Articles tagged "Kirkus Reviews"
SADIE and MIRAGE make the Fall 2018 Kids’ Indie Next List!
The Fall 2018 Kids’ Indie Next List was announced last week and includes SADIE by Courtney Summers (in the Top Ten!) and MIRAGE by Somaiya Daud!
SADIE by Courtney Summers
Available September 4, 2018 from Wednesday Books
FOUR STARRED REVIEWS!!
SADIE is the story of a missing girl on a journey of revenge and a Serial-like podcast following the clues she’s left behind. When Sadie’s little sister, Mattie, is found dead, Sadie hits the road on a mission to find her sister’s killer. But when West McCray—a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America—overhears Sadie’s story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie’s journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it’s too late.
MIRAGE by Somaiya Daud
Available August 28, 2018 from Flatiron Books
Also available in audio
TWO STARRED REVIEWS!!
MIRAGE is an epic fantasy inspired by the author’s Moroccan heritage about Amani, a poor girl who must become the body double of a princess of a ruthless empire. As Amani is forced into her new role, she can’t help but enjoy the palace’s beauty and her time with the princess’ fiancé, Idris. But the glitter of the royal court belies a world of violence and fear. If Amani ever wishes to see her family again, she must play the princess to perfection . . . because one wrong move could lead to her death. readmoreremove
Logan, Bird, and Serle are September 2018 LibraryReads Picks!
Great news! Macmillan has THREE books on the September 2018 LibraryReads list!
The #3 pick is LIES by T.M. Logan
A Library Journal Best Summer & Early Fall 2018 Debut pick! “In a tensely woven eight-day cat-and-mouse chase, Logan’s debut races readers through a fast-moving joyride of nerve-wracking suspense and intrigue that will challenge and surprise even the most devout enthusiasts of psychological thrillers.” —Library Journal
Available from St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio on September 11.
The #5 pick is DAUGHTER OF A DAUGHTER OF A QUEEN by Sarah Bird
This historical novel tells the compelling, hidden story of Cathy Williams, a former slave and the only woman to ever serve with the legendary Buffalo Soldiers, disguised as a man. “Bird’s fast-paced, action-packed story is a bittersweet one—grand love and legacy ultimately eluded Williams—but this fearless, often heartbreaking account sheds a welcome light on an extraordinary American warrior.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
Available from St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio on September 4. readmoreremove
August 2018 All-Stars
These forthcoming books are raking in the starred reviews—make sure to add them to your library’s shelves ASAP!
A WELL BEHAVED WOMAN by Therese Anne Fowler
Also available in audio
“As accomplished as its subject, redoubtable socialite and women’s suffrage crusader Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, Fowler’s engrossing successor to 2013’s Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, again showcases her genius for seeing beyond the myths of iconic women. Though the novel’s lavish sweep and gorgeous details evoke a vanished world, Fowler’s exploration of the way powerful women are simultaneously devalued and rewarded resonates powerfully.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Watching Fowler’s heroine vanquish the gatekeepers and minions who stand in her way is nothing short of mesmerizing.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
THE TANGO WAR: The Struggle for the Hearts, Minds and Riches of Latin America During World War II by Mary Jo McConahay
“A fascinating narrative of the struggle for Latin America during World War II featuring untold stories of politics, propaganda, spycraft, and intrigue. Fast-paced and informative, this is essential reading for anyone who wants to better understand World War II and some of the forces that led to it.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Journalist McConahay tells the gripping and often overlooked history of Latin America during World War II. This lively book, driven by colorful personalities, strikes the ideal balance between informative and entertaining.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
CODEX 1962: A Trilogy by Sjón
“In this beguiling, surpassingly eccentric triptych, Icelandic novelist Sjón takes on, in turn, romance (classic, not Gothic), mystery, and science fiction to examine how people parse themselves into little camps and try to make their way through this harsh world . . . Unlike anything else in contemporary fiction. Strange—but stunning.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Sjón is more than a novelist; he is a storyteller in the ancient tradition, and this work may be remembered as his masterpiece.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review readmoreremove
Introducing “The Girls” Podcast
Courtney Summers’ YA thriller SADIE is already making noise:
Booklist‘s starred review called it “captivating.”
Kirkus Reviews‘s starred review called it “A riveting tour de force.”
Our very own YA gal, Emily, called it “heartbreaking and haunting.”
And now it’s making even more noise!
Coming August 1 to a pair of headphones near you: The Girls, a “true crime” podcast based on SADIE!
Follow along with West McCray’s (fictional) investigation as he searches for Sadie Hunter, a nineteen-year-old girl who disappeared after her little sister was brutally murdered.
Click here to subscribe to the podcast and listen to a teaser, and be sure to tune in on August 1 to help West McCray #FindSadie. readmoreremove
Teen Talk (7/16/2018 Edition)
Happy Monday, YA Librarians!
Check out our latest & greatest YA and YA-OK titles out this month, then join us on Twitter today at 2:30pm EST for Early Word YA Galley Chat (hashtag: #ewgcya) and tell us what you’ve been reading & loving!
I’M NOT MISSING by Carrie Fountain
9781250132512
Ages 13 to 18
When Miranda Black’s mother abandoned her, she took everything and Miranda found shelter in her friendship with Syd, who wore her own motherlessness like a badge of honor. But when Syd runs away suddenly and inexplicably in the middle of their senior year, Miranda is abandoned once again, left to untangle the questions of why Syd left and learning what it means to be truly seen, to be finally not missing in her own life.
“The ending is really a beginning as [Miranda] finds both support and inner resilience. A beautiful new voice to watch.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This thoughtful coming-of-age tale tenderly explores the great pain and power of forging one’s own identity as well as the inescapable influence of loved ones, even those who choose to be lost.” —The Horn Book
30 BEFORE 30: How I Made a Mess of My 20s, and You Can Too by Marina Shifrin
9781250129710
A charming, relatable and hilarious collection of essays documenting a young woman’s attempt to accomplish thirty life goals before turning thirty. In 30 BEFORE 30, Marina takes readers through her list and shares personal stories about achieving those goals. Ranging in scope from the simple (Donate Hair) to the life-changing (Become internet Famous), each story shows readers that we don’t all have it figured out, and that’s okay.
“In Shifrin’s journey to confidence and success, she provides a genuinely inspirational example without ever taking herself too seriously.” —Publishers Weekly readmoreremove
Stars for SADIE!
We’re so excited that Courtney Summers’ gripping YA thriller, SADIE, has received four starred reviews!
“Summers’ novel is filled with her trademark biting commentary on sexual assault and the mistreatment of girls and women at the hands of predatory men . . . her hunt for Mattie’s killer is captivating, and Summers excels at slowly unspooling both Sadie’s and West’s investigations at a measured, tantalizing pace.” —Booklist, starred review
“A riveting tour de force . . . Sadie is smart, observant, tough, and at times heartbreakingly vulnerable, her interactions mediated by a profound stutter.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“It’s impossible to not be drawn into this haunting thriller of a book. A heartrending must-have.” —School Library Journal, starred review
” . . . a taut, suspenseful book about abuse and power that feels personal, as if Summers, like May Beth and West, can’t take one more dead or abused girl. Readers may well feel similarly.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
Teen Talk (6/14/2018 Edition)
Happy Thursday, YA librarians!
Check out our latest & greatest teen titles out this month, then join us on Twitter today at 2:30pm EST for Early Word YA Galley Chat (hashtag: #ewgcya) and tell us what you’ve been reading & loving!
KISSING GAMES by Tara Eglington
9781250075260
Ages 12 to 18
After a perfect first kiss, Aurora’s second kiss lands her boyfriend in the hospital, and her matchmaking strategies start to backfire in this sequel to HOW TO KEEP A BOY FROM KISSING YOU. When Aurora’s best friend decides to run for class president and offers up Aurora’s matchmaking service as one of her campaign initiatives, the kissing games begin. Aurora has to convince everyone that her program works—but that might be hard to do when it seems like her own love life might be falling apart.
“This light, dreamy, and easy read is filled with strong character development as the teens find their way in their everyday lives.” —School Library Journal
BRING ME THEIR HEARTS by Sara Wolf
9781640631465
Ages 14 and up
Zera is a Heartless—the immortal, unageing soldier of a witch. Bound to the witch Nightsinger ever since she saved her from the bandits who murdered her family, Zera longs for freedom from the woods they hide in. With her heart in a jar under Nightsinger’s control, she serves the witch unquestioningly . . . until Nightsinger asks Zera for a Prince’s heart in exchange for her own. So begins a game of cat and mouse between a girl with nothing to lose and a boy who has it all. Winner takes the loser’s heart. Literally.
“Zera is an exemplar of confident, capable, relentlessly witty young womanhood. She is assertive, proactive, and, above all, a fun character to follow . . . ” —Kirkus Reviews
Also available this month in trade paperback from Flatiron Books:
IF I WAS YOUR GIRL by Meredith Russo
9781250078414
Ages 13 to 18
Amanda Hardy is the new girl in school in Lambertville, Tennessee. Like anyone else, she wants to make friends and fit in. But Amanda has a secret. She’s determined not to get too close to anyone. Because the secret that Amanda’s been keeping? At her old school, she used to be Andrew. IF I WAS YOUR GIRL is an award-winning, bighearted novel about being seen for who you really are, and a love story you can’t help rooting for.
“Above all, this is a necessary, universal story about feeling different and enduring prejudices, and it’s full of love, hope, engaging writing, and truth.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS by Bonnie Pipkin
9781250114853
Ages 12 to 18
“Troubled.” That’s seventeen-year-old Genesis according to her small New Jersey town. She finds refuge and stability in her relationship with her boyfriend, Peter—until he abandons her at a Planned Parenthood clinic during their appointment to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. The betrayal causes Gen to question everything. This powerfully immersive and format-crushing debut follows Gen from dorm rooms to diners to house parties to auditions—and ultimately, right into readers’ hearts.
“Genesis’s conflicted relationships with her mother, grandparents, and friends are as engrossing as her breakup with Peter, and her story packs a big emotional punch.” —Publishers Weekly
Check out all of our 2018 Books for Teens!
April 2018 All-Stars
These books are swimming in stars—make sure to add them to your shelves ASAP!
WITCHMARK by C.L. Polk
“Polk’s stellar debut, set in an alternate early 20th century in an England-like land recovering from a WWI-like war, blends taut mystery, exciting political intrigue, and inventive fantasy . . . The final revelations are impossible to see coming and prove that Polk is a writer to watch for fans of clever, surprising period fantasy.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Polk has created an amazing new world with hints of Edwardian glamour, sizzling secrets, and forbidden love that crescendos to a cinematic finish. WITCHMARK is a can’t-miss debut that will enchant readers.” —Booklist, starred review
SONG OF BLOOD & STONE: Earthsinger Chronicles, Book One by L. Penelope
“Penelope delivers an engrossing story with delightful characters in this fantastic opening to a promising series . . . The tale is infused with optimism but never cloying, and it culminates in a well-earned and satisfying ending, leaving readers impatient for the next installment of the series.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“This debut . . . shines a bright light into epic fantasy. Battle-scarred lands and peoples, ancient powers at war, star-crossed loves and hints of racial and refugee themes give this a solid place on library shelves.” —Library Journal, starred review
MOTHERHOOD by Sheila Heti
A May Indie Next Pick!
“This lively, exhilaratingly smart, and deliberately, appropriately frustrating affair asks difficult questions about women’s responsibilities and desires, and society’s expectations.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“As her character seeks and ultimately chooses, as she must, the aspects of life and art she’ll lay claim to, Heti writes with courage, curiosity, and uncommon truth: ‘To go along with what nature demands and to resist it—both are really beautiful—impressive and difficult in their own ways.'” —Booklist, starred review readmoreremove
All-in-One “Best Books of 2017”
*drumroll please* For your collection development joy, here are all of our “Best Books of 2017” lists in one place!
Kirkus Reviews — Fiction, Nonfiction, Teen
Library Journal — Best Books of 2017 & Notable Books of 2017
School Library Journal‘s Best Adult Books 4 Teens
Booklist Editors’ Choice 2017
New York Times Book Review Top 10 & Editor’s Choice picks
New York Times Notable Books
Vulture (New York Magazine)
Goodreads Choice Awards nominees
Chicago Public Library “Best of the Best of 2017“
See all these titles in Macmillan’s Best Books of 2017 Edelweiss collection. #CollectionDevelopmentMadeEasy
Kirkus Best Teen Books of 2017
Kirkus Reviews announced their Best of 2017 Teen lists which include 2 Macmillan titles:
WONDERFUL FEELS LIKE THIS by Sara Lovestam
POPPIES OF IRAQ by Brigitte Findakly & Lewis Trondheim
Best Contemporary Teen Reads of 2017 (full list)
WONDERFUL FEELS LIKE THIS by Sara Lovestam
Best Teen Nonfiction of 2017 (full list)
POPPIES OF IRAQ by Brigitte Findakly & Lewis Trondheim
Visit KirkusReviews.com to see the full Teen lists and see our Kirkus Best of 2017 Fiction picks. Nonfiction picks will be revealed next week!
See these and many more titles in Macmillan’s Best Books of 2017 Edelweiss collection. We’ll update it as more “Best of 2017” lists come in. #CollectionDevelopmentMadeEasy
