Loan Le’s debut novel A Phở Love Story is an #ownvoices romantic comedy about two Vietnamese-American teens whose parents own competing phở restaurants. A book about identity and family at its heart, Le’s vibrant and three dimensional characters bring the…
‘Fat Chance, Charlie Vega’ review: Crystal Maldonado’s beautifully diverse debut about unconditional self-love
Crystal Maldonado’s debut novel blends body positivity, friendship, romance and an effortlessly diverse cast in a captivating contemporary young adult novel. Fat Chance, Charlie Vega is a book young adult readers everywhere should pick up, but be warned: it will…
‘Cast In Firelight’ review: Get lost in Dana Swift’s debut YA fantasy
Cast In Firelight by Dana Swift opens in front of a towering door of ice, with eight-year-old Adraa and her parents waiting to be let into the home of her future betrothed, the prince of Naupure. Rich with descriptions of…
‘Amelia Unabridged’ review: Ashley Schumacher’s heartfelt debut explores grief and finding your place in the world
Ashley Schumacher’s debut novel Amelia Unabridged gently, yet fearlessly, explores the debilitating nature of grief and trying to find one’s place in the universe. Perhaps the most sobering truth to learn as a young adult is that we are not…
‘We Free The Stars’ Review: Hafsah Faizal’s satisfying sequel
Hafsah Faizal’s debut and New York Times bestseller We Hunt The Flame was one of my favorite fantasy novels of 2019. It was a lush and magical page-turner with instantly likeable characters, an exciting plot, and an enemy to friends…
‘When You Look Like Us’ review: Pamela N. Harris’ timely debut on the plight of missing Black girls
Pamela N. Harris’ timely debut When You Look Like Us calls attention to an urgent epidemic of missing Black girls. Skillfully blending together mystery and social justice, identity and community, hurt and hope, Harris’ When You Look Like Us lends…
‘Lore’ review: Alexandra Bracken brings Greek mythology to New York City in this blood-soaked adventure
Imagine the world of Percy Jackson with The Hunger Games happening every seven years, in which tributes are not children, but the Greek gods themselves. This essentially is the concept of Lore, the latest YA fantasy offering from the lovely…