My Top 2020 Pick of Young Adult Books.

 This is my 2020 Top pick of Young Adult Books perfect for you Christmas Stocking or any time of the year.

 (In no particular order with something for everyone!)

India Smythe in Love @sarahgovett @marottebooks
Hilarious sequel to #indiasmythestandsup. This is a laugh out loud coming of age novel perfect for the holidays. 

Dangerous Remedy #katdunn @headofzeus

A sizzling story of found family, queer love and magic mingling with science against the powerless backdrop of the French Revolution.

This Winter @aliceoseman @harpercollinsch

a short novella based on the beloved characters in solitaire.

The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Simon and Schuster

This multi-layered story interweaves the rights of passage as a teenager and what it means to be black. A gripping & empathetic read, excellent for group discussion or holiday read 

Wuthering Heights #emilybronte A retelling by #tanyalandman  #barringtonstoke

 #superreadable An easy-to-digest condensed and accessible retelling of a classic from Cathy's point of view. 

The Valentines: Far From Perfect @holsmale @harpercollins
The second in the valentine's series. A hilarious and heartbreaking story about the impossible standards for being a girl.

a Company of Swans by Eva Ibbotson-Macmillan

 A classic tale of romance, freedom and dance. - This was my first Eva because I am a huge ballet fan. I was hooked from here.

Magic Flutes by Eva Ibbotson Macmillan-

Yes another one by Eva because she is one of my all time favourites and I love these reissues! 

A love letter to opera, Europe and glittering romance

Good Girls Die First #kathrynfoxfield @scholastic_uk

 classic contemporary horror with a supernatural twist 

The Ballad of SongBird and Snakes @suzanne_collins_ @scholastic_uk

This  Hunger Games prequel  definitely lived up to expectation.

Lark #anthonymcgowan #barringtonstoke 

The well deserved winner of  #carnegiegreenaway medal and is suitable for dyslexic readers as well. 

 The Queen of Nothing @blackholly @hotkeybooksteen

The Finale to the brilliant Folk of the Air series

Hello Now #jennyvalentine @harpercollinsuk 

A beautiful moving exquisite and utterly original love story .

The Austen Girls @lucy_worsley @bloomsburypublishing
. A witty historical coming of age drama for pride and prejudice lovers.

And The Stars Were Burning Brightly #daniellejawando @simonkidsuk 

An extraordinary novel about last understanding and the importance of speaking up when all you want to do is shut up.

 The Loop  #benoliver Chicken House Books

1984 meets #prisonbreak. Riveting

HavenFall @sarahollandwrites @bloomsburyya 

From the New York times best-selling author of Everless comes a thrilling contemporary fantasy about the safe haven between worlds and the girls want to protect it.

Break the Fall #jenniferiacopelli @hachettekids 

A fiercely told survivorship novel about 1 girls determination to push her body to win gold at the Olympics and the power of uniting as women to speak out.

Sofa Surfer #malcolmduffy @_zephyrbooks

 written with humour and heart this is about family belonging and what it means to be homeless.

Rules for Being a Girl @candacebushnell & #katiecotugno Macmillan

an exploration of feminism for the me too generation standing up speaking out and rewriting the rules.

A Heart So Fierce and Broken @brigidkemmerer @bloomsburypublishing. 

This thrilling sequel is full of devious plots, excitement and bold new characters. A spin on Beauty and the Beast. 

 Children of Virtue and Vengeance @tomiadeyemi @macmillankidsuk

Sequel to the Children of Blood and Bone series. Told from multiple POV this is fantasy is addictive

.

 Lost Book of the White @cassieclare1 @simonteen

The continuing adventures of the outrageously gorgeous warlock Magnus Bane and shadowhunter Alec from the best selling Mortal Instruments series. 

 

Book Review: The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed

 

Book Review The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed Simon & Schuster1992      Four police officers are equited of beating to death a black man called Rodney King. As violence engulfs LA Ashley is trying to focuse on finishing High School but events reveal uncomfortable and hidden truths about the realities of being black even in a protected wealthy environment. This multi-layered story interweaves the rights of passage as a teenager combined with the hurdles about race and class that have to be navigated by people of colour. It is a fascinating and different perspective of real life events seen through the eyes of a fictional teenage girl. A bittersweet journey of self identity and what it means to be black. You are immediately drawn into LA life and the eclectic and engaging group of characters while questioning your own journey through life and seeing events from a different perspective. A gripping and empathetic read that would be excellent for group discussion as it raises many current and ongoing issues as well as being an enjoyable holiday read. 

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 28 -29 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a magnificent middle grade mystery, an entertaining board book about farm life, a horrible history of seafaring Britain and Ireland and a feminist coming-of-age drama.

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

WINTERBORNE HOME FOR VENGEANCE AND VALOUR BY ALLY CARTER

CHILDREN 9+

When 11-year-old orphan April joins Winterborne Home she discovers its missing heir Gabriel Winterborne living in the secret basement. Can April and her fellow orphans save Gabriel from his murderous family? Can they uncover the mystery of the ghostly Sentinel? A rip-roaring adventure bursting with excitement and escapades. The diverse cast and twists and turns will grip children until it's ending. Lemony Snicket meets The Goonies.

Orchard PB £6.99

WHAT CAN YOU SEE? BY JASON KORSNER & HANNAH ROUNDING

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A collection of gently rhyming verses which encourage the young to look at the world around them. Children and adults will have great fun spotting themes and will be inspired to play spot the object. What's on your plate, in the bathroom, lounge or garden? A fun way to play a game, explore your home and take a break from the digital world if necessary. Gorgeous pen and wash illustrations make this a treat.

Graffeg PB £7.99

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: ALL AT SEA BY TERRY DEARY & MARTIN BROWN

CHILDREN 8+

A rollicking and stormy journey around Britain and Irelands seafaring history. Children will be fascinated by the Viking attack on St Davids, how Welsh heroine Jemima Nicholas saved Britain from a French invasion and the dastardly wreckers of South Wales. There are also fishy tales of traditions and superstitions.Written in digestible segments with witty line illustrations and cartoons reluctant readers and future sailors will be hooked. Ship Ahoy!

PB Scholastic £6.99

RULES FOR BEING A GIRL BY CANDACE BUSHNELL & KATIE COTUGNO

YOUNG ADULT 14+

Marin is bright and heading to the Ivy League. When Marin's favourite English teacher, Mr Beckett kisses her no one believes her. To make herself heard and show solidarity for all girls she writes an article on misogyny and sexism. But the backlash is unexpected. Can Marin retain her self-respect and her friends? A witty and inspiring coming-of-age feminist drama about what girls have a right to expect. Moxie meets Legally Blonde.

Macmillan PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 7-8 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a fabulous Parisien middle grade mystery, a classic feminist picture book, a guide to making the world better and a riveting dystopian adventure for teens.

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE PEAR AFFAIR BY JUDITH EAGLE

CHILDREN 9+

Nell is determined to find her adored missing au pair Perrine. Nell will even travel with her ghastly nouveau riche parents to Paris to find her. When she arrives Nell finds herself embroiled in another mystery surrounding the suspicious closures of famous bread shops. Children will love exploring Paris with Nell and her new friends who live under the city streets while seeking out clues. A gripping and entrancing quest for true friendship. C'est délicieux!

Faber PB £7.99

THE PAPER BAG PRINCESS BY ROBERT MUNSCH & MICHAEL MARTCHENKO

PICTURE BOOK 4+

This special 40th Anniversary hardback celebrates the classic feminist fairytale with a foreword by Chelsea Clinton. Princess Elizabeth is about to marry her prince when a dragon kidnaps him and burns down her castle. With only a paper bag to wear she sets off to rescue him only to be told she looks a mess! Where will her heart truly lead her? Children will delight in the surprise ending and the delightful characterful illustrations. A classic.

Annick Press HB £12.99

HOW TO MAKE A BETTER WORLD BY KEILLY SWIFT

CHILDREN 7+

You have the power to change the world. But how and in what way? A fun and inspiring practical guide to how young people can help the planet and people around them. Find out how to volunteer, help the environment, start a campaign or help with the plastic problem. Children and families can discover tips, projects and role models through the easy to digest text and colourful illustrations. Inspirational for both home and school.

DK HB £10.99

THE LOOP BY BEN OLIVER

YOUNG ADULT 14+

Sixteen-year-old Luka will be executed in the Loop, a prison controlled by artificial intelligence unless he submits to medical experiments. A detonator is sewn into his heart. Will he ever be free? Is there more danger outside than in? Can he stop all humankind being deleted? A fascinating concept and world that doesn't seem that far away. It raises questions about the power we give technology. A gripping dystopian thriller for fans of Maze Runner and Divergent.

Chicken House PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 29-MARCH 1 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a brilliant ecological adventure series, a magnificent picture book about nature, a fascinating look at the Viking era and an epic fantasy for teens.  

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ECO RANGERS: WILDFIRE RESCUE BY CANDICE LEMON-SCOTT

CHILDREN 7+

Ebony and Jay are best friends and Eco Rangers who rescue and rehabilitate wildlife in need. After a devastating wildfire in the bushland, they rescue a cute possum with burnt paws. Children will be fascinated by all the nature and animal facts interspersed throughout the adventure. An exciting topical new series that sensitively explains the dangers of fire on the environment. Perfect for early readers and animal lovers and also to share in the classroom.

PB New Frontier Publishing £5.99

MY FRIEND EARTH BY PATRICIA MACLACHLAN & FRANCESCA SANNA

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A visually stunning and joyous celebration of our wondrous planet and all the marvels it contains. The poetic text lovingly shows just how good a friend Earth is to all of us. The spectacular illustrations are bursting with bold colours and die-cut pages inviting the young readers to explore the magical world within. Explore the different seasons, climates and the animals that live there. An enchanting delight from start to finish.

Chronicle Books HB £12.99

VIKING VOYAGERS BY JACK TITE

CHILDREN 8+

The Vikings have a fearsome reputation as bloodthirsty warriors but they also made many remarkable accomplishments highlighted in this magnificent book. Step back in time to find out what Viking life was like, how they travelled and traded and their rich mythology. The bold graphic illustrations showcase the Vikings in all their glory with engaging and informative text and large fold-out pages. A wonderful gift for history lovers and little warriors alike.

Big Picture Press HB £16.99

HAVENFALL BY SARA HOLLAND

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A sprawling epic fantasy about a safe haven between worlds and a girl sworn to protect it. Maddie must keep the peace between the realms when her friend is accused of murder. Before war breaks out can she discover the truth and the secret of her own identity? When everyone has a hidden agenda who can she trust? Breathless in scale and ambition this is perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas and Holly Black.

Bloomsbury PB £7.99

5/5 Stars