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.

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!

Review: Save the Date by Morgan Matson

Save the Date by Morgan Matson

Published by: Simon & Schuster Australia
ISBN: 9781471163883
Released: July 1 2018

Read: May 3 – 5 2018

It is very exciting to be part of the #AusYABloggers reading tour for Morgan Matson’s newly released Save the Date. While there are lots of places to purchase the book, I have decided to link my review to Riverbend Books, in keeping with my philosophy to #buylocal and also, to support #indiebookshops. Even if Riverbend isn’t in your local neighbourhood, they have an excellent online service, especially for schools looking to purchase quality texts for their collections.

Here are other #AusYABloggers who are sharing their thoughts and giveaways about Save the Date today:

Thoughts by Tash – Blog review + GIVEAWAY
Jessica’s Bookworld  – Blog review
Jasper + Spice  – Blog review
One Bookish Girl – Blog review
Alliee reads – Blog review

This is the fourth Morgan Matson novel I have read and loved, and her stories keep getting better. Her books are often classified as summer romances, but they actually deal with serious issues in detailed ways. These aren’t light, thin stories. They are long and complicated, and show the messiness of life. It’s pleasing to see the topics covered are more likely to be actually experienced by the majority of teens—family drama, future career opportunities, and of course, picking the right bloke—which make them more appealing that a book that might use cutting, drugs or an eating disorder as a way for main characters to develop identity and self-growth. Obviously some readers can relate to those kinds of books, but in my everyday interactions with young people, most of them live ordinary middle class lives, and their experience of extremely risky behaviours are confined to watching Riverdale and Game of Thrones.

The first thing to note about Save the Date is its humour. Matson has injected much fun and silliness into this wedding disaster tale. There have been enough reality television programs about bridezillas and getting married to strangers, for us to be aware of potential catastrophes. While it’s helpful to be familiar with American traditions not seen here in Australia, it isn’t absolutely necessary to know about the wedding rehearsal and dinner that occurs the night before, to truly appreciate how awful it is that the wedding planner goes AWOL after her company discovers fraudulent behaviour on that exact day of Linnie and Rodney’s wedding weekend.

Linnie is most definitely NOT a bridezilla, but her younger sister and main character Charlie, is utterly committed to ensuring her weekend is perfect. The obstacles that Charlie has to overcome to save the wedding show so much more about her character than three chapters of exposition.  The majority of the novel takes place over the four days of the wedding, so we are given access to every bit of drama and disaster. Of course it’s all very entertaining, but as we cheer Charlie on to rescuing the event, we slowly become aware that we are observing a girl who has always put her family first, and that her perceptions of them are magnified through rose-coloured lenses.

Charlie has a lot to learn about her four beloved older siblings, partly because they have been protective, partly because they love her devotion to them, and partly because they are thoughtless. We can see how flawed they all are, but to Charlie, they are her heroes, her best friends. Which makes actual best friend Siobhan upset, every time Charlie ditches her the minute her family reappear. We discover quite early that one of Charlie’s brothers, Mike might not even come for the weekend because of a ongoing dispute with their parents, causing much of the early tension. But he’s not the only sibling to bring disruption, ultimately challenging Charlie’s sense of safety and comfort.

This is very family-centred, with more revealing  complications and secrets, but it’s also a romance, of course. Charlie’s crush on Mike’s best friend Jesse, has lasted forever, and it seems like now, finally, he sees her like a potential girl friend, although Charlie’s encounters with him show us something different. Then there’s Bill, newly appointed wedding planner, with whom Charlie is forced to spend a lot of time as they work together to solve a hilarious number of ridiculous problems. His calm attitude is offset by his growing understanding of Charlie’s situation, and even though he doesn’t judge her, he does question Charlie’s preconceptions and attitudes about her family, friendships and future. Matson doesn’t push insta-love (mostly because Charlie is initially all about Jesse), but she does show a naturally developing friendship, one that Charlie needs and appreciates, that has the potential to be more.

The concluding chapters tie most of the loose ends up satisfactorily and leaves others open-ended. It’s really the perfect way to finish a book—readers should always walk away from a book with some questions, as well entirely happy about the situation involving the protagonist. Here, Charlie morphs from a girl unable to deal with change, to a realist who has to accept that life is change. She finds a way to forgive her imperfect family, and uses that to propel herself into her own future. It’s a really strong message for young people to hear.

I will easily be able to find readers for this enjoyable, thoughtful and romantic novel. Thanks to Simon & Schuster Australia for including me on this blog tour. Save the Date comes highly recommended, and is one I will re-read for sure.

The Tour concludes tomorrow with reviews posted here:

AusYABloggers – Twitter GIVEAWAY
Paperback Princess – Blog review
Genie in a Book – Blog review
shelle_reads_books – Instagram review
Diva Booknerd – Blog review

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.

Lists: Best of 2017 LGBTQIA

It’s been a strong year for queer YA, and I think the release of the film, Love, Simon, based on Becky Albertalli’s Simon Versus the Homo Sapien Agenda has something to do with that, and will open doors for even more literature depicting positive representations of all sorts of teens, but particularly those who sit somewhere on the queer spectrum. You’ll actually find other LGBTQIA books on my other lists too.

Future Leaders of Nowhere by Emily O’Beirne (March) I have been raving about O’Beirne’s books for a couple of years now. Contemporary Australian coming-of-age stories about gay girls that have a fresh voice. I reviewed both Future Leaders, and its sequel, All the Ways to Here (November) here. Willa and Finn are searching for meaning and stability. They support each other, and are stronger for their love for each other.

Noteworthy by Riley Redgate (May) I don’t know if this is readily available in Australia, but look out for it. It’s such a strong novel with a poor Asian scholarship student transforming herself to a boy to join an all male an elite a cappella octet called the Sharpshooters. I think it’s the longest review on here. God, I loved this. Interestingly, MC Jordan’s possible bisexuality is not the biggest question of the story. Read with glee (sorry, can’t help myself).

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli (April) A companion novel to Simon Versus the Homo Sapien Agenda, Albertalli introduces twins Mollie and Cassie, who each deal with issues, primarily romantic endeavors, that are equally sweet and thoughtful. Again, this novel is filled with inclusion elements, and a powerful overriding sense of celebrating who you are. Can’t wait for her collaboration with Adam Silvera.

Release by Patrick Ness (May) A deeply personal, intimate story, Ness shows us one day in the life of Adam Thorn. Set in small town America, Adam is the son of a preacher, and is about to say goodbye to his first love. As he experiences this day of tumultuous highs and lows, Adam shows us what helps him through: a best friend, a new love, and his own strength and resilience. It wouldn’t be Patrick Ness without a parallel story of the ghostly  kind. It’s dense and dark, but ultimately hopeful.

We are Okay by Nina LaCour (February) I keep going on about this one. My review was posted at Children’s Books Daily.

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee (June) For a book that I loved so much, I have not raved about it much. But it’s been getting rave reviews everywhere else, and was voted one of the top books in the Young Adult Fiction 2017 GR Choice Awards. My short review is here.

My mystery list which was actually supposed to be posted today will be published on Sunday.

 

Review: Dawn Study by Maria V Snyder

Dawn Study by Maria V Snyder

Published by: Harlequin Teen Australia
Released: February 2^nd 2017
ISBN: 9781848456891

Read: January 20 2017

The final book in the Soulfinders series is complex. I don’t envy Ms Snyder her task to devise all the plotting and planning required to shift this many characters around so many different circumstances and locations. Of course she handled it with surety and ease. I never felt confused or lost. I was able to keep track of Yelena, Leif, and Janco, and even when we met up with Heli and the Stormdancers, there was enough backstory and exposition to assist my understanding without dragging the pace of the narrative.

As is par for the course, Valek and Yelena often separate to complete different tasks or missions, and consequently, readers are often on the edge of their seats as they continually put themselves in danger in order to make sure there’s peace for the other. It’s noble and always been the way with this amazing pair of heroes. Both suffer a great deal in this book, and it wouldn’t be anywhere near as good if the herd had an easy time of it. This battle is hard fought, hard won and worth every minute of the read.

Everyone has a part to play to beat Bruns at his own game. Much about his plans and his allies are revealed through the story, some of it alarming, but it all fits in with the series, right back to the original trio of books (the Study Series). Snyder has created consistent theories, which show her ability to plan for the long term. I am interested to see what she moves on to next. Considering all her books fall in the Chronicles of Ixia series, there’s a good chance there will be more set in this universe. Yay.

Let’s talk a little about the ending. It’s perfect. There, that’s enough, surely. A little more? Okay. Snyder doesn’t rush through the happy scenes. We are given lots of information about all the characters, and most of them end up where we expect and would want them. That does mean there are some farewells and departures, which evoke some tears and sadness.

I very much enjoyed this book and know it will satisfy everyone who has followed Yelena and Valek to this point. Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Teen Australia for advancing me this copy. I have seen at least three different Australian release dates, so I am going to promote the one on the publisher’s site. Released February 2^nd 2017.

Recommended for readers who love their fantasy, with strong world-building, and brave, resilient characters. The relationships are adult, but there is a positive range of ages, from young children through to grandparents who are all determined to do their bit. The banter is snarky, the characters depict diversity, and Snyder affirms that family are chosen as well as determined through blood. Brings this series to a close.

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: 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.

Review: Winter & Summer: Short Story companion collections

It’s taken me about a week to work my way through these collections, 12 stories in each. I alternated one from My True Love Gave to Me (hereby referred to as Winter), and one from Summer Days and Summer Nights (shortened to, you guessed it, Summer), although something happened at the end, and I had to read the last two Summer stories consecutively…but that’s neither here nor there. For those of you who do care, here are some simple stats and happy coincidences. (Although I am more than happy to give credit to Stephanie Perkins to her amazingly, psychic powers resulting in me being able to make these patterns).

• Each book has stories by three authors whose work I hadn’t read previously
• Each book had five stories with magical or wondrous elements, and seven that didn’t.
• After I read David Levithan’s snarky and bittersweet boy-loves-boy Winter story, Your Temporary Santa, I found myself reading Tim Ferderle’s snarky and bittersweet boy-not-so-much-loves-boy in the Summer compendium, Souvenirs. Loved them both obviously.

Hmm, thought I had more than that.

Anyhoo… moving right along, these books work in companion because here in Australia we celebrate Christmas in the summer, so I read Winter for the seasonal feels, and I read Summer for, well, clearly the heat, and the beaches, and the swimming, and the sweating, through which I am currently suffering enjoying. Well, the swimming at least.

I can’t talk about all the stories, but I do want to highlight a couple from each book. For example, as soon as I thought to read these, I headed straight to Stephanie Perkins in Winter, and fell in love with the snarky talky-talk between Marigold and North. Their banter is fine.

 

It’s an all-in-one-night story, and ends most satisfactorily. So it was an even better surprise when I immediately opened Summer to Perkins’s story, and found myself once again with Marigold and North. North’s witticisms are even better.

Marigold’s determination to sort through North’s silent treatment is wonderful. Again, it happens all in one day (this time), and concludes happily (thank goodness).

I then went back to the beginning, and read story for story, one from Winter to one from Summer, and it was delicious to open my heart to these new characters, sometimes strange landscapes, and often bittersweet relationships. There are other excellent elements in play: Diverse backgrounds (The Lady and the Fox; Angels in the Snow; It’s a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown!; What the Hell have you done, Sophie Roth?; and Welcome to Christmas, CA from Winter. And In Ninety Minutes, turn North; and Good luck and Farewell in Summer), LGBTQIA characters (Your Temporary Santa in Winter, and The End of Love; Souvenirs; and Love is the Last Resort in Summer), and disabilities represented positively (A Thousand Ways this could all go wrong in Summer). Grief was also prevalent. It seems teenagers suffer death of loved ones in many and varied ways. It’s a strong emotion which many young people experience and ultimately heal (mostly).

The wondrous stories are written by authors who have some of the best YA Fantasy around – Holly Black, Kelly Link, Kiersten White, and Laini Taylor in Winter, and Leigh Bardugo, Libba Bray, Veronica Roth, Cassandra Clare, and Lev Grossman in Summer. These stories sit all along the magical spectrum – some offer only a tiny taste, some interweave quite strong paranormalcy (ha. see what i did there?)  while one author builds an utterly new world (might be part of her new series perhaps?)

I want to highlight more quotes. For their sweetness, for their insight, for their snark.

David Levithan is a master of the perfect memory: (Your Temporary Santa in Winter)

Tim Federle captures that millennial cynicism: (Souvenirs in Summer)

I must ALWAYS add a quote about libraries and/or books: (The Map of Tiny, Perfect Things by Lev Grossman, the last story in Summer)

And two from Laini Taylor because… well, it’s Laini Taylor: (The Girl who Woke the Dreamer, the last story in Winter) (ooh another happy coincidence)

from the girl:

from the dreamer:

Both of these collections are highly recommended. While there may one story in each book that might not end completely happily, the majority leave readers happy, refreshed, and satisfied.