Story Tags

Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz cover

Challenge Accepted: Read Harder 2017

Challenge #20: Read an LGBTQ+ Romance Novel

2017 is here and a new year means new year resolutions and challenges. One reading challenge that I love to do is Book Riot’s Read Harder challenge. Instead of having people focus on a specific number of books, Read Harder challenges people to read different genres or authors that they may overlook. This year, there are 24 prompts for readers. This read feed will address the twentieth challenge, to read an LGBTQ+ romance novel. LBGTQ+ romance is a genre that is growing.

The Haters

Road Trip!

Young adult novels about hitting the road

Road trips are part of the American mythos - think Steinbeck hitting the road with just his dog, or the Kerouac searching for something more. But they're not only for pretentious dudes! Here are some great teen novel about traveling by car, whether for joyful summer fun, for an undesired move, or to save the world.   The Haters by Jesse Andrews

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Historical or Nostalgic Fiction?

Recent Fiction set in 1980s and 1990s

Historical fiction is often defined as a novel that takes place in the past. But in 2017, can a novel set in 1996 or even 2000 be considered historical? Rather: if the writer and/or reader vividly remembers a time only 15-20 years in the past, reliving that past veers into nostalgia rather than history. Then again, what if the novel is for a YA crowd who never experienced the 80s or 90s? When does it become historical? These novels all take place between 1980 and 2001 and were written by authors looking back.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang cover

Challenged Accepted: Read Harder 2017

Challenge #19: Read a book in which a character of color goes on a spiritual journey

2017 is here and a new year means new year resolutions and challenges. One reading challenge that I love to do is Book Riot's Read Harder challenge. Instead of having people focus on a specific number of books, Read Harder challenges people to read different genres or authors that they may overlook. This year, there are 24 prompts for readers. This read feed will address the nineteenth challenge, to read a book in which a character of color goes on a spiritual journey.

The Bone Witch cover

Books to Encourage Flights of Fancy

It’s summer, which usually entails plans for fun and travel -- unless you cannot think of setting foot outside to face the heat. This season, therefore, calls for books that magically transport you away by the use of your imagination. Here are a number of choices that promise to do just that and more.

Mexican Whiteboy

Teens and the Cultural Experience

An exploration of culture, race, and injustice

Young Adult fiction often proves itself to be well versed in conveying numerous subject matter with broad appeal. Realistic-fiction with an emphasis on the cultural experience is a personal favorite of mine because stories can allow readers to enjoy a shared moment between themselves and the outlined characters on the page. The following titles emphasize teens and the cultural nuances which shape their environment and those who occupy or influence it.  

Took

A Catalog of Disturbing Dolls

In case you needed more nightmares.

Glass eyes, rag dresses, and yarn curls. There's nothing like a haunted doll to make even the bravest readers shiver. Forget that old Stephen King X-Files episode and read on for some thrilling tales that will leave you frightened, but not in pieces.Older Children Grades 3-6Doll Bones by Holly Black

Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie cover

Challenge Accepted: Read Harder 2017

Challenge #16: Read a book that has been frequently challenged or banned in your country

A new year means new year resolutions and challenges. One reading challenge that I love to do is Book Riot's 2017 Read Harder challenge. Instead of having people focus on a specific number of books, Read Harder challenges people to read different genres or authors that they may overlook. This year, there are 24 prompts for readers, and a complete list may be found here on the Book Riot Goodreads page.

Black Flag

Jolly Roger Reads

Books About Pirates, Swashbucklers, and other Assorted Buccaneers

Avast, matey! Here be several sea-faring tales of sunken ships, hidden treasures, bloodthirsty corsairs, and a whole heap of scurvy! Everyone likes a good adventure yarn, and pirates, both real and fictional, have had some of the greatest adventures in storytelling. Who hasn’t dreamed of discovering secret chests of gold or tasting the salty sea air as you sail about the tropics?

When the Moon Was Ours, by Anna Marie McLemore

Teens: Check Out LGBTQ YA at the Library!

Looking for a book to read this Pride Month? Check out these LGBTQ YA novels, new and old!

Pages