Hey YA Readers!
I’m writing to you from the past about the present. I’m off this week from Book Riot, and in addition to my two-day marathon residency requirement for school, I’m spending this time reading. My TBR keeps growing and I need to shrink it down. You’ll hear from one of my colleagues on Thursday. But for now, I’ve got your new hardcover releases this week and more YA goodness.
Hang this gorgeous LGBTQ+ rainbow stack print by CrookedQuill in your home library and celebrate queer books all year long. $11 and up.
New Releases
For the mega list of new YA books out this week, you can slide over here, but here are two to know about right here and right now.
The Silence That Binds Us by Joanna Ho
May’s parents put a lot of pressure on her, and she’s still not the Chinese Taiwanese American daughter they want her to be. Her beloved brother Danny is, so his acceptance into Princeton pleases their mom and dad. But Danny’s secretly struggled with depression and when he dies by suicide, the family experiences grief they could never imagine. The only thing making it worse is how the community responds with racism and hatred. May works through these challenges with her writing–the thing her parents didn’t see as valuable–and she’s taking back her and her family’s story.
This book explores mental health, racism, and the challenges of finding your voice and sounds outstanding.
Valiant Ladies by Melissa Grey
It’s the 17th century and Kiki and Ana are best friends and proper ladies. That is…until night falls. Then the two girls venture out into the crime-ridden streets to fight, gamble, and allow themselves to fall deeply in love with one another.
But when Kiki’s engagement to the Viceroy’s son is announced, her brother murdered. Her brother, heir to the family fortune. Now the girls will don their night personas to find out who is responsible.
This historical Latine novel sounds like so much fun. Teen girl vigilantes in the 17th century? I’m in.
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
How about two YA books out this year that take a new, unique spin on Stephen King’s classic Carrie? Carrie may not be YA, but with its teen protagonist and scenes that are definitely familiar territory for YA readers, it is fertile ground for reimagining.
A Night to Die For by Lisa Schroeder
Mario’s been a loner throughout high school and on prom night, he takes a girl with him as a favor to his mom. But the night goes weird, quick: he’s crowned Prom King, despite being unpopular, and then, when driving his date home, he finds the Prom Queen dead in a ditch. He’s being called the murderer, even though this night has been nothing but a nightmare for him as well.
This paperback original is out now, so pop it into your beach bag for by-the-water/at-the-picnic reading.
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson (9/6)
Maddie’s been passing for whit her entire life and forced to keep up the act thanks to her father. She’s always been the target of bullying at her small high school, but when her secret is revealed, things go from bad to worse.
A viral video showcases the school’s deep racist roots, and student leaders decide one way to fix their reputation is to host their first integrated prom. Too bad not everyone will make it out of the prom alive . . . and, of course, those who do make out are pointing the finger at Maddie.
This hits shelves in early September and frankly, that’s a long time to wait for what sounds like a killer read.
Thanks for hanging out, and we’ll see you on Thursday for your YA paperback releases and YA book news.
Until then, happy reading!
— Kelly Jensen, @veronikellymars on Twitter.