This month in YA books we’ve got a tale of grief, love and family, a story of being caught between cultures, magical egg-babies, a vivid depiction of friendship, one hell of a road trip, and a true fantasy classic.

Find our August picks for kids books here.

YA BOOK OF THE MONTH

The Monster of Her Age by Danielle Binks

Ellie Marsden was born into the legendary Lovinger acting dynasty. Granddaughter of the infamous Lottie Lovinger, as a child Ellie shared the silver screen with Lottie, playing the child monster in a cult horror movie. The experience left Ellie deeply traumatised and estranged from people she loved. Now seventeen, Ellie has returned home to Hobart for the first time in years. Lottie is dying and Ellie wants to make peace with her before it’s too late. But forgiveness feels like playing make-believe, and memories are like ghosts. When a chance encounter with a young film buff leads her to a feminist horror film collective, Ellie meets Riya, a girl who she might be able to show her real self to, and last comes to understand her family’s legacy - and her own part in it.

Our reviewer Dani was hooked on Danielle Binks’ first novel for a YA audience: ‘ The Monster of Her Age deals with grief, making peace with the past and accepting love when it finds you.’

You can read her full review here.

SIX YA BOOKS TO READ THIS MONTH

Half My Luck by Samera Kamaleddine

Layla Karimi has been cursed by the evil eye. Well, that’s what Layla’s superstitious grandmother tells her. Layla reckons it makes sense as she’s sort of Australian and sort of Lebanese: a ‘halfie’ who doesn’t really fit into either world. And when all hell breaks loose at the first beach party of the summer, Layla finds herself caught between her friends and the Lebanese kids who call themselves ‘the Cedar Army’ (of which her cousin Sufia is the Queen Bee). One group has been wrongfully accused and Layla knows the truth that could help clear them. But will she speak up?

Our reviewer Lucie laughed, cringed and loved this debut novel: ‘Samera Kamaleddine captures the teenage girl’s voice perfectly with Layla’s caring and sincere narration.’

You can read her full review here.

Sugar Town Queens by Malla Nunn

Fifteen-year-old biracial teen Amandla lives with her White mum in the South African township of Sugar Town. Amandla’s mum has strange episodes and visions and has never been forthcoming about her own family or their history. So when Amandla finds a mysterious address in her mother’s handbag along with a large amount of cash, she decides it’s finally time to get some answers. With her best friends at her side, Amandla embarks on a journey to reunite with her grandmother and relatives she never even knew about, some of whom would prefer it to remain that way.

This is the second YA novel from award-winning author Malla Nunn, who was born in Swaziland, South Africa, and now lives in Sydney. Our reviewer Angela highly recommends this ‘compassionate, positive novel about the importance of family and community.’

You can read her full review here.

Girls in Boys’ Cars by Felicity Castagna

Rosa was never really trying to hurt anyone, no matter what they said in court. But she’s ended up in juvenile jail anyway, living her life through books and wondering why her best mate Asheeka disappeared.

From the award-winning author of The Incredible Here and Now, a page-turning novel about a complicated friendship; a road trip through NSW in a stolen car; the stories that define us; and two funny, sharp, adventurous young women who refuse to be held back any longer.

Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues by H.S. Valley

Tim Te Maro and Elliott Parker - classmates at Fox Glacier High School for the Magically Adept - have never gotten along. But when they both get dumped the day before the big egg-baby assignment, they reluctantly decide to work together. When the two boys start to bond over their magical egg-baby, they realise that beneath their animosity is something like friendship…or physical attraction. Soon, a no-strings-attached hook-up seems like a good idea. Just for the duration of the assignment. After all, they don’t have feelings for each other…so what could possibly go wrong?

Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues was the winner of last year’s coveted Ampersand Prize, and promises to be the joyous enemies-to-lovers romance you need this month.

YA CLASSIC OF THE MONTH

Sabriel (25th Anniversary Edition) by Garth Nix

For many years Sabriel has lived outside the walls of the Old Kingdom, away from the random power of Free Magic, and away from the Dead who won’t stay dead. But now her father, the Mage Abhorsen, is missing, and to find him Sabriel must cross back into that treacherous world - and face the power of her own extraordinary destiny.

When your book has been relevant and beloved for 25 years, you deserve a gorgeous new hardcover edition! Our reviewer Julia revisited Garth Nix’s first book in The Old Kingdom series and admired its seamless blend of fantasy and horror all over again. She said: ‘Fate and destiny, the burden of responsibility, and loss as a tool to build strength of character – these are all timeless themes in great fantasy books, and all present here in spades.’

You can read her full review here.

FUTURE GIRL WINS THE READINGS YA PRIZE

We were beyond delighted to announce Future Girl by Asphyxia as the winner of the 2021 Readings Young Adult (YA) Book Prize at a recent event. An immersive story that is informed by Asphyxia’s experience as a Deaf person, Future Girl tells the story of Piper, a Deaf girl living in near-future Melbourne. The novel format invites the reader into Piper’s vivid art journal, where every page is adorned with full-colour illustrations. Read all about Asphyxia’s win here, and watch her wonderful acceptance speech here.

NEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• There are some excellent YA books coming out in the second half of this year! We rounded up a list of some of our most anticipated reads.

• We’ve been so inspired by the displays of support and quiet determination at the Olympics and have collated a selection of books that throw a spotlight on the physical and mental toll of striving for excellence in sport as a young person.

• The Melbourne Writers Festival also launched their programme this month and you can find out about their teen stream here. The festival will run from 3–12 September and will take place both online and in-person.