We have so many exciting Australian young adult new releases this month. Our Book of the Month is a feel-good queer rom-com that our reviewer absolutely adored. We’re also excited by a First Nations fantasy that goes back in time to Australia pre-colonisation. It is utterly brilliant!

Hotly anticipated new novels by Frances Hardinge and Karen McManus have finally arrived, we’re loving a Gothic coming of age story about two very different sisters, not to mention a thriller set in the heat of California. Read on to discover more.

For our children’s round-up this month, look here.

YOUNG ADULT BOOK OF THE MONTH

Dancing Barefoot by Alice Boyle

Patch is out of place at Mountford College – she wears the wrong clothes, she’s not sporty or popular, and she has a secret long-term crush on basketball star Evie Vanhoutte. Evie barely knows Patch exists until an accident involving a bottle of ink and Patch’s school uniform.

Patch is also trying to deal with a jealous school bully, forgetting to be supportive of her transitioning best friend, Edwin, and worrying about a potential new stepmother.

Our reviewer, Aurelia, says: ‘If you’re ever in the need for a feel-good, heartfelt romance, or simply a book to cosy up to like a warm, fuzzy blanket by the fireside, I recommend Dancing Barefoot.’

A charming, queer rom-com for ages 13 and up.

SIX NEW RELEASES TO GET EXCITED ABOUT

The Upwelling by Lystra Rose

Kirra is an Aboriginal high school student and avid surfer. Kirra’s older brother died during a surfing competition years ago, and when Kirra catches a wave on the same break as her brother, she time-slips into a land without European influence. Here, she meets Narn a young Aboriginal man preparing for initiation into manhood, and Tarni, daughter of the clan’s renowned warrior.

While Kirra adapts to life in this strange place, a shadow threatens all living things. Kirra learns she, Tarni and Narn have an important role to play in this community, as do their newly discovered magic powers.

Our reviewer, Angela, says: ‘For fantasy lovers and for those interested in First Nations stories, Lystra Rose is an exciting new voice.’

A thrilling fantasy story for readers aged 13 and up.

Where You Left Us by Rhiannon Wilde

An evocative YA mash-up that’s like Wuthering Heights meets Sherlock Holmes, with Taylor Swift’s evermore as the soundtrack.

Cinnamon Prince is angry. She’s living at home with her rockstar father after his latest breakdown, and she’s stuck in a town where people whisper about the mysterious disappearance of her Great Aunt Sadie. Her sister, Scarlett Prince, is anxious. Most of the time, and also about spending the summer with her sister and barely there dad.

Our reviewer, Stephanie, says: Where You Left Us is a thoughtful coming-of-age reflection on mental illness, queerness and family, set in a Gothic home by the ocean with its own cemetery in the backyard.‘

A story about complicated families for ages 13 and up.

Triple Threat by Katy Warner

Edie Emerson is a triple threat: she can sing and dance and act. But despite being the lead in every musical at Arcadia, she knows her future on the stage is uncertain. At least until the infamous director Toby Swan agrees to stage Romeo and Juliet at the academy.

This show could launch Edie’s career - except she doesn’t do ‘theatre’. And she’s already agreed to star in a new musical written by her best friend, Will. So when Toby casts the annoying-but-hot Noah Winters as Romeo, and he insists on Edie for Juliet, it sets the stage for drama.

Does Edie have what it takes to play the most difficult and complicated role of all: herself?

A story of drama on stage and in life for ages 12 and up.

Unraveller by Frances Hardinge

In a world where anyone can create a life-destroying curse, only one person has the power to unravel them.

Kellen does not fully understand his talent, but helps those transformed maliciously - including Nettle. Recovered from entrapment in bird form, she is now his constant companion, and closest ally. But Kellen has also been cursed, and unless he and Nettle can remove his curse, Kellen is in danger of unravelling everything - and everyone - around him.

A new fantasy from an award-winning writer for ages 13 and up.

Nothing More to Tell by Karen McManus

Five years ago, Brynn quit Saint Ambrose School following the shocking murder of her favourite teacher. The case was never solved, but Brynn’s sure that the three kids who found Mr. Larkin’s body on school grounds know something. Brynn’s ex-best friend Tripp was one of them. Thanks to Tripp’s testimony none of them were found guilty of the murder and now, five years later, the trio are at the top of the school’s social ladder.

When Brynn gets an internship working on a new true-crime show, she decides to investigate what really happened that day. But the further she dives into the past, the more secrets she uncovers.

A page-turning thriller for ages 12 and up.

All the Best Liars by Amelia Kahaney

Best friends Syd, Rain and Brie grew up on the wrong side of the tracks in the stifling California desert, desperately wishing for a way out.

In the end, each of them will escape, but not in the way they expect. One will do it by dying, another by lying, a third by taking the fall. A deadly fire is set two weeks before the end of their senior year of high school and nothing will ever be the same.

Our reviewer, Jennifer, said: 'a gripping thriller full of twists and turns that will keep you up, desperate to know how it ends.’

A twisty thriller for ages 13 and up.

NEWS AND EVENTS

• Stories set in the theatre are having a moment right now! For a round-up of our favourite recent theatre-focused YA, take a look here.
• Our Teen Advisory Board have compiled a great collection of suggested titles to read after you’ve finished the Heartstopper series.
• To help build your manga collection, this month in-store we have a 3-for-2 offer on the first three volumes in a range of bestselling manga series. You can see some highlighted titles here.
• Ellie Marney is publishing a new crime novel in October about code-breaking women. She’s in conversation with Lili Wilkinson about the book at our Readings Carlton store on September 29. Find out more here.
• The much anticipated new book by Nina Kenwood is coming out in October. It’s a hilarious, feel-good rom com about that first share-house out of home. It’s being launched at Readings Kids on October 6th and all are invited. Find out more here.