This is the absolutely true account of how Lansburg, Pennsylvania was invaded by aliens and the weeks of chaos that followed. There were sightings of UFOs, close encounters, and even abductions. There were believers, Truth Seekers, and, above all, people who looked to the sky and hoped for more.
Only… there were no aliens.
Gideon Hofstadt knows what really happened. When one of his science experiments went wrong, he and his older brother blamed the resulting explosion on extraterrestrial activity. And their lie was not only believed by their town―it was embraced. As the brothers go to increasingly greater lengths to keep up the ruse and avoid getting caught, the hoax flourishes. But Gideon’s obsession with their tale threatened his whole world. Can he find a way to banish the aliens before Lansburg, and his life, are changed forever?
Told in a report format and comprised of interviews, blog posts, text conversations, found documents, and so much more, It Came from the Sky is a hysterical and resonant novel about what it means to be human in the face of the unknown.
From the author of The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett and As You Wish comes the unforgettable story of the one small town’s biggest hoax and the two brothers who started it all.
“A page-turner as engrossing as any classic Twilight Zone starring two spirited brothers who run circles around the Hardy Boys.” – Ben Philippe, Morris Award-winning author of The Field Guide to the North American Teenager
My Review
I have mixed feelings about this book. The whole situation– the explosion that leads to the alien encounter hoax– is kind of funny. I’m generally a fan of stories in which the characters land themselves in bizarre situations and then have to panic-slash-mastermind their way out of them only to have unanticipated consequences result. So this story definitely scratches that itch for me.
I just… didn’t like Gideon. I appreciated his intelligence. And I sympathized with his struggle to communicate his emotions and his aversion to sticky foods. But all of it seemed so selfish to me. He seemed so selfish. Even the idea that he could perpetrate this large-scale lie without any remorse, because it’s for science! I had a lot of trouble connecting with him.
Even though I didn’t connect with Gideon, I read the whole book because I hoped that it would have the kind of resolution that would make it all make sense and that if he really learned his lesson, it’d be worth the investment in the book.
And he does learn some things and make some changes. There’s growth. One of the things I didn’t like (and I’m going to be vague for spoilers reasons) was that toward the end, Gideon is faced with someone who has committed two different types of crimes. In my mind, one was much more personal and damaging than the other. But it felt like because the other frustrated Gideon more, he prioritized reporting it.
All in all, I thought the idea was fun, and the story was interesting, but this one isn’t for me. If you like goofy heist or prank stories, though, IT CAME FROM THE SKY is one I think you’ll want to check out.
Content Notes
Recommended for Ages 14 up.
Representation Gideon is gay.
Profanity/Crude Language Content Extreme profanity used infrequently.
Romance/Sexual Content Kissing between two boys. References to sex between an adult and minor.
Spiritual Content None.
Violent Content None.
Drug Content Gideon discovers an adult who is drunk and behaving unsafely.
Note: I received a free copy of IT CAME FROM THE SKY in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog.
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.
It’s the last day of senior year. Rowan Roth and Neil McNair have been bitter rivals for all of high school, clashing on test scores, student council elections, and even gym class pull-up contests. While Rowan, who secretly wants to write romance novels, is anxious about the future, she’d love to beat her infuriating nemesis one last time.
Tonight, she puts up with him.
When Neil is named valedictorian, Rowan has only one chance at victory: Howl, a senior class game that takes them all over Seattle, a farewell tour of the city she loves. But after learning a group of seniors is out to get them, she and Neil reluctantly decide to team up until they’re the last players left—and then they’ll destroy each other.
As Rowan spends more time with Neil, she realizes he’s much more than the awkward linguistics nerd she’s sparred with for the past four years. And, perhaps, this boy she claims to despise might actually be the boy of her dreams.
Tomorrow…maybe she’s already fallen for him.
THE HATING GAME meets NICK AND NORAH’S INFINITE PLAYLIST by way of Morgan Matson in this unforgettable romantic comedy about two rival overachievers whose relationship completely transforms over the course of twenty-four hours.
My Review
I could not put this book down. It’s funny. TODAY TONIGHT TOMORROW is packed with the kind of snappy banter that I adore. It’s thoughtful. The story made me rethink my feelings on romance as a reading genre. And most of all, it’s desperately romantic.
Most of the book centers around a contest called The Howl, in which the whole senior class participates in a kind of photo scavenger hunt all around Seattle. It’s a race to win a prize of $5000, which both Rowan and Neil fiercely need. The contest gave the story a straightforward structure and high stakes. But what makes TODAY TONIGHT TOMORROW really magical, though, is the relationship between Rowan and Neil themselves.
I’m kind of a sucker for enemies-to-lovers stories anyway, but this one had this perfect mix of wit, awkwardness, self-doubt, vulnerability, and passion. I cannot say this enough: I. Loved. It.
A Discussion of Romance
A brief note on the views about romance in the story: In the book, Rowan loves romance novels and has written one herself. She muses about the fact that romance as a genre centers women in a way that other media does not, and yet people often treat it with disdain. She discusses how reading romance also made her feel empowered and comfortable talking about sex.
Her love for romance is really woven into the story, so it doesn’t feel out of place or very preachy. It made me stop and consider the way media represents women. My daughter has participated in a local children’s theater group, and often the majority of the speaking roles are for male characters. I feel like this is something where, once you start noticing it, you kind of can’t stop. Ha.
At any rate, I really appreciated this part of TODAY TONIGHT TOMORROW and especially the letter at the end from the author which explained some of her own evolution on those ideas.
All in all, fans of THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN ME IS YOU by Lily Anderson really need to check this one out. If you like witty banter and enemies-to-lovers stories, put TODAY TONIGHT TOMORROW at the top of your list!
Content Notes
Recommended for Ages 16 up.
Representation Major characters are Jewish. Side characters are Korean, bisexual, and lesbian.
Profanity/Crude Language Content Extreme profanity used fairly frequently.
Romance/Sexual Content Kissing between boy and girl. References to sex. One scene shows characters discussing having sex and then briefly doing so.
Spiritual Content Rowan’s family has Shabbat dinner together. References to bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah celebrations and communities of faith.
Violent Content References to a man beating up a teenager and a girl getting into a fistfight. Some micro and not-so-micro aggressions against Jewish characters.
Drug Content Neil and Rowan buy cookies with pot in them and get high together.
Note: I received a free copy of TODAY TONIGHT TOMORROW in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog.
The follow-up to WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI andTHERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT SWEETIE follows Pinky and Samir as they pretend to date—with disastrous and hilarious results.
Pinky Kumar wears the social justice warrior badge with pride. From raccoon hospitals to persecuted rock stars, no cause is too esoteric for her to champion. But a teeny-tiny part of her also really enjoys making her conservative, buttoned-up corporate lawyer parents cringe.
Samir Jha might have a few . . . quirks remaining from the time he had to take care of his sick mother, like the endless lists he makes in his planner and the way he schedules every minute of every day, but those are good things. They make life predictable and steady.
Pinky loves lazy summers at her parents’ Cape Cod lake house, but after listening to them harangue her about the poor decisions (aka boyfriends) she’s made, she hatches a plan. Get her sorta-friend-sorta-enemy, Samir—who is a total Harvard-bound Mama’s boy—to pose as her perfect boyfriend for the summer. As they bicker their way through lighthouses and butterfly habitats, sparks fly, and they both realize this will be a summer they’ll never forget.
My Review
10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT PINKY is the first book by Sandhya Menon that I’ve read. I’ve heard great things about her other books, and have meant to read them, so when I got the chance to read this one, I was super excited.
First off, if you’re unfamiliar with Menon’s books (like I was), you can read this one without having read the others. There are some references to characters from the other books, but this book stands on its own.
I think this book totally lived up to the series hype. I loved Pinky’s quirkiness and passion and Samir’s awkwardness and insightfulness. I loved the fake dating. The family relationships were great, too. I especially loved the way the story explored Pinky’s relationship with her mom and things Pinky didn’t even realize she was doing to make that worse.
Also, the dramatic opossum! I love that Pinky rescues her and names her and walks her in a harness. It was weird and adorable and just SO Pinky.
The story has a lightness to it that I definitely need in my life right now. I found myself giggling and grinning through scenes and staying up to read just one more chapter (and another and another).
I think readers who love romantic comedy with family presence will love this fun, fake dating adventure.
Content Notes
Recommended for Ages 12 up.
Representation Main characters are Indian-American.
Profanity/Crude Language Content Strong profanity used about a dozen times.
Romance/Sexual Content References to sex. Kissing between boy and girl.
Spiritual Content None.
Violent Content None.
Drug Content References to teens drinking alcohol.
Note: I received a free copy of 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT PINKY in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog.
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!
Inez Finley is just like most ten-year-olds. Her life is filled with love from her family. Mainly from Grandma Esther.
Her parents love her, too, but Grandma is the only one Inez can truly talk to about the dreams she has.
Especially after one of them comes true on the schoolyard. She is the only one who understands what Inez can see and what the woman in the old photo in Dad’s office has to do with it.
My Review
It’s not often that I review serial or short fiction, but in this case, I wanted to help out a fellow book blogger and share something about her book.
“Wicked in Rhyme” is four chapters introducing Inez Finley, a bright, empathetic girl with vivid dreams. Even in these first few chapters, Inez’s special relationship with her grandmother comes through. There’s also a really fun element of mystery and intrigue as Inez realizes her dreams aren’t just dreams. But unlocking their secrets won’t be easy.
I found myself drawn in and deeply interested in Inez’s story and her dreams. I would definitely read more of her story.
Content Notes
Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.
Representation Inez is Black.
Profanity/Crude Language Content None.
Romance/Sexual Content None.
Spiritual Content Inez has a dream that something bad happens to someone, and then it does.
Violent Content None.
Drug Content None.
Note: I received a free copy of “Wicked in Rhyme” in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog.
