In May we celebrate Australian young adult writing with a new anthology full of our favourite authors, eagerly read Patrick Ness’s latest novel and immerse ourselves in alternate worlds where tattoos and magic prevail.

(Find our best recommendations for kids’ books this month here.)

LOVEOZYA PICKS

It’s all-Australian and all-amazing – the Begin, End, Begin: A #Loveozya Anthology brings together some of our best YA authors to exercise their short story writing muscles. Edited by agent-at-large, blogger, editor, writer and all-round promoter and lover of YA, Danielle Binks (who also contributes a story), the anthology has writing from Amie Kaufman, Melissa Keil, Will Kostakis, Ellie Marney, Jaclyn Moriarty, Michael Pryor, Alice Pung, Gabrielle Tozer and Lili Wilkinson.

There’s really not enough local YA memoir around, and so it’s exciting to see Finding Nevo released this month. This is an important, passionate first book from young Melbourne writer, activist, youth leader and public speaker, Nevo Zisin, about their non-binary gender identity. St Kilda children’s book buyer Kim Gruschow describes the book as ‘an enriching, worthwhile read’ and was impressed with how Zisin is ‘constructively self-reflective when writing about relationships with their family, friendships, bullying, mental health and their place within both the Jewish and queer communities.’

You can read Kim’s full review here.

INTERNATIONAL YA PICKS

Three new international YA releases have caught our attention this month.

A new Patrick Ness novel is always cause for excitement, and as usual, his latest release surprises and challenges. Release is set over the course of one day with two parallel storylines – one realistic and one ethereal. Adam is a young man from a conservative and religious family, who is navigating his sexual identity and first relationship, while in the spirit world a faithful faun worriedly follows his beloved and vengeful Queen. Readings Kids book buyer Angela Crocombe says: ‘Ness takes readers on an unforgettable journey excavating the anatomy of the human heart and the complexity of human identity.’

You can find Angela’s full review here.

Established fantasy author Sebastien de Castell has written his first book for young people, Spellslinger. Kellen has three weeks until his sixteenth birthday, the deadline for him to prove his magic and secure his place in the upper Jan'Tep level of the class hierarchy. When his first test goes dangerously wrong, Kellen is saved by Ferius, a non-magical woman who becomes a mentor of sorts. Readings Kids bookseller Dani Solomon was captivated by this funny, fantastical, action-packed novel: ‘I loved it so much, I have re-read it twice since my initial read – and felt the same heart-racing excitement each time.’

You can read Dani’s full review here.

Alice Broadway’s Ink takes place in a highly original universe where everyone’s milestone events in their life are tattooed on their skin. After death, human skin can be preserved as a book and kept as a legacy, or incinerated. Leora’s father has passed away and when the government raises doubts about the worthiness of his life achievements, Leora is forced to delve into the mystery and secrets of her father. Doncaster bookseller Ellen Cregan says: ‘Broadway has successfully imagined a world I wanted to learn absolutely everything about: I was left yearning for more.’

You can read Ellen’s full review here.

REBEL STORIES FOR TEEN ACTIVISTS

If you’re the type of person who likes to consider the shape and direction of the world we’re living in, and your ability to reject, resist and rebel, you might want to check out our list of rebel stories for teen activists.

Our staff recommended their favourite youth literature that push back against the policies and ideas being promoted by governments around the world – including our own. Divided into categories, these books rebel against the patriarchy, rape culture, harsh immigration processes, policing of bodies, homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, racism and climate change denial. They are reads to inspire and fortify.

YA EVENTS IN MAY

We’re launching two fantastic OzYA books this month. Both events are free and no booking is required.

Join us on Thursday 11 May at Readings St Kilda for the launch of Finding Nevo, and a chance to hear the author, Nevo Zisin, talk on the issues raised in their memoir.

Then, on Monday 29 May, we’re pleased to be launching the second Boone Shephard book at Readings Hawthorn. Boone Shepard’s American Adventure looks set to be another action-packed, fantastical and zany adventure tale.

PRIZE SHORTLISTS FOR YA READERS

The 2017 shortlist for the prestigious Arthur C Clarke awards have been announced, and older teens, science fiction fans or habitual YA readers might want to check out the six shortlisted books. In particular, Readings Kids bookseller Dani Solomon raves about A Closed and Common Orbit here, and Readings Kids bookseller and children’s books author Holly Harper raves about Ninefox Gambit here.

And the countdown to the reveal of the Readings Young Adult Book Prize shortlist has begun… Be sure to check back in with us later this month (on Tuesday 30 May!) to find out which six YA books from emerging Australian authors have made our inaugural shortlist.

Leanne Hall