Ten Books One Decade

Putting myself out there to share my highlights of a decade of reading #loveozya novels. These were originally posts on my Instagram and Litsy feeds from Dec 28 to Jan 6.

Tenbooksonedecade

2010

I cannot remember 2010. I was working in a secondary boys’ library and had already been there for 4 years. Enough to feel comfortable. I remember @childrensbookdaily had talked me into returning to uni to complete a Masters of Ed. ‘We need to update our degrees’. Sigh. I only got through one semester because I knew taking on the role of Qld Judge for the #cbcaawards would mean I would be reading (and not much else). I read over 400 books that year, and nearly as many the following.

Melina Marchetta’s return to the world of Francesca and her buddies completely bowled me over—emotional nuance, messy family, and the story of Tom. Shockingly real. I could have picked Marchetta for about four of my years, so it’s only right she’s my first pick of the decade.

2011

While The Piper’s Son didn’t win OR category, my pick for 2011 did. It would be remiss of me not to select at least one Scot Gardner book. His writing over the last 15 years reflect much of the change in YA trends. His male protagonists are often lost (literally), certainly flawed, but always deserve the opportunities to put their lives in order. I especially appreciate that romantic love isn’t a major concern and that friendship, identity and family are strong and welcome features of Gardner’s themes.

The Dead I Know features Aaron, a young man looking for a role model, searching for answers, and the simmering thread of violence is always lurking, ready to pull him into a darker world. Luckily his apprenticeship with John gives him the sense of security and stability he needs. Big shout out to Sparrow (2017) and Changing Gear (2018), which both challenge toxic masculinity norms.

2012

My oldest son slacked his way through Year 12, and I spent the year carting him to gymnastic training and events, choral and orchestra rehearsals and performances, and I took a deep breath after judging for two years, stepping down from reading over 80 #loveozya novels to only 29. Jaclyn Moriarty released a fantasy novel that started the quirky, original warm-hearted series, The Colours of Madeleine which I completely embraced.

Her two lovely main characters, Elliot and Madeleine, swapping letters through a tear between their two worlds, show feisty tenacity, kindness and courage. They are clever novels seemingly light and witty, but that are actually and ultimately multi-layered and terrifically insightful. Her work continues to speak to ordinary people with extraordinary imaginations and startling inner lives. I love everything she writes.

2013

Confession Time: I didn’t read The First Third until 2017. After I read The Sidekicks. After I had conversed with Will. After I left my boys’ school library, where I had pitched it and promoted it. All I can say to 2013 me is what the hell? I didn’t miss the hype. I watched it receive both critical and popular acclaim. All my peers lauded it and the kids loved it and when I finally read it, I accepted its greatness. The First Third is a perfect blend of humour and emotion. Will treats his audience with respect, and he does not pander or preach.  Will is a person of many opinions and a marketing acumen I envy. His stories are authentic, his style is his own, and I can’t wait to see what else he has for us.

Special mention to my other favs: Wildlife by Fiona Wood, Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil and Girl Defective by Simmone Howell.

2014

II went back to study part-time in 2014. My younger son completed Year 12 at the same school as me, both pressures making it a difficult time. Probably the reason why I only read about 24 #loveozya novels. Having said that, I actually predicted 5 of the 6 OR shortlisted books that year (#humblebrag), so there’s that.

The Protected explores grief in exquisite and infinite sharpness. Hannah’s pain is raw and real. Conversing with her dead sister Katie creates unbearable connection. Her parents’ absence is understandable, yet also unforgivable, and it’s astonishing the relief we feel when Hannah starts talking to Anna. Josh’s appearance brings much needed sunshine to what is in essence of story about confronting death and accepting loss. Claire Zorn is an assured, master storyteller. I hope we don’t lose her entirely to the picture book genre.

Other favourites of 2014 include Intruder by Christine Bongers, Are you Seeing Me? by Darren Groth and Tigerfish by David Metzenthen.

2015

This was my most difficult year professionally. I found myself without a job in August, just in time to sort my youngest son into Calvary basic training a week before his 18^th birthday. That and study kept me from despair and trauma. Finding a new job after turning 50 seemed an impossible dream. I only read 18 #loveozya novels, but the highlight was Fiona’s third book in the aptly named Six Impossiverse trilogy, Cloudwish. There was something elusive and mercurial about Van Uoc’s inner voice, such a contrast to her external presentation – wild versus compliant, risky versus accepting, bold versus quiet. She’s a rare find.

Just as important as Fiona’s writing skills, is the fierce support she offers other Australian authors and to the YA community at large through her thoughtful examinations of books and trends. She promotes diversity and inclusivity, and I have gained insights every time I hear her speak.

Other notable mentions of 2015 for me are A Single Stone by Meg McKinlay, The Flywheel by Erin Gough and Lili Wilkinson’s Green Valentine.

2016

I found validation and purpose this year when Pauline from Riverbend Books asked me to read for RSO. I will be ever grateful for her confidence in me. I continue to read for this amazing service – I mean come on; someone asks me to read YA! #luckyandgrateful I also completed my MEd (Knowledge Networks and Digital Innnovations) while I started the process of becoming a supply/relief teacher.

This was a tough year to pick from the 36 novels I read. Three high quality stories, all exploring grief over the unexpected tragic loss of a loved one, could easily have been the one, but two authors have already had other books highlighted (demonstrating their mastery), but on top of that, Cath Crowley’s Words in Deep Blue also focused on books! And bookshops! And the power of words! And included swoony Henry! So, winner. I love this book so much.

The other two excellent #loveozya novels for me in 2016 are One Would think the Deep by Claire Zorn and The Sidekicks by Will Kostakis.

2017

If I thought 2016 was a difficult year to pick a best book, 2017 has been even harder. I read 45 #loveozya books through my ongoing association with RSO and was able to spend significant time looking after other people’s lovely libraries. This made me realise that being able to share my love of teen novels was still something I wanted to do. But I was also asked to speak at several network meetings, PD events, and I started to believe that I would be able to fill my time valuable by helping other library staff. I started applying more seriously for full time work, but also started to formulate a possible plan b. And was less stressed, less anxious.

But back to the wonderful books of 2017. How do I pick between some of the amazing books that were released this year? I could easily select any one of ten books, and if you want to see them all, go here. I made a ridiculous number of lists, two specifically related to Australian YA.

The book I ultimately chose, Because of You by Pip Harry rates highly for a number of reasons. I am going to go back one of many ravs about this book to try to explain… Harry’s inclusive and diverse cast of minor characters carries a subtle message about stereotyping and judging others. The tone is warm and gentle, but the subject matter is harsh and uncomfortable. However, readers aren’t made to feel pity or guilt. Instead they are inspired by the way individuals rise to the challenge to help others… It’s an astonishingly powerful story.

2018

In a year of Lenny (Book of Everything), Merrick (Changing Gear), and Ana and Jono (from Between Us), it is the protagonist of The Learning Curves of Vanessa Partridge who stays with me most of all. I apparently read 49 #loveozya novels this year, helped by me judging the Young Adult category of the Qld Premier’s Literary Awards. Vanessa’s intellectual curiosity about her sexuality and her navigation through unwanted advances was a highlight. The novel also covered environmental issues, parental mental health, and authentic friendships. I loved every complicated, messy thing about it!

This year I returned to a library on a part time basis. It was a perfect re-introduction back to school, and I settled into a rhythm of juggling a number of roles—I haven’t really mentioned my active involvement in CBCA Qld, and this year, I took on President of the Branch, in a year where we hosted the Shortlist and Winner announcement functions. I really fluked it in, because Jenny Stubbs’s team did the work, and I got to be the front line of the credit taking. Seriously, Qld achieves way beyond its means in these spaces. Such a great year!!

2019

This was a tough year – health issues, death of my dad, and returning to work full time meant I was often stressed. However, some new good things happened too – Rhianna Patrick (@ABCRhi) invited me to be a regular on her radio book chat panel and that has been such good fun. Another year as Qld Branch president, a trip to Canberra for the National CBCA conference and judging the Qld Lit Awards kept me involved in kids’ lit while school encouraged me to learn more about coding and programing (eek). There were fewer YA novels released, but more MG, and I have many opinions about that.

This is How We Change the Ending represents Vikki Wakefield’s contribution to YA this decade. Starting with her debut novel. All I Ever Wanted in 2011, all five novels reflect a genuine representation of Australian teens—their desires, their fears, and their triumphs. Her latest sub-verts our expectations and challenges us all to listen to the teens in our lives and support them to find their best selves.

I also completed loved It Sounded Better in My Head by Nina Kenwood.  

So farewell to the short-sighted twenty-teens. May we all save the planet in the twenty-twentys!

The best of the rest 2016: mostly middle of a series

So I have eight (!) other books that I adored, and they are mostly books that sit comfortably into a popular series. Two are firsts in new series, and another is a contemporary romance that is a feel good story by a developing author. So happy new year! Here is my last best of list 2016 on the 1st day of 2017.

 

Night Study (Soulfinders #2) Maria V Snyder (January 2016)

I have read most of the books set in this universe (except the Glass series), and find them compelling and hopeful. Yelena and Valek are wonderful characters. I love that they could easily be given to adult readers, as they don’t talk down or pander to a young audience. Because I thankfully received it from Netgalley, my review at Goodreads is lengthy (& includes spoilers). I am currently waiting (not so patiently) to be approved for the next one (fingers crossed).

Marked in Flesh (The Others #4) Anne Bishop (March 2016)

I found these by accidentally, and slowly over the course of four novels, I have become very attached to Meg and Simon’s little crew. The pattern of each book is familiar–lots of scenes of domesticity in the compound, while outside narrative voices tell of impending doom. No matter how much the humans who know The Others, try to warn the aggressors, their calls go unheeded and everyone suffers. But mostly those ignorant greedy humans. It’s contemporary politics wrapped up in a carefully controlled, beautifully realised fantasy world.

Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1) Cassandra Clare (March 2016)

The highly anticipated latest blockbuster from the City of Bones world did not disappoint. It’s epic, it’s detailed, and it’s great storytelling. As much as I liked it, Lady Midnight didn’t make my list of first in a series because secretly, for me, there was just a little bit too much pandering to ‘shippers of couples from previous series. I think we should focus on Emma and her LA posse, and their troubles. Because believe me, they have plenty!! And I just checked and she’s getting the next one out in May 2017. Awesome!

The Unexpected Everything Morgan Matson (May 2016)

This is messy, complicated, and full of tropes, but it’s done in a way that is thorough, warm, and witty, so it’s hard to find fault with it. Andie is the best kind of narrator–generally a nice person, who just has had it too good up till now, to realise her privilege and her self-absorption. When she loses (what she understands to be) everything, her growth is commensurate with her increase in humility, compassion, and generosity. The secondary characters are well developed, and the situations, experiences, and resolution all feel true. I loved this a lot.

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2) Sarah J Maas (May 2016)

Probably the biggest hit of 2016. I actually read both books this year, which is always better with these epic fantasy novels, involving many characters and plot twists and cliffhanger endings. Sarah J Maas is alternating between two major series, and how she keeps them separate in her head astounds me. Lots of charting and timelines I suspect. Anyway, Feyre is another great character, and her involvement in this immortal war will hopefully mean the awful dudes get what’s coming to them. I am definitely all in for the ride.

The Call Peadar O’Guilin (August 2016)

I thought this was a standalone, but it’s apparently not. More horror than anything else I read, it felt astonishing fresh and incredibly exciting. Dealing with Celtic fey (here known as the Sidhe, pronounced ‘shee’), O’Guilin offers us Nessa, disabled yet stubborn, and full of pride. Her peers are living a nightmare. Any of them (including Nessa) could get ‘the call’ at any time. Disappearing into the world of the Sidhe, they have to survive 24 hours of torture, chasing, wickedness and whatever else these revenging immortals think up. For the people in the ‘real’ world, the whole experience lasts only 2 minutes. This tense taut tale is executed in brazen tones–snark into next week, drama between the teens, mostly useless adult mentors, most of them suffering PDST from their own horrifying encounters, and don’t even ask me how he pulls off that glorious resolution. It’s a killer!

A Torch against the night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) Sabaa Tahir (August 2016)

The importance of world building in paranormal action novels should never be downplayed. It’s crucial that the landscape could exist, and Tahir pulls off this dystopian Ancient Roman alternate history like a pro. There is much reliance on violence to try to curtail the actions of the resistance, but that just makes the story stronger. Our heroes, Laia and Elias, are pulled through some rough circumstances, requiring tough choices, and readers must be prepared for a long haul here, before we see some light. Gosh, it’s good.

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) Sarah J Maas (September 2016)

The other popular tome of the 2016 clocks in at nearly 700 pages, and to have made it all the way through to that ending requires not only persistence, but also patience with Maas, because I am certain our feisty queen, Aelin, DID NOT  deserve that. You can tell I remain riled up when I ‘caps lock’ text. Luckily we only have to wait a year… I still don’t know how she does it. Two blockbusters a year. Hope she’s getting some sleep.

That’s it for 2016. Hope you’ll join me again soon, for more reviewing, some useful lists, and my anticipated reads for 2017. Have a happy and safe New Year’s Eve. I am off to watch ‘Sing!’

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best of 2016: Final books in series

I wanted to stick to three books in each of my ‘best of…’ categories, but this one just would not stay within the rules. I have had to stretch to six, because each book and each series are testament to the quality of work that YA readers are lucky to have. They are all amazing and bring to an end magical stories that will stand the test of time. These were all the series I finished in 2016, but I would still like to see how The Last Star by Rick Yancey, resolves the The Fifth Wave series, and I have all the books in Marie Lu’s Young Elites, and Claudia Gray’s Firebirds Series which both concluded in 2016. I want to read them too.

The Winner’s Kiss (Winner’s) Marie Rutkoski (March 2016)

In my Goodreads review, I wrote how perfectly this ended. It was slow, and our heroes spend a lot of time apart, but that is crucial to ensure all the pieces fell into place authentically. Kestral and Arin battle inner demons and external enemies to finally confront both head-on. I loved every minute of this book and series. A re-read for sure.

A Tangle of Gold (The Colours of Madeleine) Jaclyn Moriarty (March 2016)

I was fortunate to receive an early copy of this and gushed about it at Reading Time. All the words I want to say about this original and clever series are there. I loved loved loved this series.

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle) Maggie Stiefvater (April 2016)

I was anxious to delve into the fourth and final Raven Cycle book, not surprising since almost from the first page we know Blue will kiss her true love and he will die. Although it was released in April, I didn’t read it till August. And Stiefvater nails it. It’s brilliant. Gansey, Adam, Ronan and newly introduced Henry, battle and triumph, and the ending is so Maggie! (muscle cars!!)

The Ocean of the Dead (Ship Kings) Andrew McGahan (August 2016)

Another one I reviewed at Reading Time (always there for series books that no-one else has started. Ha). This is more literary, more middle years, more adventure than action, but McGahan’s weaving of myth and legend, twisting in destiny and fortune, is astonishing. Amber Dow remains elusive and wondrous, and the nautical descriptions provide a rich backdrop. Epic fantasy at its finest.

Shield (Spark) Rachael Craw (September 2016)

New Zealand author Rachael Craw has written a highly engaging and explosively action-packed series with Spark. I raced through each book, with my heart tripled beating and my butt on the edge of my seat. Protagonist Evie barely gets any down time as she learns to navigate her new existence, and Shield does not let up the speed. Evie’s team has grown, but her enemies have multiplied too. She is prepared to sacrifice everything to keep her loved ones alive, and Craw really makes her struggle real and tense. I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows) Leigh Bardugo (October 2016)

This is only a duology, but Bardugo shoves about five books worth of plots and characters into these two. Billed as a paranormal heist story, it’s populated with many endearing (if not completely law-abiding) heroes. Unfortunately, they can’t all survive the dangerous exploits, so there is a fair amount of sadness here too. It is also impressively diverse, inclusive, and the snark and romance is strong and appealing. I read both books, one after the other this year, and Crooked Kingdom has cemented Bardugo as the go-to author for young adults.

Because I can’t help myself, I will be back tomorrow with eight (!) more books I couldn’t leave out.

Best of 2016: Social issues

Contemporary books are usually labelled ‘issues’ books, which can be limiting and judgmental. Young people have an opportunity to view these concerns through the lens of fiction, and figure out their own responses. It also allows kids to see themselves in books, and hopefully work out they’re not alone. On the other hand, even if these problems are not theirs, the fact they’re reading about them will allow them to develop compassionate and empathy for others who might be experiencing such difficulties. Trust me, these types of books are win|win. This is the broadest of my contemporary categories, and many books can be slotted here. Two others I read that I want to also mention are Michael Ruben’s The Bad Decisions Playlist (August 2016) and Tara Eglington’s My best friend is a goddess (October 2016). Both offer fresh and clever perspectives on coming-of-age themes, and personal growth.

 

The Smell of Other People’s Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock (April 2016)

Narrated by four young people, set in Alaska in 1970, this book is both quirky and serious. They have all suffered various forms and degrees of parental abuse, and while that is shocking and traumatic, the four step up to rescue their siblings, their friends, and their situations, through the course of the story and ultimately rescue themselves. It’s a redemptive novel, full of resilience and hope and compassion.

The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis (September 2016)

This is an angry book, shouting its head off about rape culture specifically, and the treatment of women in general. Alex is a character born of rage and despair. Her older sister, murdered, is the catalyst for Alex’s wild and extreme behaviour. But when the deeds of young men are explained the way they are here, it’s not hard to want to cheer Alex on, and secretly wish for her revenge. Oh it’s a dangerous book, full of dangerous ideas. And so much anger!!

Holding up the Universe by Jennifer Niven (October 2o16)

After All the bright things, there’s been a lot of expectation placed on this author. It lived up to all of that, mostly because while dealing with very serious issues (face blindness, and being extremely over weight), it also celebrates these teenagers for trying to live their best lives. Libby and Jack are flawed characters, but they are also a product of external forces–the death of Libby’s mum, and Jack’s inability to recognise faces. It’s a brave novel, fun of realistic circumstances, resilient people, and a inspiring resolution.

My almost last post of the year fittingly will cover those series which concluded. I have six favourite ones!

 

 

Best of 2016: Mental Health

This is a tricky and sensitive topic, and it’s a brave author who takes it on. Often, there will be a note after the story where authors reveal their own struggles with neurological difficulties, and this only adds layers of poignancy to the fiction. These books are often the most confronting to read–the characters are damaged, battling demons and sometimes doing it alone. My two honourable mentions are like that: Girl in Pieces by  Kathleen Glasgow and Paper Butterflies by Lisa Heathfield. Both main characters are damaged through external forces (child abuse and neglect), but other books show characters whose conditions are internal, a result of brain illness. The range of books in this genre is expanding all the time, and as long as the presentations are sensitive and compassionate, it’s good that it is.

When We Collided by Emory Lord (April 2016)

I read this back in January, and images still play in my head. I found the intense relationship between Vivi and Jonah dazzling yet of course, unsustainable. They way they lean on each other, that precise moment they meet when they most need the other, it’s a tour de force. I was left weeping and laughing. I wanted it to be resolved in exactly the way it did, and yet, it’s heartbreaking and real.The representation of this particular neurological disorder is uncommon in YA. It’s so great that this book exists, but even better that it’s such a quality piece of literature.

Nothing Tastes as Good by Claire Hennessy (August 2016)

A complicated story set in Ireland, about a dead girl, Annabel who wastes away because of her anorexia, told that in order to receive her greatest wish, she must assist Julia, an overweight senior high student running the school newspaper. Annabel thinks she must stop Julia eating, but it’s not that simple of course. The reasons behind Julia’s weight gain are disturbing and quite adult. This book doesn’t shy away from confronting issues teenagers face. Anorexia is called an illness here, and body dysphoria  continues to plague both young women and men. While the issues are weighty, the treatment of them is quirky and honest. I was upset by the information, yes, but also entertained by Annabel and Julia’s narrative voices, and their strength and growth.

The Best Possible Answer by E. Katherine Kottaras (November 2016)

This was another find on Netgalley, probably not out in Australia yet, but certainly worth tracking down. Viviana’s anxiety consumes the novel, and its depiction shows how debilitating they can be. But the story also shows her working through her issues realistically. There is a lot going on in this book, and my longer review is posted at Goodreads.

On Wednesday I include other books that offer social concerns that aren’t quite depression or grief.

Best of 2016: LoveOzYA

My three favourite Australian young adult books make the list for very different reasons. They each elicit powerful emotions from readers, as they present diverse and authentic portrayals of teenagers grappling with personal demons and public concerns as best as they can. Each book is a tiny glimpse into life in 2016, and represent the best examples of Australian YA authors. There are other favs that made other lists (One would think the Deep; A Tangle of Gold; Bro; The Road to Winter; Here’s the Thing; Our Chemical Hearts; The Ocean of the Dead; and mentioned like When Michael Met Mina, My Best Friend is a Goddess, Breathing Under Water, and The Yearbook Committee), so here I would like to acknowledge two more excellent novels, Everything is Changed by Nova Weetman and The Special Ones by Em Bailey. It’s been a stellar year for Australian young adult novels.

The Sidekicks by Will Kostakis (February 2016)

I read about four versions of this book prior to release. I love how complicated it is, and how much we have to work to understand and appreciate the character of Harley. It’s easy to love and sympathise with closeted Ryan and sidelined Miles, and of course Isaac is present through the story, and remembered with a sharpness of regret. I also value the nuances in the adult characters, who could have so easily been one dimensional. It’s a personal, yet universal narrative, and Kostakis deserves all the accolades.

Another Night in Mullet Town by Steven Herrick (May 2016)

Returning to verse, Herrick touches on several timely issues in his usual style, which offers healthy and positive depictions of straight, Australian teenage boys. His ability to create likable larrikins is often under-acknowledged. The themes of development versus community, and privilege are reflected in both the adults and the young men. Best of all is Herrick’s smart, concise story telling ability. He doesn’t waste a word. We are left hopeful for the future of Turon (Mullet town), and for the boys who make it their home.

Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley (September 2016)

Such anticipation for this story, and it did not disappoint. Full of tropes (grieving sibling, fractured families, and lost friends), but is balanced so beautifully by lyrical prose, bittersweet resolutions, and a love story for the ages. Also, books, reading, letters, bookstores, transmigration, and a love of words. It’s rich with literary and pop cultural references, snarky dialogue, and flawed, authentic characters. Will require several re-reads, and should scoop many awards.

Next Monday, come back and read about my top books dealing with mental health issues.

Best of 2016: LGBTQIA

This is the other category that demands more than three books. Because if we want to represent as many of the letters as possible, well, we have to open the field. Not all the full spectrum of the rainbow is here. I am sure the books exist, I just didn’t have a chance to track them down, and read them all, unfortunately. But two others that I also loved include Girl Mans Up by M E Girard  (September 2016)and The Other Pants by M G Hennessey (more of a middle grade book, which is excellent in itself) (also September 2016).

This Song is (not) for you by Laura Nowlin (January 2016)

I read this almost a year ago, and still have strong memories of it being different and more socially conscious than a lot of teen novels. Ramona wants to save the environment, bring peace to war torn countries, and she acts locally too. Big dreams. Sam and Tom add their narrative voices, and this threesome is quirky and eventually learn to care little for how others define them. I love how they refuse to adhere to labels, and find spaces for each other. The parents in this novel play positive, and supportive roles which is great to see. It’s unusual and challenging. I know I haven’t explained how it fits into this category, but I wanted it to be spoiler-free. If you want to know more, my long review is at Goodreads.

Drag Teen by Jeffrey Self (April 2016)

Nobody dies in Drag Teen, and TJ’s theatrical identity crises are more angsty fun than dark drama. Also road trip!! On his way to take part in a drag competition for teens (what else?) to win himself cash to help attend college, TJ works through his lack of self-belief, deals with the fragile bonds of friendship, and strengthens his love with Seth. Celebratory, offering a different type of queerness, it’s bold and big (as the wigs) and sparkly (as the diamontes), and says much to kids who have flamboyant and dramatic dreams. An off-beat adventure.

If I was your girl by Meredith Russo (June 2016)

Russo’s story of a transitioning teenager is a bit darker. There are issues with bullies, requiring Amanda to move in with her father in another state. She tries to keep under the radar, and hide her secrets, but they always have a way of getting out. Lucky by this time, she has support, she has gained confidence, and there’s even a boy who likes her. So, even though there are difficult times to navigate, it offers more hope than hurt. Which is good, because there needs to be more happiness in these sorts of books.

You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour & David Levithan (June 2016)

Another celebratory novel, full of queers across all points of the spectrum, working out ordinary everyday teen issues – friendships, unrequited love, built up expectations, getting in underage to a dance club, basically experiences all teens (should get to) face. These kids just happen to be mostly gay. It’s glorious. I really appreciate the philosophy about living in the present. Too often teens books point readers to the future. The dual narrators work seamlessly and aren’t *shock! horror!* romantically linked. It’s so great. Platonic love is just as important here as romantic love. I enjoyed this a lot. Here is my review at Reading Time.

It Looks Like This by Rafi Mittlefehldt (September 2016)

The darkest and saddest LGBTQIA book I read this year. I know I shouldn’t give away spoilers, but seriously we need to move away from the trope of death to make a point, and for people to see they need to mend their ways. Mike’s narrative is quiet and seemingly ordinary, but the gaps are large and horrifying. Gay conversion centres are an actual thing, and in today’s political climate, it’s timely to make them part of the YA literature conversation. Another one that I reviewed at Reading Time.

Here’s the Thing by Emily O’Beirne (October 2016)

An unexpected pleasure. O’Beirne is Australian but publishes with Ylva Publishing, a European company focusing on women’s literature, particularly lesbian fiction. It’s a good fit, and this book, Emily’s fourth, is excellent. Zel’s voice is wonderful, confident yet hesitant. She’s a photographer, and Art pretty much dominates the discussion between characters, and drives the plot. It’s terrific. The settings alternate between New York and Sydney, and nice contrasts are set up between seasons and destinations. There are also a range of well developed secondary characters that are integral to Zel’s character development. The tone is fresh and appealing. Because I snagged it from Netgalley, I wrote a long review at Goodreads.

On Friday, I want to highlight my three favourite Australian YA novels (sooo hard to pick).

Best of 2016: Grief & Loss

This has to be a category of its own, because it has been the stand out ‘issue’ of not only 2016, but the year before as well. These three books dealt with the loss of a loved one in the most authentic ways, taking readers on heart-breaking journeys of anger and hurt through to poignant moments of healing and acceptance of loss. Other stand-out books in this category are Breathing Under Water by Sophie Hardcastle and Spontaneous by Aaron Starmer.

The Square Root of Summer by Harriet Reuter Hapgood (May 2016)

This is quirky and sharp. Main character Gottie has already lost her mother, and now her beloved grandfather, Grey is gone too. The exploration of grief is played out in Gottie’s physics-obsessed mind, and she starts to believe she is time travelling, visiting crucial moments in her past. Gottie is socially awkward and reclusive. The return of the boy who used to be her best friend, ties her in more knots. Her portrayal is in part cringe-worthy and part hilarious. She’s a one of a kind. Landscape and the inclusion of German words are significant, and reflects Gottie’s confusion and loss permeating the pages.

One would think the deep by Claire Zorn (June 2016)

One of my top five reads of the year, mostly because it produced visceral reactions. Physical pain when Sam witnesses his mum’s collapse and death, genuine fear when he flies into violent rages, deep concern when he loses his way and seems to give up on his future, then real hope when his family starts talking to each other, and finally satisfaction when he wants to rebuilds. It’s a journey of despair and darkness through which Sam emerges stronger and lighter. I walked every step with him. And every step hurt. It’s another book I reviewed at Children’s Books Daily.

Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland (October 2016)

While this book offers much that is troupe-y and familiar, I did find its extraordinary depiction of Grace fascinating. She’s meant to be a learning lesson for Henry, the MC, and we only see her through Henry’s eyes, biased and in love with the idea of her instead of the real her. Yet by the end, Grace has developed into a complex and vivid creature who ultimately steps beyond the confines of the pages to become something more. Her loss and grief spill over everything, and it’s messy, confronting and painful. Yes, it’s been done before, but I do love a novel with this much snark and bite.

On Wednesday I talk about my favourite genre–the colours of the rainbow. LGBTQIA.

Best of 2016: We need diverse books

This movement gained traction in 2016, and looks to only build more. There are of course, discussions around the right to voice particular groups, but at its core is the belief that we need to see more inclusion and diversity in all our books. Young Adult novels lead the way because we know how critical it is for young people to see themselves on the shelves in bookstores and libraries. Other books to just miss out on being included are When Michael Met Mina by Randa Abdel-Fattah and The Yearbook Committee by Sarah Ayoub. Both are excellent narratives.

Bro By Helen Chebatte (February 2016)

When I reviewed this, I likened it to a contemporary mash up of The Chocolate War, The Outsiders, and junior Fight Club. Our protagonist, Romeo exists within a hot bed of multicultural groups, all macho-ing it up at one Christian school in the Western Sydney suburbs. It’s a genuine depiction of frustration and anger, through which Romeo is trying to navigate safely. Of course tensions escalate, and this cautionary tale cuts through all the drama to send a clear message—we need to try harder to get along. Timely and strong.

Hell and High Water by Tanya Landman (July 2016)

Caleb is bi-racial, living in 1780s England, following his father around cities and towns as he performs puppet shows for entertainment. Caleb is responsible for staging and costuming, loves his father without question, and believes there’s good in the world. It doesn’t take long for everything to change. The narrative is fast-paced, and Caleb must face corruption, betrayal, and murderers to restore his family’s reputation, and his own belief in others. Engaging, and inclusive, this story also challenges gender roles, and other damaging stereotypes.

The Sun is also a Star by Nicola Yoon (November 2016)

This recent release is a antidote to the many grief-filled contemporary novels out there. While it deals with troubling issues like undocumented immigration and family dysfunction, its emphasis on attraction and the science of love is a tribute to young people, fearless in their self-belief, and strength of will. Natasha, Jamaican-born, rational, and determined meets Daniel, Korean descent, poetic and starry-eyed. It’s more of a clash than a connection, but through one day, they build rapport, challenge each other, and realise the significance of coincidence and destiny. It’s a grand adventure.

Come back Monday when my focus moves to books about grief and loss.

Best of 2016: Music

I read quite a few books that included musical references, but books with characters who play, compose, and live for their sound were more rare. There was another that could have easily been included – Kissing Ted Callaghan, and the reason PS I like You got the nod is that it is actually published in 2016, where the Amy Spalding book was initially released in 2015, but Australia only got it this year. A technicality, but it’s something to make the choice clear (if not easier).

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West (July 2016)

Kasie West is building a reputation for strong romance novel, covering serious issues in light yet thoughtful ways. The love story is naturally most prominent, but the plot needs more, and this one starts out with song lyrics, builds to a mysterious pen pal, and while Lily tries to trust her heart, she also deals with stage fright, and a lack of self-belief in her song writing ability. It’s fun and flirty,and there’s family, and friendship drama, and great messages about positive relationships, honesty, and being true to yourself.

Freedom’s Just Another Word by Caroline Stellings (September 2016)

This could have slotted into the historical category, but Easy’s voice, her determination to make it as a blues singer is a stronger plotline than the 1970s setting. It could have also slotted easily into the diversity category (man, this book had me hopping!), because Easy’s positive bi-racial representation is fabulous. But when Janis Joplin makes an appearance, and encourages Easy to follow her dreams, well, that seals the deal. It’s a book about music, about being brave and taking risks (and road trips!). My full review is here.

We are Still Tornadoes by Michael Kun and Susan Muller (November 2016)

Another story set in the not-too-distant past, well okay the ’80s, where we meet Scott and Cath, friends from childhood, separated when she leaves to attend College, and Scott doesn’t. The story is told through their letters back and forth (hence setting it before the Internet), as Cath tries to navigate her first year away from home, some shocking news about her parents’ marriage, and of course, missing Scott, who feels left  behind. His music and the band he forms keeps him from falling into a deep slump. It also provides a vibrant soundtrack for a bittersweet, slow burn friendship-into-romance novel.

On Friday, I want to highlight three books that encompasses diversity.