★ 06/29/2015
Scelsa debuts with an evocative novel about finding friendship, love, and oneself, as well as the pain that often accompanies the journey. When Jeremy, a shy artist who has kept to himself after a humiliating incident at school left him scarred and vulnerable, meets Mira and Sebby, two sophomores with troubled pasts, the three form a strong bond. Mira, who is struggling to tame debilitating depression, makes Jeremy feel a profound sense of belonging, while his attraction to Sebby, an openly gay foster kid, ignites a passion he’s never known. But Sebby’s demons, Mira’s self-doubts, and Jeremy’s insecurities begin to seem too much for the trio to bear, and their world of shared laughter and easy camaraderie starts to crumble. Scelsa alternates among the perspectives of these three characters seamlessly, allowing readers to feel their raw emotions and deep emotional needs. Themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and resilience resonate strongly, while the characters’ stories are so beautifully told and their struggles so hauntingly familiar that they will stay with readers long after they have finished the book. Ages 14–up. Agent: Brianne Johnson, Writers House. (Sept.)
Maggie Lehrman spent nine years at Amulet Books editing childrens’ and YA novels, including award-winning contemporary realism, fantasy, and historical fiction—and today marks the release of her own YA debut, The Cost of All Things. Part urban fantasy, part magical realism, and part contemporary, it’s a mesmerizing cautionary tale Kirkus calls, “An engrossing, emotionally resonant spin on the old adage: […]
It’s a phenomenal thing that some of the biggest titles of the last couple of years have been LGBTQ, from Scott Westerfeld’s Afterworlds, to Nina LaCour’s Everything Leads to You, to Andrew Smith’s Printz Honor–winning Grasshopper Jungle, to Jandy Nelson’s Printz Award–winning I’ll Give You the Sun—not to mention some of this year’s most highly lauded […]
Every month feels like the best month ever for YA releases, but this time I really, seriously mean it: the sheer saturation of must-reads about to hit shelves is nigh overwhelming. Turn off your phone and climb into your fully-stocked blanket fort. It’s time to read.
The Breakfast Club is one of my all-time favorite movies. It has everything you could possibly ask for: a quirky band of misfits, youthful rebellion, love that crosses social groups, and a great feel-good ending. For anyone who has ever felt like an outcast, or, conversely, anyone who has ever felt stuck in the social role […]
The month of epic releases in glorious numbers continues today, adding heartbreaking and thoughtful contemporary, chilling horror, gender-norm-shattering dystopian, and demonic fantasy to YA. Today, series are starting, series are ending, and your wallet will probably implode (in the best way), thanks to these 12 new kids on the block.