Teenreads Monthly Update

October 17, 2017

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Teenreads All the Way Down

The new John Green book, TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN, is HERE, and it has been getting rave reviews. People are calling it John's strongest book yet, and saying that his representation of a person living with OCD is not only spot-on, but completely respectful and natural. Whether you've had a chance to start it or not, this video of John discussing mental illness is not to be missed. You can also see a video of John reading the first chapter of the book here. We will have our review in our next update!

So what have I been up to these past few weeks? New York Comic Con has come and gone, and the Teenreads team had a blast attending all four days. There were tons of great YA authors in town this year, and between all the author sightings, drooling over costumes and running around grabbing swag, we had our hands full.

You should definitely read this really fantastic Q&A with our team of reporters and check back next time for a more in-depth post, but I'll share a few of my favorite moments in this newsletter, too. On Thursday, I attended a Pop Culture Throwdown panel with a few super nerdy authors, including Zoraida Córdova (LABYRINTH LOST), Celeste Lim (THE CRYSTAL RIBBON), Brandon T. Snider (WHAT WOULD CAPTAIN PICARD DO?), Emmy Laybourne (BERSERKER), Scott Meyer (RUN PROGRAM) and Mia García (EVEN IF THE SKY FALLS). This was a really fun panel, because the audience was in charge of trying to stump the authors with their wackiest pop culture questions. I tend to be on the quieter side, but I thought of a great "Game of Thrones" question and actually managed to stump the authors! Of course, I had to catch up with Zoraida afterwards, and you can see our extremely shaky selfie above (fun fact: Zoraida was cosplaying as Jane from the television show "Jane the Virgin").

Right after that panel, another batch of authors, including Melissa Grey (THE GIRL AT MIDNIGHT), Ashley Poston (GEEKERELLA), Danielle Paige (DOROTHY MUST DIE), and Victoria Schwab (THIS SAVAGE SONG), took to the stage to discuss the fashion of fantasy worlds --- aka one of my favorite topics (you can see a photo of the panelists above). While all of the authors agreed that fashion is an extremely important part of designing a fantasy world, it was really interesting to see how they differed in their visions of what makes a hero or heroine look the coolest. The funniest part was listening to Melissa describe how disgustingly smelly her main character's pants must be --- after all, there's no time for a wash and dry when you're running around on the verge of an ancient war.

On Friday night, my intern Dana and I went to a HarlequinTEEN party at Jekyll & Hyde Club --- the perfect spooky place to discuss books like JEK/HYDE, ZENITH and CADAVER & QUEEN. We chatted with BookTuber Sasha Alsberg about haunted houses, shared book-themed drinks with our HarlequinTEEN friend, Siena, and most importantly, learned about some of the hottest new releases from the authors themselves. While Dana was beyond excited to grab a copy of ZENITH, we were both delighted to chat with Alisa Kwitney, author of the forthcoming CADAVER & QUEEN. We'll be talking more about this book when it releases in February, but for now, think feminist Frankenstein meets "The Walking Dead." Trust me, it's awesome. You can see a photo from the party and the gorgeous cover of CADAVER & QUEEN above.

You would think that the week after NYCC would be a quiet one, but you'd be wrong! Last Thursday, I attended an advance screening of the film Wonderstruck, which is based on the book of the same name by Brian Selznick (you can find out more about it in this month's Books on Screen feature). I try to be honest in these newsletters, so I have no shame in saying that I bawled my eyes out throughout a large portion of the film. If you think that's embarrassing, I should add that we were seated next to YA author Billy Merrell, whose book, VANILLA, is featured in this month's Guy-Brary. My tears aside, it was a super fun night, and we all had a terrific time laughing at each other as we tried not to cry. You can see a photo of me with Brian above!

Last, but certainly not least, this weekend found me in historic Morristown, New Jersey, to moderate a YA panel at the fourth annual Morristown Festival of Books. The panel, titled "With Great Power...," featured authors Emmy Laybourne, debut author Rhoda Belleza (EMPRESS OF A THOUSAND SKIES) and...wait for it...Scott Westerfeld himself (SPILL ZONE); the man, the myth, the author of one of the very first books I reviewed for Teenreads back when I was a wee intern. Needless to say, I was a bit starstruck. The four of us had a fantastic time discussing kick-butt heroines, creating fantastic worlds reminiscent of our own, the differences between novels and graphic novels, and what makes loneliness such a popular theme in YA books. You can see a photo of us in the signing tent above.

As a bonus, I was able to meet Teen Board member Rachel R. at the festival, and it was such fun to hear about which books she was most excited to read and what she took away from the panel. You can see a photo of us above.

PHEW, as you can see, it has been a busy few weeks! If you want to get in on the Teenreads fun, remember that our BIGGEST giveaway EVER is still open for entries. ICYMI: we are giving away 20 of the best YA books of the past two decades. Read below for more details.

Now I'm off to begin to mentally and emotionally prepare myself for the release of THE BOOK OF DUST, which hits stores this Thursday. If you hear wild screaming that morning, don't worry, it's just me touching the book for the very first time.

Happy reading,

--- Rebecca Munro (rebecca@bookreporter.com)

Teenreads.com's 20th Anniversary Giveaway!

We're celebrating Teenreads.com's 20th Anniversary with our biggest giveaway EVER: we're giving away 20 books representing a timeline of YA over the last two decades!

We've selected one book from each year, beginning with BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE by Annette Curtis Klause (1997) and ending with last year's TRUTHWITCH by Susan Dennard (2016). 

Enter now through Wednesday, November 1st at noon ET for your chance to be the Grand Prize winner, who will win a copy of each of the 20 featured books, or one of five Second Prize winners, who will each win copies of four select titles.

Our featured titles include:

• BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE by Annette Curtis Klause
• HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE by J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter, Book 1)
• ANGUS, THONGS, AND FULL-FRONTAL SNOGGING by Louise Rennison
• CUT by Patricia McCormick
• THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS by Ann Brashares (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Book 1)
• GOSSIP GIRL by Cecily von Ziegesar (Gossip Girl, Book 1)
• BOY MEETS BOY by David Levithan
• THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER by Sarah Dessen
• 
  THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak
• PRETTY LITTLE LIARS by Sara Shepard (Pretty Little Liars, Book 1)
• CITY OF BONES by Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments, Book 1)
• GRACELING by Kristin Cashore
• IF I STAY by Gayle Forman
• WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON by David Levithan and John Green
• 
  DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Book 1)
• THE RAVEN BOYS by Maggie Stiefvater (The Raven Cycle, Book 1)
• ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell
• WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart
• SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA by Becky Albertalli
• TRUTHWITCH by Susan Dennard (Witchlands, Book 1)

Ultimate Reading List: Our MUST-Reads for October:
Add These to Your TBR NOW!

One of our most popular features on Teenreads is our Ultimate Reading List, a selection of books that are compelling, beautifully written, pure fun, thought-provoking or edge-of-your-seat gripping --- books that we would hand to someone and say, “read this!” Here are some of the titles we're adding this month:

FAR FROM THE TREE by Robin Benway (Contemporary Fiction)
Being the middle child has its ups and downs. But for Grace, an only child who was adopted at birth, discovering that she is a middle child is a different ride altogether. After putting her own baby up for adoption, she goes looking for her biological family, including --- Maya, her loudmouthed younger bio sister, who has a lot to say about their newfound family ties. Having grown up the snarky brunette in a house full of chipper redheads, she’s quick to search for traces of herself among these not-quite-strangers. And when her adopted family’s long-buried problems begin to explode to the surface, Maya can’t help but wonder where exactly it is that she belongs.

WILD BEAUTY by Anna-Marie McLemore (Contemporary Fantasy/Romance)
For nearly a century, the Nomeolvides women have tended the grounds of La Pradera, the lush estate gardens that enchant guests from around the world. They’ve also hidden a secret: if they fall in love too deeply, their lovers vanish. After generations of vanishings, a strange boy appears in the gardens. The boy is a mystery to Estrella, the girl who finds him, and to her family, but he’s even more a mystery to himself; he knows nothing about who he is or where he came from than his first name. As Estrella tries to help Fel piece together his past, La Pradera leads them to secrets as dangerous as they are magical in this stunning exploration of love, loss and family.

BECAUSE I WAS A GIRL: True Stories for Girls of All Ages by Melissa de la Cruz (Nonfiction/Short Stories)
BECAUSE I WAS A GIRL is an inspiring collection of true stories by women and girls about the obstacles, challenges, and opportunities they've faced…because of their gender. Edited by #1 New York Times-bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz, the collection includes writings from an impressive array of girls and women who are trailblazers in their fields, including bestselling authors Victoria Aveyard, Libba Bray and Margaret Stohl; industry pioneers like Dolores Huerta, Trish McEvoy and Holly Knight; renowned chef Katie Button; aerospace and mechanical engineer Emily Calandrelli; and many more.

THE LIBRARIAN OF AUSCHWITZ written by Antonio Iturbe and translated by Lilit Thwaites (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, narrated by Marisa Calin.
Fourteen-year-old Dita is one of the many imprisoned by the Nazis at Auschwitz. Taken, along with her mother and father, from the Terezín ghetto in Prague, Dita is adjusting to the constant terror that is life in the camp. When Jewish leader Freddy Hirsch asks Dita to take charge of the eight precious volumes the prisoners have managed to sneak past the guards, she agrees. And so Dita becomes the librarian of Auschwitz.

TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN by John Green (Contemporary Fiction)
Audiobook available, narrated by Kate Rudd.
Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis. Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts. 

Now in Stores: TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN by John Green

Featured Review: DEAR MARTIN by Nic Stone

October's Books On Screen

October's Books on Screen roundup includes the feature films The Mountain Between Us, So B. It and Wonderstruck; and the television premiere of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library along with the season two premiere of "The Shannara Chronicles" and the continuation of "Marvel's Inhumans."

October's Books to Add to Your Guy-Brary Bookshelf

Our October Guy-Brary selection includes SATELLITE by Nick Lake, in which a teenage boy born in space makes his first trip to Earth; VANILLA by Billy Merrell, the love story of two teenage boys struggling to stay together as their interests begin to diverge; and KID ALONE, the second installment in Simon Mason's Garvie Smith mystery series, in which a teenage boy balances solving crimes and passing exams.

October's Teen Board Update

Monthly Question: BOO! Don't worry, it's not a ghost, it's our Teen Board Members in their wildest and wackiest Halloween garb. This month, we asked our Teen Board Members to describe their dream YA-inspired Halloween costume. Click here to see their answers!

Blog: Book Festivals, Coding & Fun at the 2017 Decatur Book Festival --- Guest Post by Grace P.

A Night with YA Authors Leigh Bardugo and Daniel Jose Older --- Guest Post by Teen Board Member Alice D.

More New Reviews

BEFORE THE DEVIL BREAKS YOU (The Diviners) by Libba Bray (Historical Fantasy)
Audiobook available, narrated by January LaVoy.
After battling a supernatural sleeping sickness that early claimed two of their own, the Diviners have had enough of lies. They're more determined than ever to uncover the mystery behind their extraordinary powers, even as they face off against an all-new terror. Out on Ward's Island, far from the city's bustle, sits a mental hospital haunted by the lost souls of people long forgotten --- ghosts who have unusual and dangerous ties to the man in the stovepipe hat, also known as the King of Crows. Reviewed by Melat E., Teen Board Member.

ONE DARK THRONE (Three Dark Crowns) by Kendare Blake (Fantasy)
Audiobook available, narrated by Amy Landon.
Katharine, once the weak and feeble sister, is stronger than ever before. Arsinoe, after discovering the truth about her powers, must figure out how to make her secret talent work in her favor without anyone finding out. And Mirabella, once thought to be the strongest sister of all and the certain Queen Crowned, faces attacks like never before --- ones that put those around her in danger she can’t seem to prevent. Reviewed by Danielle F., Teen Board Member.

NIGHT OF CAKE AND PUPPETS (Daughter of Smoke & Bone) by Laini Taylor (Paranormal Romance)
Audiobook available, narrated by Khristine Hvam and Kevin T. Collins.
Petite though she may be, Zuzana is not known for timidity. Her best friend, Karou, calls her "rabid fairy," her "voodoo eyes" are said to freeze blood, and even her older brother fears her wrath. But when it comes to the simple matter of talking to Mik, or "Violin Boy," her courage deserts her. Now, enough is enough. Zuzana is determined to make the first move, and she has a fistful of magic and a plan. It's a wonderfully elaborate treasure hunt of a plan that will take Mik all over Prague on a cold winter's night before leading him to the treasure: herself! Violin Boy is not going to know what hit him. Reviewed by Daniella R., Teen Board Member.

SPINNING by Tillie Walden (Graphic Memoir)
For 10 years, figure skating was Tillie Walden’s life. Skating was a central piece of her identity, her safe haven from the stress of school, bullies and family. But as she switched schools, got into art and fell in love with her first girlfriend, she began to question how the close-minded world of figure skating fit in with the rest of her life, and whether all the work was worth it given the reality: that she, and her friends on the team, were nowhere close to Olympic hopefuls. The more Tillie thought about it, the more Tillie realized she’d outgrown her passion --- and she finally needed to find her own voice. Reviewed by Jessi H., Teen Board Member.

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE GIRL NEXT DOOR by Jared Reck (Contemporary Fiction)
Audiobook available, narrated by Mike Chamberlain.
Matt Wainwright is constantly sabotaged by the overdramatic movie director in his head. He can’t tell his best friend how he really feels about her, he implodes on the JV basketball team and the only place he feels normal is in Mr. Ellis’s English class. After a tragic accident, Matt finds himself left on the sidelines, on the verge of spiraling out of control and losing everything that matters to him. Reviewed by Rachel R., Teen Board Member.

THE REACTION by Helena Coggan (Science Fiction/Fantasy)
Fifteen-year-old Rose is alone. Her father has been imprisoned, and a death sentence is almost certain. She has been rejected by the law-enforcement agency she was groomed for since birth, and lives in fear of the terrible secret that, if exposed, will destroy her. Meanwhile, the laws that have maintained peace are breaking down, and two rival militias are preparing to fight a war. As darker elements of her father’s past emerge, Rose realizes that the rules of good and evil will not protect her anymore. In a world of monsters, how long can trust, loyalty and justice survive? Reviewed by Emma B., Teen Board Member.

ECHO AFTER ECHO by Amy Rose Capetta (Contemporary Romance)
Audiobook available, narrated by Devon Sorvari.
Zara Evans has come to the Aurelia Theater to play her dream role in "Echo and Ariston". When the director asks Zara to promise that she will have no outside commitments, no distractions, it’s easy to say yes. But it’s hard not to be distracted when there’s a death at the theater --- and then another --- especially when Zara doesn’t know if they’re accidents, murder or a curse that always comes in threes. It’s hard not to be distracted when assistant lighting director Eli Vasquez, a girl made of tattoos and abrupt laughs and every form of light, looks at Zara. It’s hard not to fall in love. Reviewed by Abigail D., Teen Board Member.

AN ENCHANTMENT OF RAVENS by Margaret Rogerson (Fantasy)
Audiobook available, narrated by Julia Whelan.
Isobel is a prodigy portrait artist with a dangerous set of clients: the sinister fair folk, immortal creatures who cannot bake bread, weave cloth, or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. They crave human Craft with a terrible thirst, and Isobel’s paintings are highly prized. But when she receives her first royal patron --- Rook, the autumn prince --- she makes a terrible mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes --- a weakness that could cost him his life. Reviewed by Jessica K., Teen Board Member.

STARFISH by Akemi Dawn Bowman (Contemporary Fiction)
Kiko Himura has always had a hard time saying exactly what she’s thinking. With a mother who makes her feel unremarkable and a half-Japanese heritage she doesn’t quite understand, Kiko prefers to keep her head down, certain that once she makes it into her dream art school, Prism, her real life will begin. But then Kiko doesn’t get into Prism, at the same time her abusive uncle moves back in with her family. So when she receives an invitation from her childhood friend to leave her small town and tour art schools on the west coast, Kiko jumps at the opportunity in spite of the anxieties and fears that attempt to hold her back. Reviewed by Taylor F., Teen Board Member.

FIREBLOOD by Elly Blake (Fantasy)
Audiobook available, narrated by Jennifer English.
Against all odds, Ruby has defeated the villainous Frost King and melted his powerful throne. But the bloodthirsty Minax is now haunting her kingdom and everyone she loves. The answers to its demise may lie to the south in Sudesia, land of the Firebloods. Despite warnings from her beloved Arcus, Ruby accompanies a roguish Fireblood named Kai to Sudesia, where she must master her control of fire in a series of trials to gain the trust of the suspicious Fireblood queen. Only then can she hope to access the knowledge that could defeat the rampaging Minax. Reviewed by Grace P., Teen Board Member.

LANDSCAPE WITH INVISIBLE HAND by M. T. Anderson (Science Fiction)
Audiobook available, narrated by M.T. Anderson.
When the vuvv first landed, it came as a surprise to aspiring artist Adam and the rest of planet Earth --- but not necessarily an unwelcome one. Can it really be called an invasion when the vuvv generously offered free advanced technology and cures for every illness imaginable? As it turns out, yes. With his parents’ jobs replaced by alien tech and no money for food, clean water, or the vuvv’s miraculous medicine, Adam and his girlfriend, Chloe, have to get creative to survive. Reviewed by Bryn D., Teen Board Member.

WATER IN MAY by Ismee Williams (Contemporary Fiction)
Fifteen-year-old Mari Pujols believes that the baby she’s carrying will finally mean she’ll have a family member who will love her deeply and won’t ever leave her --- not like her mama, who took off when she was eight; or her papi, who’s in jail; or her abuela, who wants as little to do with her as possible. But when doctors discover a potentially fatal heart defect in the fetus, Mari faces choices she never could have imagined. Surrounded by her loyal girl crew, her off-and-on boyfriend, and a dedicated doctor, Mari navigates a decision that could emotionally cripple the bravest of women. Reviewed by Sabina Z., Teen Board Member.

THE ODDS OF LIGHTNING by Jocelyn Davies (Contemporary Fiction)
Tiny, Lu, Will and Nathaniel used to be best friends. Then life-defining events the summer before high school tore them apart. Now, three years later, they hardly talk anymore. Nathaniel has become obsessed with winning the prestigious science scholarship that his genius older brother once won. Will has risen from anonymity to popular soccer star. Lu grew into a brash, impetuous actress. And shy, poetic Tiny has slowly been fading away. But fate weaves their lives together again the night before the SATs, during a wild thunderstorm that threatens to shut down New York City. And lightning strikes. Reviewed by Becky N., Teen Board Member.

October Poll