Author: Kelly Jensen

Howdy, YA Readers!

If “reading more YA” is on your to-do, you’re in luck! This week’s roundup of YA ebook deals will help you build a fabulous TBR to work through. Note that it’s a shorter, whiter roundup than usual, likely due to the new year just starting.

Prices are current as of Friday, January 8.

Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart is a realistic story about a girl who lost everything in a fire and has the scars to prove it . . . and what happens when she decides to head back to school after such tremendous change in her life. $2.

For readers who would love some historical fantasy, Isle of Blood and Stone is the first in a duology by Makiia Lucier and it’s currently on sale for $3.

I absolutely dug Somaiya Daud’s Mirage — first in a series — about a girl who has to become a body double to a much-despised princess. Grab it for $3.

Magic fighting booksellers sound like your jam? The Left-Handed Booksellers of London by Garth Nix is $3.

Sick Kids in Love by Hannah Moskowitz is a love story of two teens with chronic illness. $2.

Melina Marchetta’s Finnikin of the Rock is the first in her fantasy series and so, so good. $2.

The first book in Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman’s “Illuminae Files” series, Illuminae, is $2.

Mystery fans will want to start Brittany Cavallaro’s “Charlotte Holmes” series with A Study in Charlotte, on sale for $2.

Roshani Chokshi’s debut, the first in a duology, The Star-Touched Queen, is $3.

If you like romance, pick up the recently-released If We Were Us by K. L. Walther for $2.

Ruta Sepetys’s outstanding, award-winning, made-into-a-film YA Between Shades of Gray is $3.

If you love a Goblin King story, you’ll want to pick up Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones, the first in a duology. $3.

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Thanks for hanging out, and we’ll see you on Monday!

— Kelly Jensen, @heykellyjensen on Instagram and editor of Body Talk, (Don’t) Call Me Crazy, and Here We Are.

Hey YA Fans!

It should come as no surprise that there’s little YA news to share this early in the new year but what IS a pleasant surprise is how many new YA books hit shelves this week. Get ready to get your read on.

YA Book News

• The new Star Wars: The High Republic project launches, including new Star Wars YA by mega-bestsellers.
• A look at some 2021 YA to get excited about.
• If you haven’t seen the incredible lists of YA books selected by the bloggers at The Nerdy Book Club for their annual Nerdies Awards, you should!
• For writers out there or for those who work with writers, Malinda Lo’s newsletter has featured such a treasure chest of writing and revising tools and strategies.

New YA Books

There are SO MANY new books this week. I’ve not yet read any of these titles — I’ve been too busy adding them to my TBR. Note that for paperback releases, you may need to toggle the option once you click the link.

11 Paper Hearts by Kelsey Hartwell (paperback)

The Accidental Bad Girl by Maxine Kaplan (paperback)

All The Days Past, All The Days To Come by Mildred D. Taylor (paperback)

The Awakening of Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz with Tiffany D. Jackson

Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala

Chosen by Kiersten White (paperback, series)

City of Beasts by Isabel Allende (paperback reissue of a classic series)

City of Stone and Silence by Django Wexler (paperback, series)

The End and Other Beginnings by Veronica Roth (paperback)

Ever After by Amanda Hocking (paperback)

Glimpsed by G.F. Miller

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (paperback, series)

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis (paperback, series)

Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant

Hold Back the Tide by Melinda Salisbury

Influence by Sara Shepard and Lilia Buckingham

It’s All Love by Jenna Ortega

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe, translated by Lilit Thwaites (paperback)

The Life I’m In by Sharon G. Flake

Lore by Alexandra Bracken

Monsters Among Us by Monica Rodden

Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa (paperback, series)

One Of The Good Ones by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite

The Quantum Weirdness Of The Almost-Kiss by Amy Noelle Parks

Race Against Time by Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace

Roman and Jewel by Dana L. Davis

Rules For Being a Girl by Candace Bushnell and Katie Cotugno (paperback)

Siege of Rage and Ruin by Django Wexler (series)

Separate No More by Lawrence Goldstone

Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett (paperback)

Tales From The Hinterland by Melissa Albert (series)

The Warrior’s Curse by Jennifer A. Nielsen (paperback, series)

What Kind of Girl by Alyssa Sheinmel (paperback)

When You Look Like Us by Pamela N. Harris

You Have a Match by Emma Lord

YA Book Talk at Book Riot

• Need even more 2021 YA books on your radar? Here’s a look at nearly everything publishing between now and the end of March.
• Whether you’re participating in the 2021 Read Harder Challenge or not, you’ll want to check out these realistic YA books set outside the US, UK, and Canada.
• Great read alouds for middle schoolers.

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Thanks for hanging out and welcome to a new year of all things YA. Happy to have you!

— Kelly Jensen, @heykellyjensen on Instagram and editor of Body Talk, (Don’t) Call Me Crazy, and Here We Are.

Happy 2021, YA Readers!

To launch the new year right, I thought it would be fun to ask some of your favorite seasoned YA authors (aka: they’ve published a book before) to highlight some debut YA books that they’re super excited about in 2021. Each of the seasoned authors has a new book hitting shelves this year, which you’ll also get to explore after their recommendation.

It’s so hard to be a first-time author, as you’re starting without anything to showcase your skills and voice. This is even more true during a pandemic, where all of the potential places for getting the word out there are far more limited than in the past.

But as you’ll see: we’re in for an incredible year in YA debuts, as well as YA from beloved voices already writing young adult lit.

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May your TBR be ever-growing!

See you later this week for YA book news and new YA book releases. In the meantime, happy reading.

— Kelly Jensen, who is looking forward to Not Here To Be Liked by Michelle Quach, a book about a girl who, despite being supremely qualified to be editor-in-chief of her school’s paper, loses out to a less-talented male peer and begins a feminist revolution in her school. Out in September!

Hey YA Readers!

Welcome to the last YA newsletter of 2020. You MAY see another one pop up, but this is the last one I’ll be writing before we finally flip that calendar page. And, honestly, given the incredible batch of adaptation news you’re about to see, this is such a great note to end on. May your end of the year be safe and healthy.

YA Book News

• Elizabeth Acevedo’s Clap When You Land is being adapted for a TV Series.
• The fantasy series “The Thief” by Megan Whalen Turner, which just saw its final installment come out 20-some years after the first volume, is also getting an adaptation.
• Burn by Patrick Ness has a TV deal.
• MK England’s The Disasters just announced series news.
• Here’s the latest pick for Reese’s YA book club.
• Netflix’s adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone is scheduled for April and there’s a teaser trailer to enjoy.
• I do not believe this is going to hit the US (at least not yet!) but Frances Hardinge’s Cuckoo Song was picked up by Netflix UK.
• Angie Thomas’s virtual tour for Concrete Rose looks awesome.
• And here’s a trailer for the YA Black Canary novel by Alexandra Monir.

New YA Books This Week

I do not have a single book down for release this week! But because we’re not going to have an update next week, here’s a look at the books that’ll hit shelves next Tuesday, December 29.

Black Canary: Breaking Silence by Alexandra Monir

Every Other Weekend by Abigail Johnson (paperback)

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda (series, paperback)

The Grand Escape by Neal Bascomb

Just Our Luck by Julia Walton

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo (series, paperback)

Light It Up by Kekla Magoon (paperback)

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord (paperback)

YA Book Talk at Book Riot

• Where to begin reading Jay Kristoff books.
• 12 great movies for YA readers.
• Where to begin reading Brigid Kemmerer books.
• Great YA books about dance.

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Thanks for hanging out, pals. I hope you find the perfect books to curl up with to round out this year. I’ll see your inbox in the new year.

— Kelly Jensen, @heykellyjensen on Instagram and editor of Body Talk, (Don’t) Call Me Crazy, and Here We Are.

Hey YA Readers!

It’s time for one of my favorite newsletters of the year: YOUR picks for best YA books of the year and the books that you wish more people read or talked about during the year.

Over the last couple of weeks, you had the chance to drop the titles of your favorites and I’ve compiled and tabulated the results. Books that are not YA or published in 2020 were pulled from the data — there weren’t many! — and I ranked them by the number of times they showed up on the list. That’s all.

Find below your reading list to the best YA for your TBR from the year in books.

For a year that was anything but ordinary, I have to say these lists represent some incredible writing and also some incredible reading. You read across so many genres and authors, as well as an awesome mix of debut novels and books by seasoned YA writers.

Book Riot YA Reader Favorites of 2020

These top ten titles were the ones you voted as best! Titles are in alphabetical order. This is such a cool list of genres and styles, y’all.

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Fable by Adrienne Young

The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson

The Inheritance Games by. Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Legendborn by Tracy Deon

Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

2020 YA Books That Deserve More Attention

Like the above list, I sorted and ranked the titles that showed up on this list. Below are the ten which had the most votes and which didn’t end up on an awards list or a bestseller list. These are in alphabetical order and like the best of list, it’s such a cool range of titles. I think I’ve read seven or eight of these and can vouch for each one.

Agnes at the End of the World by Kelly McWilliams — I’m including a note here from one of the readers who said this had one of the best Type I Diabetes representations they’ve seen.

Be Not Far from Me by Mindy McGinnis

Black Girl Unlimited by Echo Brown

Don’t Read the Comments by Eric Smith

The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune

Goddess in the Machine by Lora Beth Johnson

My Eyes are Up Here by Laura Zimmermann — Chiming in to say yes! I wrote a piece about this over on Book Riot because this book really landed with me.

Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles

The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert

What I Carry by Jennifer Longo

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Thanks to everyone who dropped a title or two into the survey, as this is such a fabulous list for anyone who loves — or wants to start to dip into — YA books. I hope you find a new-to-you read here you can fall for.

We’ll see you later this week with YA book news before we’re off until the new year.

Stay well and keep on reading.

— Kelly Jensen, @heykellyjensen on Instagram and editor of Body Talk, (Don’t) Call Me Crazy, and Here We Are.

Hey YA Readers!

Let’s catch up on the latest in YA book news and new YA books. Because we’re wrapping up the year, it should be no surprise this roundup is shorter than usual. That just means more time to catch up on all of the books (or maybe if you’re like me, it means indulging in Tiny Pretty Things on Netflix!).

YA Book News

• Here are this year’s Morris Award finalists for best debut YA novel and it’s a GREAT slate.
• The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes is a new release (I haven’t heard of it!) and just got picked up for adaptation.
• Ned Vizzini’s Be More Chill, which has had a great run on stage, is being adapted into a graphic novel.
• For writers who are trans/non-binary/two-spirit/genderqueer, do not miss this call for submissions to be part of a YA anthology dedicated to showcasing your voices and experiences. I don’t usually post calls like this, but Annick does really solid work and this is such a sorely needed collection — plus, I suspect there are a number of y’all who are reading this needing the push to submit or know someone who should submit. Here it is!

New YA Books

Coming Up for Air by Nicole B. Tyndall

For Better or Cursed by Kate M. Williams (series)

This Is How We Fly by Anna Meriano

Warmaidens by Kelly Coon (series)

Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed (paperback)

YA Book Talk

• Your guide to 2021 YA book to movie adaptations.
• Excellent short stories for high schoolers.
• Great YA books set over the holidays.

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As always, thanks for hanging out. We’ll see you again on Monday with your picks for best YA of 2020!

— Kelly Jensen, @heykellyjensen on Instagram and editor of Body Talk, (Don’t) Call Me Crazy, and Here We Are.

Hey YA Readers!

In the latest episode of Hey YA, Hannah brought up a book set in the 1970s and how that’s a time period we don’t see portrayed much in YA books. We’ve definitely seen an array of books set in the 80s and 90s, particularly in the last five years or so, but the 70s have been less represented.

That got my mind going, wondering what types of YA ARE set in the 70s. As you’ll see below, there’s a bit, though not a whole lot.

I’ve pulled a handful of 1970s-set YA books for you to dig into, and because I, too, am scratching my head thinking about what YA I’ve read set during this time period (only two or three of the below!), I’m relying on publisher descriptions to highlight these. But now I’ve got a goal for 2021, which is to read a little more YA set in the 20th century prior to the 80s.

Note that these are not YA books written in the 70s, but written more recently. Yes — and apologies because as an early 80s baby I know how much this hurts — these books are technically historical fiction. And no, this list isn’t comprehensive. I know some titles are missing.

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I’m realizing after looking through and reading the descriptions of these books that what I’d LOVE to see is a great YA book about Black or brown teens finding their power during the disco movement. If you don’t listen to the podcast You’re Wrong About, an episode earlier this year dug into Disco Demolition Night in the 80s, which was seen as the “end” of disco, but within the podcast is a really excellent look at how disco was a movement for marginalized folks. This seems so ripe for a good YA!

Thanks for hanging out, and we’ll see you later this week. Next Monday I’ll share with y’all your picks for best YA this year.

— Kelly Jensen, @heykellyjensen on Instagram and editor of Body Talk, (Don’t) Call Me Crazy, and Here We Are.

Hey YA Readers!

It’s time for another roundup of outstanding YA books you can get on the cheap. There’s something here for every type of reader, and given how this year has gone, I definitely encourage you to treat yourself in preparation for the long winter months ahead.

All of the deals are current as of Friday, December 11.

Smash It by Francina Simone, which just came out (!!), is on sale for $2. This one’s been sitting on my to-read shelf and I can’t wait to dig in.

Want a modern take on A Christmas Carol? Pick up The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand for $2.

A teen girl in 1800s Korea joining into a police investigation of a murder is a sweet premise. Pick up The Silence of Bones by June Hur for $3.

Leigh Bardugo’s Wonder Woman: Warbringer is on sale for $2.

Pick up Randi Pink’s Girls Like Us for $2 (psst: I’ll be highlighting this one in Monday’s newsletter!)

For fantasy lovers, Kingdom of Souls by Rena Baron is $2.

Horror fans will want to grab And The Trees Crept In by Dawn Kurtagich for $2.

And fans of technology-focused thrillers will love The Loop by Ben Oliver. $2.

Rocky Callen’s debut A Breath Too Late, which explores mental health issues, is $3.

If you haven’t yet, the latest Marie Rutkowski fantasy The Midnight Lie is worth picking up and is currently $3.

For fans of nonfiction and comics, Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang is currently $3.

And the first book of a richly layered series, Lobizona by Romina Garber, is $3.

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If you end up buying every single one of those books, I honestly can’t blame you. This is a treasure trove of outstanding YA reads.

Until Monday!

— Kelly Jensen, @heykellyjensen on Instagram and editor of Body Talk, (Don’t) Call Me Crazy, and Here We Are.

Hey YA Readers!

Here’s your reminder to drop your picks for the best YA book of 2020 and the most under-the-radar YA book of 2020 before the survey closes.

Now, onto all things YA book news and new books!

YA Book News

• I missed this piece in early November, but it’s timeless: a look at how YA nonfiction takes teen readers seriously.
• Speaking of YA nonfiction, here’s the shortlist for this year’s Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction award from the American Library Association. It’s a great list, but there seems to be a glaring omission in a year of on-going racial justice movements and anti-racism.
• AudioFile named their 2020 best YA audiobooks. I haven’t listened to any of these, but I’ve read nearly all of them and suspect they’re outstanding to hear!
• This year’s best Jewish children’s books, including great Jewish YA.
• The trailer for the adaptation of Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets is here.

New YA Books This Week

• 19 Love Songs by David Levithan (paperback)
• Deadly Little Scandals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (paperback, series)
• Fake It Till You Break It by Jenn P. Nguyen (paperback)
• Graceling by Kristin Cashore (the entire trilogy is being re-released with new covers this week in anticipation of the next book in January)

• The Liar’s Daughter by Megan Cooley Peterson (paperback)
• The Pursuit of Miss Heartbreak Hotel by Moe Bonneau (paperback)
• Switchback by Danika Stone (paperback)
• A Universe of Wishes anthology edited by Dhonielle Clayton

YA Book Talk

• Your winter 2020-2021 YA paperback releases are here!
• Five YA books about teens who travel.
• Nancy Drew wasn’t the only teen girl sleuth. Here are eight others to get to know!
• Put these December releases onto your TBR if you haven’t already.
• Some great queer YA books.
• For readers who love YA thrillers, don’t miss these YA domestic thrillers.
• YA fantasy books for fans of The Crown.
• A Louisiana public library pulled LGBTQ+ books from its children’s section, including at least one YA series. Note: the director of the library did not want to do this.

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Thanks for hanging out, and we’ll see you on Saturday with some great YA ebook deals.

— Kelly Jensen, @heykellyjensen on Instagram and editor of Body Talk, (Don’t) Call Me Crazy, and Here We Are.

Hey YA Fans!

Before diving in, it’s that time of year for you to share your favorite YA books of 2020. Drop your favorite 2020 YA book — keep it to 2020 releases and YA books only, please — into the document here by December 14. I’ll tabulate the votes and share your top favorite reads this year in a newsletter before the end of the month. Psst: 99% of folks who take part in this are awesome, but the 1% who think they can slide their own title in or rally others to do it for them…I just delete those answers because that’s not fun.

Onward!

You’re probably seeing tons of gift guides in your inbox, and while you’re getting another one, know this one is tailored to those who love young adult books. AKA: cool stuff you can buy yourself or someone else now or anytime in the future.

I’ve pulled together a few great YA goods, and at the end of the roundup, I’m including a couple of things that have made my reading life a little better this year. One of these items is something I didn’t know exactly how much I’d use, but has become a staple in my life and something I get asked about all the time.

I kept this to items that are broadly YA, though whatever books or fandoms you or a loved one are into, know you can find so much great stuff for those interests in Etsy. Sarah J. Maas, Marie Lu, The Hunger Games…there are so many cool things related to those books and author fandoms.

A beautiful print of a stack of YA fantasy books. $15.

While you’re reading, enjoy the scent of a freesia, violet, and musk candle. $11.

A planter made of YA books! I love this so much. There is only one available as of this writing, but if you click through to the seller’s full shop, there are some other cool repurposed book pieces to explore. $44.

The perfect mug — look at that giant handle! — for YA readers everywhere. $20 and up, depending on size.

The perfect sticker for all of the main characters out there. $3.50.

“It’s a good day to read YA” shirt. Grab this in an array of color options. $29 and up.

If you head to the main shop, you can find a number of YA character and book themed scents. But I thought it was worth sharing the one that was pretty broad: the book and library collection. Three perfume oils in the scent of “old books,” “new books,” and “dusty manuscript.” Buy the set and gift to three different friends (or keep ’em all for you). $32.

And here are two items that have improved my reading life this year:

Early on in quarantine times, I kept seeing this “reading bean” advertised. Did I really need a special pillow to read? The answer is YES. This thing is soft and silky and the way it contours to your lap and belly makes holding a book open so easy. As my pregnancy has gone on, my carpal tunnel has gotten especially bad and not having to hold a book open with my wrists up has been a life saver. The Book Bean has a ton of colors and styles to choose from and is worth every penny of its $30 price tag.

I have child-sized ear canals and a budget, so putting money down on anything Apple-related is squarely in the “not for me” category. I needed a new pair of headphones for audiobook listening and picked up this wireless set. In addition to being affordable — $40, but right now there’s even a 20% off coupon — these buds come with a few different sized pieces to adjust to your ear size. A+, would buy again.

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Thanks for hanging out, and don’t forget to cast your votes on best 2020 YA book in the document at the top of the email.

See you later this week!

— Kelly Jensen, @heykellyjensen on Instagram and editor of Body Talk, (Don’t) Call Me Crazy, and Here We Are.