Category Archives: Contemporary

Review: No Perfect Places by Steven Salvatore

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No Perfect Places by Steven Salvatore

No Perfect Places
Steven Salvatore
Bloomsbury YA
Published May 30, 2023

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About No Perfect Places

From lauded author Steven Salvatore comes a YA about twins whose incarcerated father dies and leaves behind a life-changing secret.

When their father was imprisoned for embezzlement, twins Alex and Olly Brucke lost everything except their strong bond with each other. But after their dad dies unexpectedly, the twins start to fracture. Alex is spiraling, skipping classes to get drunk or high. Olly is struggling with a secret his dad ordered him to keep: they have a secret half-brother, Tyler.

So when Tyler shows up in their lakeside town … Continue reading →

Review: Something Like Possible by Miel Moreland

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Something Like Possible by Miel Moreland cover shows two girls in jeans and long-sleeved tops from the front. One with straight, shoulder-length hair and her arms crossed. The other has her hair in a braid and stands leaning her head on the other girl's shoulder. Political signs hang on the wall behind them.

Something Like Possible
Miel Moreland
Feiwel & Friends
Published May 23, 2023

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About Something Like Possible

In this compelling YA contemporary from author Miel Moreland, a bisexual teen’s path to political staffer stardom is in jeopardy, until she convinces a cute new candidate to team up with her on the campaign trail.

On the worst day of her … Continue reading →

Review: Julieta and the Romeos by Maria E. Andreu

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Julieta and the Romeos by Marie E. Andreu cover shows a girl holding a pen thinking at a desk. In front of her is an open book and mug. Roses extend toward her from the edges of the image.

Julieta and the Romeos
Maria E. Andreu
Balzer + Bray
Published May 16, 2023

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About Julieta and the Romeos

You’ve Got Mail meets a YA Beach Read with a bookish mystery at its heart in the newest rom-com from Maria E. Andreu. The ideal next read for fans of Emily Henry, Kasie West, and Jennifer E. Smith.

Julieta isn’t looking for her Romeo–but she is writing about love. When her summer writing teacher encourages the class to … Continue reading →

Review: Constellations by Kate Glasheen

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Constellations by Kate Glasheen

Constellations
Kate Glasheen
Holiday House
Published May 23, 2023

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About Constellations

A debut graphic novel about a queer teen living in the margins who is determined to find their way ahead.

Are you supposed to be a boy or a girl?

It’s a question that follows Claire everywhere. Inescapable on the street, in school, and even at home. A black hole forever trying to pull them in. But as long as they have ride-or-die best friend Greg at their side and a drink in their hand, everything will be okay. Right?

Except, Claire can never have just one drink. … Continue reading →

Review: Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success by Jessica Parra

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Rubi Ramos's Recipe for Success by Jessica Parra

Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success
Jessica Parra
Wednesday Books
Published May 16, 2023

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About Rubi Ramos’s Recipes for Success

Graduation is only a few months away, and so far Rubi Ramos’s recipe for success is on track.

*Step 1: Get into the prestigious Alma University.
*Step 2: Become incredibly successful lawyer.

But when Alma waitlists Rubi’s application, her plan is in jeopardy. Her parents–especially her mom, AKA the boss–have wanted this for her for years. In order to get off the waitlist without her parents knowing, she needs math tutoring from surfer-hottie math genius Ryan, lead the debate team to a championship–and remember … Continue reading →

Review: All the Dead Lie Down by Kyrie McCauley

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All the Dead Lie Down by Kyrie McCauley

All the Dead Lie Down
Kyrie McCauley
Katherine Tegen Books
Published May 16, 2023

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All the Dead Lie Down

The Haunting of Bly Manor meets House of Salt and Sorrows in award-winning author Kyrie McCauley’s contemporary YA gothic romance about a dark family lineage, the ghosts of grief, and the lines we’ll cross for love.

The Sleeping House was very much awake . . .

Days after a tragedy leaves Marin Blythe alone in the world, she receives a surprising invitation from Alice Lovelace—an acclaimed horror writer and childhood friend of Marin’s mother. Alice offers her a nanny position at Lovelace House, the … Continue reading →