Coming into Euphoria Kids, I knew that it had witches and it had trans and non-binary characters in it, but that was all. Whilst reading, I was not disappointed as it was so cute and heartwarming, and free of a lot of romance, which id something you don’t see very often in a lot of modern young adult literature! I also felt that the story was definitely more character driven than world driven, which I actually really liked.

Whilst I feel like Euphoria Kids could be read by anyone, it focuses on a group of teens (Iris, Babs, and boy) who are just trying to find themselves in the world. We first meet Iris, our non-binary main, who was born as a plant child to her mums, Clover and Moss (I love these plant names). Iris goes into a lot of detail about a faerie friend, Saltkin at the start of this book too, which is cute because who doesn’t want a faerie friend from the garden?! Iris feels pretty lonely, and wishes for friends, and Saltkin essentially grants them that wish.

Enter Babs, one of the trans characters in the book. Babs chose her name because it sounds like an old person’s name (rightly so too). Babs claims to be made of fire (in a literal or figurative sense, I’m not sure- but she warms up the others), and turns invisible at times, no thanks to a witch who cursed her when she was younger. This invisibility was kind of sad as she claimed to be so isolated, and only two people (prior to Iris) could see her—her mum and the witchy cafe owner friend. To me, Babs felt like such a mum once Iris finds Babs on the school bus one day after Saltkin grants Iris’s wish! I also found it kind of sad to learn that Babs is forced to look after her mum, who has a chronic illness, but I do appreciate the disability rep here.

Boy, another trans character, who hadn’t found his name until near the end of the story, to me, felt like the glue that kept the group together, and was a sweet addition to the group. I also love the diversity, given that the boy’s dad is Middle-Eastern.

I also enjoyed reading about Saltkin, and I felt that they got really very salty (which was definitely super funny in my eyes) whilst Babs was trying to search in the forest and the fae and dryads knew about a danger there and Iris didn’t listen to them. I also loved the inclusion of other magical things such as the spells from the cafe lady and Babs’ mum, as well as the dryads. Also I love how in the book, time wasn’t well understood, as if time was also magic, which can be noted by Iris’ comments about how it sometimes only took mere minutes to get to the bus stop, and sometimes it took a lot of hours!

As a fluffy read where you just accept things that are happening, this definitely lives up to the ‘perfect for Studio Ghibli fans’ quote that is on the back cover! Overall, I really enjoyed the whimsical nature of this story, and I loved how all the parents were super accepting of the main characters, something we often don’t see in your typical young adult books.

Euphoria Kids is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.

Will you be picking up Euphoria Kids? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Ever since the witch cursed Babs, she turns invisible sometimes. She has her mum and her dog, but teachers and classmates barely notice her. Then, one day, Iris can see her. And Iris likes what they see. Babs is made of fire.

Iris grew from a seed in the ground. They have friends, but not human ones. Not until they meet Babs. The two of them have a lot in common: they speak to dryads and faeries, and they’re connected to the magic that’s all around them.

There’s a new boy at school, a boy who’s like them and who hasn’t found his real name. Soon the three of them are hanging out and trying spellwork together. Magic can be dangerous, though. Witches and fae can be cruel. Something is happening in the other realm, and despite being warned to stay away, the three friends have to figure out how to deal with it on their own terms.

Anyone who loves the work of Francesca Lia Block and delights in Studio Ghibli films will be entranced by this gorgeous and gentle young adult novel about three queer friends who come into their power.

The post Review: Euphoria Kids by Alison Evans appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Contemporary

Need a bit of a light-hearted swoon, a deeper real-world-issue read, or a bit of both? These books will do the trick!

Night Swimming by Steph Bowe
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Night Swimming is a coming-of-age contemporary LGBT+ novel and it is such an adorable read, celebrates diversity, and also features a goat! It features a F/F romance and people of colour.

The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling by Wai Chim
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Not only does the cover of this book feature food, you’ll be certain to devour the book entirely! Covering the topics of depression and mental illness (and the stigma surrounding it), it also focuses on the life of Anna, a Chinese-Australian high school student battling through her mum’s mental health problems as well as dating someone who isn’t also Chinese, which was expected of her.

It Sounded Better in My Head by Nina Kenwood
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This gorgeously written novel focuses on Natalie, who has just finished high school and finds that her parents are getting divorced. This one focuses on body image and acne, but also features an adorable romance as well. Whilst this is a quick read, it’s real and relatable for every introverted person out there.

Laurinda by Alice Pung
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Another diverse coming-of-age story, which focuses on a girl whose parents migrated from Vietnam by boat. Lucy starts at a prestigious girls-only school and it sounds like the Plastics (from Mean Girls, yes) are in charge. If you’re looking for a reflective and slightly satiric read, here’s my pick!

Thriller, Mystery, and Crime

Prefer a bit of suspense in your life? Need to channel your inner Hercule Poirot? Want to sharpen your Cluedo skills? Say no more, here’s a few books to fill that bookish spot!

Small Spaces by Sarah Epstein
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Focusing on Tash both in the past and present tense, this mystery will have you absolutely gripped! After a traumatic event that makes Tash question her every move, her imaginary friend returns many years after disappearing, which happens shortly after a girl’s kidnapping. You’ll be on the edge of your seat to find out what happened!

Found by Fleur Ferris
Goodreads | Amazon

Something for those who like action, this one is full of it! From the setting of a rural farm in Australia, to the guns and knives, this one is sure to be one you stay up way past your bedtime reading!

My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Does psychopathic siblings tickle your fancy? Well say no more! I found this one not only highly creepy, but also twisty, especially given that the psychopath (undiagnosed) is a 10-year-old girl, Rosa. It is also diverse with characters of colour and LGBT+ characters.

Catching Teller Crow by Ambelin and Ezekiel Kwaymullina
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Aboriginal story-telling mixed with a murder mystery, while also being poetic? I’m here for this! This book is a quick read, but packs a punch and a half, and is OwnVoices novel.

Science Fiction

Have a need for space elves? Or killer computers? Or how about books that feel like they’re set in a world that could be ours? Say no more, here’s some Aussie suggestions to check out!

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Definitely one of the most well-known YA sci-fi books out there (alongside the other two books in the Illuminae series), this one is 100% an interesting read. With an AI called AIDAN on a ship in the middle of space, while being written in a way that includes sassy messages and government records, what more could you want?!

Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Yet another stunning space fiction by this dynamic duo, the list wouldn’t be complete with them! Featuring a group of misfits (sounds like The Breakfast Club, right?!) that are forced together as a team to go on a mission together, this one is heaps of fun!

Mindcull by K. H. Canobi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Focusing on virtual reality and spying, this gripping novel is scarily like real life. With a badass main character, Eila, and a strong villain, this one is sure to become one of your favourite technology-gone-wrong stories pretty quickly!

Hive by A.J. Betts
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A cult-like world and bees? You wouldn’t have thought the two would work together in a book until now! Hayley’s world is only a small selection of hexagonal rooms, and she tends to the bees. Then a drop of water comes… what could go wrong from there?!

Fantasy

Need a break from space, or the real world for a bit? How about you dive into these stunning fantasy books by amazing Australian authors?

Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A genre-bending fantasy mixed with mystery that is a page-turner! The novel follows a thief and her ex-boss trying to uncover who killed the four queens of Quadara.

Sabriel by Garth Nix
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A wall? Magic? Fantasy? This book has it all! It also features the dead and undead, and is a total throwback to the ‘90s, you’ll be sure to be addicted to the fast-paced writing in no time!

Valentine by Jodi McAlister
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Kids born on the same day in a paranormal world, nothing could go wrong, right? Will Pearl’s crush on Finn grow? Well, you’d have to read on to find out in this epic book! (And then you can devour Ironheart and Misrule too!)

Ida by Alison Evans
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Want parallel universes? Want to read more about shadowy doppelgangers? Need a great LGBT+ fantasy? Say no more! Ida is a great Australian YA fantasy that you’ll be sure to like.

Short Stories

Need a variety of genres in a single book? Want little tastes of authors’ works before delving into their novels? Time-poor and need a short read here or there? These suggestions are you!

Begin End Begin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

One of the first #loveOzYA short story anthologies, this one contains short stories from some very well-known Australian YA authors! There’s a mix of sci-fi, fantasy, realism, contemporary, and more, while being written by the likes of Amie Kaufman, Michael Pryor, and Lili Wilkinson.

Kindred: 12 Queer #loveOzYA stories
Goodreads | Book Depository

Looking for some queer #ownvoices short stories? Well this should satisfy that need! With such diverse and challenging stories, there’ll be something in there for everyone, encapsulating the essence of the title, Kindred!

Underdog
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Ever wanted to know about up-and-coming or previously never published authors in the Australian YA landscape? Say no more as Underdog is here to quench that thirst! Featuring different themes and genres, this one will give you a feel of Australian youth!

Meet Me at the Intersection
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Another #ownvoices anthology, this one features perspectives of authors of colour, living with disability, who are First Nations, or queer+. Made of mostly memoir-type writing, this one gives you insights from voices that are oft unheard of, and you’ll surely be refreshed!

Hopefully some of these #loveOzYA books are new to you, and give you a taste of Australia’s very diverse and fresh voices. Who knows, maybe one of these will become one of your new favourites!

Do you have any recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 20 Must-Read YA Books Written By Australian Authors appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Kindred: 12 Queer #LoveOzYA Stories features stories by Australian authors Jax Jacki Brown, Claire G Coleman, Michael Earp, Alison Evans, Erin Gough, Benjamin Law, Omar Sakr, Christos Tsiolkas, Ellen Van Neerven, Marlee Jane Ward, Jen Wilde, and Nevo Zizin.

Honestly, I can’t even begin to explain how important this book is because everyone should have a copy in their collection of books! It’s a must read and I personally found there was a lot to love about this short story anthology. Plus now I’m also excited to discover more work from these Australian authors as I’ve previously only read Jen Wilde, but hope to read Erin Gough and Alison Evans soon!

The stories are all incredibly diverse and it was great to see how each author brought something so interesting and incredible to each story as it was filled to the brim with emotion and pride. As the reader, I felt myself getting swept up in these characters’ stories and just feeling so proud of all these characters!

I dare you to try and not be moved by these stories because it’s near impossible. For example, in Rats – where a supposed “street rat finds her crew in peril, only to also encounter a fateful meeting that same day” – my heart swelled right from the get go! Just the way these characters (not just in Rats, but in each of the stories) just leapt off the page – I just wanted them all to be happy!

Which brings me to say, I love that most of these characters felt comfortable in their skin. It makes me happy and proud reading about people of different orientations just being happy and owning it in their own skin – as everyone should be! The number of non binary characters that made their way into these stories just made me feel excited that these people are being included. From bisexual and gays to lesbian characters, it just really goes to show how amazing these authors are at bringing these characters to the page so effectively and a voice.

I can’t really fault anything with these stories, if at all – I wish they were longer. It really felt like you could read full length books on what happens to the characters after their individual stories whether it be first meetings to weddings or literally just everything in between!

Can we also appreciate that one of these stories, by the wonderful Jax Jacki Brown, featured a gay female character who is confined to a wheelchair along with the other prominent character in the same story is as well? I had honestly never read a story where the main character was wheelchair reliant, and I just found her narrative to be really empowering – this character, when meeting up with another, goes on to say how people that are able bodied with two legs to walk on don’t really take the needs of disabled people into account when it comes to different things such as accessing buildings. It just makes you want to stand up for everyone to have equal rights so we’re all treated equally.

Another highlight for me was Jen Wilde’s story of a bisexual fangirl at a convention who feels anxious despite the slight presence of her closest friend, before she unexpectedly meets fellow fangirls who are all queer too! One is even the designer of a t-shirt the main character wears! I just love seeing fangirls and fanboys and people sharing their love for fandom whilst celebrating their pride, it just makes my heart happy!

Something I loved in the introduction of this book was Michael Earp’s writing a human is a human is a human – it’s so true! We all have the same basic needs and all have the right to love whoever we wish to so everyone should respect that! We are not hurting anyone with who we choose to want to be with!

Kindred: 12 Queer #LoveOzYA Stories is available from Book Depository and other good book retailers. Lastly, a huge thank you to the team at Walkers Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and also to the lovely AusYABloggers crew for having my own blog on the blog tour!

Have you read Kindred? Or will you be checking it out? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Twelve of Australia’s best writers from the LGBTQ+ community are brought together in this ground-breaking collection of YA short stories.

What does it mean to be queer? What does it mean to be human? In this powerful #LoveOzYA collection, twelve of Australia’s finest writers from the LGBTQ+ community explore the stories of family, friends, lovers and strangers – the connections that form us. This inclusive and intersectional #OwnVoices anthology for teen readers features work from writers of diverse genders, sexualities and identities, including writers who identify as First Nations, people of colour or disabled. With short stories by bestsellers, award winners and newcomers to young adult fiction including Jax Jacki Brown, Claire G Coleman, Michael Earp, Alison Evans, Erin Gough, Benjamin Law, Omar Sakr, Christos Tsiolkas, Ellen van Neerven, Marlee Jane Ward, Jen Wilde and Nevo Zisin.

The post Review: ‘Kindred: 12 Queer #LoveOzYA Stories’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.