Books To Look Out For In April
April's new titles have changed a bit in the last week. First I picked my favourites out of the buyer's notes, then I put them all in the page and put their descriptions... but going back over them and reading a longer description I came to realise how truly misleading buyer's notes are! You only have one or two lines to go off so they should entice you and give you a good idea of what the book is... yes? No... I deleted about five titles and pondered a couple of others after realising that actually the two different descriptions did not lead me in the same direction at all.
So here, after much deliberation are my... oh lord, sorry... 23 picks for April!
When Elsie is underwater the pain eases. Her twin brother disappeared five years ago and hasn't been seen since. Underwater Elsie has flashbacks to times when her family wasn't dissolving, flashbacks that might lead her to answers.
I'm not entirely sure what caught me the most about this book. I think it's the water. I'm easily what could be described as a water baby, and I find water is a great solution to problems, I like the idea that the water brings the secrets to the surface.
A collection of 12 short stories from the bestselling author of The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas. Exploring the extremities of the human condition in all its brilliance and brutality. Collecting a variety of topics and characters in Boyne's first collection of short stories. Including the Writing.ie Short Story of the Year winning story, Rest Day.
After seeing Boyne talk at the Bath Children's Literature Festival I was truly impressed. He was by far one of the most impressive speakers, and I can't wait for this one to come out in paperback.
'My name's Henry Dudlow. I'm fifteen and a half. And I'm cursed. Or damned. Take your pick. The reason? I see demons.' After his thirteenth birthday, Henry starts the true forms of some of those around him, demons. The nearest some teenagers get to ancient texts is studying Latin at school, Henry's ancient texts aren't quite the same. Hunting demons, trying not to fail your classes. Demon hunting isn't that easy in your teens.
I need to get my fix of some fantasy scribblings, and some demons will fit in that nicely. This one reminds me of Trollhunters with a demon twist.
Twins Matt and Emily are Animare, they can bring art to life and travel in time through paintings. Working for Orion they investigate crimes committed by their own kind. Things become more dangerous when they hunt for Remy, the Conjurer's Son, who can change reality with his music.
This is the first in a new series from the brother/sister team, featuring the same twin team as their first series, Hollow Earth. It strikes me as a little odd that it's the same characters and ideas but a new series, but regardless, it sounds like an intriguing idea which I can't wait to read. I'm also interested to see how similar this character background is to other titles involving this sort of thing, bringing drawings to life in City of Bones and jumping through works in the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde.
Amethyst finds her dream house, but as much as she loves it there's something that... well, is a bit off. Invited to stay to avoid a storm, Amethyst wakes in the morning to find herself alone and faced with strange comings and goings. Will she be able to break free of the house's allure, or will its secrets keep her trapped forever?
Marzia "CutiePieMarzia" Bisognin is another YouTube sensation, and this is her debut YA paranormal thriller. I'm slightly sceptical about YouTubers writing books, what with ghost writers and some truly awful text... but this one sounds like it has some potential.
This one kind of sums itself up. I love Eurovision, and with this coming out in April it would give you plenty of time to read up and wow people with your trivia at a Eurovision party in May for the final.
Another anthology of short stories, from another wonderful author. Dark, powerful and moving stories inspired by David Almond's childhood in north-east England. Almond's multi-award winning writing is ever popular, Skellig being massively popular in schools across the UK. I've got the hardback edition of this book on my bookshelf, this is going to a popular one in paperback.
Sheils is smart, powerful and has a perfectly balanced life. Until everything changes when Pyke starts at her school, the first ever interspecies transfer
student. There's something primal about him, and his presence sends the student body into a frenzy. But the next day no one can remember what happened. Shiels finds out she danced far too long with Pyke, her nose has turned purple and she may have done something she shouldn't have.
Well what can I say... I'm so perplexed by this one that it had to go on the list. Although I'm a little concerned that this is one step shy of the dinosaur/human romance novels I've seen. And am I the only one thinking he should have been called Perry Dactyl?!
Nate Bannister is one for fun things. This month he super-sized his cat Proton, and then turned him invisible. Nate and his friend Delphine must work out how to reverse the effects of the experiment before Proton can crush the town! But the adventure doesn't stop there, they're also being pursued by the Red Death Tea Society, criminal masterminds, killer tactics and experts at tea brewing.
I love the idea of this one, it sounds daft and funny, and an evil gang that brews tea... that sounds very British to me.
Now, I've been going through several different blurbs or my notes to give you descriptions of these
books, but I honestly don't think I'm going to do this one justice, so I've just gone with how it came...
From superstar writer and artist Skottie Young (Rocket Raccoon, Wizard of OZ, Fortunately, The Milk), comes the first volume of an all-new series of adventure and mayhem. An Adventure Time/Alice in Wonderland - style epic that smashes it's cute little face against grown-up, Tank Girl/Deadpool - esque violent madness. Follow Gert, a forty year old woman stuck in a six year olds body who has been stuck in the magical world of Fairyland for nearly thirty years. Join her and her giant battle-axe on a delightfully blood soaked journey to see who will survive the girl who Hates Fairyland. It collects issues numbered 1-5. "Skottie Young is an Eisner Award-Winning, New York Times Bestselling cartoonist who has been making comics and children's books for over fifteen years. Books such as Rocket Raccoon, the Wizard of Oz graphic novels, Little Marvel and Fortunately, The Milk have made him a fan favourite, critically-acclaimed writer and artist. Jean-Francios Beaulieu is the colourist behind the award-winning Wizard of OZ graphic graphic novels and has worked with Skottie Young for over ten years. Nate Piekos is an award-winning letter and designer who has created some of the industry's most popular fons and has used them to letter comic books for Marvel, DC, Oni Press, Dark Horse and many more."
It sounds great and I love Skottie's illustrations, I often get the variants when they pop up at the comic book shop.
A virus has driven humankind to the brink of extinction. Society is collapsing as it spreads faster than it can be controlled. Oasis is the last city, a haven for the uninfected, sheltered against the outside world. But which side is really better off? Oasis' government is leading it's citizens to the perfect society, and things are beginning to take a sinister turn. Quincy is a resident of Outer Sector Dorms, the place where those at risk of infection are housed. Something on the outside is stirring, and Quincy's fate may not be written in her genes.
I'm feeling very dystopian this month, A lot did get cut from my own personal list, but there are some on my top library picks. It reminds me of a combination of a few different things, City of Embers, PPZs and The 100. An isolated society trying to survive, but watch out for the outside!
Halloween 1988, four 12 year old paper girls discover the world most important story of all time. Suburban drama and otherworldly mysteries collide in this smash-hit series about nostalgia, first jobs, and the last days of childhood.
I love graphic novels (I know, you hear me say it enough!), but the simplicity of this one sounds really good to me. Boring job leads to the world's biggest, most important, story? Isn't that what we secretly hope will happen in our day jobs?
Everyone must wear the Peace Maker at all times, the device by which Michela's non-aggressive society is enforced. She's desperate to experience all of her emotions, but the Peace Maker must not be tampered with. When her ships enters enemy airspace and they are attacked, her freedom from the device may be the only thing that can save them.
This one is a Barrington Stoke book, one of my favourite publishers. Their range of titles for reluctant and dyslexic readers is amazing. The blurb for this one lists it as 8+ but I can't find clarification on that as it's not listed on their own website yet. Rest assured though that a Malorie Blackman novel is going to be a winner.
Ashleigh's life isn't easy, school, her parents' possible divorce. Happiness should be somewhere in her life, like when she spends time with her boyfriend. But for some reason being with him just makes her worry more. When she finds a kindred spirit in Miss Murray her English teacher, she finds a new confidence in herself. But what happens when boundaries blur?
I love the recent spate of LGBT books, it's good to see that more substantial books like this are becoming a common sight in book shops and libraries. I saw Liz Kessler talk at the Bath Children's Literature Festival and it was a pure pleasure to listen to her speak on topics like this. Pre-order it now... you haven't clicked on the link have you! Get it now!
Marking the 20th anniversary of Bill Bryson's trip around Britain in Notes from a Small Island is The Road to Little Dribbling. Roughly following the "Bryson Line", from Bognot Regis to Cape Wrath, via lots of places people would never think to visit, on the look out for the usual beautiful country side, the eccentric and the unique.
Another one where I don't really know what to say... it's Bill Bryson, he's awesome. I'm part way through this one, I treated myself to the hardback... with so many things in my TBR I really should have waited for the paperback but I couldn't resist! Even the English exam board put Bill Bryson books on their study list, that to me says a quality read.
Rosie is stuck at her gran's house for the summer, stuck there with nothing to do but root through all the old junk. Curiosity gets the better of her when she finds an old suitcase, it's packed with vintage clothing, there's nothing odd about that... until she tries some of it on. She finds herself flung back in time to a war torn London, a time of rationing, working in a factory and dances. Reality suddenly hits her, what if she can't find her way back?
I'm not usually one for historical novels, the only one I think I ever enjoyed was The Bride's Farewell by Meg Rosoff, but you throw a bit of Sci-Fi in there and I'm intrigued!
On Wrath, a dump-world for human outcasts, identical twins are feared. Only one will grow up human, while the other becomes a condemned monster with 'twisted' blood. When sixteen-year-old Kyle is betrayed, he flees for his life with the help of Sky, a rebel pilot with trust issues. As the hunt intensifies, Kyle soon realises that he is no ordinary runaway - although he has no idea why he warrants this level of pursuit. The hideous truth they discover could change the fate of Wrath and its harsh laws forever. Their reluctant, conflicted partnership will either save them - or bring about their destruction.
Another one in my TBR, introduced to my by a rep, and they really sold it to me. I'm feeling confident about April dystopian fiction!
When Parker's family move from London to New York he struggles to adapt to his new life. Things take a turn when his father, who works at a top secret technological corporation, is kidnapped. Parker, his sister Emma, their friend Michael and their pet pig must try and rescue him. As their search progressed they realise that the project he was working on against his will, Six, is something very sinsiter, and it isn't just a threat to their family, but the whole world.
Another one in my TBR (I'm seriously wondering if I'll ever finish reading them all... fingers crossed I win the lottery and can quit work to be a full time reader). Adventure, technology, a pet pig... what more could you want?
A wealthy family is found slaughtered inside their gated community in north London, their youngest child missing. The weapon leads DC Wolfe to a forgotten corner of Scotland Yard's Black Museum that is devoted to a killer called the Slaughter Man. It can't possibly be him though, he's served his sentence and is old and dying. Who could possibly be behind the act? The old man? A copycat? A hitman trying to frame the Slaughter Man? All Wolfe knows is that he has to save the child, and stop the killer before he can strike again.
From the author of Man and Boy, this is the second book in the Max Wolfe series. Yet another series that has passed me by somehow! I was vaguely aware of the first book but I couldn't tell you what it was about. I love a good crime novel but I'm usually very picky, so I'm left slightly sceptical with this one. Apart from Ian Rankin, I don't recall reading a crime novel set in the UK that I've enjoyed. Possibly I just love gun toting lunatics, we may never know! But this one seems to have all good points, cop on a mission, serial killers old and new... I might have to go on a hunt for the first one and see what it's like.
THIS ONE THIS ONE OH MY GOD THIS ONE!!!
Sharks playing volleyball, a goldfish driving a speedboat, crabs building sandcastles and a hilarious lifeguard. Find out how Steven Seagull saves Beach City.
I've just recommended a ton of books to you but if you asked me to pick one that you had to read... I'd pick this one every time. Every. Time. He's Steven Seagull... and he's an action hero. It is hilarious... or I've lost the plot finally... no we'll go with hilarious. I have a copy of this thanks to my OUP rep so I'll be reading it again (and again) and I'll get a proper review up.
What's worse than having telepathy in high school? Having telepathy in high school, and then losing it. When class 10B got their flu shots and developed the unexpected side effect of telepathy, it seemed like the worse thing ever. But two years later, they've got used to their powers. They've even come to like them. And as they prepare to leave school, they're all making exciting plans - plans that involve them being Espies. So when one by one they suddenly begin to lose their powers, they know they can't let it happen. Can they save their telepathy before it's too late? Or will they have to learn how to survive without them once again?
Mainly this is in the list because I want to know how an entire class of high school students manage to co-exist with telepathy... I don't know any teenagers that would be using it for good! It also makes me think about what I'd do with telepathy... hehehe... erm, sorry, I'd use it for good of course.
A powerful, moving collection of first-person accounts of the Second World War. Contributors include a rear gunner who took part in sixty bombing raids, a Jewish woman who played in the orchestra at Auschwitz, a Japanese man who survived Hiroshima and Sir Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 children by setting up the Kindertransport program from Czechoslovakia. Many of the interviews were conducted by children, and the book is being published in association with award-winning children's newspaper First News.
Generally children's non-fiction passes me by but a rep brought this one in it's lovely. Beautifully laid out and full of really interesting and heart breaking stories.
Bronte Close Gang is run by Donna and Carla, the all female group are making their own empire in Manchester. But when Carla is killed for seducing the wife of a local rival Donna has to try and keep the gang together, look after Carla's ten year old daughter and get her revenge.
As I said, I'm not generally a fan of crime set in the UK but I find this idea really intriguing. I've not come across any female gangs like this one in crime fiction before, I'm interested to see where it goes.
This is another one that I wouldn't have come across if it hadn't been for a rep. It's an expensive book, but it is remarkable. The illustrations are like nothing I've seen before and I would love to have it on my coffee table... if I had a coffee table. It's tough to know what the market is for it, children's/adult's? I'm not sure, but if they made a set of prints of some of the illustrations I would definitely be getting them for my walls.
So here, after much deliberation are my... oh lord, sorry... 23 picks for April!
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The Art Of Not Breathing by Sarah Alexander 9781474903066
When Elsie is underwater the pain eases. Her twin brother disappeared five years ago and hasn't been seen since. Underwater Elsie has flashbacks to times when her family wasn't dissolving, flashbacks that might lead her to answers.
I'm not entirely sure what caught me the most about this book. I think it's the water. I'm easily what could be described as a water baby, and I find water is a great solution to problems, I like the idea that the water brings the secrets to the surface.
Beneath The Earth by John Boyne 9781784160999
After seeing Boyne talk at the Bath Children's Literature Festival I was truly impressed. He was by far one of the most impressive speakers, and I can't wait for this one to come out in paperback.
The Boy Who Killed Demons by Dave Zeltserman 9780715650660
I need to get my fix of some fantasy scribblings, and some demons will fit in that nicely. This one reminds me of Trollhunters with a demon twist.
The Conjuror: Orion Chronicles Book 1 by John & Carole Barrowman 9781781856376
This is the first in a new series from the brother/sister team, featuring the same twin team as their first series, Hollow Earth. It strikes me as a little odd that it's the same characters and ideas but a new series, but regardless, it sounds like an intriguing idea which I can't wait to read. I'm also interested to see how similar this character background is to other titles involving this sort of thing, bringing drawings to life in City of Bones and jumping through works in the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde.
Dream House by Marzia Bisognin 9781501135262
Marzia "CutiePieMarzia" Bisognin is another YouTube sensation, and this is her debut YA paranormal thriller. I'm slightly sceptical about YouTubers writing books, what with ghost writers and some truly awful text... but this one sounds like it has some potential.
Eurovision's 100 Craziest Moments: The Good, The Bad and the Wurst by Geoff Tibballs 9781472137067
This one kind of sums itself up. I love Eurovision, and with this coming out in April it would give you plenty of time to read up and wow people with your trivia at a Eurovision party in May for the final.
Half A Creature From The Sea by David Almond 9781406365597
Another anthology of short stories, from another wonderful author. Dark, powerful and moving stories inspired by David Almond's childhood in north-east England. Almond's multi-award winning writing is ever popular, Skellig being massively popular in schools across the UK. I've got the hardback edition of this book on my bookshelf, this is going to a popular one in paperback.
Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend by Alan Cumyn 9781471144677
Sheils is smart, powerful and has a perfectly balanced life. Until everything changes when Pyke starts at her school, the first ever interspecies transfer
Well what can I say... I'm so perplexed by this one that it had to go on the list. Although I'm a little concerned that this is one step shy of the dinosaur/human romance novels I've seen. And am I the only one thinking he should have been called Perry Dactyl?!
How To Capture An Invisible Cat: The Genius Factor by Paul Tobin 9781408869970
I love the idea of this one, it sounds daft and funny, and an evil gang that brews tea... that sounds very British to me.
I Hate Fairyland Volume 1: Madly Ever After by Skottie Young 9781632156853
Now, I've been going through several different blurbs or my notes to give you descriptions of these
From superstar writer and artist Skottie Young (Rocket Raccoon, Wizard of OZ, Fortunately, The Milk), comes the first volume of an all-new series of adventure and mayhem. An Adventure Time/Alice in Wonderland - style epic that smashes it's cute little face against grown-up, Tank Girl/Deadpool - esque violent madness. Follow Gert, a forty year old woman stuck in a six year olds body who has been stuck in the magical world of Fairyland for nearly thirty years. Join her and her giant battle-axe on a delightfully blood soaked journey to see who will survive the girl who Hates Fairyland. It collects issues numbered 1-5. "Skottie Young is an Eisner Award-Winning, New York Times Bestselling cartoonist who has been making comics and children's books for over fifteen years. Books such as Rocket Raccoon, the Wizard of Oz graphic novels, Little Marvel and Fortunately, The Milk have made him a fan favourite, critically-acclaimed writer and artist. Jean-Francios Beaulieu is the colourist behind the award-winning Wizard of OZ graphic graphic novels and has worked with Skottie Young for over ten years. Nate Piekos is an award-winning letter and designer who has created some of the industry's most popular fons and has used them to letter comic books for Marvel, DC, Oni Press, Dark Horse and many more."
It sounds great and I love Skottie's illustrations, I often get the variants when they pop up at the comic book shop.
Oasis by Eilís Barrett 9780717169238
I'm feeling very dystopian this month, A lot did get cut from my own personal list, but there are some on my top library picks. It reminds me of a combination of a few different things, City of Embers, PPZs and The 100. An isolated society trying to survive, but watch out for the outside!
Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan & Cliff Chiang 9781632156747
Halloween 1988, four 12 year old paper girls discover the world most important story of all time. Suburban drama and otherworldly mysteries collide in this smash-hit series about nostalgia, first jobs, and the last days of childhood.
I love graphic novels (I know, you hear me say it enough!), but the simplicity of this one sounds really good to me. Boring job leads to the world's biggest, most important, story? Isn't that what we secretly hope will happen in our day jobs?
Peace Maker by Malorie Blackman 9781781125618
This one is a Barrington Stoke book, one of my favourite publishers. Their range of titles for reluctant and dyslexic readers is amazing. The blurb for this one lists it as 8+ but I can't find clarification on that as it's not listed on their own website yet. Rest assured though that a Malorie Blackman novel is going to be a winner.
Read Me Like A Book by Liz Kessler by 9781780622101
I love the recent spate of LGBT books, it's good to see that more substantial books like this are becoming a common sight in book shops and libraries. I saw Liz Kessler talk at the Bath Children's Literature Festival and it was a pure pleasure to listen to her speak on topics like this. Pre-order it now... you haven't clicked on the link have you! Get it now!
The Road To Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson 9780552779838
Another one where I don't really know what to say... it's Bill Bryson, he's awesome. I'm part way through this one, I treated myself to the hardback... with so many things in my TBR I really should have waited for the paperback but I couldn't resist! Even the English exam board put Bill Bryson books on their study list, that to me says a quality read.
Rosie Goes To War by Alison Knight 9781783752515
I'm not usually one for historical novels, the only one I think I ever enjoyed was The Bride's Farewell by Meg Rosoff, but you throw a bit of Sci-Fi in there and I'm intrigued!
The Sign Of One by Eugene Lambert 9781405277358
Another one in my TBR, introduced to my by a rep, and they really sold it to me. I'm feeling confident about April dystopian fiction!
Six by M. M. Vaughan 9781846883958
Another one in my TBR (I'm seriously wondering if I'll ever finish reading them all... fingers crossed I win the lottery and can quit work to be a full time reader). Adventure, technology, a pet pig... what more could you want?
The Slaughter Man by Tony Parsons 9780099591061
From the author of Man and Boy, this is the second book in the Max Wolfe series. Yet another series that has passed me by somehow! I was vaguely aware of the first book but I couldn't tell you what it was about. I love a good crime novel but I'm usually very picky, so I'm left slightly sceptical with this one. Apart from Ian Rankin, I don't recall reading a crime novel set in the UK that I've enjoyed. Possibly I just love gun toting lunatics, we may never know! But this one seems to have all good points, cop on a mission, serial killers old and new... I might have to go on a hunt for the first one and see what it's like.
Steven Seagull Action Hero by Elys Dolan 9780192738707
Sharks playing volleyball, a goldfish driving a speedboat, crabs building sandcastles and a hilarious lifeguard. Find out how Steven Seagull saves Beach City.
I've just recommended a ton of books to you but if you asked me to pick one that you had to read... I'd pick this one every time. Every. Time. He's Steven Seagull... and he's an action hero. It is hilarious... or I've lost the plot finally... no we'll go with hilarious. I have a copy of this thanks to my OUP rep so I'll be reading it again (and again) and I'll get a proper review up.
Think Twice by Sarah Mlynowski 9781408331552
Mainly this is in the list because I want to know how an entire class of high school students manage to co-exist with telepathy... I don't know any teenagers that would be using it for good! It also makes me think about what I'd do with telepathy... hehehe... erm, sorry, I'd use it for good of course.
Voices From The Second World War 9781406360110
Generally children's non-fiction passes me by but a rep brought this one in it's lovely. Beautifully laid out and full of really interesting and heart breaking stories.
We Go Around In The Night & Are Consumed By Fire by Jules Grant 9781908434869
As I said, I'm not generally a fan of crime set in the UK but I find this idea really intriguing. I've not come across any female gangs like this one in crime fiction before, I'm interested to see where it goes.
Wild Animals Of The North by Dieter Braun 9781909263963
This is another one that I wouldn't have come across if it hadn't been for a rep. It's an expensive book, but it is remarkable. The illustrations are like nothing I've seen before and I would love to have it on my coffee table... if I had a coffee table. It's tough to know what the market is for it, children's/adult's? I'm not sure, but if they made a set of prints of some of the illustrations I would definitely be getting them for my walls.
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