for teens here. In the UK, the prestigious CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals shortlists came out. The Carnegie Medal shortlist contains several great YA titles. And finally, if you are a keen sci-fi and fantasy reader, then the Aurealis Awards shortlists, including the Young Adult category, are definitely worth checking out.
Recent events in Australia have put the topic of consent at the forefront of everyone’s minds. In response we have put together a consent in books for teens collection (as well as a list of recommended children’s books about body safety and consent).
Melbourne author Nevo Zisin’s latest book The Pronoun Lowdown is an excellent, colourful and accessible book that demystifies and celebrates trans and gender diverse excellence. Read this fantastic interview with Nevo about language, research and history.
Feel like listening to an interview? Check out this conversation with Yassmin Abdel-Magied about her latest book Listen, Layla, which is perfect for tweens and younger teens.
