It is 1989 and Reza, an Iranian boy, has just moved to New York City with his mother to live with his wealthy new stepfather and stepbrother. It is the height of the AIDS crisis, and Reza is terrified that someone will discover his truth – that he likes boys. The truth becomes harder to hide as he grows closer to Art, the only out and proud student at school, and realises he has feelings for him.
In a small town in Scotland, 14-year-old Laurie is supposed to be having a normal day working at her mum’s bookshop; but this is the big day! Her friend, Neon from New York, has travelled all the way to Scotland to meet her. The issue is, all of her friends don’t actually believe he’s real – they think Laurie has made him up and insist on joining Laurie to meet the dreamy Neon, but when he steps off the train, they are all in for a surprise …
A tongue-in-cheek tale about Gwen, a blacksmith’s daughter who masquerades as a knight in the Tournament of Dragonslayers, and the Lady Isobelle whose hand in marriage (and sizeable dowry) is the prize. What starts as a daring plan to outsmart the patriarchy turns into something that neither girl bargained for – something that will change both their lives irrevocably.
Sixteen-year-old Morgana Merrick knows what it feels like to be treated as less-than. After arriving at Avalon Academy and quickly learning that she’ll need to become something special if she wants to stand out, she turns to magic to get everything she wants. But when her brother’s friend kisses her without her consent, Morgana wants to ruin him – and every person who refused to believe her.
This book is described as a swoon-worthy, witchy romantic fantasy, and this reviewer can confirm that this is absolutely the most fitting description. Readers follow Aurelia as she enters her debutante season as a witch, attending balls and following both the societal rules and magical rules that are set by the Council. However, a generational curse on her magic makes fitting in pretty difficult.
Self-deprecating Orla is a giver, forever the sidekick, who neglects her own dreams, sacrificing herself to the needs of her demanding family, until her semi-sib Roks encourages her to apply for a drama course that changes her life. Structured like a cross between a diary and a script, the story follows Orla’s emotional journey over the space of a fortnight in December.
To the world, Drew Schafer is the charming, enigmatic frontman of up-and-coming British band The Kerbs. To Ruby, he’s her sweet, loving boyfriend. Ruby has no desire to share Drew’s spotlight, which is why they agree early on to keep their relationship private. But as Drew’s career skyrockets, Ruby realises she’s in danger of being left behind.
Inis is the magazine of Children's Books Ireland. Within these pages you will find features and articles on Irish and international children's books as well as in-depth reviews of new titles for children and teenagers. With its range of expert contributors, this is a key resource for teachers, writers, illustrators, librarians, parents/guardians and everyone interested in children's books.
Drinn is cursed. She’s not the only one: in her world, many girls are damned with curses that make them social outcasts. Isolated for most of her life, The Dandelion Riots follows Drinn as she unites other cursed girls to rally against their society.
