Review: Can’t Take That Away by Steven Salvatore

Can't Take That Away by Steven Salvatore

Can’t Take That Away
Steven Salvatore
Bloomsbury YA
Published March 9, 2021

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About Can’t Take That Away

An empowering and emotional debut about a genderqueer teen who finds the courage to stand up and speak out for equality when they are discriminated against by their high school administration.

Carey Parker dreams of being a diva, and bringing the house down with song. They can hit every note of all the top pop and Broadway hits. But despite their talent, emotional scars from an … Continue reading

Review: As Far As You’ll Take Me by Phil Stamper

As Far as You'll Take Me by Phil Stamper

As Far As You’ll Take Me
Phil Stamper
Bloomsbury YA
Published February 9, 2021

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About As Far As You’ll Take Me

Marty arrives in London with nothing but his oboe and some savings from his summer job, but he’s excited to start his new life–where he’s no longer the closeted, shy kid who slips under the radar and is free to explore his sexuality without his parents’ disapproval.

From the outside, Marty’s life looks like a perfect fantasy: in the span of a few … Continue reading

Review: Phoenix Flame by Sara Holland

Phoenix Flame by Sara Holland

Phoenix Flame
Sara Holland
Bloomsbury USA
Published March 2, 2021

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About Phoenix Flame

Maddie thought her problems were over. She saved the Inn at Havenfall—a sanctuary between magical worlds—from the evil Silver Prince. Her uncle the Innkeeper is recovering from a mysterious spell that left him not quite human. And there are still a few weeks of summer left to spend with her more-than-friend Brekken.
But there’s more work to be done to protect the Inn—Maddie must put an end to the black-market trading of magical objects and open the Inn’s doors to the once feared land of shapeshifters.

Continue reading

17 Amazing YA Books Coming Out Winter 2021

17 Amazing YA Books Coming Out Winter 2021

17 Amazing Books You Need to Read Coming Out Winter 2021

It took me so long to post this that the title probably should read, “Books You May Have Missed From Winter 2021.” I’m still trying to find my normal after a miscarriage right at the end of the year, so many of my best laid plans have just not come about. Not going to lie– it was rough, and some days I’m still overwhelmed thinking about it.

Having new books to celebrate and look forward to has helped, though. I’m excited to talk about a few of my favorites here, and I hope you’ll check them out.

You can find a complete list of these books … Continue reading

Review: Down Comes the Night by Allison Saft

Down Comes the Night by Allison Saft

Down Comes the Night
Allison Saft
Wednesday Books
Published March 2, 2021

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About Down Comes the Night

He saw the darkness in her magic. She saw the magic in his darkness.

Wren Southerland’s reckless use of magic has cost her everything: she’s been dismissed from the Queen’s Guard and separated from her best friend—the girl she loves. So when a letter arrives from a reclusive lord, asking Wren to come to his estate, Colwick Hall, to cure his servant from a mysterious illness, she seizes her … Continue reading

Review: Vasilisa by Julie Mathison

Vasilisa by Julie Mathison

Vasilisa (Old Rus #1)
Julie Mathison
Starr Creek Press
Published February 23, 2021

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About Vasilisa

Three witches, two children, one ogre — and nowhere to run.

It’s 1919, but in Edenfall, Pennsylvania, the Great War is not over — not for Vasilisa, at least. Papa is presumed dead on the fields of Flanders, Mama is being courted by an absolute ogre, and now Babka, her beloved grandma, has had a bad spell. Or has she fallen under one? Only the Old Tales, the Russian fables Vasilisa was raised on, … Continue reading