The most anticipated children's & young adult books of 2020
2020 already feels like a bumper year for new children’s and young adult books, particularly from local talent.
In March we have a new middle grade novel from Jessica Miller, who has previously been shortlisted for the Readings Children’s Book Prize. It is called The Republic of Birds and I have it on good authority that it is brilliant. Also in March, we have a fantastic debut middle grade novel from fantasy author Alison Croggon called The Threads of Magic. In April, we have the second YA thriller from local author Sarah Epstein, which promises to be utterly terrifying. A new Trace Balla graphic novel will also enchant us with exquisite drawings of the natural world. Her first novel, Rivertime, won The Readings Children’s Book Prize in 2015. Balla’s new book, Landing with Wings, makes my heart soar with joy.
In May, we have a beautiful new novel for readers aged 10+ from literary agent and author Danielle Binks, The Year the Maps Changed. It is utterly charming and the characters are written with such empathy, I can’t wait to share it. I already have customers and staff begging for the follow up to the wildly exciting sci-fi YA romp, Aurora Rising, by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, also due in May.
We were quite devastated when the third book in Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor series, Hollowpox, was delayed till August this year, but we keep telling ourselves it is definitely going to be worth the wait. Also in August, we will have a new novel from Readings staffer Fiona Hardy. Her first novel, How to Make a Movie in Twelve Days, was beloved by both staff and customers.
Later in the year there will be a new YA novel from Neal Shusterman, whose Scythe series was one of my top picks for 2019, and a new picture book from US talent Jessica Love about the free spirited character Julian, who first charmed us in Julian Is a Mermaid. There is so much pleasurable reading to look forward to in children’s books this year!
For more information about our most anticipated children’s and YA books of 2020, you can browse more titles here and here.
