Trust when I say this is the cottagecore fantasy you have been waiting for! Clara's story is rife with romance and magic, but the heart of it all is a young woman just trying to save her father and regain control of her life.
The cover caught your eye, didn’t it?Here’s the rundown: Trans kids fight a cult in a post-apocalyptic world. Here’s a little more: queer rage, religious trauma, “eat your oppressors”, body horror elucidating the trans experience, visceral and atmospheric descriptions of body mutilation and gore, gender dysphoria, and religious zealots trying to destroy the world. This story is for anyone who has felt queer, trans, or autistic rage, the kind of rage from being told you shouldn’t exist because the system told us so. Despite all its dark moments, it is powerful and hopeful, with completely unforgettable characters that make you feel like they are your found family.
I'm not much of a YA reader, I couldn't say they last time I read one. That said, I very much so enjoyed this! A tender, sweet and often times hilarious story of young queer love. I recommend this to anyone looking for a light, heartwarming read to sit in the sun with.
I adore Ebony LaDelle’s ability to write vulnerability without it becoming overwhelming.
Despite the fact that Dani has isolated herself to avoid confronting a terrible memory and Prince is sacrificing his dreams to take care of his chronically ill mother, this book is full of joy and healing.
Pick up Love Radio, and maybe you’ll find some healing, too.
I’ve got a weak spot for a YA enemies-to-lovers romance, but the feud between the band kids and theater kids made this book irresistible. Kanter totally captures the complex overwhelming stress of high school…including how it breaks friendships as easily as it makes them.
Oh, and the best part? Kanter’s love for Jewish culture shines on every page.
Axie Oh defies expectations with this feminist re-telling of The Tale of Shim Cheong. This book is a deep dive (literally) into Korean folklore and perfect for lovers of fairy tales!
From Cali to Brooklyn, Angel has her new classmates, her Uncle Spence, and her music playlists to help heal her broken arm and her spirit from her troubled past. We also see her make a home within the words of Toni Morrison, Tayari Jones, and James Baldwin, discovering Black authors through the guidance of her teachers. Browne's novel shines as a beautiful balance between the light and dark sides of being a teenager.
This beautifully crafted, inter-generational story follows two childhood friends during their final year of high school in a small Mojave desert town. I was instantly drawn into the lives of Salahudin and Noor as they navigate grief, the unpredictability of their parental figures, racism, isolating secrets and fears. Told in alternating perspectives, you cannot help but rage against all the obstacles they face. Sabaa Tahir tells their story so eloquently, you will not be able to put it down and it will stay with you long after you’ve read the final page.
A moody and atmospheric murder mystery with a unique setting and magic system. This book does a great job representing anxiety and chronic illness without making them hurdles for the characters to overcome.
This medieval India-inspired tale is full of mythology, goddesses and magic. A prophecy has destroyed everything in Gul's life, now she'll stop at nothing to avenge her family. Cavas wants nothing more than to care for his sick father, but a mysterious girl threatens to upend all his plans. As their lives intertwine, the fate of their kingdom is thrown into chaos.
