Tag Archives: YA

Be Careful What You Bargain For: A Review of The Rose Bargain

by

The Rose Bargain 
Written by Sasha Peyton Smith 
Published by Harper/HarperCollins Publishers 
Ages 15-18 (Publisher recommends ages 13 and up) 
Available February 4, 2025 

The time has come for Lady Ivy Benton to make her debut into high society and her bargain with England’s immortal faerie Queen Moryen, who has ruled for the last 400 years. Ivy has been dreading her debut since her family fell from grace when her older sister’s debut season went wrong after she bargained away her memory to experience something new and escape the confines of high society. However, when the queen announces a competition to marry her fae son, Prince Bram, Ivy sees an opportunity to repair her family’s social status. Facing the queen’s cruel tests and the animosity of the five other girls in the competition, the stakes rise when Bram’s human stepbrother, Prince Emmett, proposes a risky plot to unseat the Queen. Soon, Ivy’s plan to save her family from social ruin develops into a mission to free all of England from the queen’s cruel reign, made only more complicated by her growing feelings for the wrong prince. 

Smith expertly crafts a compelling plot full of intrigue, romance, and danger in this historical fantasy. Ivy’s friendship with the other girls develops fully over the course of the plot, starting as adversaries and eventually becoming each other’s confidantes as they face the grueling competition together. Ivy and Emmett’s developing romantic feelings, which culminate in a sexually explicit intimate scene, add a layer of emotional tension and skew this novel toward the older end of the young adult range. The cast of characters is diverse without feeling tokenized, including characters of Japanese and Ghanian descent, and a lesbian romance subplot. Although Ivy’s perspective dominates the book, Smith includes vignettes of other characters’ points of view, including the other competitors, Emmett, and Ivy’s sister, Lydia. These additions add depth to the story and worldbuilding without distracting from the central plot. A thrilling fantasy adventure, The Rose Bargain will keep readers hooked from page one and counting down the days until the next installment. 

Out of Her Depth: A review of The Unfinished

by

The Unfinished
Cheryl Isaacs
HarperCollins/Heartdrum
September 2024
Age: 13+

Everyone in Crook’s Falls knows to stay on the forest trails, but no one will explain why. For Kanyen’kéha (Mohawk) teen Avery, those running trails are home until she’s drawn from their safety to the deep forest and a sinister black-water pond. Soon she is plagued by nightmares and feeling watched, while townspeople begin to disappear—again. Something dangerous resides in the water, and Avery has woken it. When it’s Key, Avery’s loyal best friend and crush that vanishes, the stoic and self-contained teen turns to her estranged tribal elders for stories and answers. It will take all her runner’s determination to outwit the black water and pull Key from its depths.

Cheryl Isaacs’ (Kanyen’kéha) YA novel weaves elements of indigenous lore with dark supernatural creations in this chilling horror debut. Fast pacing and moody forest settings complement the suspenseful plot. With well-developed young characters—thoughtful, selfish, and reckless in turn—and a typically indistinct cast of secondary adult characters, themes of communication and community become more pronounced as Avery opens up emotionally to her friends and family. Avery’s personal growth drives a deepening of her friendships, her ability to ask for help, and an acknowledgement of her feelings for Key. It also drives the action toward a terrifying yet satisfying conclusion. Isaacs does not lean heavily on indigenous culture, but uses the juxtaposition of the family’s intentional disconnect and Avery’s need for help to build both tension and a genuine bridge back to her heritage.

Butler Bookshelf

by

In addition to all the holidays being celebrated this month, October marks National Book Month. Whether you’re looking for books for new readers or seasoned bookworms, the Butler Center has lots of new releases to share! For this week’s Butler Bookshelf, we have a list of books, fiction and nonfiction, for readers young and old to enjoy. The Butler Bookshelf feature this week is Dazzling Zelda: The Story of Fashion Designer Zelda Wynn Valdes written and illustrated by Aura Lewis in collaboration with Farai Simoyi. In this nonfiction picture book, Lewis tells the story of the life and accomplishments of Black fashion designer Zelda Wynn Valdes. Zelda loved hearing the sound of her grandmother’s sewing machine when she was growing up. The first time she designed and made a dress on her own, she knew she wanted to be a fashion designer when she grew up! Unfortunately, Zelda faced some obstacles because of her race. At the time, Black women were excluded from designing fashion and were only considered seamstresses. However, Zelda perservered and opened her own boutique in New York City. Her dresses were popular with the women in the city, and soon she was catching the attention of celebrities like Ella Fitzgerald and Marlene Dietrich. Zelda also made costumes for actors and ballet dancers, and she dyed ballerina tights so all the dancers could wear tights that matched their skin tone. Read about Zelda’s inspiring accomplishments and important contributions to the fashion industry in Dazzling Zelda!

Check out more books from the Butler Center’s collection below!

Blackberry Fox
Written by Kathrin Tordasi
Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Available now

Dazzling Zelda: The Story of Fashion Designer Zelda Wynn Valdes
Written and illustrated by Aura Lewis in collaboration with Farai Simoyi
Published by Beach Lane Books
Available now

The Dividing Sky
Written by Jill Tew
Published by Joy Revolution
Available now

Maisy’s Rocket
Written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins
Published by Candlewick Press
Available October 29, 2024

Somewhere In Between
Written and illustrated by Laan Cham
Published by Random House Children’s Books
Available now

Butler Bookshelf

by

Diverse stories are an important part of literature for all ages, especially for kids. October is Global Diversity Month, so this week’s Butler Bookshelf highlights some fiction and nonfiction books from authors around the world. One of these books is Look! Look! written by Uma Krishnaswami and illustrated by Uma Krishnaswamy. Krishnaswami tells the story of a young Indian girl discovers a slab of stone in the weeds, and she calls her friends to come and take a look. They work together to clean the weeds, garbage, and other stones up. Soon, more and more people from their village and other villages nearby help them uncover an old step well. Once the well is cleaned up, rain fills the well, and the previously dry and dusty land comes back to life as plants begin growing again and the animals return. Accompanied by colorful, geometric illustrations done in acrylic, poster color, and water color by Uma Krishnaswamy, Look! Look! is a delightlful story that educates readers on ancient Indian step wells and shows how they can potentially be a solution for handling floods and providing water in India.

Check out more books from diverse authors below!

Hooray for She, He, Ze and They!: What Are Your Pronouns Today?
Written by Lindz Amer
Illustrated by Kip Alizadeh
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Available now

Look! Look!
Written by Uma Krishnaswami
Illustrated by Uma Krishnaswamy
Published by House of Anansi Press
Available now

My Olive Tree
Written and illustrated by Hazar Elbayya
Published by Anne Schwartz Books
Available now

Old Wounds
Written by Logan-Ashley Kisner
Published by Delacorte Press
Available now

Tala Learns to Siva
Written by Kealani Netane
Illustrated by Dung Ho
Published by Orchard Books
Available now

Guest Reviewer Edition: A Review of Kindling

by

Kindling
Chee, Traci
HarperCollins
February 27, 2024
Grades 9-up

Magical elite soldiers must confront their own traumas and identities while banding together to defend a town besieged by raiders. Inspired by Seven Samurai, Chee weaves together the stories of seven kindlings who are desperate for stability and purpose in a world that no longer needs them. Raised from the age of six to be elite weapons in a war of expansion, these kindlings now wander the countryside, but are soon gathered for a mission by one of their own. Initially, each kindling views the defense of Camas—the mountain village terrorized by raiders—as just a job. But as time passes and the soldiers’ lives and pasts show their impact, the group finds solace in one another and grows close. “That’s what home is. The people you love. The people you fight for.” (p. 417) Despite coming from similar backgrounds, each character has their own unique voice, characteristics, vices, fears and desires. One character is nonbinary; the rest are female. Even if they don’t bear the same scars, every kindling recognizes a bit of themselves in their comrades. Though all seven kindlings have point-of-view chapters, the book is written in second-person, which forces the reader to empathize with their harsh reality. These vignettes of grief, trauma and the effects of war are devastating and intensely realistic; Chee paints an unflinching depiction of violence and its effect on children. Interweaving these moments with lighter ones like romance and village camaraderie keeps the book from being bogged down by heavy topics. Action scenes towards the climax of the story are fast-paced and thrilling, but easy to follow. Despite a macabre tone throughout and bittersweet climax, the story ends on a note of newfound hope and optimism. Kindling puts the desperation of existing without guidance, and the challenge of living one’s life for oneself, on display in a way any reader can empathize with.

Guest reviewer Katie Steffensen, is a Dominican University MLIS candidate and works in youth services at a library in the North Chicago suburbs. She loves working with tweens and teens.

You’re Invited: A review of My Big, Fat Desi Wedding: A YA Romance Anthology

by

My Big, Fat Desi Wedding: A YA Romance Anthology
Edited by Prerna Pickett
Page Street Publishing
February 13, 2024
Age 14+

All the big flavors, big fashion, and big family drama of an extravagant Desi wedding, in an extraordinary series of bite-sized stories. Jaanu, a sassy younger sister who’s very words can mysteriously bring about disaster for the happy couple—rainy weather, a tipsy bride, or a missing wedding dress. Zayna, driven to distraction by a desire to help her mother and avoid a cute, but infuriating classmate, finds that food and friendship can go hand-in-hand to help heal a heartache. In a blackout experience, Shloka, binds herself, and her cult, to a rival vampire who also happens to be her long-lost love. Eight short stories full of wedding drama and swoony romance, spanning genre, culture and location, are bookended by the perspective of a mysterious auntie that flits through the stories like a Desi fairy godmother.

Prerna Pickett expertly weaves these stories of family, tradition, and love while still honoring the diversity of Desi cultures the authors celebrate. Each well-crafted story shines, and includes its own variation of the highs and lows that all families go through and the complex emotions that often bubble up around even the most joyous wedding celebration. The individual authors’ style and flair are evident, and the entries vary in themes and tone (from humorous to horrifying), while still reading as a well-linked collection. Design details such as the mehndi-like border to the chapter breaks and the varied skin tones and traditions represented in the cover art add to the cultural (and romantic) emersion readers will get from this delightful anthology. A fun and fast-paced collection sure to entice romantics, foodies, fashionistas, and maybe a meddling auntie or two.

Family Lost and Found: A review of Shut Up, This is Serious

by

Shut Up, This is Serious
Carolina Ixta
HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books
January 9, 2024
Age: 14+

In a life full of heavy burdens and chaotic emotions, all Belén wants is a distraction. Her father has left the family, her best friend is pregnant (hiding it, and her boyfriend, from a strict Catholic father), and she can’t find the motivation to care about school. Maybe a boyfriend and the possibility of sex can distract her from reality? But as avoidance often does, plans backfire, and she’s left feeling worse and on the verge of not graduating. After a run in with her father, and near breakdown, Belén’s struggle is finally seen by her family and friends, getting her the help she needs to heal.

Debut author, Carolina Ixta, draws her protagonist as a brash-voiced, big personality to hide her insecurities. Weighed down by unnamed depression, Belén uses her responsibilities to the pregnant Leti and a one-sided relationship to avoid dealing with her feelings of abandonment and unworthiness. Comparison to the father she both despises and misses adds to her confusion and anger. Secondary characters are less developed in contrast to Belén, each dealing with trauma that blinds them to what is happening with the other characters. With a plot that spans a year, the pace moves from a drawn out fall full of heartbreak, questionable decisions, and painful truths, to a quick spring climax, and epilogue-like summer conclusion.

In this raw and emotional family drama, Ixta thoughtfully explores depression, cultural expectations, and the value of chosen family.

Family Legacy: A Review of The Blackwoods

by

The Blackwoods
Brandy Colbert
Harper Collins/Balzer+Bray
Age 14+
October 3, 2023

The Blackwood family is Black Hollywood royalty, with an acting legacy spanning generations. When Blossom Blackwood, the family matriarch, passes away, the remaining three generations of her family must contend with the celebrity, jealousies, and pressure that comes from a lifetime of ambition and secrets. In the 1940s, Blossom dreams of being an entertainer, even if there weren’t many options available to a talented and ambitious young black woman in Hollywood. Years of hard work and sacrifice, fierceness and faith, brought her success. Blossom’s great-granddaughters, the beneficiaries of her struggle, handle her passing and her legacy in very different ways. Ardith is a successful young actress, close to Blossom through both faith and friendship, and struggles to process her loss and trust those around her to help. Hollis, the child (grandchild and great-grandchild) of famous faces, just wants to fly under the radar of her family’s stardom. The girls and their family struggle to reorient themselves when the revelation of a long-buried family secret challenges what they think of themselves and their relationships.

In this complex young adult drama, Colbert uses a dual timeline and three distinct narrators to explore how ambition, fame, and identity can impact how we trust others. Blossom is forced to make heartbreaking choices to pursue her goals—breaking off a relationship where she isn’t supported and leaving her young son with his grandmother for the chance to act off-Broadway. In her narrative, faith in herself and her family, and a desire to build a legacy, drive her ambition. In chapters focused on Ardith and Hollis, the teens struggle to live up to that legacy and do it in a media landscape that undermines their ability to trust new friends and old. Each contends with the problems of their time—discrimination, invasion of privacy, and living with the consequences of their choices—in an effort to control their own narrative. Colbert celebrates the power of perseverance and family in an emotional tribute to strong women everywhere.

With a Twist: A Review of What a Desi Girl Wants

by

What a Desi Girl Wants
Sabina Khan
Scholastic
July 18, 2023
Age 12+

Induced by curiosity, guilt, and a very persuasive Dadi, Mehar flies from her boring home in Kansas to her family’s nawabi palace in Agra, India, for her father’s lavish wedding festivities. In a South Asian and LGBTQ twist on What a Girl Wants (Warner Bros., 2003), which is itself an adaptation of the 1955 play The Reluctant Debutante by William Douglas-Home, Mehar attempts to reconnect with a distant father, undermine her social-climbing future step-mother and step-sister, and foster a blossoming relationship with her Dadi’s lovely and shy personal assistant, Sufiya. As she bonds with her father, gets to know Naz and Aleena (the future steps), and grows closer to Sufiya, her original motivations come into question and she discovers both stronger relationships and humility through the journey.

Complex family dynamics drive the plot of this emotionally charged YA dramady. Mehar doesn’t fully understand her parents’ relationship and the reasons they split. She makes assumptions about the way Naz and Aleena are using her father. And she underestimates the family obligations and social restrictions that drive Sufiya’s reluctance to out herself. Khan writes Mehar as confident and clueless in turn, ruled by her desires and goals in a way that conflicts with Indian cultural expectations. She is a flawed, yet likable protagonist that stands out against the less developed secondary characters. The juxtaposition of her t-shirts and jeans against the lavish palace, wedding finery, and luscious foods adds to the sense of her straddling cultures with varying degrees of success. As Mehar settles in and struggles less, she grows in maturity, owning up to her mistakes and mending fences to get what she really wants—connection.

Control Your Own Destiny: A Review of The Queens of New York

by

The Queens of New York
E.L. Shen
HarperCollins, Quill Tree Books
June 23, 2023
Age 13+

Yours, mine, theirs—unrealistic expectations will get you every time. Jia is an aspiring manga artist with dreams bigger than running her parents’ Chinatown dumpling restaurant. Ariel is a genius, headed for a parent-approved STEM program and early admission to college, but all she really wants is closure after her sister’s death. Everett is bound for Broadway and determined to make it, even if it means fighting through the undisguised racism she sees in her theater program. Over one summer, the girls support each other through hard decisions and horrible situations no matter if they’re sitting together wrapping dumplings or separately traveling the world.

Shen sets teenage dreams and goals against the expectations of Asian American families, community, and culture in steamy, summertime Flushing, Queens. Weaving themes of racism, loss, guilt, and bravery through the narrative, she crafts a story of friends that will be there through it all, near or far. Each of the young women face a test of their ambition—Jia shows her parents she deserves to go to college, Ariel leaves for South Korea to find the answers her parents are keeping from her, Everett must stand up to the mockery and racism she sees in her theater world—and each knows she can lean on the others for strength to do what’s needed. Chapters alternate between the narration and story of each of the main characters, divided by text and email communications that showcase their extraordinary friendship. Thoughtfully written and deeply nuanced characters will have readers cheering for their satisfying wrap ups. An ode to growth and bravery, and the friends that make it all less scary.