In her debut young adult novel, No True Believers, Rabiah York Lumbard draws from personal experience as an American Muslim, both in the United States and abroad, to weave together a story addressing issues of Islamophobia and white supremacy. No…
‘The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany’ review: Lori Nelson Spielman weaves a magical story about a generational family curse
International bestselling author Lori Nelson Spielman returns with her third book, The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany, a contemporary fiction set in the Italian countryside. Through beautiful prose, Lori Nelson Spielman immerses readers in the alluring setting of an even more…
‘Rent a Boyfriend’ review: Gloria Chao puts a unique spin on the ‘fake-relationship-turned-real’ trope
In her second romantic comedy for older YA readers, Gloria Chao takes the favorite trope of the “fake-relationship-turned-real” and adds a unique spin. Gloria Chao draws her influence for Rent a Boyfriend from a real practice in some Asian countries…
‘This Is All Your Fault’ review: Aminah Mae Safi’s book on three girls who try to save their independent bookstore
Aminah Mae Safi’s This Is All Your Fault presents an enticing premise: a book about three girls trying to save their independent bookstore from closing in the course of one day? Paired with that cover? There are just so many…
‘Shine’ review: K-pop star Jessica Jung gives readers a look into the industry
Jessica Jung’s book Shine is an #ownvoices novel in which the author shares an identity with her protagonist in more ways than one. Not only are Jessica Jung and her protagonist Rachel both Korean-American, but both moved to Korea to…
‘Charming as a Verb’ review: Ben Philippe’s YA rom-com explores the struggles of being a first-generation college applicant
Charming as a Verb, Ben Philippe’s young adult contemporary novel set in New York City, is the romantic comedy you didn’t know you needed. Which is why I am here to tell you that you do need it. Ben Philippe…
‘Grown’ review: Tiffany D. Jackson’s new mystery novel for girls who were forced to grow up too fast
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson is not a book for light reading. Grown is a mystery that engages a narrative that is difficult to put down, while simultaneously being difficult to read because of the seriousness of the content. Discussing…
