I began my first school librarian job in the thick of Covid.

Schools in New York City had recently re-opened with strict new guidelines, I was in my final semester of (suddenly online) graduate school for my library degree—meaning I needed a job— and a public prek-5^th grade school in Brooklyn was seeking a librarian. On a chilly morning in October I donned a cloth mask that coordinated with my outfit, boarded a half-empty A train at 125^th Street, and rode 40 minutes to what would quickly become a life-altering destiny.

Being a librarian has challenged, delighted and truly overjoyed me in all the ways, but one of the most satisfying is how it has helped me grow me as a writer. Here are three things I have learned that changed the way I wrote my latest middle grade thriller, I KNOW YOU’RE LYING:

One: We All Have Reasons for Our Actions

I have a kindergartener who will get up in the middle of storytime and fling a bin of books across the room. I have a fifth grade student who will only read books about the beach. I have a preK kiddo who needs to be hugging me throughout our class or she runs wildly around the library. These things can appear disruptive, quirky and above all, irrational, but they never are. My kindergartener is unable to express himself in language so he needs to find physical ways to show us what he is feeling and what he needs. My fifth grader lives for summers when she goes to her grandmother’s beach house in Maine and wants her pleasure reading to take her back to the ocean. And my prek sweetie needs hugs because we all need hugs and she gets them by any means necessary J This is why the villain in my book has motive, things that happened to them, things they need deeply, things they believe can only be gotten by actions that end up hurting others. My villain, like my students, is not irrational or bad. Instead, they are a complex person with reasons for their actions that start to make sense when you get to know them.

Two: Every Minute Counts

I am a part-time librarian which means that not every grade gets class time in the library. So in the morning, at lunch, and sometimes at random moments in the day, a student will fly into the library begging to get a book. Obviously the answer is yes because getting books into the hands of kids is what I’m there for. But what impresses me every time is the intensity, the focus, even the ferocity with which this book search takes place. And that is because the clock is ticking. In thrillers you need that same intensity, that focus, that ferocity to find the culprit, and so IKNOW YOU’RE LYING is set in a single school day, with the clock ticking down to unthinkable consequences—kind of like searching for the perfect book before time runs out J.

Three: Every Day There Are Glorious Moments So Full of Beauty They Make Your Heart Explode

A kindergartener hugged me at the end of class and told me he loves me. My colleague was recently told he is a pre-k student’s best friend and was invited over for a playdate. I asked an author friend to sign a book for a fifth grader; when I gave it to the student she ran her fingers over the author’s signature, looked up at me with tears in her eyes, and asked, “He really signed it for me?” Every day there are things that frustrate me and things I struggle with, but at least once a day a kid shows love in a way so pure and precious my heart explodes. We all deserve moments that touch our hearts and let us know we are loved, and so I make sure to give them to my characters. A reader recently shared that LYING gave her “all the feels and made me cry in the good way” at the end. That is thanks to my students.

Bonus: We Should Have Fun

Kids are fun and it turns out I am more fun around them. I make up ridiculous songs that get them laughing, I lead us in silly dances, and just yesterday I insisted we all “swim” around the library like fish in preparation for our fish-themed read-aloud. Life can be serious, stressful, and scary—and it should also be fun. I try to make sure my characters have fun as the clock counts down and they solve their mysteries. And if you happen to read I KNOW YOU’RE LYING (and I hope you do!) may it be almost as fun as a swim around the library!

The post The Author and Librarian appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

It all starts with an email neither Owen, Gemma, Ally or Todd expected. The email arrives Sunday night and suddenly, the four seventh-graders find themselves in the same boat: blackmailed by an anonymous individual that threatens to make their deepest and darkest secret public if they don’t comply with the list of tasks they set. Trapped by the knowledge of what might happen if their secrets are revealed, they all decide to comply and do whatever is asked of them. On Monday morning, the four students who’ve rarely interacted before, meet and one thing is clear: this day will be one for the books as they race the clock to meet the demands of the anonymous blackmailer—and maybe find friends in unexpected places in the process.

The premise of I Know Your Secret sounded right up my alley. As long-time fan of Pretty Little Liars and mystery books that brings a group of misfits together, I thought this was going to be a new favourite. Unfortunately, this one kind of missed the mark for me. Ironically enough, I had the opposite issue with the book that I have with most television shows with similar premise and that is that this severely lacked in characterisation.

I Know Your Secret fell deeply into the telling instead of showing trap. While some lack of description may be attributed to the desire to keep the pacing snappy, it almost had the opposite effect because instead of descriptions of the characters, of the school or even of their lives, we get a lot of repetition of the one—dimensional aspects of the story. An example of this might be the blunt hit-you-over-the-head reminder every few pages that there are anti-bullying posters wherever the four of them have to run to, but not once is that anti-bullying poster actually described. This was probably so the reader could make something up for themselves but a mere sentence here would have been nice to know whether there was at least a slogan, or a nice graphic on it. Judging from the importance of the anti-bullying poster in a narrative that is literally about four children being bullied, it confused me quite a bit to never have any more background information on the lacklustre attempts the school makes to create a safer space. Evidently, this makes sense once you get to the big plot twist of the book but it’s tough getting there without that sense of immediacy. Thus, for a book that’s less than 250 pages, the beginning dragged quite a bit due to the repetitions and only once the characters decide to try and figure out who the blackmailer is does the pacing pick up.

All that being said, though, I quite enjoyed the characters themselves. The further we dive into the story, the more we get to learn about their familial background and I loved how these four people who had misconceptions because of the things they’d heard at school or because of stereotypical thinking slowly vanished as they got to know each other better. Each of them has a good reason for wanting to keep their secrets close to them and this is where Benedis-Grab shines, by showing that the mistakes we make in the past shouldn’t always determine our future, especially when the mistakes are based on having a too big heart and good intentions. Thus, despite the overt telling instead of showing, I still recommend this book for kids who need a bit of a thrill and enjoy whodunit mysteries.

Exploring the reasons for why we conceal the truth and the power of honesty, I Know Your Secret will appeal to younger readers who enjoyed One of Us Is Lying.

I Know Your Secret is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of

Will you be picking up I Know Your Secret? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

One of Us is Lying meets Pretty Little Liars for middle-grade readers.

The email arrives Sunday night: Do exactly what I say, when I say it, or I will reveal your secret.

On Monday morning, seventh graders Owen, Gemma, Ally, and Todd, who have nothing in common and barely know each other, must work together and follow the instructions of an anonymous blackmailer. None of them want to go along with the blackmailer’s instructions, but each of them have a secret they must protect at all costs.

Set during a single day of school, the students race against the clock to complete a disquieting set of tasks, with fast-paced chapters detailing each moment of the day interspersed with a later interview-style recording made by the quartet.

I Know Your Secret is an exploration of why we conceal the truth, how far we’ll go to keep it hidden, and the power of being honest.

The post Review: I Know Your Secret by Daphne Benedis-Grab appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Weird Kid by Greg Van Eekhout
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Strange things are happening in Cedar Creek View, Arizona: Sinkholes. An unidentified Hum. People behaving… oddly. No one knows the reason, but Jake thinks it might have something to do with him. Weird Kid is a story about a boy trying to find his place in the world – even though he’s an alien from a distant planet.

Josephine Against the Sea by Shakirah Bourne
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Meet Josephine, the most loveable mischief-maker in Barbados, in a magical, heartfelt adventure inspired by Caribbean mythology.

The Other Side of Luck by Ginger Johnson
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A young pauper and a caged princess vie for the reward of a special contest that finds them searching for the elusive Silva Flower. The Other Side of Luck follows two children from opposite circumstances as their fates cross and change both their lives forever.

Secondhand Dogs by Carolyn Crimi
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A heartwarming—and heart-tugging—middle grade novel about love, loyalty, and what it means to be part of a family, featuring a motley pack of rescue dogs—from author Carolyn Crimi, with adorable illustrations by Melissa Manwill. Perfect for fans of A Dog’s Life and Because of Winn-Dixie.

Ten Thousand Tries by Amy Makechnie
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A middle school soccer whiz’s determination to keep things from changing is tested when his father’s ALS symptoms worsen in this touching story about growing up and facing loss, perfect for fans of Shouting at the Rain.

Margie Kelly Breaks the Dress Code by Bridget Farr
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The middle grade novel features a girl who leads a protest at her middle school after she is unfairly dress-coded. A timely and thought-provoking story of one girl’s fight against gender inequality and the lessons she learns about her own privilege along the way.

Kingdom of Secrets by Christyne Morrell
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When her father is arrested for a crime she committed, Prismena will do anything to save him, taking her on a high-flying and shadowy adventure in this middle-grade fantasy debut.

The Renegade Reporters by Elissa Brent Weissman
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When Ash gets kicked off her school’s news show, she becomes a renegade reporter – and makes a big discovery about technology and her fellow students’ privacy.

Say It out Loud by Allison Varnes
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Charlotte Andrews is perfectly fine being quiet – in fact, she prefers it. But when she witnesses bullying on the school bus and doesn’t say anything, her silence comes between her and her best friend. An empowering look at finding your voice, facing your fears, and standing up for what’s right.

Ghost Girl by Ally Malinenko
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Zee Puckett loves ghost stories. She just never expected to be living one. Perfect for fans of Small Spaces and Nightbooks, Ally Malinenko’s middle-grade debut is an empowering and triumphant ghost story—with spooky twists sure to give readers a few good goosebumps!

The Plentiful Darkness by Heather Kassner
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In this spine-chilling, middle-grade fantasy reminiscent of Serafina and the Black Cloak, an orphaned girl chases a thieving boy into a magician’s land of starless, moonless gloom where other children have gone missing before her.

Stowaway by John David Anderson
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The beloved author of Posted returns with the first book in a coming-of-age sci-fi duology about Leo, a kid trying to navigate the galaxy in order to save his family—and, possibly, the planet Earth.

The Insiders by Mark Oshiro
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Three kids who don’t belong. A room that shouldn’t exist. A year that will change everything. Perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead and Meg Medina, this debut middle grade novel from award-winning author Mark Oshiro is a hopeful and heartfelt coming-of-age story for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit in.

Cuba in my Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas
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Cuba in my Pocket follows a 12-year-old boy who leaves his family in Cuba to immigrate to the U.S. by himself. Based on the author’s family history, this novel transports readers back to the 1960s when Castro solidifies his power and Cumba tries to make a better life for himself in Florida.

Last Gamer Standing by Katie Zhao
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Ready Player One meets the action of battle royal video games in this middle-grade sci-fi perfect for fans of Fortnite.

Recipe for Disaster by Aimee Lucido
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Hannah’s schemes for throwing her own bat mitzvah unleash family secrets, create rivalries with best friends, and ultimately teach Hannah what being Jewish is all about in Recipe for Disaster.

Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero by Saadia Faruqi
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At a time when we are all asking questions about identity, grief, and how to stand up for what is right, this book by the author of A Thousand Questions will hit home with young readers who love Hena Khan and Varian Johnson—or anyone struggling to understand recent U.S. history and how it still affects us today.

What Lives in the Woods by Lindsay Currie
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All Ginny Anderson wants is to relax and enjoy her summer. But when Ginny’s father surprises the family with a month-long trip to Michigan, her plans change for the worse. What Lives in the Woods is a chilling ghost story about Ginny living in a decrepit and creepy mansion who discovers the something in the woods may be after her.

Frankie and Bug by Gayle Forman
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The novel spotlights the friendship between Bug, a feisty 10-year-old girl from Venice Beach, who feels abandoned when her older brother decides he’d rather hang out with his friends than with her; and Frankie, an 11-year-old trans boy who arrives from Ohio to spend the summer with his gay uncle—and who wants only to have the chance to be who he is.

Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui
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Perfect for fans of Hena Khan and The First Rule of Punk, Barakah Beats is the story of 12-year-old Nimra Sharif who has spent her whole life in Islamic school and suddenly finds herself going to “real” school – and realizes that middle school is a whole new beast to conquer.

Fifty-Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers by Caela Carter
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Critically acclaimed author Caela Carter writes a timely and poignant #OwnVoices story that shines a bright light on one girl’s frustration and ultimate hope in dealing with her neurodiversity.

The Circus at the End of the Sea by Lori R. Snyder
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A vibrant and enchanting debut novel about an orphan girl who discovers a magical circus, this story shows readers the magic of following your heart and finding where you belong. Perfect for fans of Kelly Barnhill and Rebecca Stead!

The Lost Language by Claudia Mills
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The quest to save the words of a dying language – and to find the words to save what may be a dying friendship – lies at the heart of this exquisite verse novel.

Boy Everywhere by A.M. Dassu
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Boy, Everywhere chronicles the harrowing journey of Sami who is taken from Syria to the UK. From privilege to poverty, across countries and continents, from a smuggler’s den in Turkey to a prison in Manchester, it is a story of survival, of family, of bravery.

Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Födi
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Magic is messy. Fans of Nevermoor and the School for Good and Evil will love this standalone middle grade fantasy featuring a failed young wizard and her chaotically fun cleanup crew.

Candidly Cline by Kathryn Ormsbee
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Candidly Cline follows an aspiring country singer-songwriter trying to find her voice as she navigates her family’s money troubles, a changing relationship with her grandmother, a difficult friendship breakup, and her first crush on a girl, while dreaming of her big break from her small Kentucky town.

Tidesong by Wendy Xu
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Tidesong follows an ambitious 12-year-old who moves to a seaside town with her aunts for an apprenticeship in magic and realizes that it may be more than she bargained for.

Gussy by Jimmy Cajoleas
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Perfect for fans of Kelly Barnhill and Anne Ursu, Gussy is an enchanting, lyrical middle grade novel about a girl who must protect her village from a menacing magical force, even as she discovers that there is more to her village than she knew.

Tangled up in Luck by Merrill Wyatt
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When seventh grade enemies research a missing set of jewels for a class project, they realize that the answers to the unsolved case might be much closer to home than they thought in this fun-filled mystery for fans of The Book Scavenger and Lemons.

The Art of Running Away by Sabrina Kleckner
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When Maisie reconnects with her estranged 22-year-old brother abroad while trying to save her family’s portrait studio, she uncovers a truth about her parents that changes everything.

I Know Your Secret by Daphne Benedis-Grab
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Pretty Little Liars meets One of Us Is Lying in this middle-grade tour de force. An exploration of why we conceal the truth, I Know Your Secret forces four children to come to terms with the secrets they have hidden from everyone.

The Last Weave Andrew Zurcher
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The epic conclusion to Twelve Nights, where Kay and Ell’s magical quest of imagination, adventure, and the power of storytelling comes to a thrilling, twisty close. Perfect for fans of The Golden Compass and A Wrinkle in Time.

Orphans of the Tide by Struan Murray
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Perfect for fans of Brightstorm and His Dark Materials, Orphans of the Tide is the story of a mysterious boy washing in with the tide and the city that believes he’s the Enemy – the god who drowned the world – come again to cause untold chaos.

Dark Hearts by Jim Gigliotti
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Sometimes the truth can be much scarier than fiction. And this collection is no exception. Uncover what fascinated and frightened some of our favorite horror writers of all time.

Girl Giant and the Jade War by Van Hoang
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In the sequel to Van Hoang’s outstanding Girl Giant and the Monkey King, Thom and her friends set off on a far-flung adventure to save the Heavens and the Jade Emperor from certain destruction.

Will you be picking up any of these middle grade releases? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Middle Grade Fiction Is Ending 2021 With A Bang appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

With half of 2021 almost behind us, it’s now time to start looking towards the next six months, and more importantly, the new books releasing between July and December 2021! Your to-buy lists are about to become even longer as it’s packed with books you’ll want to have your hands on ASAP from debut authors, as well as releases from some favourites, including Elizabeth Lim, Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Samantha Downing, Anthony Ryan, TJ Klune, and so many more!

Read on to discover a few of our picks and be sure to tell us in the comments if you are looking forward to any of them too, plus stay tuned for our genre specific round-ups!

JULY 2021

The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
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A fast-paced, thrilling horror novel that follows a group of heroines to die for, from the brilliant New York Times bestselling author of The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
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Tessa Bailey is back with a Schitt’s Creek-inspired rom-com about a Hollywood “It Girl” who is cut off from her wealthy family and exiled to a small Pacific Northwest beach town… where she butts heads with a surly, sexy local who thinks she doesn’t belong. 

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
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Mulan meets The Song of Achilles in Shelley Parker-Chan’s She Who Became the Sun, a bold, queer, and lyrical reimagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty from an amazing new voice in literary fantasy.

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
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A princess in exile, a shapeshifting dragon, six enchanted cranes, and an unspeakable curse… Drawing from fairy tales and East Asian folklore, this original fantasy from the author of Spin the Dawn is perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel
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The New York Times bestselling author of the The Book of Lost Names returns with an evocative coming-of-age World War II story about a young woman who uses her knowledge of the wilderness to help Jewish refugees escape the Nazis—until a secret from her past threatens everything.

These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
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From New York Times best-selling author Lexi Ryan, Cruel Prince meets A Court of Thorns and Roses in this sexy, action-packed fantasy about a girl who is caught between two treacherous faerie courts and their dangerously seductive princes.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
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In A Psalm for the Wild-Built, Hugo Award-winner Becky Chambers’s delightful new Monk & Robot series gives us hope for the future.

For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing
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USA Today bestselling author Samantha Downing is back with her latest sneaky thriller set at a prestigious private school—complete with interfering parents, overeager students, and one teacher who just wants to teach them all a lesson…

AUGUST 2021

The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould
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Courtney Gould’s thrilling debut The Dead and the Dark is about the things that lurk in dark corners, the parts of you that can’t remain hidden, and about finding home in places―and people―you didn’t expect.

Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier
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A sweet, queer teen romance perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Check, Please!

The Pariah by Anthony Ryan
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The Pariah begins a new epic fantasy series of action, intrigue and magic from Anthony Ryan, a master storyteller who has taken the fantasy world by storm.

Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
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From the author of the beloved national bestseller Migrations, a #1 IndieNext pick, a gorgeous and pulse-pounding new novel set in the wild Scottish Highlands.

Battle Royal by Lucy Parker
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Beloved author Lucy Parker pens a delicious new romantic comedy that is a battle of whisks and wits.

Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
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From the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic comes a “delicious, twisted treat for lovers of noir” about a daydreaming secretary, a lonesome enforcer, and the mystery of a missing woman they’re both desperate to find.

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
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The Hating Game meets I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter in this irresistible romance starring a Mexican American teen who discovers love and profound truths about the universe when she spends her summer on a road trip across the country.

The Desert Prince by Peter V. Brett
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A brand-new epic fantasy adventure set in the beloved world of the Demon Cycle, following a new generation of heroes, from New York Times bestselling author Peter V. Brett

SEPTEMBER 2021

Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
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From the New York Times bestselling author of Sorcery of Thorns and An Enchantment of Ravens comes a thrilling new YA fantasy about a teen girl with mythic abilities who must defend her world against restless spirits of the dead.

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
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Beautiful World, Where Are You is a new novel by Sally Rooney, the bestselling author of Normal People and Conversations With Friends.

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
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In this witty and heartwarming romantic comedy—reminiscent of Red, White & Royal Blue and One to Watch—an awkward tech wunderkind on a reality dating show goes off-script when sparks fly with his producer.

Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune
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A Man Called Ove meets The Good Place in Under the Whispering Door, a delightful queer love story from TJ Klune, author of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller The House in the Cerulean Sea.

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
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Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers.

Nice Girls by Catherine Dang
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A pulse-pounding and deviously dark debut, written with the psychological acuity and emotional punch of Luckiest Girl Alive and All the Missing Girls, that explores the hungry, angry, dark side of girlhood and dares to ask what is most dangerous to a woman: showing the world what it wants to see, or who she really is?

Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead
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From the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, a gloriously entertaining novel of heists, shakedowns, and rip-offs set in Harlem in the 1960s.

Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
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From the New York Times bestselling author of the Nevernight Chronicle, Jay Kristoff, comes Empire of the Vampire, the first illustrated volume of an astonishing new dark fantasy saga.

OCTOBER 2021

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
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The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an achingly romantic, tender tale sure to captivate fans of Adam Silvera and Mary H.K. Choi.

All the Feels by Olivia Dade
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Following Spoiler Alert, Olivia Dade returns with another utterly charming romantic comedy about a devil-may-care actor—who actually cares more than anyone knows—and the no-nonsense woman hired to keep him in line.

A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow
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USA Today bestselling author Alix E. Harrow’s A Spindle Splintered brings her patented charm to a new version of a classic story.

The Mother Next Door by Tara Laskowski
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From award-winning author Tara Laskowski, The Mother Next Door is an atmospheric novel of domestic suspense in which the strive for perfection ends in murder…

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
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Cassandra Khaw’s Nothing But Blackened Teeth is a gorgeously creepy haunted house tale, steeped in Japanese folklore and full of devastating twists.

City of Shattered Light by Claire Winn
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As darkness closes in on the city of shattered light, an heiress and an outlaw must decide whether to fend for themselves or fight for each other.

Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest
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A psychic travel agent and a Seattle PD detective solve a murder in this quirky mystery in the vein of Lisa Lutz’s The Spellman Files and Charlaine Harris’s Aurora Teagarden series.

Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper
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Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets The L Word in this fresh, sizzling rom-com by Lana Harper.

NOVEMBER 2021

Her Name is Knight by Yasmin Angoe
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A smash debut novel from rising star Yasmin Angoe, Her Name Is Knight features an elite assassin heroine on a mission to topple a human trafficking ring and avenge her family.

Noor by Nnedi Okorafor
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From africanfuturist luminary Okorafor comes a new science fiction novel of intense action and thoughtful rumination on biotechnology, destiny, and humanity in a near-future Nigeria.

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
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Red White & Royal Blue meets Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell in debut author Freya Marske’s A Marvellous Light, featuring an Edwardian England full of magic, contracts, and conspiracies.

All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman
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The blockbuster co-writing debut of Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman, All of Us Villains begins a dark tale of ambition and magick…

You Can Go Your Own Way by Eric Smith
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When a huge snowstorm hits, Adam and Whitney suddenly find themselves trapped inside the arcade. Cut off from their families, their worlds, and their responsibilities, the tension between them seems to melt away, leaving something else in its place. But what happens when the storm stops?

Never Fall for Your Fiancée by Virginia Heath
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The first in a new historical rom-com series, a handsome earl hires a fake fiancée to keep his matchmaking mother at bay, but hilarity ensues when love threatens to complicate everything.

Blue-Skinned Gods by S.J. Sindu
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From the award-winning author of Marriage of a Thousand Lies comes a brilliantly written, globe-spanning novel about identity, faith, family, and sexuality.

Everything We Didn’t Say by Nicole Baart
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From the author of Little Broken Things, a “race-to-the-finish family drama” (People) following a mother who must confront the dark summer that changed her life forever in order to reclaim the daughter she left behind.

DECEMBER 2021

If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich
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Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich’s “If This Gets Out is an absolute showstopper! Equal parts edgy and adorable, this bright, joyful book has everything I look for in a queer YA romance.” ―Phil Stamper, bestselling author of The Gravity of Us

A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw
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The New York Times bestselling author of The Wicked Deep weaves a richly atmospheric adult debut following three residents of a secluded, seemingly peaceful commune as they investigate the disappearances of two outsiders.

The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska
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The Wicked Deep meets House of Salt and Sorrows in this new standalone YA fantasy set in a snow-cloaked kingdom where witches are burned, and two enchantresses secretly compete for the heart of a prince, only to discover that they might be falling for each other.

Absynthe by Brendan Bellecourt
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In his sci-fi debut, Bellecourt explores an alternate roaring 20s where a shell-shocked soldier must uncover latent telepathic abilities to save himself and the people around him.

Safecracker by Ryan Wick
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In this wicked debut, safecracker Michael Maven must pull off the most dangerous theft of his long career–or his friends and family will be killed.

Here’s to Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
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Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera reunite to continue the story of Arthur and Ben, the boys readers first fell for in the New York Times bestselling rom-com What If It’s Us.

Smile and Look Pretty by Amanda Pellegrino
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A whip-smart, piercing debut novel, Smile and Look Pretty follows four assistants who band together to take on their toxic office environments in the ultimate comeuppance.

I Know Your Secret by Daphne Benedis-Grab
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One of Us is Lying meets Pretty Little Liars for middle-grade readers.

What 2021 releases are you looking forward to releasing between July and December? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Get Your Hands On These Anticipated July To December 2021 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.