Tag: Young Adult

Prom-ising Reads

Whether you’re going to the prom, or kicking back at home, here are some prom-themed reads from our Young Adult Collection.

Art Geeks and Prom Queens – Alyson Noël. Before Noël wrote the Immortals series, she wrote about ordinary teens in realistic situations! Sixteen-year-old Rio moves to California from New York, and despite being an art geek somehow lands a space in the hip-girl clique, only to discover that popularity doesn’t always lead to happiness.

The Debs – Susan McBride. Alright, technically this is NOT a prom novel, but … debutante balls are a little prom-like.  Best friends Laura, Ginger and Mac hope for invitations to be introduced to Houston society as Glass Slipper Debutantes, while Jo-Lynn plots Laura’s downfall.

Derby Girl – Shauna Cross. And since we’re on the page about debutantes … Bliss Cavendar DEFINITELY does not want to be a pageant contestant (or horror of horrors, Miss Blue Bonnet), so she joins the roller derby scene.

My Boyfriend is a Monster: Made for Each Other – Paul D. Storrie.  High school students Maria and Tom are immediately attracted to each other, but an envious monster named Hedy will stop at nothing to destroy their romance.

Princess in Pink – Meg Cabot. High school freshman (and Genovian Princess) Mia tries to get her reluctant boyfriend to take her to the prom.

Probably Still Nick Swansen – Virginia Euwer Wolff.  Sixteen-year-old learning-disabled Nick struggles to endure a life in which the other kids make fun of him and his date for the prom makes an excuse not to go with him.

Prom Dates from Hell – Rosemary Clement-Moore. And you thought YOUR date was weird. High school senior Maggie would rather die than attend prom, but when a classmate summons a revenge-seeking demon, she has no choice but to get a dress and prepare to face jocks, cheerleaders, and Evil Incarnate itself.

Prom Nights from Hell. Five paranormal prom stories from five young adult authors. All available as an EPUB. Includes stories from Lauren Myracle, Stephenie Meyer, Meg Cabot, Michele Jaffe, and Kim Harrison.

Zombies vs. Unicorns.  Check out Libba Bray’s short story, Prom Night. What happens when zombies are intent on ruining your prom night?

Recommended YA Books

So in case you’ve been living under a rock, our Read a Book, Write a Review program is still going on. If you’re looking to read and review a book none of your peers have perused, check out the following titles (in reverse alphabetical order! Ha!):

Zombies vs. Unicorns, compiled by Justine Larbalestier and Holly Black

In this compilation of dueling stories, which creature wins more? Zombies? Or Unicorns? My favorite short story was Meg Cabot’s contribution, Princess Prettypants, about a unicorn that literally farts rainbows.

White Cat by Holly Black

Love noir films? This is one heck of a noir book. Read it, now. Go. I’m waiting.

Vampire Crush by A.M. Robinson

Two words: VAMPIRE LUAU. Cue the awesomesauce. My father essentially read the book with me, because I read every other line aloud to him, it was so funny.

Jenna & Jonah’s Fauxmance by Emily Franklin and Brendan Halpin

Charlie and Fielding star on the Family Network’s hit show, Jenna & Jonah’s How To Be a Rockstar, onscreen and off as two teens in love. Only problem? They hate each others guts. When certain ruin is spelled out for them, will the two team up or tear up?

Ash by Malinda Lo

An exquisite retelling of the Cinderella story,where Ash must choose between the fairy cursed to love her, and the King’s Huntress whom she loves. Absolutely breathtaking. Lo is a gifted writer.

I solemnly swear I am up to no good…

I have a confession.

When the seventh Harry Potter book was released, I went to Book Revue dressed as McGonagall.

So imagine my utter delight this morning, when going through email, that I found the Ministry of Magic’s website?

Check out Magic is Might – and if you’ve never been, also head over to the Leaky Cauldron. This fan-based site has been up and running for years, and used to be my only source of information, back when J.K. Rowling’s website was just a list of her publishers. (I kid you not).

Also, speaking of Harry Potter, we’ll be showing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 on May 26th. Be there.

Sports Fiction for Teens

Baseball season started last week … and I know some of you love sports fiction. Here’s a selection of sports fiction just for teens.

Beanball by Gene Fehler- It’s the last inning of a high school baseball game between arch-rivals Oak Grove and Compton. Center fielder Luke “Wizard” Wallace steps up to the plate – and is hit by a beanball, a wild pitch that shatters his skull, destroys the vision in his left eye, and changes his life forever.

Change-up: Mystery at the World Series by John Feinstein – While covering baseball’s World Series between the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox, teenage sports reporters Stevie and Susan Carol investigate a rookie pitcher whose evasive answers during an interview reveal more than a few contradictions in his life story.

Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach – Just before his sixteenth birthday, Felton Reinstein has a sudden growth spurt that turns him from a small, jumpy, picked-on boy with the nickname of “Squirrel Nut” to a powerful athlete, leading to new friends, his first love, and the courage to confront his family’s past and current problems.

Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock – Caveat: I do not understand football. I could take it or leave it. I LOVED THIS BOOK. D.J. is a smart, funny heroine who proves you don’t have to be a boy if you want to play football. If you’re hungry for more stories starring D.J., check out The Off Season and Front and Center.

Derby Girl by Shauna Cross- this book was faster than a derby bout. Loved Whip It? This is the book it’s based on. Want more information on derby? Check out the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association.

Kick by Walter Dean Myers and Ross Workman – Told in their separate voices, thirteen-year-old soccer star Kevin and police sergeant Brown, who knew his father, try to keep Kevin out of juvenile hall after he is arrested on very serious charges.

Leverage by Joshua Cohen – High school sophomore Danny excels at gymnastics but is bullied, like the rest of the gymnasts, by members of the football team, until an emotionally and physically scarred new student joins the football team and forms an unlikely friendship with Danny.

No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman – Wallace Wallace cannot tell a lie … and his very honest review of “Old Shep, My Pal” has gotten him off the football team and helping with the school musical. Help.

Shutout by Brendan Halpin – Ever felt like you no longer knew who your best friend was anymore? Shutout is about two best friends – who suddenly become enemies after Lena makes Varsity Soccer and Amanda does not. This was given five stars from Sara (grade 9) and Jane (grade 8).

Vanishing Act by John Feinstein- Love mysteries and sports? Eighth grader Brendan gives this title five stars – mainly for the mystery, the unpredictable ending, and loads of comedy and action.

Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher – Intellectually and athletically gifted, T.J., a multiracial, adopted teenager, shuns organized sports and the gung-ho athletes at his high school until he agrees to form a swimming team and recruits some of the school’s less popular students.