Best Books 2019

I have read 180 mostly young adult and middle years fiction books (so far) in 2019. I have cut those down to a list of 24 (how? I do not know). See picture above. The most important concerns that were felt in the YA community this year seem to be #ownvoices and positive representatives of rarely seen or heard minority groups. I believe I have included excellent examples of these, including How We Roll, How it Feels to Float, and Ghost Bird. I seem to also have a bias toward LGBT stories (too many to list), and am happy to see an increasing number of books for younger teens.

I then whittled that crazy long list down to only 5. Look, on any given day, it could have been a different five. I cast my eye over my choices now, and I find myself second guessing decisions. So basically I loved them all a lot.

Three of them are squarely contemporary YA, and reflect a range of intensity — from full on gritty realism (This is How We Change the Ending) through to happy, flirty romance (It Sounded Better in my Head). Call it What you Want fits neatly between these two #loveOzYA books, developing strong social issue story lines as well as a realistic love story. All of these books demand that their protagonists confront some very harsh truths about themselves and the choices they make, and organically allow them to navigate their own way through. I hope they find readers who will not only identify with their anxieties, but who will also be able to conquer some of their own life stresses. Reading is both therapy and escape.

To Night Owl from Dogfish represents my growing interest in books for 12 to 14 year olds. Honestly, they are the largest audience for my school library borrowing, and seeking out the full range of genres for them, to try to cater for every different reading taste, has become a priority and a godsend. These readers are so appreciative of efforts to provide them with accessible and satisfying material. There is much job affirmation to be gained from what might seem to be a chore (but clearly isn’t). Anyway, it is a funny warm novel, developing a terrific friendship between two unlikely girls. Their care and support of each other shines through their scrapes and sulks. The fact that it is written entirely through emails, text messages and a variety of other epistolary means, challenges this age group initially, but I have only heard glowing reviews from students. It’s a really enjoyable read.

I cannot make a list of favourite reads without including a new Marchetta. Those of us who started way back in 2004 with Saving Francesca have been waiting patiently for Jimmy’s story, and The Place on Dalhousie lives up to all expectations. A slim, tight novel, Marchetta nails what she always does best: creating complicated, messy families from air, bringing them together even when (especially if) they don’t want it. So much laughter is here. But also a feeling of nostalgia for people gone. It struck me with all the feels, but that is typical of this author. Her writing seems to tick every one of my reading boxes.

I wonder if next year we will be showered with more climate novels–not in the dystopian, set in the near future scenario–but in the right-now, it’s happening and what can be done situation. It seems highly likely given it’s the number one concern for teenagers across the world. And of course, it’s not only young people facing up to an uncertain future, it’s all of us.

New Release Reviews: January to March 2018

I have read lots of books that have come out in the first three months of this year. I am going to write short sharp reviews of those I enjoyed and those I can see a place for in libraries for young people.

January

The Harper Effect by Taryn Bashford Pan Macmillan ISBN 9781760552091 AUS

Actually came out in the last week of December but could have been easily overlooked in those first and last weeks of the year. Harper’s tennis career is well developed. She’s a talented player, and her journey to make it to the elite level rings true. Her new coach offers advice that would be welcome for any teen willing to listen. Her family life is also complicated, but she is well supported by loving parents. The love triangle with Jake and Colt doesn’t devolve into the disaster it could have. Harper’s preference comes through quite early, and although there is some miscommunication with both boys, it’s resolved quite easily. Harper does behave foolishly, but she is only 16, and is inexperienced in romance due to all her training and travel. I thought she learned from her mistakes, and always tried to be better. Taryn wrote about the importance of seeing sporty girls in fiction, and her comments are valid and interesting.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black Hot Key Books ISBN 9781471407031 

This was on my highly anticipated list, and it didn’t disappoint. Jude is a worthy hero, and her attempts to sort through the twisted politics of the faerie world in which she finds herself, is absorbing and unpredictable. We know she acts for her family, and this loyalty to them is well plotted. Holly Black loves to play around with tropes and stereotypes, and readers will need every bit of their faith in Jude to see her through this first ‘folk of the air’ novel. All the characters are fully realised, but none of them are easy to categorise. We are never sure who stands with Jude or who is against her. It’s a delicious dilemma to face because the tension runs high, and the climax is very satisfying. Of course, we are left wanting more. We wouldn’t want it any other way.

February

Between Us by Claire Atkins Black Inc Press ISBN 9781760640217 AUS

Beautifully written, richly diverse, nuanced and credible, this authentic tale has many layers and yet avoids sounding like an ‘important lesson we should all read’. That’s not to say it isn’t important. It is. That’s not to say we shouldn’t all read it. We certainly should. But we should read it because it is engrossing, and compassionate, and full of contemporary insights. Young people are given a glimpse into life in a detention centre, and older people will be asked to see issues from a modern teenager’s point of view. It’s challenging for all readers. Ana’s fears, Jonno’s vulnerabilities, and Kenny’s distress are all understandable. Atkins has done all her research well, and the story of these two young people struggling with identity, politics and relationships will open eyes and hearts to their plight. It’s really good.

Tin Heart by Shivaun Plozza Penguin Random House ISBN 9780143786276 AUS

Marlowe has just had a heart replacement, and while that is enough for anyone to deal with, she also has to content with a vegan-warrior mother taking on the local butcher, and a younger brother, who creates an inspiring costume every day, and must be protected from bullies and bigots. Returning to school means she must speak up for herself and find new friends, and that’s a big ask for an introvert, partly obsessed with the person who died and gave her their heart.

Plozza has created a sympathetic main character, whose actions reflect her dismay at how little she can control her life. She becomes braver, and more confident, and yet some of her actions have negative repercussions, and Marlowe has to own up to some mistakes, and seek forgiveness from people who she has let down.

A poignant story about finding a way through the complexities of life.

The Endsister by Penni Russon Allen & Unwin ISBN 9781741750652 AUS

Utterly charming, and thought-provoking, this family drama transports five siblings from country Australia to urban London, when their parents receive news of an exciting opportunity. Each child reacts differently, and the multiple viewpoints allow readers to experience a wide range of emotions.

Eldest siblings Clancy and Else are our dominant travel guides, in first person narrative whereas 6 year old Sibby’s voice is third person. There are actually two more brothers, twins Oscar and Finn, who are, for the most part, interchangeable and silent. Not only do we have access to the children’s thoughts, we are also privy to the conversations of two spirits who still reside in the London house. Sibbi’s ability to see and feel them affects her emotional state, and we watch a vibrant happy child transform into a sickly one. A mystery develops about why they are still haunting the place, and the children’s involvement opens up secrets and a long lost history that is both poignant and compelling.

Russon’s story explores the notion of family and belonging, and is pitched perfectly at readers aged between 9 and 12. There is a strong sense of location, the contrast between rural Australia and hectic London described through sights, sounds and smells. It’s very visceral and layered.

March

The Date to Save by Stephanie Kate Strohm Scholastic ISBN 9781338149067

A book with an odd but compelling style called ‘oral history’, that needs time to settle. Readers will have to contend with many narrative voices, and the interplay between each varying opinion and agenda. To say too much about the plot would spoil the big reveal that happens at about the halfway point, but much can be said about its humour, style and messages.

First of all, it is very funny. The snarky humour spreads throughout the book, as characters contradict each other, defend themselves, and blurt out secrets. It is all very high school. But there is also a satirical element to the humour, and it’s almost as if the author is cheekily taking aim at some of the stereotypes and tropes of YA fiction, even as she is writing one. The story in complicated and layered, and that the resolution is pulled off so satisfactorily, it’s a testament to a clever, organised author, who has clearly spent time, ensuring threads tie together neatly.

The messages are ones we continue to need to hear. We should be kind to each, and try not to be judgmental about people’s choices. The author comments on sibling rivalry, ambition, loneliness and persistence. She argues we need to realise it isn’t bad to ask for help, nor is getting support from your peers. We all have value, something to contribute, and our individual gifts or talents help balance and increase community and society. I loved hearing these positive messages while being entertained and challenged.

If I Tell You by Alicia Tuckerman Pantera Press ISBN 9780646961255 AUS

While there are several queer teen books set in Australian cities, there isn’t much set in rural towns, and If I Tell You is very much a book about being an outsider in a close community, and finding the right time to reveal who you really are. Tuckerman’s depiction of Alex’s conflict and fragile self esteem is authentic and strong. She has known for a while that her mother, particularly, will struggle with a lesbian daughter. Her standing in the CWA, her strong faith and family values will not allow for such a gap in her understanding of the way people ought to be. I found her narrow mindedness extremely difficult to accept, to be honest. Alex is emboldened by the arrival of the charismatic Phoenix but unfortunately her depiction is just a little too manic pixie dream girl, and I was a little disappointed by the way the plot unfolded in the last section. It isn’t even a gay trope, it’s a basic coming-of-age scenario I thought YA was well past. Having said that, it is handled with care and careful sensitivity. I think this story will resonate with readers because of its compassionate portrayal of first love.

Lists: Best of 2017 Younger Readers

And we’re off! My first list of favourite reads of 2017 are ones for younger teens. I am not going to write much about each book, but if I have reviewed it somewhere, I will link to that. These were the ones that I loved most for that 11 to 14 age group. It’s a difficult category because there are so many good books out there.

I plan to add 10 lists, posting one every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday over the next three weeks with my top 5 published on Boxing Day.

The Traitor and the Thief is by NZ author Gareth Ward. It was released in August by Walker Books Australia and the cover reflects its steampunk nature. Sin is a terrific main character and there are two courageous girls who assist him ably. There’s a excellent mystery to solve, and a rich fantastical layer of world building that enhances the story.

Where the World Ends by Geraldine McCaughrean was a surprisingly funny book about survival in the 1700’s on an island of birds. It’s very dark and totally immersive and explores many issues around faith, gender and power. Based on a true story, McCaughrean includes a long author’s note about her extensive research about what happened to the villagers, and why they never came back to collect the children. It’s an extremely poignant read. Also dense and quite literary.

The Fall by Tristan Bancks is fast paced, cleverly plotted, with extremely strong teen appeal. Sam is a brave protagonist, trying to emulate his father’s investigative skills. There is a lovely balance of action and reflection, with several literary and pop cultural references. The story is told over a 24 hour period, ensuring the tension rises dramatically, and the climax is edge-of-the-seat stuff. Highly recommended for action-oriented young readers.

Summerlost is written by Ally Condie whose previous books have been for older teens (The Matched series is possibly her most popular). It’s a gentle story that deals with grief and friendship. Our two main characters, Cedar and Leo bond over a small town actress, who hits the big time, but whose death remains a mystery. The setting is a Shakespearean Summer Festival, which is irresistable to an ex English teacher.

The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone was always going to be a winner for me. Jaclyn Moriarty has a charming and lyrical way with words, and her ability to generate emotion is unequivocal. My review is here on the blog.

The Book of Secrets by A L Tait is the first book in her series, The Ateban Cipher, and it begins with a bang. I wrote a long, gushing review for Children’s Books Daily. I can’t wait for future titles.

My next list will be my favourite mysteries for older teens, posted on the 8th.

Review: The Pants Project by Cat Clarke

The Pants Project by Cat Clarke

Published by: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
ISBN: 9781492638094
Released: March 01 2017 (US) March 07 (Australia)

Read: October 16 2016

I read this last year because I promised Megan Daley I would write about transgender middle grade students. I had George and The Other Boy, and when this one appeared on Netgalley, it completed my trio (I like to work in threes). The blog post I wrote for Megan is at Children’s Books Daily. But I always knew I would be back to write more about this interesting and inspiring book.

Liv articulates to himself (and to us) very clearly about being a boy. But is not so forthright with actual people in his life. He cares so much for his two ‘moms’ (Americanism urgh) he tries to protect them from his anger and frustration. He understands he can’t lash out, but the strong reactions he feels against being told to grow his hair longer, being called Olivia, and of course, wearing skirts to school make it hard for him to remain silent and calm. This is a very insightful depiction of Liv’s character. He repeated acknowledges his choice to not react. I liked how mature he tries to be.

But he’s not always successful, because he’s only 12. He hasn’t told anyone the truth, and more and more the secret is eating away at his self-confidence and his identity. Making friends with Jacob at the same as losing connection with former best friend, Maisie, is almost a lifesaver. Jacob accepts Liv as he is, and when Liv eventually confesses his secret, Jacob shares his own.

I do want to repeat something I said in my other review. In this book, and another one called George, the main character each divulges first to their friends. Young people who not transitioning, or not black, or gay or whatever other minority is being highlighted should have access to books about these people because we just don’t know everything about what’s happening in our friends’ lives. And if reading The Pants Project means a cis kid stops using defamatory language about transgender people, then who knows what other positive ramifications there might be. It starts and ends with kindness and compassion.

I found this fresh and positive. Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Jabberwocky for the read.

The Pants Project is recommended for people who like their contemporary fiction diverse and inclusion. There’s no romance, but the friendship roller coaster is strong. Positive representations of supportive parents, yet some other adults are presented as ill-mannered and oblivious, which is realistic. Offers a hopeful conclusion in which Liv feels safe and loved. On my soapbox a bit with this one, but I believe school libraries should try to add fiction like this to their collections. Out (in Australia) on March 07.