Review: You Have a Match by Emma Lord

You Have a Match by Emma Lord

Published by: Wednesday Books
Released on: January 12 2021 (In the US), March (in AUS)
ISBN: 9781250237309

Read: 4 – 7 January 2021

This is Emma Lord’s second novel. I didn’t read Tweet Cute, but would often see positive and complementary reviews of it crossing my Goodreads updates.

You Have a Match didn’t disappoint. It is my favourite kind of contemporary young adult novel, with a complicated plot, interweaving many layers and themes, while still maintaining a witty romantic tone. The central focus sees main character Abby discover she has a secret full-blooded sister 18 months older. Adjacent to that is her seemingly unrequited crush on her best friend Leo, and a drop in her academic results, partly due to the grief of losing her grandfather, someone who saw her, and listened to her and encouraged her passion for photography.

When new sister Savannah appears as someone put together and totally in charge, Abby’s self-confidence dips even further. Her parents, usually too busy dealing with her three younger rambunctious brothers, have turned their focus on her grades, and she feels much pressure to excel, and its this stress and uncertainty about her future that prompts her to keep Savvy a secret a bit longer and head off on summer camp, pretending she is going to be studying for SATs when in reality, it’s a chance to try to explore her relationship with Savvy and the circumstances of their situation.

Look, there were times when Abby made poor choices of which I was not a fan. Camp brings with it many surprises, one of these being Leo, (a budding chef), and a chance to work on that friendship and hopefully develop it into something more. But of course, miscommunication is the key here, and they spend a lot of time not talking, which is a pity, but which also builds the tension. Another camper, Finn enables Abby’s impulsive tendencies and this in turn jeopardises Abby’s friendship with Savannah. As I say, it’s complicated and (my other favourite word) messy. There’s a lot more that could be said about other characters like Connie and Victoria, the wonders of social media, and the gorgeous dog, but I think I will leave you to discover them for yourselves.

The drama builds, as we speculate on Savvy’s adoption, secrets are revealed, and insights gained. I immersed myself completely in Abby’s voice and sympathized with her, while also holding her accountable for her actions. Towards the end, it becomes a lot more about their parents, which is definitely an important contribution to the story. There’s fun to be had while Abby discovers things about herself and how she relates to others, and I am pleased to report the resolutions are satisfying and tie up most loose ends nicely.

Thanks to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for an advanced copy. Highly recommended to fans of Emery Lord, Jenn Bennett and Sarah Dessen. It’s modern, twisty and inclusive. Savvy’s gay status doesn’t even raise an eyebrow. I am so glad Australia audiences will have easy access by March.

You Have a Match is available now in the US.

Review: Wreck by Kristen Cronn-Mills

Wreck by Kristen Cronn-Mills

Published by Sky Pony Press
Released on April 2nd (in the US)
ISBN 9781510739031

Read 17 – 18 April 2019

Someone said to me, ‘it’s easy to write intensely sad books. All that emotion – very easy to articulate’. And that’s true to a point, but it’s also easy to descend into cliché and predictability. Which is why Wreck is so on point.

The emotional arc of Tobin’s grief never feels trite or superficial. She has always kept a tight rein on her feelings, has always been a quiet, thoughtful child, so finding words difficult when she discovers her paramedic marathon-running father has Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS), isn’t out of character. She spurns a lot of people’s effort to engage her (bf, Gracie #hashtagmonster and Aunt Allison), but takes support from others (Great-Uncle Paul and shy violinist Sid). She starts to tank in school, and throws her heart (metaphorically) into her beloved Lake Superior. But she never cuts herself off from these decisions, always self-aware, and mostly honest with herself and others.

This exploration of grief is slow and detailed. We see the disease catch up with Steve too too quickly, forcing Tobin to adapt to a very new set of life circumstances. Ike her dad’s carer, eventually moves in and the three of them navigate Steve’s withering muscles, as well as his damaged brain. It does take half the book to get to the really awful part of Steve’s decline, but the first part is crucial, so that we see all that is going to be lost—the closeness of Tobin and Steve, the all-embracing life he lives, the absence of her mother, and most surprising of all, the history lesson about the town where they live, Duluth.

Tobin’s family were right there at the beginning of western settlement, and Cronn-Mills deals with the ‘invasion’ in a thoughtful and honest way. Tobin’s reflections on the way the settlers explored and survived in this harsh landscape, and the interactions with the first nations people are a break from the impending tragedy, but also reflect Tobin’s inner confusion and turmoil. Her ancestors paved the way for Tobin’s life, and her love of this place grounds her and gives the story a strong and layered tapestry.

There are moments of lightness: Steve’s dad jokes, Ike’s eternal patience and forgiveness, Tobin’s attempts to create her origin story mashing together X-men and Star Wars figurines, and the six story high duck. And while these serve to illuminate the obvious—life does indeed go on, and we all grieve in our own way—there is no preparing us for the end of Steve’s life. It’s messy, it’s unfair and ultimately heroic. I was a crying mess, basically.

I did love the way that mum doesn’t arrive to save the day, nor do we get a full-on romance. This is real life, and nothing will halt the viciousness of a terrible disease. But Tobin makes us proud, and we know she’ll always have her dad guiding her way. Thanks to Netgalley and Sky Pony Press for this advanced copy. It has been out in the US for a couple of weeks now. Seek it out if you like strong narratives that don’t sugarcoat the world, that create authentic characters and situations, and that allow readers the space to explore grief in complex ways.

Review: The Universe is Expanding and So Am I by Carolyn Mackler

The Universe is Expanding and So Am I by Carolyn Mackler

Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
ISBN: 9781408897041
Released: 6 September 2018

Read: 1 – 3 August 2018

The first book in this series originally came out in 2003, and barely six months have gone by when we start this one. I haven’t read The Earth, My Butt and Big, Other Round Things, but I don’t think I needed to. All the important highlights are given a short explanation, and away we go. I believe that the first book (such long titles) has been re-vamped to cater for this millennial generation and then re-released in June to pre-empt  the new title, but I am still happy to enjoy Virginia’s new story without having to go back to the first one.

Part of this is because we don’t get far into the novel and Virginia is ready to cast aside her boyfriend, Froggy. I suspect it took all of book one for her to win him over, and just like that he’s gone. So yeah, no need to read THAT story. Ha. I am sure there are teenagers who will disagree, and fair enough too. Poor Froggy. Mostly I worry about his name.

The story centres around Byron (did the first one? Oh gosh, do I have to read it after all?) and his alleged rape against a college friend. We agonise alongside Virginia as she struggles with Bryon’s return to court, and his drain on their parents emotions and finances. Virginia is also about to see her sister again who has been in Africa for a year. These turbulent times are exacerbated by meeting a boy who seems to return her attraction.

It’s clear early on that Virginia is a plus size young person. She constantly refers to her body, and although she is okay with how she looks, there are a number of people around her, most especially her parents, who seem determined to bring her down and demean her. I found this aspect of the story most distressing. I wanted her parents to do better, but with all their attention firmly focused on her older siblings, Virginia is free to move around NYC with a freedom of which she takes excellent advantage.

What is shown all the way through the story, but never commented on, is that Virginia walks everywhere. She is active, and eats well, so there’s a disconnect between the way others in the book view her, and the way readers do (if they are observant). She loves her weekly kick boxing class, and feels empowered and part of a group. Of course, her mother spoils that for her, and it’s up to Virginia to take charge of her life and refuse to allow her parents to dictate to her.

While the Bryon storyline is serious and challenging, there’s a light and bright sense of humour and strength that runs parallel. Virginia’s new romantic interest is a decent and caring boy, and the secrets they keep and hide from force Virginia to take some steps forward in maturity level, and it suits her.

Thanks to Bloomsbury and Netgalley for advancing me this copy. It’s out tomorrow here in Australia. Recommended to readers who love a realistic love story that is impacted by other people’s problems. Its tone is a mixture of funny and serious, and the setting of New York plays a major role. Virginia is a brave and proactive protagonist who still needs and takes the time to sort through issues. She’s a great role model.

 

Review: A Date with Darcy by Tiffany Schmidt

A Date with Darcy (Bookish Boyfriends #1) by Tiffany Schmidt

Published by: Amulet Paperbacks
ISBN: 9781419728600
Released: May 1 2018 (US)

Read: April 28 2018

There is much to love about this witty, charming book which offers positive representations and a diverse cast of characters. Our heroine is the clumsy but clever Merrilee who is starting at a (posh) new school, with her best friend Eliza and sister Rory, only to embarrass herself a million different ways on the first day alone. Readers are cringing and laughing and crying at her antics and their repercussions, but we are also warming to her generous and loyal heart.

Schmidt’s attempts to parallel the contemporary story with classics mostly works. I found the first half wherein we follow a Romeo & Juliet narrative not as successful as the second half where we track Darcy and Elizabeth. Merrilee’s impulsive leap into love with the first boy who makes eyes at her is a good introduction to her, and it allows readers to settle into the rhythms of the story. However, the love interest is waay too unrealistic and his attempts at wooing just not plausible at all.

It’s hard to talk about the book without spoiling. However, I enjoyed all of Merrilee’s musings and attempts to fit in and not cause trouble, but also to stay true to her beliefs. The roles of the adults were varied and some were helpful, and others were a hindrance, which is also believable.

It seems this is going to be a two book series, and I understand we will next follow the adventures of younger sister, Rory. But I really hope we also get Eliza’s story too, because she is a most intriguing character. Here she is sidelined to Meri’s wingwoman, and cast in the role of worrying and cautioning. But I really think there’s a lot more to her than that.

There were lots of other issues explored, including privilege and making assumptions about other people (looking at you, Fitzwilliam Darcy), women in politics, and parental expectations (they only do it because they care). I also enjoyed Meri’s personal growth, and how she learnt to stop comparing her life to a book, and starting living the moment, and making her own choices.

A Date with Darcy is lots of fun and recommended for readers who like their contemporaries lighter and more romantic than issued-based. Initially, lots of characters are introduced which is confusing, but eventually they separate into individuals who all contribute to the storylines. It is heavy on the kissing (& more), but it’s not graphic or exploitative. The love interest is well developed and quickly became my favourite character. He is so swoony. The ending is satisfying, and leads nicely into the next book. Thanks to publisher, Amulet and Netgalley for advanced copy. A Date with Darcy is out on May 1.

Review: Now a Major Motion Picture by Cori McCarthy

Now a Major Motion Picture by Cori McCarthy

Published by: Sourcebooks Fire
ISBN: 9781492652380
Released: April 3 2018 (in the US)

Read: April 16-17 2018

A quality contemporary young adult novel successfully combines a number of converging issues, as well an engaging set of characters and a plot that burbles along evenly. Now a Major Motion Picture starts off as one type of book, then evolves into another and along the way, readers are persuaded to think about several timely matters. McCarthy also manages to infuse the story with meta references, which blends inter-sectional and inter-textual themes effectively. Best of all, the novel is never dragged down by its weighty concerns, managing to balance the heaviness with a strong sense of humour and self-awareness.

Initially, Iris’s resentment at being sent by her father to the set of the film production of her late grandmother’s very popular fantasy trilogy, basically to serve as babysitter to her younger brother Ryder, makes us believe this will be a family drama in which Iris grows as a character, learns things about herself and reconciles with her family dysfunction. And it is that. But it’s also her love story, her guilt story, and her connecting to her past story. Little brother Ryder is pivotal to the family drama, but he is also a connection to the larger world—his attempted kidnapping by a crazed fan of grandma Thorne’s novels has soured Iris’s love for the books, and her parents too. It’s hoped that the film might relieve Ryder of his nightmares, and Iris of her guilt in her role in the kidnapping, but it’s going to take a lot more to solve the problem of their emotionally manipulative father, and their absent mother.

Ireland stands in for the fantasy locations, and it’s in this landscape that Iris finds some peace, and of course, a boy who challenges her self-perception, and her hostile attitude to her grandmother. There are two potential love interests, but this quickly becomes a non-issue, thankfully, and while tensions run hot and cold between our two love-birds, they soon become emotionally connected to ensuring the film gets made, and this bond, as well as their mutual concern for Ryder, means they look out for each other, and make suitable sacrifices to prove their love.

A lot of the story revolves around the adaptation of the book into the film. We are reminded of real life scenarios like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, sometimes literally on the page. The constant crossing boundaries of what is real and what is fictional, creates an additional layer of meaning, and fans of these texts will either love it or hate it. There are always so many compromises necessary when adapting a text, and McCarthy seems to have a genuine understanding and I found these sections authentic. She deepens it when the fans intrude into the filmmaking process, and the duality of their passion is again believable and often frustrating. They love the work so much, they actually become a barrier to the production because they fear too many changes, they don’t like the chosen cast, and their viral exploitation of social media impacts on financial resources. McCarthy includes all this seamlessly through the plot, and it never feels like a rant or a plea.

However, there is a soapbox element, which is forgivable because it’s such an interesting and relevant issue. The director of the film, Cate has longed to adapt the novel because it spoke to her as a young female at film school. McCarthy shows us how hard it is for women directors to get their chance, and it’s really moving how much of a role model and mentor Cate wants to be for Iris. Her discussions about feminism, power and political games guide Iris eventually, but along the way, we see how much Cate has put on the line for this film. Her depiction is sympathetic and once again, very timely in our climate of positive change for women and society at large.

Iris navigates this story as a flawed character. She is unhappy, resentful, and full of self-doubt, particularly in relation to her own dreams of becoming a full time musician. While it seems like there is a lot going on, the different issues are all related and converge neatly with Iris gaining much insight into her family’s past, ensuring Ryder is given the opportunity to follow his dreams, and securing the film’s future. Her own happiness is well deserved, and McCarthy does well to not solve all her problems too quickly or conveniently. There’s still a way to go, with her father, the fans of the novel, and her own musical journey. But we leave her in a happy place.

Thanks to Sourcefire Books and to Netgalley for advanced copy. Now a Major Motion Picture did come out in the US a couple of weeks ago, and here in Australia, I urge you to keep an eye out for this complicated, feminist novel. Recommended to readers who like their contemporaries involving and messy. The secondary characters are diverse, and all treated well, with strong backstories. The interplay between the film and the book are familiar to readers who spend time creating their own fantasy cast for a hypothetical movie. It asks passionate fans to reconsider how they use social media, and is often the case, challenges people to always try to be kind. I really enjoyed Iris’s quest.

Review: Amelia Westlake by Erin Gough

Amelia Westlake by Erin Gough

Published by: Hardie Grant Egmont
ISBN: 9781760127152
Released: 2 April, 2018

Read: 12 January, 2018

Both Will and Harriet attend posh Rosemead Grammar, but their experiences couldn’t be further apart. While Harriet has embraced the opportunities—prefect, tennis champ, debater, and all round suck-up, Will is insouciant, subversive, anti-social and all out revolutionary. Their narratives voices are day and night, light and dark, enthusiastic conformist versus crusading rebel. Gough sublimely moves from Will’s angry, cynical tirades to Harriet’s entitled privilege, giving readers insight into an elite school environment where the reality of day-to-day learning butts up against the façade that is presented to the world.

The posh school is a familiar trope to readers of YA. While some books show staff who are caring and hard working, at Rosemead, we are confronted with sexism and casual discrimination. Of course, Will fights against it, while Harriet finds ways to excuse and to defend. We just know that this pair will clash, and it actually happens early on, their battle of wits snarky and flirty (even though they don’t know the other is gay) and the subsequent journey is deliciously fun as well as thought-provoking.

Not only are we privy to the ins and outs of the school, we are also given glimpses into the family lives of our two protagonists. Will’s parents have separated, and she and mum have downsized to an unit in the centre of Sydney, multicultural, loud and vibrant. Her father has moved to Perth, and we learn that Will’s fear of flying is a road block to seeing him. Flight is a constant metaphor weaving though Will’s storyline, and of course, it ties into Harriet’s plot as well.

Harriet’s parents are mouth surgeons, hardly ever home but exerting an unrealistic amount of pressure on Harriet’s academic, sporting, and social life. The number of balls she is juggling is evident in her near panic attacks at the mere suggestion she might drop even one. She’s a hot mess, basically, but incredibly focused and task-oriented.

Whereas Will represents the ‘woke’ young person, engaging in social justice issues and politics, Harriet stands for the sheltered innocent teenage Australian who has been encouraged to believe hard work and aligning herself with the ‘right’ people will bring rewards and happiness. Her many protestations of I didn’t know sound genuine, but we want to see action from her, and real change, and of course, we do and she does. It’s a terrific transformation, and part of the reason why Will falls for her, and hard.

Look, I have barely talked about the plot points at all, but just know Amelia Westlake’s attempts to highlight injustice and discrimination are inspiring and bring unexpected results. The girls discover their true friends, and by the end, there’s a sense that they have made a difference, and have not just stood by and let bad things happen. This is a positive message for young people–that they can help to make the world a better place. They also find each other, and there’s everything lovely about the acceptance of girls loving other girls.

Yes, some of the situations are over-the-top and maybe a little too contrived, but readers of contemporary teen novels will be happy to be swept along by the clever plot, the engaging characters and the joyous love story. Another quality #LoveOzYA novel. Out now in Australia.

 

Review: Miles Away from You by A B Rutledge

Miles Away From You by A B Rutledge

Published by: HMH Books for Young People
ISBN: 9781328852335
Released: March 20 2018 (In the US)

Read: February 8 2013

Okay, so judging by the reviews so far on Goodreads, this is a polarising book. Those who read and view it within the journey-to-find-yourself trope have enjoyed Miles’s voyage to Iceland, and discovered a flawed yet sympathetic character, who (as is the way) makes plenty of mistakes, shows himself initially to be selfish and horny, and whose letters to Vivian (which form the narrative framework) offer poignancy, insight and truthful anger.

Others who read it through a political and social lens, express deep hostility and rage. This is becoming a very familiar reaction – readers offended on behalf of marginalised communities, at the way they are being erased. They are then blasting the author for causing this offense, and I am starting to find myself reacting against these loud calls for these books to boycotted or banned. Sometimes the reader identifies with that particular identity and justifiably call it ‘triggering’. But nobody forces anyone to read anything, so if  a story about a black M2F trans teen who attempts suicide, falls into a coma for 18 months, and is unable to speak for herself to refute Miles’s accusations and memories, then I say this is not the book for you.

I guess my review is written in response to some of these unhappy readers.

Their main argument revolves around the central plot being hinged upon cis white characters whose narrative is dependent on someone ‘lesser’ dying. While Miles is far from cis, he is white, and some would argue privileged and entitled. Interestingly, his identification as demi-sexual also causes angst. Apparently he objectifies other characters way too much, to be demi. I struggle with this concern, because Miles also throws around the terms ‘pan’ and ‘queer’, and his two mothers run programs for LGBTQIA youth, which is how Miles meets Vivian. He constantly proves he is open-minded, open-hearted, and falls for both boys and girls. I understand that the main characteristic of ‘demi-sexual’ is that a person must have an emotional connection before there is sexual attraction, and it’s true that Miles often refers to other characters by their physicality and his attraction to them. Yet, those who he actually makes out with, are all people with whom he has an established bond. All right, so I can’t explain the situation with the French backpacker. But if I accept Miles’s own defence (the sight of two girls making out turns him on), I can sort of see his point of view.

But with every mistake Miles makes, it only becomes clearer how real he is. He is selfish about Vivian’s situation. He is angry at her for her last actions. He is angry she remains in a coma 18 months later, and that  her parents refuse to let her go. He is angry at himself for not noticing, and not being there on the day Vivian made the attempt. He is also in obvious need of some intimacy, a connection with another person, so he’s constantly searching for that. Anybody who argues that he is not traumatised by his situation is misreading his portrayal. He is deeply bereft and completely stuck. While the trip to Iceland helps him to process her situation, Miles remains troubled, and so of course, he is troublesome.

Landscape is obviously a key aspect of the novel. Iceland is remote, alien, but as he befriends Oscar, and develops familiarity with Reykjavik and the surrounding countryside, his confidence grows, he becomes more at peace with how his life now is, and it’s exhausting to watch him try to maintain his rage at the injustice of everything Vivian went through.

There is way more to the legal ramifications of her situation too, but readers can learn that for themselves. What you should know is that Miles’s journey is far from easy, and he fights all the way. While I understand people’s anger about Vivian being used as a prop, there’s also the consideration that statistics show suicide rates are very high in the trans community. Surely we can also argue another point of view: that readers learn more about the plight of under represented communities and can develop empathy and awareness of their situations, and when faced with it in their own lives, they might be better equipped to act more compassionately. This is what books can do – highlight social inequality and the unfairness of the world for us to learn to do better to improve it.

Some of what Miles says about and to Vivian is distressing. But he is grieving and so twisted about her, it’s not surprising that he directs some anger toward her. So yes, if hurt people acting out, and taking ages to recognise their own faults is something that would enrage you, stay away from this book.

I found it lively, fast-paced, and unpredictable. Thanks to publisher HMH Books and Netgalley for advanced copy. Recommended for people who like their contemporaries angsty and controversial. The sex talk and discussions about trans issues are direct and confrontational, and Miles is always thinking about touch, intimacy and closeness. The contrivances of some plot points are hard to ignore, and there is a skeevy character who preyed on a very young man. It’s a tough read, with an open, but mostly satisfying conclusion.

 

 

 

 

Review: In Sight of Stars by Gae Polisner

In Sight of Stars by Gae Polisner

Published: Wednesday Books
Released: March 13 2018 (in the US)
ISBN: 9781250143839

Read: November 9 2017

Klee Alden has been very badly messed up since his father’s death. In trying to repress his despair and grief, naturally he makes things worse, and the first chapter sees Klee reacting to a situation in a dangerous and harmful way. When he wakes up to find himself in the ‘Ape Can’, a mental health facility for young people, we can see it’s going to be a long journey for him.

The story cleverly uses flashbacks and hallucinations to reflect Klee’s troubled state of mind. As the story progresses, and Klee starts to stabilise the narrative becomes less dream-like, and more direct. Secrets are revealed slowly, and we are led through the past eight months of Klee’s life, slowly and deliberately. Some of it is very hard to read, but Klee himself is a likeable character, one that readers want to see improve. We also want to know what’s the centre of his incredible melt down.

We also see the difficult relationship he shares with his mother, and there’s a girl Sarah who is impossible to decipher. We only have Klee’s very biased view of her, and in this sense, he is somewhat unreliable and misled. The other secondary characters have very small, but significant roles—best friend from his previous life, Cleto and current therapist Dr Alvarez who both only want the best for this terribly traumatised boy. I very much enjoyed meeting Sister Teresa Agnes, who may or may not be a figment of Klee’s impressionable mind. Her wise words and quirky ways challenge Klee to look at himself and others in new and enlightening ways.

I love the role Art plays here, and it’s been a recurrent theme in several YA books I have read recently. Art as therapy, as a way to connect with parents, and as an avenue to discovering identity—these are all valid and positive representations of the way can be utilised to great effect. Klee’s art work is very much an integral part of who he is, and that developed from his close bond with his father. The connections are well developed and make for a well crafted novel.

This novel is intense and recommended to those readers who are prepared to go to the depths of despair with characters before pulling themselves out, who like male narrators falling for girls, who show them how to be better, and who appreciate that mental illness is not always something to be cured.

Copy was provide by publisher, via Netgalley and read with thanks. In Sight of Stars will be out (in the US) on March 13.

Review: Far From the Tree by Robyn Benway

Far From the Tree by Robyn Benway

Published by: HarperTeen (US) Simon & Schuster (AUS)
ISBN: 9781471164330
Released: January 2018

Read: December 10 2017

US Cover Hardback edition

AUS Cover Paperback

Robyn Benway’s latest novel, released at the end of last year in the US, was announced as the 2017 National Book Award winner, and it’s a very worthy choice. It has arrived here in Australia in paperback with an adorable cover that is yet again impossible to sell to boys. I realise a story about adopted siblings might appeal more to females of course, so why should they even bother with a gender neutral cover? But it’s a story about belonging, and finding yourself, and this is something in which all teenagers can invest and engage. Oldest sibling, Joaquin is authentically depicted—foster homes upbringing, trust issues, unable to bring himself to believe he deserves a happy home life—is a character who would be easily identifiable by any male teen reader.

Each sibling narrates the story: Joachim, middle child Grace, and youngest Maya. It’s told with thoughtful consideration, and is an emotional book that rings with authenticity. While the two girls were adopted, Joachim wasn’t, and this contrast in their upbringing is only one aspect of their lives that is explored with sensitivity and dignity. Grace’s pregnancy and Maya’s crumbling family situation allow these characters to be seen as flawed, yet trying to be better. The parents and carers of these children are also doing their best, and are presented, in turn, as supportive, confused and some times, apologetic about their actions. It’s all very real.

The best person for me though, is Rafe. Honest, generous and funny. His support and care for Grace is admirable, and could show boys how they should treat the girls in their life.  I highly recommend this family drama for readers who prefer little romance, who like their contemporaries challenging and thoughtful, and who want closure (yes, it’s nicely tied up pretty conveniently).

Lists: Best of 2017: Voices

There were some distinct and pleasing voices this year, as well as the familiar and the unusual. Once and For All (June, Viking Books) is a comfortable voice for Sarah Dessen fans. She delivers in the best way possible, and Louna is a girl of her times. Her home life is unique, her lost love a tragedy, and her new one a blessing. My review is linked to the title. I will continue to read anything this author writes.

Other books here that I reviewed include Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney Stevens (August, HarperTeen), and Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer (April, Bloomsbury). Both Billie and Juliet live boldly with a strong sense of identity. When these are shaken, they learn to reach out to people, and ultimately accept changes with courage and love.

Girls Can’t Hit by E S Easton (July, Hot Key Books) has a humorous voiced narrator – snarky and over the top. It’s a delicious read. Here’s my RSO review.

This is a joyous and over-the-top celebration of girl power. While the main objective is to amuse and entertain, readers are also offered positive messages about feminism, and the choices girls can make to control the way they are perceived and treated. Easton manages to straddle that line between lecturing to his readers and letting them make up their own minds.

Fleur is a laid back narrator who is happy with her safe small world. Her best friends, Blossom and Pip are loyal and familiar. Blossom’s social justice campaigns and Pip’s cautious driving and other social awkwardness provide a lot of the humour, as do Fleur’s hilarious parents. But it’s Fleur growing need to step away from her comfort zone that is at the heart of the story.

Usually on Saturdays, the trio pretend to be Saxons at Battle, the place where the Battle of Hastings took place (in 1066), and Fleur’s decision to take up boxing interferes with their weekly routine. Again, Easton plays a lot of this for laughs, but at the same time, he sensitively explores Pip’s anxiety and Blossom’s confusion at the ways in which Fleur is changing—her interest in women boxers, watching the Rocky movies, and her determination to get fit. As well, Fleur starts to understand her mother’s protectiveness, as she bonds more with her father. It’s a story of friendship and family, although there is a small romantic storyline too.

A delightful read with powerful and positive representations, Girls Can’t Hit is sure to engage your middle school readers who appreciate humour in their fiction.

Stargazing for Beginners by Jenny McLachlan (June, Bloomsbury) also plays for laughs, but this narrator is more nerdy. Meg’s obsession with becoming an astronaut makes her a prime candidate for mockery and bullying, yet her determination and resilience offers a really strong role model for readers. Her journey through the novel from outsider to acceptance is well plotted. Her growing self-confidence and awareness is a joy to watch.

The Other F-Word by Natasha Friend (May, Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc.) was a complete surprise and the voices here are many and varied. These teens find each other online and their emails, messaging and virtual connections are seamless and insightful. They must decide on some very tough choices, and while they consider the impact of meeting their biological father, they also support each other with side issues. It’s really authentic and interesting, and completely off topic, I think adoption, surrogacy, and IVF might be a new trend in YA. Family comes in all shapes and sizes, and these types of novels help to build new representations which of course, is awesome.

And I am done. Thanks for reading. I will do a post about my much anticipated 2018 reads if I can make the time before New Year. Merry Christmas and best of reading to you.