Reviews

Congrats to SAINTS & MISFITS – 3 Starred Reviews!

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Saints and Misfits CoverSaints and Misfits is an unforgettable debut novel that feels like a modern day My So-Called Life…starring a Muslim teen.

There are three kinds of people in my world:

1. Saints, those special people moving the world forward. Sometimes you glaze over them. Or, at least, I do. They’re in your face so much, you can’t see them, like how you can’t see your nose.

2. Misfits, people who don’t belong. Like me—the way I don’t fit into Dad’s brand-new family or in the leftover one composed of Mom and my older brother, Mama’s-Boy-Muhammad.

Also, there’s Jeremy and me. Misfits. Because although, alliteratively speaking, Janna and Jeremy sound good together, we don’t go together. Same planet, different worlds.

But sometimes worlds collide and beautiful things happen, right?

3. Monsters. Well, monsters wearing saint masks, like in Flannery O’Connor’s stories.

Like the monster at my mosque.

People think he’s holy, untouchable, but nobody has seen under the mask.

Except me.

Check out SAINTS AND MISFITS on Goodreads, and pre-order on Amazon, B&N, and Indiebound.

Follow S.K. Ali, @sajidahwrites,

Everything’s Coming Up RAMONA BLUE

So let’s talk about the phenomenal RAMONA BLUE by #1 NYT Bestseller Julie Murphy, out this month from Balzer & Bray!

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Firstly, RAMONA is an Indie Next Top Pick this month, which is fantastic.

Secondly, the book hit Pop Crush’s 10-Most-Anticipated YAs list (check it out).

Thirdly– check out these reviews…

“Julie Murphy knows a thing or two about navigating the worlds of girls on the brink of self-discovery.” (Booklist (starred review))

“A must-have work that will resonate with teens” (School Library Journal)

“Julie Murphy delivers a fresh and glorious love story that addresses all the complexities of one’s heart. Ramona Blue’s discovery of limitless love is total beauty.” (Adam Silvera, New York Times bestselling author of More Happy Than Not)

“RAMONA BLUE is Julie Murphy’s best book yet. It’s hilarious, it’s heartfelt, and it’s so, so real. I just wish I’d had this book to read during my own teen years!” (Robin Talley, New York Times bestselling author of Lies We Tell Ourselves)

And definitely click-through to see AMERICAN STREET author Ibi Zoboi’s thoughts on RAMONA in the New York Times Book Review.

You can find Julie all over the country, or visit Julie at her totally shiny new website, www.juliemurphywrites.com, and on twitter at @andimjulie.

And get RAMONA BLUE today!

Thanks for the Trouble’s 3rd Starred Review!

Congrats to Tommy Wallach!

From School & Library Journal: “VERDICT A unique and compelling tale. The narrator’s hilariously crass but poignant voice is sure to intrigue even the most reluctant of readers.”

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Check out THANKS FOR THE TROUBLE on Goodreads, and pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Indiebound.

You can also check out WE ALL LOOKED UP on Goodreads. Order now at Barnes & NobleAmazon, or Indiebound.

Excellent review of THE FORBIDDEN ORCHID in Kirkus

Congrats to Sharon Biggs Waller on this fabulous Kirkus review.

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“Elodie narrates in a formal, 19th-century voice that manages to be witty and smart without calling undue attention to itself. A pragmatic young woman, Elodie’s struggle with the uncomfortable weather and terrain is as convincingly rendered as the conflict between her growing love for Alex and loyalty to her family. Historical details, including the liberal prescription of morphine and Britain’s patriarchal economy, lend rich, textural background.

Well-researched and filled with adventure, romance, and lots of tension—this work of historical fiction has all the elements of an intriguing read. (Historical fiction. 12 & up)”

You can pre-order THE FORBIDDEN ORCHID (which is coming from Viking this March) on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, or check it out on Goodreads.

You can also find Sharon at her website, on Facebook, and on twitter.

Happy Pub Day to A HISTORY OF GLITTER AND BLOOD by Hannah Moskowitz!

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“One of the bravest, most well-crafted voices that I’ve read in a long, long time.”–Bookshelves of Doom, a Kirkus Reviews Blog

“This novel of friendship, love, and fighting for one’s beliefs should find a place among fans of the modern fairy story.”–Kirkus Reviews

“The author’s talent is evident as she ambitiously tackles complex themes of violence, sexual awakening, politics, and even infertility. A unique. reading experience.”–School Library Journal

“A very clever and inventive bit of storytelling. I’ve never seen such an extraordinary depiction of racism.”-Clare Doornbos, bookseller, DIESEL, a bookstore

Ink & Ashes by Valynne E. Maetani on Bustle’s 19 Best of May 2015

Debuting this month is Valynne E. Maetani’s Kirkus-starred-reviewed INK & ASHES! So excited to see it here (with some great company) on Bustle’s

19 Of May 2015’s Best YA Books, aka You’re Going To Want to Read All YA This Month!

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Check out Ink and Ashes on Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, and Amazon.

Check out Valynne Maetani on her website and twitter.

A Starred Review for Valynne Maetani’s INK AND ASHES

Congratulations to Valynne Maetani on her starred review in Kirkus!

“This fantastic debut packs a highly suspenseful blend of action, intrigue, and teen romance.”

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Read the full review here.

Check out Ink and Ashes on Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, and Amazon.

Check out Valynne Maetani on her website and twitter.

Whoo!! Starred Review!!

Check ‘er out. CHERRY MONEY BABY received a Starred Review in Publishers Weekly!

Author/literary agent Cusick (Girl Parts) gives Cherry a sarcastic and often profane voice. The supporting cast—Cherry’s blue-collar father, her chill boyfriend, and Ardelia’s caustic manager—round out a plot that continually surprises. Cherry is a highly memorable character, prone to violent outbursts but possessing a strong moral compass, a rare smalltown girl who isn’t consumed by anxiety over getting into college or out of town—even when she has the chance to dip her toe into the pool with some big-time celebrities. Ages 14–up. (Sept.)