Originally published in School Library Journal, October, 2019. Gr 9 & up: In and out of foster homes and unable to trust anyone, Jane, 15, is thick-skinned and wise beyond her years. Not a typical teenager, Jane takes care of her 4 year old sister and heroin-addicted, single mother each time she relapses. After switching schools… Continue reading Opiate Jane by Jessica K. Baker
Tag: Debut Novels;
Something Like Breathing by Angela Readman
Originally published in School Library Journal, February 2019. Gr 9 & Up: Readman's debut novel unfolds in 1950's Scotland, weaving together mystery and magical realism surrounding two young girls on a remote island. Lorrie's family moved from England to help her aging grandfather, Grumps, in the family whiskey distillery. At once intrigued by her shy… Continue reading Something Like Breathing by Angela Readman
Holly Jolly Summer by Tiffany Stewart
Originally appeared in School Library Journal, April 2018. Gr 7 & up - The summer tourist season is bustling in the stifling hot town of Christmas, Kentucky, as 15 year old First Daughter, Darby causes a very public disaster at the annual Snow Globe unveiling. Her single father, Mayor Peacher, encourages her to get a… Continue reading Holly Jolly Summer by Tiffany Stewart
Little Big Love by Katy Regan
Originally published in Library Journal, March 2018 A modern family drama unfolds in alternating points of view of authentic voices between a 10 year old named Zac who likes to collect facts and cook, his single mother, Juliet, and her father, Mick. Juliet and Zac live on Harlequin Estate in Grimsby, a seaside town in… Continue reading Little Big Love by Katy Regan
Always, Forever, Maybe by Anna Mrose Ricci
Originally published in School Library Journal, March 2018. Gr. 9 & Up: High school senior, Bee, has been living in the shadow of her best friends, popular twins Jo and Eric, counting the days until she can move away from her demanding parents. When Bee begins dating Aiden, her relationship with Jo becomes strained, which… Continue reading Always, Forever, Maybe by Anna Mrose Ricci
Love Songs & Other Lies by Jessica Pennington
Originally published in School Library Journal, March 2018. Gr 9 & up - On summer break, Virginia (Vee), a talented songwriter and musician, leaves Michigan for a 3 month reality band competition tour with best friend, Logan. Much to her surprise and initial dismay, the newest member of Your Future X is Cameron, Vee's not-quite… Continue reading Love Songs & Other Lies by Jessica Pennington
My Name is Venus Black by Heather Lloyd
Originally published in Library Journal, February 2018. Readers meet Venus Black, age 13, in 1980 Washington state, as she is locked up in juvenile detention after a horrific event involving her stepfather Raymond. Her father died when she was 5, and soon after Inez, her self-absorbed mother, married Ray. The only positive aspect of their… Continue reading My Name is Venus Black by Heather Lloyd
Here and Gone by Haylen Beck
Here and Gone tells the tale of a mother's worst nightmare: someone taking her children and no one believing her. They were here with her one minute and gone the next. And now fingers of the townspeople and the law are pointing at her. She was desperate to leave her abusive husband and set out… Continue reading Here and Gone by Haylen Beck
Part of the Silence by Debbie Howells
Part of the Silence by Debbie Howells will be released for publication on 6/27/17. Howells's debut novel is set in present day Cornwall, in a small coastal town. Part of the Silence is an atmospheric suspense novel, with many of the major scenes in the story occurring in or around the woods. The story unfolds in… Continue reading Part of the Silence by Debbie Howells
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