New YA Mysteries - The Inheritance Games, The Cousins, and Girl Unframed

 Mysteries and suspense novels are arguably the most popular genre in fiction. Not all suspense novels are mysteries but all mysteries include suspense. Analyzing the author's use of classic mystery elements, including suspense, can help students understand why mysteries are such page turners.  Three of my favorite authors have recently published new mysteries.  Jennifer Lynn Barnes' (The Naturals) new mystery series The Inheritance Games introduces a main character who inexplicably has been named the heir to a billionaire's fortune when he has two daughters and four grandsons who expected to inherit his wealth. Karen McManus (One of Us is Lying) explores the inheritance theme as well with The Cousins.  A wealthy resort owner disinherits her four children and then invites their children to work at the resort for the summer.  In addition to getting to know each other, the cousins must get to the bottom of why they were invited.  Finally, Deb Caletti's (The Fortunes of Indigo Sky) Girl Unframed finds a Seattle teen spending the summer with her film star mother when a murder occurs in her own backyard. 

The Inheritance Games series opener introduces Avery Grambs, who is living in her car, after her half-sister and legal guardian Libby allows her abusive boyfriend to move into their apartment.  When she is summoned to the will reading of billionaire Tobias Hawthorne, she and Libby travel to Texas where they are shocked to find out Avery has inherited the bulk of his fortune, but to receive it, she must live at Hawthorne House for a year. His family, including two daughters and four grandsons, is furious.  Puzzle obsessed, Tobias leaves letters outlining a riddle that Avery and the grandsons must solve to find out why she is the recipient of the inheritance.  The Hawthorne House mansion is filled with hidden chambers that house the clues she and the grandsons must find to unravel the puzzle.  Fast paced chapters filled with red herrings, family secrets, attempted murder and a little bit of romance will keep readers enthralled. The satisfying ending sets up another mystery to be solved in the sequel.

The luxurious Gull Cove Island resort off the coast of Massachusetts, which is the setting for The Cousins, contains many Story family secrets.  In the 1990s the widow Mildred Story disinherited her four children without explanation, except for a letter send by her lawyer that read "You know what you did."  Twenty years later her grandchildren, Milly Aubrey and Jonah, receive letters from her, inviting them to work at the resort.  Their parents, hoping to get back into their mother's will, force them to go.  However, upon their arrival at Gull Cove Island, they find their grandmother displeased to see them. She obviously had not invited them.  They settle into their jobs and getting to know each other, and try to uncover who invited them and why.  There are many twists and turns, as family secrets are revealed, making this a fun read for McManus fans.

In Girl Unframed Seattle teen Sydney Reilly is spending the summer in San Francisco with her film star mother, Lila Shore, and Lila's boyfriend Jake in a Pacific Heights mansion.  Jake is an art dealer with shady connections and his volatile relationship with Lila is unsettling.  Syd not only feels uncomfortable around Jake, a construction worker next door is also giving her unwanted attention.  The only bright spot in her summer is her new relationship with Nicco Ricci, a local boy she met on the beach.  When a murder occurs on the beach in her own backyard, her summer is derailed.  Each chapter begins with a list of exhibits from the murder trial creating suspense as to who was murdered by whom. 

YA Dystopian Novels - Skyhunter, The Other Side of the Sky, and Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira

 It's been quite awhile since I've read much dystopian young adult literature, but I have recently renewed my interest in it.  Dystopian refers to an imagined society in the future where there is great suffering or injustice.  Dystopian novels generally include themes involving morality, violence, lack of free will, lack of freedom, and/or government control.  Many adolescents can relate to these themes and in reading dystopian novels find hope that they too can make the world a better place like the characters do in the novels. Marie Lu's Skyhunter is set in a post apocalyptic world where Mara, the only free nation in the world, is fighting against the Karensa Federation to maintain its freedom. In The Other Side of the Sky by Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner society is composed of two worlds: the primitive surface Below which has lost all advanced technology and is plagued by dangerous mists and the Cloudlands, a technologically engineered world in the sky founded by scientists who escaped from Below. Finally, Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira by Lou Diamond Phillips introduces a planet split in two after the Great Schism. When the remnants are finally deemed habitable, war breaks out between the two resettled colonies. 

Skyhunter, the first book in a new dystopian series, introduces Talin Kanami, a refugee turned soldier in war torn Mara, which is defending itself against the Karensa Federation. Her elite squadron of "strikers" battle the Federation's Ghosts, zombie-like monsters whose bites inflict transformation. When Talin protests the execution of a Federation defector, Redlen Arabes, her commander insists that she take Red as her fighting partner or shield.  As Talin gets to know Red, she finds out he is a Skyhunter, a half-man half-machine weapon created by the Federation.  Before the Federation can engineer his loyalty, like they have the Ghosts, he escapes, and becomes Mara's best hope for finding a way to defeat them.  After a plan to destabilize the Federation backfires, Talin, Red, and their fellow strikers are at the mercy of the enemy.  The first-person narration by Talin, who is mute, is facilitated by her signing and bonding with Red, who then communicates with her telepathically.  This action-packed thriller explores the ideas of immigration and imperialism and its ending will leave readers clamoring for the sequel.

The Other Side of the Sky, the first book in a new duology, is set in a post apocalyptic society composed of two worlds.  The Aciel archipelago known as the Cloudlands, was launched from the Surface Below into the sky, where enigmatic engines keep it aloft.  North, the heir to the throne, pilots a glider which crashes to the Surface after being sabotaged.  He is shocked to find there are people still living Below.  Nimh is their Divine Goddess.  She seeks guidance from ancient prophecies that predict the Last Star will fall, delivering the Lightbringer to save their world, which is ravaged by mist storms that leave people insane. When a prophetic dream, leads her to the site where North lands, she is sure he is her destiny.  Whereas his world is filled with science and technology, hers depends on superstition and magic.  It is forbidden for anyone to touch the Divine Goddess.  Nimh was chosen after the former goddess Jezara was banished when she fell in love and became pregnant.  As Nimh waits for her powers to manifest, she is threatened by Jezara's daughter, who claims she is the true Goddess.  The story is told from alternating perspectives, following North and Nimh's growing affection and the conflict they feel about the future. The cliffhanger ending sets up the sequel with readers hoping the two can bring together their two worlds.

I chose to read Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira primarily because the author is Lou Diamond Phillips ( La Bamba, Longmire and Prodigal Son) and ended up loving this retelling of Hans Christian Anderson's story set in space.  After the Great Schism splits a planet into two, war breaks out in the resettled colonies known as Mano and Indira. There is a prophecy that Princess Allegra, the daughter of Mano's king Xander the Firm, will marry a common soldier and end the king's reign.  He does everything he can to thwart the prophecy, including imprisoning Allegra.  Meanwhile, Everson, the prince from Indira, poses as a common soldier and gets stranded on Mano in a failed military operation.  He gets duped into retrieving ancient technology known as the Tinderbox.  Many young men have died trying to retrieve it, but Everson was clearly meant to be the one who succeeds. He is being used by traitors who are trying to overthrow Mano's king.  The Tinderbox allows him to communicate with Allegra, and although their people are at odds, they are immediately attracted to each other.  Their forbidden love could be the key to end the war and reunite their worlds.

New YA romances: More Than Maybe, Smash It! and Breathless

Family issues abound in three new YA romances, where exploring the problems with the help of a new love interest, leads to a path of self-discovery, as well as young love. More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn (You'd Be Mine) introduces a dancer and a composer, who collaborate on a dance piece and find each other in the process. In Smash It! by Francina Simone (The Keeper's Vow) Olivia Johnson decides to lead a more fulfilling life by auditioning for her school's musical, a rap version of Othello. Breathless by Jennifer Niven (All the Bright Places) finds Claudine spending her senior summer with her mom on a remote island in Georgia, after her dad abandons the family. All of these novels are best suited for more mature readers, as the romantic content is fairly graphic.

In More Than Maybe Vada, a dancer and music critic, and Luke, a musician, who creates a vlog with his twin called "The Grass is Greenly," have been crushing on each other from afar. However, they don't get together until his music composition class and her dance class are assigned joint projects.  He will create the music for a piece she choreographs and dances. When his twin hears the song Luke wrote for Vada, he plays it on their vlog without Luke's permission.  Their dad, a former rock star who wants Luke to pursue a stage career, hears it and ups the pressure for Luke to perform, which he wants no part of. Problems with her alcoholic father also complicate Luke and Vada's relationship. Working together at The Loud Lizard, her mom's boyfriend's club, their flirtation turns into a friendship filled with mutual interests and ultimately love.  Their texts and conversations include references to songs whose lyrics reflect their emotions.  Reading it a second time, I used the internet to listen to the songs in the texts as they occurred, I loved exploring the music that gives a deeper insight into this slow burning romance.

Smash It! introduces Black high school junior Olivia Johnson, who is inspired by Shonda Rhimes's Year of Yes to embrace her fears and lead a more fulfilling life. Liv auditions for her school's rap version Othello and begins to date so she can move on from her role as number one fan to a music duo consisting of Dre, her best friend and Eli, her neighbor and secret crush. Also on her To Do list are accepting her "curves," resolving issues with her overly critical single mom and finding female friends. The boys find out she's auditioning, and she and Eli start staging rehearsals where he helps her with singing and she helps him with dancing. As they grow closer, she waits for him to make a move, but when he doesn't, decides she needs to move on.  Liv lands the part of Bianca, Eli is cast as Othello and her new love interest Kai is Iago. As she begins checking off items on her, "F*#k It" list,  she finds herself unprepared for the fallout from her riskier behavior.  But with the help of new friends, she realizes her most important lesson is learning to love herself.  Filled with a diverse cast of supporting characters, the story is interspersed with the musical lyrics from the rap version of Othello that the school is performing. Readers will enjoy the well-paced roller coaster of events as Liv  journeys toward self acceptance. (Release date September 22)

As Breathless opens, Claudine, aka Claude, is anticipating high school graduation and making plans for a road trip with her best friend before heading off to college.  Then her world falls apart.  Her parents announce their separation and Mom, who is an author, tells Claude they are going to spend the summer on a remote island off the  coast of Georgia, where her ancestors lived, hoping for inspiration for a new book.  Claude is furious with her parents, but when she meets the group of misfit teens who work on the island, she lets them draw her into a journey of self-discovery, including first love. While Mom researches the family history, Claude connects with Miah, a troubled teen who works for Outward Bound and is wise beyond his years.  As they explore the wonders of the island, Miah helps Claude accept her family situation, and he confides in her about his family pressures. Their frank discussions about the loss of her virginity to him, sexual pleasure and loyalty are specific, but tastefully done. What begins as a summer fling turns into much more.  (Release date September 29)

YA Novels Explore the Multiverse

 Life in the multiverse, a hypothetical group of multiple universes, is a hot new topic in YA novels. The multiverse stories can use a variety of plot devices. e. lockhart's new novel Again and Again, follows the "ground hog day" approach, where the main character Adelaide experiences her relationship with a new love interest over and over with variations each time.  Patrick Ness's Burn employs a "wormhole" between universes in a story set in the Cold War era where a dragons versus human conflict is about to break out. Now and When by Sarah Bennett Wealer is a take off on the "butterfly effect" when the main character sees the future on her social media site and begins manipulating the present to change the future.

In Again and Again Adelaide Buchwald spends the summer following her junior year at Alabaster Prep experiencing a recent breakup, her brother Toby's opioid addiction and a new attraction to Jack in various timelines.  She meets Jack while walking five dogs for teachers at the prep school.  She has never forgotten his writing her a poem at a party two years ago.  The narrative explores various possibilities as to how their relationship will progress.  At the same time, she is working on a set design for Sam Shephard's Fool for Love,  mourning her lost love and reconnecting with her brother.  The question of reality versus imagination is not always easy for the reader to determine but is worth the work. 

Burn is a mashup of historical and science fiction which begins in 1957 in Frome, Washington.  Amid tensions of the Cold War, bi-racial Sarah Dewhust and her father hire a new worker for their failing farm.  The catch: the hired hand, Kazimir, is a centuries-old Russian blue dragon, who has knowledge of a prophecy involving Sarah and an upcoming war between humans and dragons.  Meanwhile in Canada, an assassin raised by the Believers, a religious cult that worships dragons, is headed south to kill her with two FBI agents in pursuit, seeking to stop what the cult has planned. Sarah and her friend Jason Inagawa, who just returned from an internment camp, seek Kazimir's protection from the perceived threat, when they are thrown into an alternate universe where things are similar, yet completely different. In this action-packed thriller, elements of prejudice and the fears of the Cold War era are explored amidst a genre-defying title of political intrigue and dragons!

Now and When introduces Skyler Finch who finds her nemesis Truman Alexander an incredibly annoying Know-it-all; so when her phone starts sending her notifications from the future, she is shocked to see herself married to Truman.  She decides she cannot let that happen and begins trying to change the future by manipulating the present. Although Skyler seems to have it all, academic success, happily married parents, and a perfect boyfriend, she is concerned by a threat to demolish a beloved community space and her best friend Harper's suicidal tendencies.  As she tries to change the future, she disturbs the present and ends up enlisting Truman's help to undo the harm she has done.  As she stumbles toward a solution, she finds that letting things play out on their own may not be so bad after all.

Social Awareness in YA Novels

Just when we thought the coronavirus was our biggest problem, police brutality against minorities is back in the news, as people all over the country are taking to the streets to protest several recent incidents. Acknowledging Americans' rights to protest injustices, it is vital that teaching social awareness of a variety of issues be incorporated into our curriculums. According to Harvard Medical School's Robert Selman whose research focused on children developing social awareness, “Good children's literature not only raises moral dilemmas, but also generates the feelings that are associated with situations where moral conflict and confusion exists.” He suggests that through reading about social conflict students can vicariously experience the resolution of problem situations. Three new YA novels provide the opportunity to discuss several societal problems.  The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert focuses on an African American teen activist who is passionate about people voting to enact social change. Don't Read the Comments by Eric Smith explores sexism and racism in the global gaming community. We Didn't Ask for This by Adi Alsaid introduces Marissa Cuevas who chains herself to the doors of her school during a student lock-in, to force environmental changes at the school. 

In The Voting Booth Marva Sheridan, an African American teen activist, meets Duke Crenshaw on Election Day, when he is turned away from voting.  Marva is ardent about politics and has worked hard to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to vote.  She spends the day helping him work out his registration issues, so that he can get to a drumming gig that night.  As they get to know each other, they share their struggles with racial tensions. Her white boyfriend refuses to vote and Duke is still trying to cope with his radical brother's death in a drive by shooting.  Meanwhile, Marva's cat Selma, an internet star known as Eartha Kitty, has gone missing. Her many followers get involved in the search, outing Marva's role in creating the site.   As the day progresses, Marva and Duke's problems bring them closer together.  The story is told in alternating first-person narration, allowing readers to easily sympathize with the two teens.  With the 2020 election ahead, there is great concern about adequate polling places, especially for minorities. After the Supreme Court dismantled the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and with concerns about voters' health causing the shutdown of many voting places, people might find themselves struggling to cast their vote if mail-in voting is not allowed. This timely novel sheds light on the issue, as well as how important it is to make one's voice heard through voting.

Inspired by Gamergate,  the real life controversy about sexism in the video game culture, Don't Read the Comments introduces Divya Sharma, a female gamer with valuable sponsors and a strong following on Glitch, a streaming service that allows others to watch her play Reclaim the Sun. She is attacked online by trolls known as Vox Populi, which then turns into real life harassment.  Aaron Jericho meets Divya online, when he defends her against the trolls while playing Reclaim the Sun. Although Aaron enjoys gaming, he prefers to create narratives to go with his friend's gaming art, which they hope to market through a rising Indie game producer. He is thrilled to get publicity on Divya's site and wants to meet IRL, but she is understandably careful about revealing her identity. Her home address is revealed and both her mother and Divya's gaming partner are attacked. With Game Con coming up, Divya realizes she may need to get the authorities involved before the doxing (broadcasting private information) becomes life threatening.  This complex examination of sexism and racism in gaming, celebrates family and friendship, as well as the strength and determination it takes to stand up to bullies.

We Didn't Ask for This looks at activism and protest from different points of view.  The much anticipated "Lock-In Night" at the elite Central International School in an unnamed country, takes on a political tone when Marisa Cuevas and her cronies, chain themselves to the doors of the school, holding attendees hostage until 30 environmental changes are enacted. At first students are furious that their night has been ruined.  Gay charismatic Peejay Singh, who was in charge of throwing the party, wants to live up to the example set by his brother who previously organized an epic Lock-In, but is now at the hospital in a coma. Kenji Pierce, whose father is the developer in charge of one of the projects Marisa is protesting, is devastated when his improv team's showcase is put on hold. However, he befriends Celeste Rollins, a black American newcomer to the school and introduces her to the joys of improv.  Malaysian decathlete Amira Wahid hopes to be the first female to win the Lock-In decathlon, but finds herself falling in love with Marisa. As people attempt to thwart Marissa's mission and the Lock-In stretches on, the three join a group of Protectors that try to help Marisa meet her objectives. Although the story explores many ecological issues, it also addresses identity and finding a sense of belonging and pursuing dreams.  

Novels about Young Athletes

          Stories about sports are not always just a play by play of the big competition although that is, of course, usually involved.  Frequently, the main character has a problem that may or may not be sports related, and he or she works through it by focusing on his or her athletic prowess and passion for the sport.  Reading these stories will inform readers not only about the sport involved, but more importantly about dealing with problems with integrity and determination. This month I am recommending three new books about young athletes. Golden Arm by acclaimed sportswriter Carl Deuker focuses on Lazarus Weathers, a baseball player whose incredible pitching ability may just be his ticket out of poverty and a dead end future.  Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab introduces Susanah Ramos, a world champion swimmer, who deals with injuries and an abusive coach, as she strives to make the Olympic team.  In Every Reason We Shouldn't by Sarah Fujimura,  Olivia Kennedy, daughter of Olympic gold medalist skaters, has given up skating after a disastrous first season on the senior Grand Prix circuit.  When Jonah Choi, a speed skater with Olympic dreams, enters her life, she rethinks her decision. 

In Golden Arm Lazarus Weathers, who lives with his mom and half-brother Antonio in a Seattle trailer park, stutters and struggles in school, but comes alive on the baseball field. When his ragtag summer team beats the rich kids across town, his pitching captures the attention of Mr. Thurman, the star player's father.  Hoping to help his son's team win the state title, he recruits Laz to play for his son's high school team.  With the trailer park shutting down and his high school baseball team's program axed, Laz jumps at the opportunity to move in with the Thurmans and get better coaching and capture the attention of major league scouts. Just as things finally seem to be going his way,  Antonio gets involved with dangerous drug dealers and Laz must choose between helping his family and pursuing his dreams.  This complex novel explores poverty and privilege, teamwork and self-reliance, as well as family loyalty and friendship. Readers don't have to be interested in baseball to enjoy this riveting underdog story.

Breath Like Water introduces Susannah Ramos, a world champion swimmer at age 14, who finds herself struggling two years later, trying to adapt to her changing body and a nagging shoulder injury.  Crippled by self-doubt and an abusive coach, she finds herself drawn to Harry, a newcomer to the team whose flirtations are quickly blossoming into romance.  As Susannah fights to regain her elite status and a spot in the upcoming Olympic trials, she must choose between Harry and her dream of becoming an Olympian. Complicating the situation are Harry's struggles with mental illness and Susannah's decision to train with the assistant coach whose approach reaps positive results.  The author, a former competitive swimmer, expertly captures the pressures of being an elite athlete and the vivid details of the swimming events.  In the end Susannah must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice for "two minutes of glory."

Every Reason We Shouldn't finds Olivia Kennedy attempting to transition into being a "normal" teenager at a public high school, after years of training as an elite pairs skater. Once the reigning junior pairs champions, she and her partner hung up their skates after a disappointing first season on the senior pairs circuit. Now Olivia is working at her parents' failing ice rink Ice Dreams and helping her mom who has a nagging back problem brought on by competing as a world champion skater. When speed skating hopeful Jonah Choi books time at Ice Dreams for private lessons, he and Olivia become friends.  He understands what it means to be a competitive teenage athlete and encourages her to rediscover her passion for skating.  As their relationship heats up, Olivia gets back on the ice, working to build the confidence for a comeback.  Witty banter, well-developed secondary characters, a charming multicultural romance, as well as the exploration of the sacrifices required to be an elite skater, make this novel a delightful read. 

Classic Connections

One of my favorite units in my book, What's New in Young Adult Novels? and Ideas for Classroom Use, is "Classic Connections" which recommends novels that incorporate elements of classic literature but with a twist.  Pairing the new novel with the classic material gives students the opportunity to appreciate the clever variations that the modern authors imagine. Whether authors are reimagining a recognizable plot in a modern setting or just incorporating elements of a classic into their story, those familiar with the original material will delight in the connection. One of my favorite finds this month is By the Book by Amanda Sellet, which is basically an homage to Jane Austen's Emma, but references many other 19th century classics as well. Hood by Jenny Elder Moke tells the story of the daughter of Robin Hood and Maid Marien. Tiger Queen by Annie Sullivan is a spin on "The Lady or the Tiger" and The Circus Rose by Betsey Cornwell reimagines the tale of Snow White and Rose Red. 

In By the Book Mary Porter-Malcolm, a lover of 19th century literature, has transferred to public school after her charter school closes.  When her best friend jilts her the first day at Millville High, Mary is forlorn.  However, she is soon befriended by Arden, Lydia and Terry, a group of girls who value her literature inspired advice.  She warns them against cads like Alex Ritter, whom she knows from her twin sisters' Shakespearean theater group, and they begin compiling a "Scoundrel Survival Guide."  But as she works to find suitable matches for her friends and they for her, Mary finds herself succumbing to Alex's charms.  As Mary's meddling leads to an emotional fallout and she struggles to make amends, she asks herself, "What would Jane Austen do?" The many classic works referenced in the book are explained in a clever Works Cited afterward to the Scoundrel Survival Guide. The classic connections are icing on the cake in this witty romantic comedy.

Hood, the story of Isabelle of Kirklees, finds the daughter of Robin Hood and Maid Marien living in a monastery with her mother Prioress Marien.  In trying to defend some villagers, Isabelle kills a man and becomes the target of King John's right-hand man Wolf.  For her protection her mother sends Isabelle on a mission to find her father, whom she's never met.  Meanwhile, Marien has been taken prisoner and held as bait, so that Robin and his men will fall into Wolf's trap.  Isabelle joins forces with Robin and his Merry Men to battle Wolf and defy the crown.  The Robin Hood backstory and Isabelle's coming-of-age amidst the Merry Men add to this thrilling tale of daring do, set in a world readers know and love.

Tiger Queen is set in the desert kingdom of Achra which is suffering from a terrible drought. Water is being rationed and to make matters worse, the Desert Boys are stealing water from the wells. The punishment for stealing water is having to choose between two doors in the arena. Behind one door lies freedom and the other a vicious tiger.  Kateri, an arrogant warrior princess, has promised her late mother she will protect her people. However, her father has dictated that Kateri has to fight against her suitors to win the right to rule.  If she can beat all twelve, she can assume the throne and pick her own husband.  Having bested the first eleven, Kateri must now fight her father's right-hand man and her trainer Rodic, who wants to be king.  Knowing she can't defeat him, she escapes to the desert to beg Cion, leader of the Desert Boys to train her.  He agrees and as she begins her training, she realizes things are not as they seem.  Ultimately, she joins the Desert Boys to right what is wrong in the kingdom and take her rightful place as Queen.

The Circus Rose, a queer reimagining of "Snow White and Rose Red," focuses on Ivory and Rosie, daughters of the Circus Rose's ring mistress.  After years on the road, they return to their birthplace, Port End, where fundamentalist preachers have taken over.  Rosie is attracted to women, but is in love with the circus's trained bear, whom she insists is a girl.  Ivory falls for Tam, a dark-skinned fey, neither male nor female, who has been hired as a magician.  The circus stages a spectacular homecoming show, but disaster strikes during Rosie's tightrope act and the circus tent burns down.  As they try to rebuild, performers are disappearing, as has their mother.  Ivory takes over as ring mistress and enlists Tam's help in getting to the bottom of the mysterious disappearances.  The present-tense, first-person narrative alternates between Rosie's pithy verse and Ivory's looping prose. This blend of fantasy and classic fiction will be available June 12th.