In the Young Adult book world, there are many new, fresh voices being represented as well as more titles from favorite YA authors. Here are some YA books that have left an impression on me this past year. They made me stay up way too late or were a treat to listen to as I mowed the lawn or drove around town.
- Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas - Maverick Carter takes on the role of being a teen father and has to choose whether or not to carry on his father’s legacy in gang life. An excellent audiobook read by Dion Graham.
- A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey - Lila Reyes’ world falls apart in Miami and she is sent to England to get back on her feet. There she is swept off her feet by a motorcycling and sweetheart Brit man who’s open to trying lots of Cuban food and finding her a perfect cup of tea. A baker and tea sommelier? Sounds like a perfect match.
- Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe - A really well-done graphic novel memoir about the author’s experiences of coming to terms about being asexual and non-binary. Originally written for eir parents and extended family, this book can be helpful to others who are seeking more information about gender identity.
- The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna - Gold blood is bad blood so Deka must fight in a new all-women warrior army to survive and gain respect. Is she fighting on the right side though? A high fantasy read with lots of action. This is a really great audiobook too.
- Me (Moth) by Amber McBride - A road trip manifests the truth about a dancer’s guilt of surviving a car accident and dealing with the mental issues of the guy who tries to free her from her guilt. A bittersweet and romantic novel written in verse.
- Parachutes by Kelly Yang - This book tackles the subjects of sexual harrassment and rape from the viewpoints of two young women from different socioeconomic classes but they attend the same private school and live together. This is partly based on the author’s experiences in college.
- We Are Not Free by Tracy Chee - A historical fiction novel told in multiple perspectives about a group of friends who are eventually separated and sent to different Japanese internment camps. Lots of raw emotions and life choices that test the bonds of friendship.
Please stop in and share your favorites too!