The Teen Advisory Board recommend their favourite reads from The Readings Young Adult Prize shortlist
The Readings Young Adult Prize winner will be revealed in just under two weeks! In preparation, we asked our well-read Teen Advisory Board which of the Prize shortlist books they'd recommend and why.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT EACH SHORTLISTED TITLE? EXPLORE THE SHORTLIST HERE.
Ravi and Melissa recommend Sugar Town Queens by Malla Nunn
Ravi: Sugar Town Queens is an important book that people need to read. It explores race, class, friendship and family in order to illustrate what shapes our identity. These themes, along with strong characters and a rather intriguing mystery, meld together perfectly to form an overall compelling story, and leaves the reader with plenty to think about.
Melissa: Sugar Town Queens it explored some deep themes, especially racism and the hardships that come along with misogyny. Nunn’s writing beautifully captured Amandla’s story and the strong bonds between a mother and her daughter. It was really interesting to read about a biracial main character who feels they don't truly fit in anywhere. Amandla was always considered as 'too white' for the black people and 'too black' for the white people; she comes from an extremely wealthy family but lives in a township with barely enough money for necessities. I like how she was always strong, independent and never let anyone push her around.
Emma and Soleil recommend Sunburnt Veils by Sara Hagadoosti
Emma: Sunburnt Veils was a really engaging story that put together themes of romance, religion and identity in a really good and interesting way.
Soleil: I love that Sunburnt Veils features a romance that doesn't affect the character's journey. It feels like a very honest depiction of city Australia which isn't always presented. There are characters of varying backgrounds. The Muslim perspective is one that is underrepresented, and also misrepresented, in Western media. Tara is a reader so she's very relatable. It deals with traumatic experiences very emotionally intelligently whilst also being a bit of fun. It is very relevant to YA readers as activism is very evident in many teens lives.
Fern and Ananya recommend Underground by Mirranda Burton
Fern: Underground had amazing graphics and drew me in, despite not traditionally being a graphic novel reader. The author has presented an engaging narrative with snippets of information well placed throughout, while also managing to include subtle humour.
Ananya: Underground’s story-telling format makes its unique and allows the reader to stay hooked 'till the very end.
Shania recommends What We All Saw by Mike Lucas
What We All Saw by Mike Lucas was a gripping must read full of twists, jaw dropping moments and scares that are bound to keep you up at night - warning: read this one with the lights on!
Bonnie-Mai and Elli recommend The Museum of Broken Things by Lauren Draper
Bonnie-Mai: With lots of laughter and tears, this debut perfectly encapsulates the societal pressures of being a teenager. Lauren Draper’s writing transported me into this fictional seaside town and made me feel as if I was along for the ride! With a blossoming romance and a thrilling mystery, I’d give anything to read this book again.
Elli: The Museum of Broken Things was an easy read and I loved the Australian setting, considering how American-ised a lot of books are. I liked the tropes used and how it was a mixture of romance and mystery.
Shania also recommends (sometimes you can't choose!) We Who Hunt the Hollow by Kate Murray
We Who Hunt the Hollow showcases Murray's clear talent for realistic world-building, edge-of-your-seat tension and action! Each chapter was more exciting than the last and you won't be able to help yourself from hanging off of every word. Additionally, the LGBTQIA+ representation felt refreshing to read within this particular genre and Murray's raw exploration of mental health really ties the whole book together seamlessly!
