Young adult roundup

Thoughtful, fun and tackling important issues, the latest books for young adult readers have something for everyone. 

By LAURA HEWSON

THE BOOK OF PEARL
Timothee de Fombelle
Walker Books

Translated from French, this curious story moves between worlds and times, following the love story of a fairy and a lost prince.

It is full of charm and mystery. Joshua Pearl is one mystery. Why does he live in the middle of nowhere and why does he have a wall of suitcases that must never be opened?

The story moves in unexpected ways from a fantasy realm to an isolated cabin to a Paris sweet shop, telling the tale of Joshua and the love story of Olia and Ilian. Thoughtful and sad. Ages 14+.

 

BREATHING UNDER WATER
Sophie Hardcastle
Hachette

Though Ben is older by only 19 minutes and 11 seconds, his twin Grace has always felt she comes second. Ben is the star and she is the moon reflecting his light.

Just as Grace is starting to build something with Harley, the new boy in their small Aussie surfing town, an accident changes everything and she is sent into a dangerous downward spiral.

There's a lot going on in here, including rape, death, neglect, grief, and drug and alcohol abuse but there's also a lot of love and friendship.

Breathing Under Water stands out from other similarly themed young adult books, mostly because of author Sophie Hardcastle's authentic characters and beautiful writing.

Be prepared for bad behaviour, but, more importantly, a story that will stay with you. Ages 16+.

JULIUS & THE SOULCATCHER
Tim Hehir
Text Publishing

Following Julius & the Watchmaker, this is the second novel in Tim Hehir's time-travelling series about young Julius' adventures in Victorian London and beyond.

While the first book spent a lot of time explaining the mechanics of time travel and introducing the characters (I recommend reading it first), this instalment is a lot more fun, with murderous flowers and creepy villains keeping things lively.

Bare-knuckle boxing champ Danny Flynn and street urchin Emily return as Julius' support crew as he journeys to Brazil and Bedlam in his quest to solve the mystery of the soulcatcher and avoid the machinations of the bizarre Mr Tock.

Sometimes there is a bit much going on, but it is certainly never dull. Ages 12+.

THE TRIALS OF APOLLO
Rick Riordan
Penguin Random House

Author Rick Riordan has returned to the world of Percy Jackson, this time following the god Apollo as he struggles to accept his change of circumstances after being ejected from Olympus.

Schadenfreude abounds as Apollo goes from being an arrogant deity happy to sacrifice mortals willy nilly, to being a 16-year-old boy with acne and an absence of abs (though still arrogant, of course) in one painful fall.

Apollo must team up with an unusual demigod called Meg in order to complete a trial in the hopes of getting back into Olympus. There are special appearances by Percy and the Camp Half-Blood crew as Apollo seeks the final Oracle, all while battling The Beast and his own personal limitations. A fun story. Ages 12+.

 

YOU KNOW ME WELL
Nina LaCour & David Levithan
Text Publishing

Kate has just run away from meeting the girl of her dreams. Mark is realising his best friend and secret love Ryan may not return his feelings.

Kate and Mark, who have sat next to each other in class and never spoken, meet this one night in a meant-to-be moment, forging an instant friendship before embarking on a course that changes both their lives.

This is an enjoyable and emotional story, as Kate and Mark help each other through their various dramas and heartbreaks, finding success, love and acceptance along the way.

The authors work hard to highlight issues and difficulties that homosexual teens face as well as making sure to celebrate the "scenic route''. Ages 14+.

 

THE MOONLIGHT DREAMERS
Siobhan Curham
Walker Books

In The Moonlight Dreamers four very different girls (Amber, Maali, Sky and Rose) find each other, and true friendship, after being inspired by an Oscar Wilde quote.

Amber's fascination with Oscar Wilde leads to her forming The Moonlight Dreamers and soon its four members are committed to quoting Wilde and helping each other.

There are a lot of coincidences and too-perfect moments, and I struggled to believe these fabulous girls could be so socially isolated but it's nice to read a story where the fantasy is about finding the perfect friendship not boyfriend, and where the drama is fun. Ages 15+.
 

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