Great reads for teens and young adults on Ireland AM
CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, Elaina Ryan, visited the Ireland AM set this morning with a selection of books perfect for teen readers. Whether it's a romance set during summer holidays, a new fantasy series steeped in Irish folklore or a look at life following the death of a social media star — there are lots of brilliant books from Irish artists for you to choose from.
Remember, you can also watch back the segment by using the link below.
Heartstopper 3 by Alice Oseman and translated by Eoin McEvoy (Futa Fata)
With Nick and Charlie now officially boyfriends, Nick takes the courageous step to come out to those closest to him. Exploring slightly more emotional and heavy themes, Nick and Charlie continue to enchant readers on the page and now the big screen. Expertly translated to Irish by Eoin McEvoy, the flow of language here is natural, readable and captivating alongside Oseman’s signature graphic novel illustrations. (Age 12–14, 15+)
Tom Burne Has Left the Chat by Séan Farrelly (Faber & Faber)
When social media personality Tom Burne dies by suicide, in the months that follow, Jamie combs through the digital fragments of Tom’s life. But the more of Tom’s secrets that are brought to light, the more Jamie wonders how well we can ever know anyone. This assured début weaves together themes of mental health, grief and isolation, exploring our digital footprint and which version of us is more real – the one we present online or the one we keep hidden. (Age 15+)
French Kisses by Jenny Ireland (Penguin)
Eighteen-year-old Margot has been dragged on a family holiday to France after a chaotic period back home in Northern Ireland. Staying in a mobile home on a beautiful campsite right beside the beach, she slowly begins to rediscover who she really is. With the help of her brave younger sisters, her supportive parents and her growing connections with two very different French boys, Felix and Antoine, Margot starts to find her footing again. Atmospheric, heartfelt and highly recommended. (Age 15+)
Just Another Dead Boy by Kelly McCaughrain (Walker Books)
In a world nearly identical to ours, but with one very crucial difference – everyone is born with a predetermined death date tattooed on their body – Micah and Regan know they have decades to live, but resist looking ahead and feel stuck in their small town. In contrast, Jude has looked ahead his whole life, knowing he will never reach adulthood. McCaughrain again and again bucks cliché and expectations in this truly one-of-a-kind novel for teens, blending speculative fiction and romance. (Age 15+)
Her Hidden Fire by Clíodhna O’Sullivan (Penguin)
Éadha is an orphan, living at Ailm’s Keep alongside her only friend, Ionáin. Ionáin’s family are in danger; magic has not been found in his family for some time, so when Éadha discovers she has a strong flow of magic, she must decide whether to conceal her powers or save Ionáin and his family. But a dark source of that magical energy lies concealed, waiting to strike. This story rooted in Irish language and folklore is a strong start to a new fantasy series. Her Hidden Fire is Clíodhna O’Sullivan’s début novel, the second book in the series, Her Rising Flame, will be published in November. (Age 17+)
