When her older sister's rapist is sentenced to no jail time--and her own comment about learning to use a sword gets taken out of context--Em takes inspiration from a 15th-century woman who defended the women of her era.
Sarah
Almost a year after the death of her best friend, Rose Cutter finds herself broken down in the desert. After following a message no one but her should have towards a distant radio tower, she finds herself in Lotus Valley and quickly becomes embroiled in an impending disaster that somehow centers on her. For a book about dealing with grief and PTSD, with a sense of doom hanging over the whole town, this book is filled with a lot of levity and forgiveness, with a sort of surrealist horror vibe to this book but like, funny. Also, I would literally die for multiple characters in this book.
Katherine
All is fair in love and pho!
Sinny
From the moment Ash was asked about pronouns and said "he/him, I guess", I knew I was reading a story that would be special. Not everyone knows their gender immediately. Some people struggle, and wish there was a way to be sure, like Ash does. Girl Haven is about the magic of finding queer friends, figuring out your identity even when there is no "correct" answer, and, of course, the magic of adventuring in another world with talking animals and actual magic.
Shana
When Lo Denham wakes up from a coma, her parents are dead and her sister Bea has joined The Unity Project. Lo is sure that something sinister is going on with The Unity Project, so she sets out to expose it and its leader Lev Warren. The book will have you asking, what would you do to belong? Truly brilliant; I can't put words to how this book made me feel. My best read of last year.
April
I’ve loved Andrew Smith’s work since I was a teen and this book was no different. Rabbit & Robot is fiercely human, and fiercely funny. It will certainly tug at you heartstrings just as much as it makes you laugh. A clever mix of absurdity and raw observation of the human condition— highly recommend!
Aria
I judged this book by its cover, and was rewarded by this charming story right from the start.
Robin
Afiya is a beautifully illustrated story about Afiya, whose dress records memories of her childhood. It is written by award-winning Jamaican poet, James Bery. Every night, her adventures of the day are imprinted on the dress. Every morning, her dress is white again, ready for a new adventure. I wish I had a dress that could hold memories like these! But, at least, I can have this book!
Janaea
Tess Sharpe returns with a thrilling, twisty page-turner that will (almost) make your heart stop. I have been waiting for this book for seven years! Pick up if you're a fan of Karen McManus or Courtney Summers.
Rebecca
A supposed orphan, a magical old house, and a curse make this book a fairytale meets Secret Garden meets Howl's Moving Castle. It's the classic-feeling fantasy you've been looking for!
Marika
