All the changes this past spring with lock-downs and social distancing and online learning threw me for a loop. It also delayed a lot of the books I’d been looking forward to reading, which meant I spent the summer scrambling to catch up on the ARCs that publishers had sent me. I’m finally seeing a light at the end of the reading tunnel so to speak, and it’s just in time to jump into the amazing line-up of YA books coming out in September 2020.
Happy Book Birthday to September 1st Releases!
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Dr. Yusef Salaam
What you need to know: Written by award-winning, bestselling author Ibi Zoboi and prison reform activist Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five. Tells the story of a Black Muslim teen wrongfully convicted of a crime and his desperate fight for truth and freedom.
What you need to know: A secret society that can deal out favors or social ruin and one girl determined to take them down. Looks deliciously suspenseful.
What you need to know: A hot mess heroine who’s ready to stand up instead of back. I’ve heard some conflicting response to this book and mentions of problematic content.
What you need to know: Inspired by the award-nominated comic series by C.S. Pacat and Johanna The Mad. Drama, fencing, bad dates, and adventure. I’m a huge fan of Sarah Rees Brennan, so I’m really excited about this one.
Available September 29, 2020
What are you reading this September?
Have you read any of the books on this list? What new releases are you most excited to check out?
Middle grade debut books often face more challenges than subsequent books by established writers, and that’s never been more true than this year. Beginning last spring, concerns about COVID-19 meant not only school closures, but author visits, book fairs, book signings, book cons, summer library and bookstore programs– major things authors do to promote their books– were canceled.
Here’s something you can do to help. Read through this list. Add titles to your Goodreads shelf using the links below. If your budget allows, purchase a couple of the books on this list through any of the buy links. (Amazon, Book Depository and Indiebound links are affiliate links.)
At the bottom of the list, I’ve posted a quick ideas list of 4 ways you can support these authors and help promote their debut MG titles even if you can’t afford to buy their books.
What You Need to Know: A hopeful (and at times heartbreaking) story of a young girl who decides to build a submarine and sail it across the Chesapeake Bay.
What You Need to Know: Goodreads describes this one as “Coco meets Stranger Things with a hint of Ghostbusters.” Spooky and sweet. Also, I heard there’s a cat!
What You Need to Know: A solar eclipse, a search for a missing telescope, and a girl missing her older sister. Perfect for fans of THE THING ABOUT JELLYFISH.
What You Need to Know: An ownvoices story about a 12 year-old girl who connects with her Cuban heritage and about discovering where you belong for the first time.
What You Need to Know: A sister looking for her lost brother. A magical circus where the cost of entry is a memory. For fans of CIRCUS MIRANDUS and THE NIGHT GARDENER.
What You Need to Know: A boy gets hired by his aunt to help her fix her children’s book about a grumpy frog and prize-winning zucchini. Sounds hilarious to me!
Published September 22, 2020
4 Ways You Can Help These Debut Authors
Order a copy of any of these books using the buy links listed.
Contact your local library and ask them to order copies of these titles.
Share this post so that other readers can see the list and support the authors, too!
Write your own blog or social media post that highlights your favorite debut authors’ books– be sure to include at least one buy link.
There are more middle grade debut books in this list on Goodreads, too. Check it out and find even more titles you might like!
What are your favorite debut middle grade titles from this year?
Have you read any of the books on this list? Which are your favorites, or which ones are you excited to read?
If you’ve got other debut titles on your reading list, let me know about them! Let’s spread the word and help support this year’s debut authors.
All the changes this past spring with lock-downs and social distancing and online learning threw me for a loop. It also delayed a lot of the books I’d been looking forward to reading, which meant I spent the summer scrambling to catch up on the ARCs that publishers had sent me. I’m finally seeing a light at the end of the reading tunnel so to speak, and I wanted to pause and share some of the young adult books I’m most excited about that come out this month.
I’m always up for fantasy, so there are a few of those on here. Lately, though, I’ve been a big fan of rom-com, so I’ve included a couple of those that I’m very eager to escape into. Check out the list and let me know which are on your reading list. Better still, use the buy links and order a couple now so you have a pick-me-up waiting for you in the mailbox.
Note: Amazon, Book Depository, and Indiebound links are affiliate links which help support this blog but don’t cost you anything extra to use.
What you need to know: Hades and Persephone inspired story that tells of Edward and Bella’s meeting from his perspective.
I’ve read the other books in the Twilight series, and I remember hearing that Meyer was writing this one. It feels big, because the series was so big, and maybe because right now, we’re longing for the lives we had pre-pandemic? Whatever the case, I’m anticipating a LOT of bookish chat about this book this month.
What you need to know: Follows the story of an undocumented immigrant who is part of a special community of people who are witches and werewolves.
I’ve already read this one, and I loved it so much. Definitely a great escapist story that will make you walk in the shoes of an undocumented girl in a way you’re unlikely to ever forget.
What you need to know: Poston gives us her retelling of Beauty and the Beast as a tribute to her favorite versions of the story and a funny, sweet reimagined tale in its own right.
Loads of fun, and another dip into the Starfield world.
What you need to know: SNOW LIKE ASHES trilogy and METALTOWN authors team up to deliver a fast-paced, high-stakes story about a rebel leader and magic-hiding fighter who reignite an ancient war between the gods.
I really liked SNOW LIKE ASHES, so I’m anxious to check this one out.
What you need to know: Hindu mythology plus STARDUST by Neil Gaiman. Hailed as perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Roshani Chokshi.
I am really excited to read this book. I’m a huge fan of Laini Taylor and Roshani Chokshi, so I was pretty much hooked once I heard the comparison to their books.
What you need to know: Fabulous rom-com, an eccentric grandma, and a race across New York City. This sounds like the perfect pandemic-escape read!
Available August 25, 2020
What are your most anticipated August 2020 books?
Which books coming this month are on your reading list? Have you ordered any of them yet?
I’m toying with the idea of pre-ordering a book or two each month so that I have a surprise in the mail to look forward to. STAR DAUGHTER and NOW THAT I’VE FOUND YOU are at the top of my pre-order wish list!
I’m not even going to try to spread sunshine on it, this year has been a rough one. However, one of the few great things that has happened is that I’ve read some incredible books. I feel like I usually find some gems here and there, but it definitely seems to me that there are more than usual that have made me say WOW these last few months. So with social distancing limiting book cons and trips to the bookstore, I am stepping up to share a few of my very favorites so far this year.
Today I’m focusing on young adult books, for readers 12 to 18. Don’t miss my middle grade book list, because there have been some fabulous titles there, too.
Note: Many of the buy links listed below are affiliate links, which help support this blog if you use them to shop. They do not cost you anything to use.
From Goodreads: “…Long-held secrets will force Kunal and Esha to reconsider their loyalties—to their country and to each other. Getting into the palace was the easy task; coming out together will be a battle for their lives.”
If you haven’t started this great series yet, hurry and catch up! I love the characters and relationships and the political intrigue.
From Goodreads: “Kate McLaughlin’s What Unbreakable Looks Like is a gritty, ultimately hopeful novel about human trafficking through the lens of a girl who has escaped the life and learned to trust, not only others, but in herself.”
WHAT UNBREAKABLE LOOKS LIKE shows an incredible (at times perhaps unbelievable) transformation that belongs to Lex. While she has great support, this journey is about her, and her power to become the woman she wants to be. It’s an empowering story, packed with hope and courage.
From Goodreads: “Danger lurks within the roots of Forest of Souls, an epic, unrelenting tale of destiny and sisterhood, perfect for fans of Naomi Novik and Susan Dennard.”
I got caught up in the story world and in the layers and layers of intrigue. Also, there are CREEPY TREES. Like, the stuff of nightmares kinds of creepy. I’m usually not into that, and it definitely came right up to the edge of what I’m comfortable reading. But they also kept me turning pages and needing to know what would happen.
From Goodreads: “Do not tell anyone about the device. Never leave the device unattended. And then, Take me with you . . . or else.”
Four students who barely know each other, bound together by this threatening device. I loved the suspense and way the situation impacted their relationships.
From Goodreads: “A raw, funny story that will surprise you over and over, Again Again gives us an indelible heroine grappling with the terrible and wonderful problem of loving other people.”
I feel like AGAIN AGAIN delivered a thing that drew me to E. Lockhart’s writing in the first place. She has this uncanny ability to peel back the outer layers and cut straight to the core of emotions and grief and sort of reinvent the experience of reading a book
From Goodreads: “Les Misérables meets Six of Crows in this page-turning adventure as a young thief finds herself going head to head with leaders of Paris’s criminal underground in the wake of the French Revolution.”
COURT OF MIRACLES delivers a gritty cast of characters inspired by LES MIS and reminding readers of the power of sisterhood, loyalty, and courage.
From Goodreads: “Ever since Tori Weston and MamaBear were abandoned by her dad, finances have been tighter than a new pair of skinny jeans. As if keeping her grades up for scholarships and working every spare moment weren’t enough, Tori gets suckered into visiting a retirement home and paired with ancient resident Marigold Williams.”
A sweet, fun story about a cross-generational friendship and first love.
From Goodreads: “A deft exploration of the weight of grief and cost of revenge, Breeana Shields’s Bone Charmer duology reaches its spine-tingling conclusion in this high-octane fantasy-thriller.”
The choices that Saskia has to make are heartbreaking and I felt myself holding my breath so many times as she wrestles with which path to take and what the right thing truly is. Perfect for fans of SHADOW MAGIC by Joshua Khan.
From Goodreads: “WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI meets SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA in this rom com about two teen girls with rival henna businesses.”
HENNA WARS was exactly the book I needed right when I read it. It’s funny and heartwarming (and at times, heartbreaking) and packed with the high of first love and the strength of a sister bond.
The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly by Jamie Pacton
THE LUCKY ONES is a journey through grief. Some parts hit hard, landing some pretty sharp punches straight to your heart. Other parts can’t help but inspire hope. I think that was my favorite part– that though the story gets dark as May revisits what happened, there’s hope.
From Goodreads: “A master of award-winning queer historical fiction, New York Times bestselling author Robin Talley once again brings to life with heart and vivid detail an emotionally captivating story about the lives of two teen girls living in an age when just being yourself was an incredible act of bravery.”
This is the fantastic conclusion to a high-energy series that I devoured in a little over a week.
It’s a great series for fantasy lovers and of course anyone who loves manga and anime. The story is full of amazing characters and a deeply immersive story world– which is probably something we all need right now!
From Goodreads: “It’s time to fight back in this second novel in a thrilling, subversive near future series from New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young about a girls-only private high school that is far more than it appears to be.”
Throughout this story, Mena continues to be faced with situations that force her to choose between revenge and justice. Sometimes the choice is whether to trust the system of society and government versus taking justice or revenge into her own hands. I loved how deeply she considers each choice and how she explores the problem of evil in her experience. I found it deep and thought-provoking.
Jenna battles her parents for the right to make her own medical decisions regarding procedures for her cerebral palsy. Her only solace is in the anonymous text messages she sends to her childhood crush, Julian.
Leave it to Stacie Ramey to create still more characters that I can’t help falling in love with. I really, really needed a solid, heartfelt contemporary book, and IT’S MY LIFE totally had me covered. I love Jenna’s awkwardness and her tendency to overthink things. I love her passion and her relationship with her mom.
From Goodreads: “Ximena is the decoy Condesa, a stand-in for the last remaining Illustrian royal. Her people lost everything when the usurper, Atoc, used an ancient relic to summon ghosts and drive the Illustrians from La Ciudad. Now Ximena’s motivated by her insatiable thirst for revenge, and her rare ability to spin thread from moonlight.”
If you’re a fan of stories like Zorro or the Scarlet Pimpernel– put WOVEN IN MOONLIGHT on your list! I think it’s also a great pick for fans of fantasy like The Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta.
What books would you add to this list?
Have you read any young adult books you loved this year? What are some of the favorites from high school days that still stick with you today? Share the titles with me in the comments! I’d love to know if there are great titles I’ve missed.
By now you’ve probably already heard the news that the release date for Disney’s Mulan is getting pushed back indefinitely. I’m so bummed about this! I don’t go to the movies all that often, but this one has been at the top of my must-see list.
So here’s a thing that I’m pretty embarrassed about: I grew up as a Disney girl, and Mulan is one of my favorite movies they’ve made, but it wasn’t until I started to hear buzz about a new live-action remake that I learned that Disney’s inspiration for the story of Mulan actually comes from a Chinese folk song from the North Wei Dynasty.
I shouldn’t have been surprised– Disney didn’t make up The Little Mermaid or Cinderella, either, you know? I guess I just never really thought about the origin of the story until I heard about the live-action remake and the controversy surrounding who was writing Mulan retellings– and whether white writers should be the ones telling this Asian-inspired fantasy story or whether it should be told by Chinese writers instead.
UPDATE: I wrote this post before the movie came out and before I learned of some of the controversy over its filming. It has been bothering me for a long time that I haven’t acknowledged that here. Here’s some information about why people have decided to boycott the movie because of the filming location and China’s treatment of Chinese Uighur Muslims.
So…. Perhaps instead of watching the movie, check out and buy these books inspired by Asian myth, folklore, and legend that were written by Asian authors.
Reading Asian-Inspired Fantasy by Asian Authors
All of that started me thinking about books by Asian authors and as I started reading, I began to fall in love with books inspired by Asian history, folklore, and mythology that are written by Asian authors.
The good news is this: there are some amazing books that, like Mulan, are inspired by Asian history and folklore and are just waiting for us to snatch them off the shelves and read them.
I’ve broken the list into two sections: series and stand-alone books. Check them out, let me know what you’ve read, and please tell me if I’ve missed any titles that should be included! I searched quite a bit before making my list, but I’m sure there are a few I’ve missed and I would love to add them.
Asian-Inspired Fantasy Series
Some of the series listed here (such as Shadow of the Fox) require you to read the books in order, but others (like The Star-Touched Queen) are much more loosely connected and allow you to read whatever appeals to you in whatever order. Check them out and see what meets your preferences. Also– for the books I’ve reviewed, you’ll find detailed content at the bottom of my review post, so be sure to click over to the review and look for that if it interests you.
Note: Many of the links below are affiliate links, which don’t cost you anything to use, but when used, help support this blog.
What you need to know: Hailed as Mulan meets Project Runway. The series is also set in the Silk Road era and full of Chinese culture. It’s got magic, forbidden love, and unforgettable characters. One of my favorite books of 2019. Read my full review.
What you need to know: Forbidden romance, political intrigue, magic gone awry. A girl touched by a demon and forced into an engagement with the emperor to keep the peace for her people. This is at the top of my To-Be-Read list.
What you need to know: Two sisters with very different preferred weapons: one uses a sword, the other, words. Loads of political intrigue, battles, strong heroines. It’s beautiful. Read my full review.
The Empress of Flames
What you need to know: I’m pretty sure the release date for this book was originally early this year, but it’s since been pushed back to March of next year, which is super sad! I wanted to at least mention it in this list, since I’m really excited to read it. You can add it to your reading list and learn more on Goodreads.
What you need to know: Inspired by Indian folklore. Friends to Enemies to Lovers. A female rebel assassin. Forbidden magic. Adorable romance. Read my full review.
What you need to know: Rebels in disguise, political intrigue, and adorable romance. Just a warning, this one will make you really want to read book three! Read my full review.
Girls of Paper and Fire Series by Natasha Ngan
Note: I haven’t read this series yet, but I have heard the content needs some trigger warnings for sexual abuse, violence, and animal cruelty.
What you need to know: F/F romance. Hope and recovery from trauma. Fierce girls refusing to accept a society that treats them as less-than. Beautifully rendered Asian mythology.
What you need to know: Explores themes about morality during war. Continues the journey of healing for women who’ve experienced trauma. Features strong, warrior women. F/F romance. Asian mythology.
What you need to know: Described as a “richly detailed world inspired by ancient Arabia” on Goodreads. Enemies to lovers. Witty banter. Read my full review.
What you need to know: A cursed princess who turns out to be the only one who can save everyone. Steeped in Indian folklore and mythology. Total must-read. Read my full review.
What you need to know: Less a sequel and more a companion novel. Filled with the same gorgeous writing and world-building as the Star-Touched Queen. Enemies to lovers. Witty banter. Filled with eerie mythological creatures. Read my full review.
What you need to know: Based on Japanese folklore. Enemies to lovers. Unlikely allies embarking on an impossible quest. Absolutely charming characters. Read my full review.
What you need to know: Read the other books in the series before this one– lots of it focuses on the final battle, so it won’t be as easy to follow or understand if you haven’t read earlier books. Based on Japanese mythology. Fierce heroine who never gives up and refuses to sacrifice her friends. Fantastic conclusion to an incredible series. Read my full review.
What you need to know: Based on Korean folklore but told in modern-day Seoul. An opposites-attract love story about a fierce girl and a cheery, charming boy. Fantastic grandma/grandson relationship.
What you need to know: Expected publication in August 2020. Promises new dangers and romance. Based on Korean folklore but told in a contemporary setting.
What you need to know: A dark, Asian-inspired fantasy origin story of the Wicked Queen in the Snow White fairytale. Desperate, creepy magic. Compelling anti-heroine. Read my full review.
What you need to know: I’m not sure if this book is part of the series exactly– Goodreads lists it as book 2.5, so it takes place between the other two books and maybe more of a companion novel? Same beautiful Asian-inspired fantasy story-world.
What you need to know: Features the creepiest trees you’ve ever read. Seriously spooky! Celebrates the bonds of sisterhood/friendship. Packed with fantastic banter and sarcasm. High energy plot that will keep you turning pages. Read my full review.
Books two and three are currently untitled, but expected to follow. I can’t wait!
Standalone Asian-Inspired Fantasy
Sometimes a series feels like a big commitment, especially when the books are so closely tied together that you can’t read one without reading the others first. These are two standalone novels inspired by Chinese history, culture and mythology that are a perfect choice for readers who aren’t up for the commitment of a whole series.
What you need to know: Coming-of-age story about a child bride in medieval China. Based on history, culture, and mythology. Haunting and unusual. Reminded me a little bit of the story of Mulan in that it features a a strong heroine in a time period and culture where she feels entirely out of place for her strength. Read my review.
What you need to know: Chinese-inspired fantasy. Features a strong heroine willing to risk everything in the pursuit of justice. Thrilling courtroom drama. Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it’s uncertain whether there will be a follow-up novel.
What you need to know: Set on the Silk Road and featuring Middle-Eastern mythology. Brilliant characters– especially the female characters. Might be better classified as new adult than young adult.
What are your favorite Asian-inspired fantasy books?
Have you read any of the books on the list? If you’ve thought of other Asian-inspired fantasy that I should add, please leave me a comment with the title and author. I would love to add to my list!
I don’t know if I’m reading more books than usual because of trying to stay home and avoid COVID-19, or if I’ve just got better contacts and a better sense of the middle grade book world these days, or if I’ve just gotten incredible lucky, but it seems like there have been a LOT of really amazing books published this year.
This list will focus on middle grade books, which are aimed at kids 8 to 12. I’ll do a separate post featuring young adult books, because there have been some fabulous titles there, too.
If you’re looking for a book that will sweep you away, make you laugh out loud, or make you get lost in another world, these are the books for you. Discover a real animal you probably didn’t know existed in MUSIC FOR TIGERS. Learn about cricket farming. Dolphins. Complex and changing friendships. It’s all here. Just waiting for you to crack the cover.
Note: Many of the buy links listed below are affiliate links, which help support this blog if you use them to shop. They do not cost you anything to use.
Fionn and his friends face a growing army of Soulstalkers. Without his magic, Fionn and his friends must work together to summon an army of merrows before the island is overrun.
Paul Marconi and his best friends have been longing for a mystery to liven up their small town. Then hundreds of rubber duckies appear in their neighbor’s yard, and the friends finally have something to investigate.
A perfect summer story about friends, amateur sleuthing and a whole lot of rubber duckies.
Ben’s potato curse and a bouncing hot dog cause him to serve as the school mascot– a giant potato. Hilarity ensues as Ben struggles to keep his spud identity a secret from his friends and the prettiest girl in school.
Lots of fun antics and great character growth make this a perfect read for upper elementary students.
A telepathic message from an elephant and a quest from a ghost send Lex on a hunt that might just solve the mystery of who her family is and why the tornado brought her to the zoo when she was a baby.
From Goodreads: “A moving coming-of-age story wrapped up in the moss, leaves, and blue gums of the Tasmanian rainforest where, hidden under giant ferns, crouches its most beloved, and lost, creature.”
After Cassie’s mom is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, Cassie decides they need to have one more adventure to help her mom remember what matters most.
Between inventing new recipes, staging her own parade, and finding a talent for the school talent show, Ryan is a busy girl. She believes in making the best of any situation, even when life gets difficult.
A sweet story about family, friendship, facing fears, and learning to see beyond first impressions.
Meg doesn’t want to be in her best friend Beatrix’s shadow anymore, but stepping out on her own might cost the friendship. Especially when stepping out means joining a special science class with a quirky new girl Beatrix doesn’t like.
Mia faces secrets she’d rather forget and the challenge of making new friends while solving the mystery of who is trying to sabotage her grandmother’s cricket farm.
Have you read any middle grade books this year? What are some of the favorites from your late elementary-school/early middle school days that still stick with you today? Share the titles with me in the comments! I’d love to know if there are great titles I’ve missed.
