Looking For That Perfect Gift For The Young Reader Who Devours Books? Don’t Know Where To Start Looking For That Young Sci-Fi Fan Or History Buff? We Got You Covered
For the Fantasy Fan:
The Last Namsara by Kristen Cicarelli
The Last Namsara imagines a world where the most powerful weapon is…storytelling. Stories have the ability to lure deadly dragons…which is why they have been outlawed in every form. Asha knows the power stories hold, and the danger of dragons. But, it doesn’t take long for Asha to learn her world isn’t as simple as she believed it to be. The Last Namsara is an ode to the power of stories. It’s lush and captivating, and a great gift for those fantasy fans in your life.
For the Sci-Fi Fan
Warcross by Marie Lu
If you’ve got gamers in your life, you’ll want to take a look at Warcross by Marie Lu. Her legions of fans already know Lu for her Legend and Young Elites series, but in Warcross she explores the competitive world of online gaming. The first book in her new series will surely delight science fiction fans! And, while they’re eagerly awaiting book two, they can dive right into her other two trilogies (all out in paperback)!
For the Joker
Denton Little’s Deathdate by Lance Rubin
Denton Little wakes up on the day of his funeral in a bit of a precarious situation. And yes, I did say the day of his funeral. Because in Denton Little’s world, everyone knows the day they’re going to die. And for Denton, that day is tomorrow. This book is laugh out loud hilarious, with a ragtag group of friends, lots of ridiculous shenanigans, and a protagonist you won’t soon forget. I could not put this book down, and I can’t rave about it enough.
For the History Nerd
Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson
Lee Westfall has a knack for finding gold…which is pretty great to have during the Gold Rush Era. This talent also makes her a target. And that’s where our story begins. Walk on Earth a Stranger, besides having a great title, is an engaging, compelling novel. I found myself researching the era just because I wanted to learn more about the world Lee found herself in. Any historical fiction fan will devour this novel!
For Fairytale Fans
Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust
Okay, YA is really doing well with their titles. Girls Made of Snow and Glass is an LGBT retelling of Snow White by debut author Melissa Bashardoust. Told in the dual perspectives of Lynet and her stepmother Mina, this novel has been getting rave reviews left and right. It’s a fresh take on an old fairytale for those retelling fans on your list!
For Those Who Like a Good Mystery
One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus
Pitched as The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars, One of Us is Lying was the sleeper hit of the summer. Five students go into detention. Only four make it out alive. All four have reasons to want Simon gone. Did one of them take it too far? YA readers will be flipping the pages as fast as they can to find out just which one of them is lying.
For the Younger Nerds
Kat and Meg Conquer the World by Anna Priemaza
What do you get when you put together one girl with ADHD, one girl with anxiety, and one popular online gaming YouTuber? Kat and Meg Conquer the World. This is a novel all about friendship, courage, and embracing exactly who you are. Also a lot of online gaming, science projects, and one YouTube convention. Oh, and did I mention it’s actually set in Canada? This book is a whole lot of fun, and perfect for the nerd in your life.
For the Social Activist
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
The Hate U Give is, without a doubt, the most buzzed about YA book of the year. It boasts numerous starred reviews, was long-listed for the National Book Award, and has a highly anticipated movie-adaption in post-production. In my opinion, this is a book you cannot miss. It is a book everyone should read. It is a brilliantly crafted novel, and deserving of every single praise it has received. If you buy one book this year, make it The Hate U Give.
For the Literary Fan
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
This book reminds me of why I chose to study English literature. It is stunning in every sense of the word. Written in verse, Long Way Down grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. It tells the story of Will as he takes the elevator down to avenge the death of his brother and the people he meets along the way. I have been thinking about this book constantly since I finished it. It was that impacting. If you have a reader in your life that wants to read an incredible piece of literature, gift them Long Way Down.
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