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Top Ten Tuesday: Super-Fun Summer Camp Books

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18 Fun Summer Camp Books for Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday: Super-Fun Summer Camp Books

It’s Top Ten Tuesday again! This week’s theme is best books for summer, which is a perfect chance to talk about beach reads… but I’m not much of a beach girl? I burn way too easily. So, instead, let’s talk about another favorite summer activity: summer camp!

Whether it’s the story of a first-time camp experience or simply the tale of camp attendance as a means to an end, excellent summer camp books capture the immersive experience of being away from home. They spin stories of unexpected friendships and wacky inside jokes. They remind us to celebrate being in nature and being part of a team or group.

I’ve included six middle-grade books and twelve young adult books in this list, so technically it’s my top eighteen, but I couldn’t help it. They’re all great books that made me feel big summer camp vibes.

Note: Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl in which bloggers share their top ten favorites in the week’s theme. Check out this week’s list of posts about summer reading!

Also: This post contains affiliate links that don’t cost anything for you to use but help support this blog. Thank you for shopping with them!

Super-Fun Summer Camp Books: Middle Grade

Here are six middle-grade books featuring summer camp adventures. From LARPing to twins swapping places to discovering a hidden world of magic, all these books immersed me in summer camp feelings and celebrated the unexpected friendships and adventures that a few weeks away from home inevitably bring.

Monster Camp by Sarah Henning

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: A girl signs up for what she thinks is a LARPing (live-action roleplaying) camp only to discover the other campers are actually monsters. Totally fun. The camp setting makes this a perfect summer read, but the monster elements would make this a good fall/Halloween season read, too.

Release Date: May 9, 2023

Mirror to Mirror by Rajani LaRocca

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: A richly written novel in verse about twin girls who’ve grown apart and dare one another to switch places at summer camp. One twin has undiagnosed anxiety. I loved the relationship between the sisters in this one.

Release Date:

Amari and the Night Brothers (Supernatural Investigations #1) B. B. Alston

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review to Come

What you need to know: Men In Black meets Percy Jackson, but better. Amari learns her missing brother was part of a supernatural organization (think FBI plus magic) which she joins after learning it can help her discover what happened to him.

Release Date: January 19, 2021

The Girls of Firefly Cabin by Cynthia Ellingsen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: Four girls meet for the first time when they’re assigned to Firefly Cabin. Will secrets, competition, and other classic summer camp adventures bind them together as friends or tear their cabin apart? Perfectly captures and celebrates summer camp experiences.

Release Date: May 28, 2019

Chirp by Kate Messner

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: Not all summer camps are sleep-away– here’s one celebrating day camp for a girl whose family has just moved to a new town. Discusses grooming and consent in a clear, age-appropriate way. Great family elements.

Release Date: February 4, 2020

Ways to Grow Love (A Ryan Hart Story) by Renée Watson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: The second book in the Ryan Hart series. Ryan braves her nerves about summer camp and changing friendships. A perfect blend of the power of resilience, friendship, and summertime fun.

Release Date: April 27, 2021

Super-Fun Summer Camp Books: Young Adult

Julieta and the Romeos by Maria E. Andreu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: An elite writing summer intensive challenges Julieta to post her writing publicly. A mysterious collaborator begins contributing to the story. She’s determined to figure out which of the three boys she’s maybe interested in could be her online partner. Perfect for fans of Kasie West or Jennifer E. Smith.

Release Date: May 16, 2023

You Don’t Have a Shot by Racquel Marie

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: Soccer camp! Rivals to lovers! A layered story exploring romance, pride, and perfectionism. I loved the relationships between characters, and the descriptions of the soccer practices and games made me feel like I was right there on the sidelines.

Release Date: May 9, 2023

Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review to Come

What you need to know: First love and Deaf pride… at summer camp. A book about embracing identity and finding the friends you didn’t know you needed. This one is at the top of my summer reading list.

Release Date: July 11, 2023

It Looks Like Us by Alison Ames

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: Summer camp… horror! A research trip to Antarctica turns deadly when an unidentified something tries to kill the retreat members. One of the best books I read last year, and I’m not a big horror girl. Check my review for content warnings.

Release Date: September 13, 2022

Long Story Short by Serena Kaylor

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: A homeschooled girl whose parents decide she needs more experience with peers attends the Connecticut Shakespearean Summer Academy in exchange for their permission for her early admission to Oxford. Competitive antics and rivals-to-lovers romance ensue. Great for fans of Lily Anderson.

Release Date: July 26, 2022

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: An intense summer program for aspiring web developers. A suitor in a potential arranged marriage. A girl who couldn’t be less interested in romance. All the fun of Sandhya Menon’s fluffy romance… at summer camp!

Release Date: May 30, 2017

You Have a Match by Emma Lord

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: When a DNA service reveals a younger sister, Abby signs up for summer camp to meet her unknown sibling. Packed with secrets about to burst and an adorable friends-to-lovers romance. My favorite of Emma Lord’s books so far.

Release Date: January 12, 2021

Have a Little Faith in Me by Sonia Hartl

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: Jesus camp… but not from a religious perspective. This one tackles issues concerning consent, celebrates girl friendships, and delivers a simmering summer romance.

Release Date: September 3, 2019

Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: Ballet camp! In Paris! Plus, a sweet romance and a quest to prove family lore that says her relative sat for a painting by Edgar Degas. Perfect for fans of Jenna Evans Welch.

Release Date: April 6, 2021

No Place Like Here by Christina June

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: A girl desperate to escape from under her controlling father’s thumb. A rustic team-building retreat center in the middle of nowhere. Awkward, cute, and fun.

Release Date: May 21, 2019

Last Summer at Eden by Christina Hergenrader

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: It’s been a while since I’ve read this one, but I remember it being a fun read packed with references to camp songs and the emotional highs and lows of being in close quarters with strangers for weeks. It’s a Christian book and has a faith-positive message.

Release Date: March 1, 2017

The Honeys by Ryan LaSala

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review to Come

What you need to know: This is one from my current summer reading list! When his twin sister dies after running all the way home from her summer camp experience, he vows to go to the camp himself and find out what happened to her. Looks creepy and intense. I’m excited about it.

Release Date: August 2, 2022

The Honeys by Ryan LaSala

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review to Come

What you need to know: Another one that just came out! A bookish girl forced into summer leadership camp. Girl friendships and an unexpected summer romance that may demand she learn to stand up for herself and, well, lead.

Release Date: May 16, 2023

What are your favorite summer camp stories?

Do you have favorite stories about summer camp? What books feel like summertime to you? Leave a comment and let me know! I would love to chat about them.

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Books to Read if You Loved The Perks of Being a Wallflower

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Though THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER came out more than twenty years ago, it wasn’t until last year that I actually read it for the first time. It’s a favorite of a friend, so I decided to give it a try on his recommendation.

It’s one of those books that kind of punches you in the heart? Like, there were things I saw coming, and things I definitely did not see. Some moments left me feeling like my soul was lighter, like I was remembering the best moments a good friendship can bring. And other moments just wrenched my guts to pieces. WALLFLOWER also has a prominent openly gay character, which was a pretty big deal for a young adult book published in 1999. So, for my topic this Top Ten Tuesday, let’s talk about 10 books to read if you loved THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER.

Note: Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl. This post contains affiliate links which don’t cost you anything to use but help support this blog. (And help support local bookstores, if you use the Bookshop links!)

10 Books to Read if You Loved The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Tonight We Rule the World by Zack Smedley

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A loner finds love and friendship, but after he’s sexually assaulted, all the relationships in his life feel at risk. Totally under-hyped. This one blew me away.

Published October 12, 2021 | My Review

First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera

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What you need to know: A loner meets his person in NYC and learns one of them will die the next day. The prequel to THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END, though personally I fell harder for the story in this one.

Published October 4, 2022 | My Review

Arden Grey by Ray Stoeve

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What you need to know: As Arden’s best friend falls in love, she questions whether the relationship is safe and begins to wonder the same about a relationship at home. Powerfully written.

Published April 26, 2022 | My Review

The Minus-One Club by Kekla Magoon

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What you need to know: After losing his sister in a car accident, Kermit gets invited to a grief support group of sorts, where he finds love and friendship, until the group faces a crisis that could undo them all. Such great storytelling here.

Published January 17, 2023 | My Review

The Cartographers by Amy Zhang

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What you need to know: Ocean tries to lose herself in the Big City, but a chaotic boy, and two roommates in denial about their feelings for one another may be just the recipe to help Ocean find her way forward. This one is as angsty as it is thought-provoking. I loved it.

Published January 31, 2023 | My Review

This Place is Still Beautiful

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What you need to know: A racist incident makes it impossible for Annalie, who has always handled adversity by being as invisible as she can, to disappear. New friends and a new romance help her find confidence in her own voice. To me, best part of THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER is the way his friends help him find his voice. This book captured that, too, in such a great way.

Published June 7, 2022 | Review to Come

Brighter Than the Moon by David Valdes

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What you need to know: Jonas met the girl of his dreams online, and now wants to bring the relationship into real life. She talks her best friend Ash into meeting him first, and the three embark on a wild, emotional ride. This one has such great friendship energy.

Published January 10, 2023 | My Review

How We Ricochet by Faith Gardner

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What you need to know: After Betty and her family survive a shooting incident, she wrestles with why it happened. She builds a friendship with the brother of the shooter, trying to learn about the boy who tried to kill her sister and mother. An unforgettable, timely story.

Published May 24, 2022| Review to Come

We Can Be Heroes by Kylie McCauley

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Two rivals join forces after their best friend is killed in a domestic violence shooting when they both begin to see the ghost of their lost friend. This one has made me a huge fan of this author’s books.

Published September 7, 2021 | My Review

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

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What you need to know: Two best friends, estranged by grief. Reckoning with past and present abuse. Falling in love just as things fall apart. This book absolutely wrecked me.

Published March 1, 2022 | My Review

What books would you add to my list?

Have you read THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER (or seen the movie)? If so, what stories does it make you think of?

If you’ve written a “if you like this, read that” type of post about a book you love, share it in the comments so I can check it out!

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Middle Grade Books Featuring a Magic School

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Happy Tuesday, everyone! This week’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt is to pick a past topic to reboot. I made it easy on myself, and kind of went for a freebie type post because I’ve been wanting to do a Middle Grade Books Featuring a Magic School list for a little bit. In case you’re unfamiliar with Top Ten Tuesday, it’s a weekly meme hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl. It’s a great way to connect with other bloggers and find new books for your reading list.

So, I’m going to assume you’re already familiar with the boy wizard series and Rick Riordan’s books featuring magic schools, as well as the Ever After High series, which was a favorite in our house. Instead, I’ll talk about some really great, more recently published middle grade books featuring a magic school. Here we go!

10 Middle Grade Books Featuring a Magic School

Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A. F. Steadman

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A magical school that trains unicorn and rider pairs! A boy who must stop a powerful thief from stealing unicorns. This one is a lot of fun.

Release Date: May 3, 2022 | My Review

The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Magic and friendship. A boarding school packed with secrets. Girls who are told they’re broken discovering their true strength. Still a favorite of mine.

Published October 12, 2021 | My Review

Rise of the School for Good and Evil Series by Soman Chainani

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This series tells the origin story of The School for Good and Evil and the two brothers tasked with maintaining a balance between good and evil magic. Packed with the same twisty storytelling and fun energy of the original series.

Published May 31, 2022 | Full review coming soon!

Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A magical town, and an opportunity to join one of five covens… unless you’re a Spare like Seven, forced to complete an impossible task in order to keep her powers.

Published April 5, 2022

A Taste of Magic by J. Elle

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A Black girl with prowess in the kitchen on top of newly discovered magic fights to save her magical school from closing. A super fun read packed with delicious food and family.

Published August 30, 2022 | My Review

Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Födi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Quirky characters. A fun and fantastic story about the under-appreciated crew trained at their school to clean up after spellcasters.

Published November 30, 2021 | My Review

Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A school that teaches musicians to create magic. A student on her last chance, who just might be the only one who can save her school from a mysterious, powerful storm. Music and magic make a great pairing here.

Published September 5, 2019

The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A magic school where students gather to practice cultural arts, and a girl who’s first of her ability to be admitted to the school. When her teacher goes missing, it’s up to her and her new friends to rescue him.

Published May 3, 2022

The Storybook of Legends by Shannon Hale

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A magical school that trains warriors to use their hidden powers. A girl with powerful magic that links her to an infamous traitor who’s determined to find her parents, no matter the cost.

Published March 1, 2022

Secret of the Shadow Beasts by Diane Magras

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Night is ruled by toxic beasts which can only be defeated by children who are immune. When Nora reluctantly joins their ranks, she uncovers secrets that leave her questioning everything. A wild ride of a story.

Published June 14, 2022

What are your favorite magic school books?

Do you like middle grade books featuring a magic school? What are your favorites? Let me know if you’ve read any of the books on my list, or if there are others I should add.

30 Most-Anticipated Young Adult Books Coming Spring 2023

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Spring is here! And with it comes some amazing YA books. I’m so excited about SO MANY titles coming out this season. This list contains authors I’ve been following closely, plus some authors I’ve wanted to read PLUS debut or new-to-me authors. All I can say is that I’m going to spending a lot of time reading this season. We have a hammock under the trees in the backyard, and I can tell I’m gonna be using it! Here are my top 30 most-anticipated young adult books coming spring 2023.

30 Most-Anticipated Young Adult Books Coming Spring 2023

My Dear Henry: A Jekyll and Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: A retelling of the story of Jekyll and Hyde set in 1880s England with queer Black main characters. I really enjoyed her middle grade novel, THE VANQUISHERS, last year, so I was excited to read more of her books. I think she knocked it out of the park with this one.

Release Date: March 7, 2023 | My Review

Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: A missing girl who was never found. A true crime podcast featuring the case. Two girls who must decide whether the secrets they uncovered would destroy an innocent man or identify Clarissa’s murderer. Twisty and intense! Read if you loved SADIE or THE AGATHAS.

Release Date: March 7, 2023 | My Review

I Will Find You Again by Sarah Lyu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A best friend and first love disappears, leaving only snapshots of grief and secrets behind. This one looks like the kind of book that can wreck you. I’m totally in.

Release Date: March 14, 2023 | My Review

The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A Renaissance Faire under new management. A girl who liked the old faire better. A boy who pulls her into the new theatrical experience. I have loved both Ashley Schumacher’s other novels, so I’m dying to read this one.

Release Date: March 14, 2023 | My Review

Stateless by Elizabeth Wein

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl chosen to represent Britain in Europe’s first air race for youth. Sabotage and secrets. Maybe even… murder?? I’ve loved both the books I read by this author before, so I’m expecting the same great storytelling and unforgettable characters here.

Release Date: March 14, 2023 | My Review

Castelon (Wraithwood #3) by Alyssa Roat

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: CASTELON is the final book in the Wraithwood series, which I’ve really been enjoying. It’s got some Merlin-based lore and magic. A slow-burn romance. I have to know how it all ends.

Release Date: March 15, 2023 | My Review

You Wouldn’t Dare by Samantha Markum

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A best friendship nearly wrecked by a summer fling. A surly new stepsister. A community theater production in jeopardy. Sounds like Junie is juggling a lot of big things, and they’re all about to come crashing down. I loved Markum’s debut, and this one looks like it’ll deliver the same sparky tension and hilarity.

Release Date: March 28, 2023 | My Review

Last Sunrise in Eterna by Amparo Ortiz

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This looks like magical realism or maybe a portal story? A girl who supports her family by scavenging elf corpses. The elf prince whose fate is tied to hers. Looks like it could have some THE LUMINARIES vibes?

Release Date: March 28, 2023 | My Review

Greymist Fair by Francesca Zappia

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Described as “a suspenseful and inventive murder-mystery inspired by the lesser-known fairytales of the Brothers Grimm.” I read KATZENJAMMER last year and absolutely loved Zappia’s vivid, powerful writing. As soon as I saw her name on this cover, I was in.

Release Date: March 28, 2023 | My Review

Spell Bound by F. T. Lukens

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What you need to know: Two rival apprentices team up when their mentors are both attacked. Looks like an enemies-to-allies-to-lovers story with magic? I like all those words.

Release Date: April 4, 2023 | My Review

The Hunt for Eden’s Star by D. J. Williams

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Secret supernatural societies. A global adventure. Diverse cast. This one sounds like an edge-of-your-seat read.

Release Date: April 4, 2023 | My Review

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown (Adapted for Young Readers) by Heather B. Moore and Allison Hong Merrill

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Based on the true story of two friends who help rescue immigrant women and girls in San Fransisco’s Chinatown in the late 1890s. I love the trend lately of novels inspired by little-known female heroes in history. I’m super excited to read this one.

Release Date: April 11, 2023 | My Review

The Other Side of Infinity by Joan F. Smith

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl with a gift of foreknowledge uses it to save a life… and inadvertently puts the rescuer’s life in danger. Described as “THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END meets THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT.” I liked both, so I’m super excited to read this one.

Release Date: April 25, 2023 | My Review

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli

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What you need to know: Transition to college! Fake dating! Friends to… more? I enjoy Becky Albertalli’s books so much, and this one looks packed with fun, depth, and heart.

Release Date: May 2, 2023 | My Review

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A team of teens determined to return ancestral remains from a museum to their tribe amid mysteries and secrets possibly connecting to missing women. I love that this story draws attention to a very real issue, and I’m excited to read the book.

Release Date: May 2, 2023 | My Review

The Last One to Fall by Gabrielle Lepore

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What you need to know: Six teens were present when someone was murdered, but which one is guilty? I really enjoyed Lepore’s debut, THIS IS WHY WE LIE, which came out last year. This looks like one to read if you loved ONE OF US IS LYING.

Release Date: May 9, 2023 | My Review

Beauty Reborn by Elizabeth Lowham

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What you need to know: Beauty and the Beast retold with Beauty as an assault survivor, who retreats to the Beast’s castle following her attack. I’m always interested in reimagined fairy tales, and I am really curious about this one.

Release Date: May 9, 2023 | My Review

You Don’t Have a Shot by Racquel Marie

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Rivals to lovers. Soccer. Summer camp. All packaged up in a story penned by the incredible Racquel Marie, whose debut is an absolute favorite of mine.

Release Date: May 9, 2023 | My Review

If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come by Jen St. Jude

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl in love with her best friend and clinically depressed (undiagnosed) finds her plans to take her life thwarted by an announcement that there are only 9 days left before a life-ending asteroid strikes the Earth. Looks like one that will plumb the depths of the heart.

Release Date: May 9, 2023 | My Review

Julieta and the Romeos by Maria E. Andreu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Described as “YOU’VE GOT MAIL meets a YA BEACH READ” which sounds like lots of fun. A writer trying to uncover the identity of a mysterious online collaborator. Sounds super cute and just what I need after some of the more serious titles on here!

Release Date: May 16, 2023 | My Review

The Secret of the Moon Conch by David Bowles and Guadalupe García McCall

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Two people, two timelines, connected by a magical conch shell…. communicating across time, and falling in love. I love a good time-travel/time-pretzel romance, so I can’t wait for this one.

Release Date: May 16, 2023 | My Review

Don’t Ask If I’m Okay by Jessica Klara

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Complicated grief. A boy who’s desperate to prove he’s not grieving when he absolutely is, and what happens when his broken heart is truly laid bare. There’s something really special and brave about a book that explores a soul-crushing grief. I really want to read this.

Release Date: May 16, 2023 | My Review

All the Dead Lie Down by Kyrie McCauley

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl escaping her own grief takes a job as a governess in a haunted house. The description of this one reminds me a lot of THE TURN OF THE SCREW by Henry James. I loved McCauley’s last novel, so when I saw her name, I couldn’t wait to read this.

Release Date: May 16, 2023 | My Review

Venom & Vow by Anna-Marie and Elliott McLemore

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A transgender prince doubling for his brother. A queen’s lady-in-waiting who is also a boy assassin, determined to destroy the prince’s brother. Looks like this is packed with political drama and identity exploration, and no one could do it better than this author duo.

Release Date: May 16, 2023 | My Review

Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success by Jessica Parra

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl desperate to keep up appearances for the high-achieving expectations of her parents faces a crossroads when a baking competition she’s sure she could win comes to town. This reminds me a little bit of SALT AND SUGAR by Rebecca Carvalho, and looks like tons of fun!

Release Date: May 16, 2023 | My Review

Constellations by Kate Glasheen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A graphic novel set in 1980s New York. A portrait of a queer teen living on the margins and recovering from alcohol addiction. Looks heartbreaking yet hopeful.

Release Date: May 23, 2023 | My Review

A Starlet’s Secret to a Sensational Afterlife by Kendall Kulper

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What you need to know: Enemies to allies to lovers set in 1930s Hollywood. Described as having “romance, vengeance, and a hint of the supernatural.” Yes, please!

Release Date: May 23, 2023 | My Review

Something Like Possible by Miel Moreland

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A high school election campaign leads to the discovery of a pattern of harassment within the student government. From Goodreads: SOMETHING LIKE POSSIBLE is a love letter to ambitious girls, queer solidarity, and how to keep moving forward when the world seems set on pushing you back.

Release Date: May 23, 2023 | My Review

The Night in Question by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The sequel to THE AGATHAS! Alice and Iris are back to solve another murder mystery in Castle Cove when a school dance at the site of an infamous unsolved murder is interrupted by a violent assault. I loved the first book in this series, so I’m thrilled about this one.

Release Date: May 30, 2023 | My Review

No Perfect Places by Steven Salvatore

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: From the cover copy: A thought-provoking novel about grief, family secrets, and figuring out how to belong against the odds. Salvatore is an auto-buy author for me. I’ve loved both their previous books, and this one hits a lot of elements I tend to love, namely grief and siblings.

Release Date: May 30, 2023 | My Review

What are your most-anticipated young adult books coming spring 2023?

Are you looking forward to any of the titles on my list? What’s coming out that I didn’t list but absolutely must add to my TBR? Leave a comment and let me know! I’d love to add more books to my list.

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books for International Holocaust Remembrance Day

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Top 10 Books for International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Friday, January 27 was International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On that date in 1945, the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated. Some of the stories listed here share the lives of some of those who were imprisoned there. Some were imprisoned at other camps. Still others fled their homes in Europe in an attempt to escape the Nazis.

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday topic is “freebie”, so I’ve chosen to share some of the books I’ve read or that are still on my reading list that feature stories based on historical events or family history. Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl in which bloggers share their top ten book choices. Here are mine for this week.

10 Books to Read for International Holocaust Remembrance Day

The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz: A True Story Retold for Young Readers by Jeremy Dronfield

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: The true story of two Austrian-Jewish brothers in WWII. One escapes to America. The other goes with his father into concentration camps, first Buchenwald and then Auschwitz.

Release Date: January 24, 2023

Boy From Buchenwald: The True Story of a Holocaust Survivor by Robbie Waisman with Susan McClelland

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: How the author and 472 other boys (including Elie Wiesel) survived imprisonment in Buchenwald and found hope when Albert Einstein and Rabbi Herschel Schacter brought them to a home for rehabilitation.

Release Date: May 11, 2021

Hedy’s Journey: The True Story of a Hungarian Girl Fleeing the Holocaust by Michelle Bisson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: The story of the author’s mother and her journey through WWII Germany to escape to America.

Release Date: August 1, 2017

The Librarian of Auschwitz: The Graphic Novel by Antonio Iturbe, Salva Rubio, and Loreto Aroca

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: Based on the true story of a fourteen-year-old girl imprisoned in Auschwitz becomes the guardian of 8 books slipped past the guards. I enjoyed this graphic novel a lot and thought of Dita when reading another book that mentioned books in Auschwitz.

Release Date: January 3, 2023

MAUS:

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Reviews: Book 1 . Book 2

What you need to know: A man navigates a challenging relationship with his father, a Holocaust survivor, who tells the tale of his experiences.

Release Date: November 19, 1996

28 Days: A Novel of Resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto

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What you need to know: Ruthie and her family board the St. Louis to escape from Germany and the concentration camps. When they’re denied entrance to Havana, Ruthie is determined to help find a place she and her family will be safe. A novel in verse based on real historical events.

Release Date: May 1, 2021

28 Days: A Novel of Resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto

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What you need to know: When she learns of plans to murder everyone living in the Warsaw Ghetto, sixteen-year-old Mira joins the resistance, holding the Ghetto for 28 days. Based on the author’s family history.

Release Date: March 14, 2014

Letters from Cuba by Ruth Behar

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What you need to know: After fleeing to Cuba with her father, Esther writes letters to her sister, who remains in Poland with the rest of the family. She records all her experiences as she waits, desperately hoping the rest of her family will be able to make their escape from the Nazis as well. Based on the author’s family history.

Release Date: August 25, 2020

Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II

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What you need to know: In 1938 Italy, six-year-old Lia’s life is turned upside down by war. As danger grows, Lia and her sisters hide at a convent where she grows into a young teen, waiting for the day she can be “just a girl” again. A memoir adapted for young readers.

Release Date: January 1, 1994

The Length of a String by Elissa Brent Weissman

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What you need to know: Imani, an adopted girl, discovers her grandmother’s diary in her search for her birth parents. In it, she discovers the story of Anna, her great grandmother, a Jewish girl who fled Nazi-occupied Luxembourg to the US where she was adopted herself.

Release Date: May 1, 2018

Have you read any books on the Holocaust or World War II?

If you have, which ones stick with you the most? Have you read any of the books on my list of ten books for International Holocaust Remembrance Day? Let me know! I would love to add more books to my reading list.

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Books by New Authors I Read in 2022

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Top Ten Authors New to Me that I Read in 2022

2022 was a great year for me in terms of finding debut authors whose books I loved and finally trying books by authors that I’d had on my TBR for a while. For this week’s Top Ten Tuesday, I’m sharing the top ten best books by new authors (or new to me authors) I read in 2022.

Out of the 171 books that I agreed to review in 2022, 121 of them were authors who were new to me. That doesn’t include the backlist titles that I read, which I am not doing a good job keeping track of right now. I would guess that I’ve read a majority of new authors in backlist titles as well, including Dean Atta, Bethany C. Morris, and Alice Oseman.

So, apparently I read a lot of new authors! Of all those authors, here are the books I ranked as the best six young adult and best four middle grade titles I read in 2022 by authors new to me.

Also, a couple weeks ago I posted a list of the best books I read in 2022. Several of those were by authors who could have been on this list, but honestly I read so many great titles last year that I decided to make a fresh list without overlapping the titles I mentioned before.

Note: Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Ten Best Books by New-to-Me Authors

It Looks Like Us by Allison Ames

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: Did I mention that I’m not usually into horror? I couldn’t get enough of the Antarctic setting. The tenuous friendships disrupted by an alien or infection. Also, there’s a wildly rich, rocket launching, electric car manufacturing guy named Anton Rusk. Lol.

The Darkening by Sunya Mara

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: A city surrounded by a powerful storm filled with magic and monsters. A reluctant prince. A failed revolutionary determined to save her people no matter the cost. I loved the writing and the story kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to read more.

My Mechanical Romance by Alexene Farol Follmuth

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: A robotics team superstar and guy who’s good at everything. A tinkerer who only joins the team under duress and isn’t impressed by him. This was such a fun story. I loved the banter and enemies to lovers elements of this one. Total win.

Year on Fire by Julie Buxbaum

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: This one definitely had WE WERE LIARS vibes for me. I got totally wrapped up in the characters and their connections to one another. Julie Buxbaum has other books out, and I cannot wait to read them all.

Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: A girl with a bond to her queen who will do anything to protect the two princes. Until she learns a secret that causes her to question every loyalty she’s ever felt. I found the cover copy of this one confusing, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I devoured it in less than twenty-four hours. Loved it.

Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: I had heard really great things about the adult version of this book, so when I saw that there was a young adult version, I jumped at the chance to read and review it here. I loved the introspective questions, the history and ecology lessons woven together in perfect harmony.

Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution by Sherri Winston

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: Another title longlisted for the National Book Award– and so deservedly! Lotus is vibrant and talented. I loved the way she heard music in everything. Great writing, and fabulous story.

Ghostcloud by Michael Mann

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: A kidnapped boy is forced to work in a power plant. Then he discovers a ghost who may be able to help him escape. Totally fresh, fascinating story. I loved the ghostly world and relationships between characters.

The Insiders by Mark Oshiro

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: Three friends connected by a mysterious room that appears when they most need an escape from school. I loved the characters and the way the room responded to their stories. Super great book for anyone experiencing bullying and needing an escape.

Set Me Free by Ann Clare LeZotte

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: A Deaf girl from Martha’s Vineyard is hired to teach a young girl who cannot speak. This one went straight to my heart. I loved Mary and walking with her as she processed her own trauma and found healing through helping another girl. Fantastic historical novel.

What are the best books by new authors you’ve read lately?

Do you read a lot of books by new authors, or do you tend to stick with tried-and-true authors you know? If you read new authors, which new authors or new-to-you authors are your current favorites?

Have you read any of the books on my list? What did you think of them? Leave a comment below and let me know!