Releasing on January 30th 2024, Annie Cardi’s new release Red is a modern retelling of The Scarlet Letter for the #MeToo era where a Christian girl who is stigmatised by her peers after seeking an abortion.

When I was in high school, my favorite part of art class was working with found objects. I made a purse out of old neckties; angel wings out of wire hangers; a sculpture out of old lipstick tubes; a recycled paper book. Similarly, I love books that repurpose old, familiar stories into new tales that help the reader reexamine something they thought they understood.

I especially love this when it comes to retellings of classic English literature. I was an English major, so I love a lot of the classics, but they often frame stories around a particular (often white/cis/het/male) experience. That’s something that a lot of teen readers either can’t relate to or something they’ve already seen a lot of in many years of required reading. One thing I love about YA adaptations of classic novels is the opportunity to deconstruct these stories and reframe them in a way that’s both fresh and also touches something familiar in the reader’s own life.

When I first read The Scarlet Letter in high school, I was so pissed that Hester Prynne was shamed for getting pregnant outside of marriage while her romantic partner didn’t admit his involvement until the very end and kept on living his normal life. I wanted better for Hester. For my newest novel Red, I kept thinking of abuses of power in small religious communities, standing strong despite public shame, and stigma around sex and reproductive rights—all aspects of The Scarlet Letter that are part of teen readers’ lives today.

For readers looking for more fantastic spins on classic novels, here are a few of my favorite YA contemporary retellings. In no particular order:

As I Descended by Robin Talley

Macbeth is one of my favorite Shakespearean plays, so I was thrilled to read this queer take on the classic tragedy set at an elite boarding school. Talley weaves together the interpersonal intrigue and the supernatural creepiness to create a thrilling story of betrayal, desperation, and guilt.

Ana of California by Andi Teran

Like many readers who grew up with the Lucy Maud Montgomery series and the CBS miniseries, I am very protective of Anne of Green Gables and was therefore suspicious of a contemporary YA adaptation. But Teran handles the transition from late 19^th century Prince Edward Island to early 21^st century California with care as Ana deals with trauma from her past while moving forward with hope and love as she forms a new family.

The Dead Fathers Club by Matt Haig

When I was in high school, I dragged myself through Hamlet and was frustrated with the title character. Matt Haig’s The Dead Father’s Club gave me a deeper sympathy for the main character, torn between guilt and grief and loyalty and fear. It’s also a great exploration of toxic masculinity and the pressures sons feel from their fathers.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This is more inspired by King Lear than a straight retelling, but Lockhart’s story of a rich family on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts pulls so much of the emotional core from Lear that I had to include it here. It’s a fantastic look at privilege, family trauma, and the cost of honesty. I also love this as an example of how an adaptation can veer so far from the source material and still connect so deeply on a thematic and emotional level.

Exit, Pursued by a Bear by EK Johnston

Johnston’s adaptation of The Winter’s Tale has so much I love to see in YA: a strong, smart main character, fierce female friendships, and a frank but supportive depiction of reproductive rights and surviving sexual assault. Readers will connect with cheer captain Hermione as she navigates what it means to live with and after trauma.

Where the Rhythm Takes You by Sarah Dass

Persuasion, Jane Austen’s novel of second chance romance gets an update in Dass’s Where the Rhythm Takes You, which centers on a seventeen-year-old who manages her family’s hotel in Tobago and an ex-boyfriend-turned-music-superstar. Reyna is relatable as someone who takes on more responsibility than most would at her age while also feeling the longing and heartbreak and hope of first love. It’s also great to see a YA set in the Caribbbean!

I, Claudia by Mary McCoy

It’s difficult to think of many contemporary YA political thrillers, but in I, Claudia, McCoy creates a sharp, dynamic retelling of I, Claudius centered around high school student government. Claudia is a smart, observant, wry narrator who draws the reader in while also keeps us guessing at her motivations and machinations. I need a mini-series of this.

The post Seven YA Books That Spin Classics For Contemporary Audiences appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Ready for some new YA books? There are so many new books to look forward to in January 2024 with new releases from the likes of Brigid Kemmerer, Ayana Gray, Emma Lord, Kaylie Smith, Goldy Moldavsky, and many more, along with those making their exciting debut!

A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel

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Circe goes YA in this unapologetically feminist retelling of the Medusa myth steeped in Indian mythology, a YA epic fantasy addition to the Rick Riordan Presents imprint.

Out of Our League: 16 Stories of Girls in Sports

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A compelling YA anthology from editors Dahlia Adler and Jennifer Iacopelli about the trials and triumphs of girls in sports with stories from Carrie S. Allen, Sara Farizan, Juliana Goodman, Maggie Hall, Leah Henderson, Sarah Henning, Naomi Kanakia, Miranda Kenneally, Yamile Saied Méndez, Cam Montgomery, Marieke Nijkamp, Amparo Ortiz, Aminah Mae Safi, and Kayla Whaley.

Destroy the Day by Brigid Kemmerer

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In the thrilling conclusion to the Defy the Night series, New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer crafts heartrending twists and devastating turns that will keep readers breathless to the very end.

My Fair Brady by Brian D. Kennedy

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My Fair Lady meets the classic teen film She’s All That in this charming and swoony new rom-com from Brian D. Kennedy, author of A Little Bit Country. Perfect for fans of What If It’s Us and She Gets the Girl.

Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

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A trans boy searches for a future―and a romance―in which he can live and love openly as himself in this heartrending young-adult reimagining of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, part of the Remixed Classics series.

Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White by Amélie Wen Zhao

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The epic sequel to the book Song of Silver, Flame Like Night, is a fast-paced, riveting YA fantasy inspired by the mythology and folklore of ancient China.

Okay, Cupid by Mason Deaver

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From the bestselling author of I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST, the story of a cupid who thinks they know everything about love… until they fall in love themselves.

Beasts of War by Ayana Gray

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In this epic conclusion to her New York Times bestselling series, Ayana Gray delivers a heart-pounding fantasy adventure filled with mythos, monsters, and mortal heroes who are astoundingly human.

The Getaway List by Emma Lord

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Inescapably romantic and brimming with New York Times bestselling author Emma Lord’s signature cheer, The Getaway List is an uplifting and romantic read that will settle into your heart and never leave.

Stay with My Heart by Tashie Bhuiyan

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From the author of Counting Down with You and A Show for Two comes a new YA contemporary about a girl who accidentally sabotages an up-and-coming local band and falls for the guitarist while secretly trying to make up for her mistake.

The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer

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Following her critically-acclaimed debut novel, Some Mistakes Were Made, Kristin Dwyer is back with The Atlas of Us, a novel about deep grief, found family, and a raw love story that will have readers crying and laughing in equal measure.

Dungeons and Drama By Kristy Boyce

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What do you get when you pair a charming gamer with a stubborn theatre nerd? Dungeons and Dragons is a new rivals-to-lovers gaming romance from Kristy Boyce, author of Hot British Boyfriend and Hot Dutch Daydream!

If I Promise You Wings by A.K. Small

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Hold Still meets You’ve Reached Sam in this lyrical novel about one young woman’s journey through the Paris fashion scene as she chases promises, overcomes grief, and falls in love.

Sky’s End by Marc J Gregson

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Plummet into a kill-or-be-killed competition where a scrappy underdog hell-bent on revenge must claw his way to the top in this thrilling YA fantasy debut

Shut Up, This Is Serious by Carolina Ixta

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An unforgettable YA debut about two Latina teens growing up in East Oakland as they discover that the world is brimming with messy complexities, perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Erika L. Sánchez.

That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

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From a gripping new voice comes a YA thriller with amnesia, stalking, abduction and twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat, perfect for fans of Natalie D. Richards and Vincent Ralph.​

Just Happy to Be Here by Naomi Kanakia

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In this YA standalone perfect for fans of Tobly McSmith and Meredith Russo, the first out trans girl at an all-girls school must choose between keeping her head down or blazing a trail.

Somewhere in the Deep by Tanvi Berwah

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From the author of Monsters Born and Made comes an action-packed South Asian inspired fantasy that will have your heart racing at every turn. 

Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment by Arushi Avachat

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Save the Date meets Never Have I Ever in this sparkling debut rom-com about a high school senior whose life suddenly gets a Bollywood spin when her sister gets engaged.

Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang

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Graphic novel superstars Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham join forces in this heartwarming rom-com about fate, family, and falling in love.

Red by Annie Cardi

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A Christian girl is stigmatized by her peers after seeking an abortion in this modern retelling of The Scarlet Letter for the #MeToo era.

Just Say Yes by Goldy Moldavsky

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Inspired by Goldy’s childhood as an undocumented immigrant, Just Say Yes is full of heart and laugh-out-loud humour, while also tackling important themes related to immigrant issues with honesty and nuance.

A Reckless Oath by Kaylie Smith

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In this sequel to the spellbinding A Ruinous Fate, more action, romance, and magic abound as Calla and friends must deal with their losses and come to grips with their own part to play in the Fates’ War ahead.

A Place For Vanishing by Ann Fraistat

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A teen girl and her family return to her mother’s childhood home, only to discover that the house’s strange beauty may disguise a sinister past, in this contemporary gothic horror from the author of What We Harvest.

Not Dead Enough by Tyffany D. Neiheiser

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Girl in Pieces meets Cracked Up to Be in this raw and candid look at trauma about a girl who is being haunted and stalked by her definitely dead ex-boyfriend.

The Dark Fable by Katherine Harbour

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Magical heists. Deadly secrets. Come along for the ride . . . if you dare. This heart-stopping, seductive fantasy is perfect for fans of Six of Crows.

Wander In The Dark by Jumata Emill

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In this new pulse-pounding thriller from the author of The Black Queen, two brothers must come together to solve the murder of the most popular girl in school after one of them is caught fleeing the scene of her death.

The Summer Queen by Rochelle Hassan

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This captivating sequel to The Buried and the Bound draws readers into the twisted and irresistible world of the Fair Folk―perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and The Hazel Wood.

What January YA books are you looking forward to picking up? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 28 YA Books Hitting Bookshelves In January 2024 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.