Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Black Girl Power: 15 Stories Celebrating Black Girlhood, which is out November 12th 2024.

Black girl power is…

Bringing your favorite stuffed animal to your first real sleepover. . .

Escaping an eerie dollhouse that’s got you trapped inside. . .

Making new friends one magical baked good at a time. . .

Finding the courage to dance to the beat of your own drum. . .

And more! From 15 legendary Black women authors comes a dazzling collection of stories and poems about the power we find in the everyday and the beauty of Black girlhood.  

Contributors include: Amerie, Kalynn Bayron, Roseanne A. Brown, Elise Bryant, Dhonielle Clayton, Natasha Diaz, Sharon M. Draper, Sharon Flake, Leah Johnson, Kekla Magoon, Janae Marks, Tolá Okogwu, Karen Strong, Renée Watson, and Ibi Zoboi.

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The post Take A Peek At ‘Black Girl Power: 15 Stories Celebrating Black Girlhood’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Sunshine and good books have always gone hand-in-hand for me. As a full-time university student and debut author, summer is the optimal and only time to really catch up on my never ending TBR (and re-organize my bookshelves for the thousandth time). This year, I’m excited to curl up with some amazing sapphic books during Pride Month and beyond!

True Love and Other Impossible Odds by Christina Li

True love, algorithms, and college YA? Sign me up! I’ve been waiting for this one since the first announcement and can’t stop staring at the beautiful cover. Christina Li is a powerhouse writer, and I’m so grateful for her amazing stories.

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

Mazey Eddings is an auto-buy author for me. She writes about love and neurodiversity in the most compassionate and beautiful way, and I find such a solace in her words as someone who’s still learning how to love and be kind to the unique way my brain works. Her books always contain real, lasting, and nuanced relationships, and Late Bloomer is no exception. Also the Jenifer Prince cover?! Gorgeous!

A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen

This is without a doubt one of my most anticipated 2024 debuts! Not only does the book have a stunning cover, sprayed edges, and the most lovely author, but the foodie romance and wonderful premise promise such a treat!

Wish You Weren’t Here by Erin Baldwin

I don’t remember much about the first and only time I went to summer camp, but I am so ready to visit Fogridge. This not-quite-hate-to-love romance and the dynamic voice of Erin Baldwin’s debut have had me captivated since I got a sneak peek months ago.

In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae

Is anyone else a Christmas-in-July (or June) enthusiast? I love putting a little winter magic into my summer season, and Courtney Kae’s In the Event of Love encompasses that wonder completely. I’m not sure if I’m on my third or fourth read of this book, but I’ll keep returning to Fern Falls as often as I can.

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

I read Adiba Jaigirdar’s The Dos and Donuts of Love last year, and it sky-rocketed onto my favorites list, so I can’t wait to meet Hani and Ishu! I’m a sucker for overachiever characters and love an opposites attract romance, and I’m also always looking for books that thoughtfully talk about bi erasure.

Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson

Paperback re-releases with beautiful covers may just be my kryptonite, but so are sapphic music books, so I’m pretty sure I’m going to love this! The festival setting and weekend-long time frame add even more intrigue, and I can’t wait to dive in.

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli

Becky Albertalli’s books mean more to me than I can express in a short space, and ever since I was fifteen, I’ve bought every single one to release. Imogen, Obviously pulled me in with its compassionate deconstruction of heteronormativity, and this book is definitely near the top of my Pride Month TBR.

Outdrawn by Deanna Grey

I am absolutely head over heels for this concept, which is an amalgamation of so many of my favorite things: rivals-to-lovers, books about creatives, and ambitious women driving (or drawing!) their own stories. I’ve got Outdrawn bookmarked as a plane read for my summer travels, and I already have an inkling that the long flight may just fly by with this book to keep me company.

The Last Love Song by Kalie Holford

I might be a little biased, but I think The Last Love Song is a sapphic read meant for summer! It has a scavenger hunt, coming-of-age themes, and childhood-best-friends-to-lovers romance that all take place in a seaside town where dreams rise and set with the sun. And it comes with a perfect summer playlist!

So, that’s what I’ll be reading! I’m always excited to chat about books and share recommendations, and I’m sending all the best summer reading vibes to everyone.

Xoxo,
Kalie

The post Kalie Holford’s Sapphic Summer Reading List appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Leah Johnson’s Ellie Engle Saves Herself, which is out now!

Ellie Engle doesn’t stand out. Not at home, where she’s alone with her pet fish since her dad moved away and her mom has to work around the clock. Not at the bakery, where she helps out old Mr. Walker on the weekends. And definitely not at school, where her best friend, Abby—the coolest, boldest, most talented girl in the world—drags Ellie along on her never-ending quest to “make her mark.” To someone else, a life in the shadows might seem boring, or lonely. But not to Ellie. As long as she has Abby by her side and a comic book in her hand, she’s quite content.

Too bad life didn’t bother checking in with Ellie. Because when a freak earthquake hits her small town, Ellie wakes up with the power to bring anything back to life with just her touch. And when a video of her using her powers suddenly goes viral, Ellie’s life goes somewhere she never imagined—or wanted: straight into the spotlight.

Surviving middle school is hard enough. Surviving middle school when paparazzi are camped out on your front lawn and an international pop star wants you to use your powers on live TV and you might be in love with your best friend but she doesn’t know it?

Absolutely impossible.

If you want to be a hero first you need a great origin story.

Wonder Woman is from an island of women warriors who rule with fairness and fierceness—and to top it all off, she’s the daughter of a Greek god. Green Lantern got his powers from an alien who saw that his heart was so pure that he’d never use them for evil instead of good. Black Panther inherited his abilities from a long line of supers, a family of rulers in the most technologically advanced country in the world. Whether you’re a hero at birth or become one later in life, one thing is for certain: You gotta be extraordinary.

But real life isn’t anything like comic books, because noth- ing in this town is extraordinary. Especially not me.

“New comic?” Abby hikes her duffel bag higher on her shoulder and falls into step next to me. I always meet her at her gym after Sunday-morning gymnastic practices. One, because I love hanging out with my best friend. But two, because it’s not like I have anything else to do.

My mom is working, like she does most weekends, and the house was too quiet and empty for me. So I grabbed a couple of my comic books and headed down to the Rising Phoenix Gymnastics Center to sit on the bench out front and wait for Abby to get done doing the impossible flips and tricks that sent her crashing into me in the first place.

We met in kindergarten, at recess. The Ortegas had just moved in next door, but we’d never spoken. And Abby and I weren’t in the same class, so I’d never seen her before. Then one day she was showing off on the playground, trying to remind everyone that she is the kind of nature-defying human that you can barely believe exists until you see her flying through the air. She overdid it on her back tuck, and I underdid it on my attempt to move out of the way. We’ve been stuck together ever since.

“Yeah, the new Nubia,” I say now, looking down at the cover with a smile. I love all comic books, but Nubia is special. There aren’t many heroes out there who look like me, and definitely not ones who have more strength than freaking Superman. I slip it into my backpack so I don’t mess it up with my sweaty fingers. “You want to go to the pool today? Last chance before you-know-what.”

“Ugh, I can’t. Mommy is taking me to get my nails done. You know how she is—wants to do some back-to-school bond- ing or whatever.” Abby’s wearing a pair of jean shorts over her leotard, which makes her brown legs look longer than they are. She starts fiddling with her slicked-back bun until her dark brown hair hangs around her shoulders. “Sleepover tonight, though?”

“Obviously.”

I try not to smile too hard at the thought of our annual back-to-school sleepover. I have some nervous flutters about starting at a new school tomorrow, for sure, but I can’t even focus on that right now. All I can focus on is knowing that I’ll get to stay up giggling and complaining and talking about schedules with Abby. We haven’t gotten to spend as much time together since her training schedule picked up this summer, and I miss it. I miss her.

“Obviously.” She does a bad imitation of my voice, and I laugh. “Well, okay, Captain Obvious. Oh my god, I almost for- got! You’ll never believe what Bethany Thomas did today.”

She goes on and on about her rival from her team landing a trick Abby can’t do yet, and I half pay attention to her, and half look at everybody around us.

We walk past the familiar strip of businesses on Main. I wave at Mr. Walker, who’s sweeping the sidewalk in front of his bakery, Patty’s Cakes, wearing winter gloves like he always does even though it’s summer. Miss French is trying (and fail- ing) to get her mean dog, Goon, to do a trick in the fenced-in dog park next door for the five hundredth time in as many days. Maisie and Marley Keilor are posing and taking pictures against the white brick wall beside the wedding-dress boutique to post on Instagram, part of their endless campaign to become twinfluencers.

We went to sleepaway camp with Maisie and Marley last year, and all four of us shared a bunk, so I know them. But they only say, “Hi, Abby!” in unison as we walk by, like I’m not even there. It used to bother me, people noticing Abby and not me, but not anymore. I like how calm it is in her shadow. There’s no pressure to be and do anything except what I want to be and do. This is just how it is.

When things are predictable, my mom says, “I could set my watch by it.” And I kind of do set my nonexistent watch by how reliable the people in this town and the things they do are. I like how much I can rely on this place to be overwhelmingly, exceedingly normal. It makes me feel less like a stranger in my own skin. Makes me feel less like there’s something wrong with the fact that I’m just . . . what I am.

Unlike Abby, I like my life the way it is. Most of the time. “I don’t understand why I can’t just, like, stop growing,” she groans. She runs her hands over her sides and sighs. “Coach Jillian says if I get much taller, I can pretty much kiss my dreams of vaulting in the Junior Nationals next year good-bye.” I want to tell her that she’s pretty much perfect as she is.

That she’s crazy-powerful at any height, and unfairly beautiful, whether she’s got crust in her eyes from just waking up or she’s flying through the air in a bedazzled swimsuit. Nothing could change that, not even the extra inch and a half of height she picked up over the summer. But I keep my mouth shut. Abby wants Big Things from her life. And what Abby wants, she gets. I really love that about her.

Instead, I say, “If anyone could tell their body to stop grow- ing, and their body actually listened, it would be you.”

“Love you forever, bestie,” she says, just like always.

I don’t even have to think about my answer before it’s com- ing out of my mouth, I’ve said it so many times. “Forever and two days.”

She wraps an arm around my shoulder and smiles her huge smile, the one I usually only see when she sticks the landing on a dismount in competition. When I said I’m not extraordinary before, I guess I lied a little bit. When my best friend looks at me like that—like she only looks when she’s doing the thing she loves most in the world—I can make myself believe I’m a little spectacular.

’Cause I’d have to be to earn that smile from Abby Ortega.

The post Read An Excerpt From ‘Ellie Engle Saves Herself’ by Leah Johnson appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and let us know if you’re excited for any of these releases too!

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
With humor and insight, #1 New York Times bestseller Becky Albertalli explores the nuances of sexuality, identity, and friendship.

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Sparks fly when a romance novelist and a documentary filmmaker join forces to craft the perfect Hollywood love story and take both of their careers to the next level—but only if they can keep the chemistry between them from taking the whole thing off script.

The Daydreams by Laura Hankin
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A deliciously entertaining novel about the stars of a popular teen show from the early 2000s—and the reunion special, thirteen years after their scandalous flameout, that will either be their last chance at redemption, or destroy them all for good.

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Passage comes a riveting standalone novel about a group of survivors on a hidden island utopia—where the truth isn’t what it seems.

Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
In a world where the children of the gods inherit their powers, a descendant of the Greek Fates must solve a series of impossible murders to save her sisters, her soulmate, and her city.

Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For fans of Madeline Miller, a stunning debut following Clytemnestra, the most notorious villainess of the ancient world and the events that forged her into the legendary queen.

Court of the Undying Seasons by A.M. Strickland
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Sarah J. Maas meets A Deadly Education in A.M. Strickland’s lush, queer YA dark fantasy novel. Court of the Undying Seasons is a deliciously dark romantic novel and a pitch perfect modern take on classic vampire tropes.

Malevolent Seven by Sebastien de Castell
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
From the bestselling author of THE GREATCOATS and SPELLSLINGER : seven war mages with dark pasts and special powers must come together to fight an unknown enemy – but the stakes are higher than anyone can imagine . . . and someone’s setting them up for a fall.

The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The Boyfriend Candidate is perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood, and is all about learning to embrace life outside your comfort zone, and reclaiming control of the voice inside that tries to tells you, you can’t.

Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
From award-winning author Leah Johnson comes a laugh-until-you-cry, cry-until-you-laugh story about friendship, change, and the power we have to love ourselves.

Killing Me by Michelle Gagnon
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Utterly original and wildly entertaining, with a protagonist whose life is a total mess, Killing Me is the laugh-out-loud funny thriller that we never knew we needed.

Nigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
From Ibi Zoboi, bestselling, award-winning author of American Street and co-author of Punching the Air, comes a bold new YA coming-of-age story, which explores race, feminism, and complicated family dynamics, about a girl whose father is the leader of a Black liberation group. The ideal next read for fans of Roxane Gay, Jacqueline Woodson, and Elizabeth Acevedo.

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A small-town sweetheart and an emotionally unavailable bad boy try to find some common ground in this chemistry-filled romance from the author of The Cheat Sheet and When in Rome.

No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
One book. Nine readers. Ten changed lives. New York Times bestselling author Erica Bauermeister’s No Two Persons is “a gloriously original celebration of fiction, and the ways it deepens our lives.”

Of Light and Shadow by Tanaz Bhathena
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Of Light and Shadow is a novel about magic, mayhem, love, and betrayal―the story of a bandit and a prince who change each other in unexpected ways.

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A Big Chill for our times, celebrating decades-long friendships and promises—especially to ourselves—by the bestselling and celebrated author of The Guncle.

What May releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post May 2023 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

From fantastical tales of mysterious rings that cause mayhem, and highly anticipated sequels like Cameron Battle’s second adventure, all the way to insightful stories chronicling the famine of the Soviet Ukraine in the 1930s, 2023 is shaping up to be a marvellous adventure when it comes to middle grade releases! Check out our most anticipated novels from the first half of 2023 and find tons of new books to put on your (probably already messy) TBR!

Be sure to check out our other 2023 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Young Adult, Queer Books, and Romance lists!

JANUARY

The Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian Famine by Katherine Marsh
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
From the author of Nowhere Boy comes a brilliant survival story that traces a harrowing family secret back to the Holodomor, a terrible famine that devastated Soviet Ukraine in the 1930s. 

The Carrefour Curse by Dianne K. Salerni
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
The Addams Family meets The Westing Game in this exhilarating mystery about a modern magical dynasty trapped in the ruins of their once-grand, now-crumbling ancestral home. 

Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
From award-winning author Erin Bow, Simon Sort of Says is a breathtaking testament to the lasting echoes of trauma, the redemptive power of humor, and the courage it takes to move forward without forgetting the past. 

Suitehearts: Harmony and Heartbreak by Claire Kann
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
The first in a new series about magical matchmakers, Suitehearts #1: Harmony and Heartbreak is a feel-good light romance about two 13-year-old cousins and their first solo attempts at creating enchanted love connections. Perfect for young readers who love Whatever After, The Jumbies, and The Princess Diaries.

Sincerely Sicily by Tamika Burgess
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
From the Desk of Zoe Washington meets Lupe Wong Won’t Dance in Sincerely Sicily, Burgess’s debut follows Sicily Jordan as she learns to use her voice and find joy in who she is—a Black Panamanian fashionista who rocks her braids with pride—while confronting prejudice both in the classroom and at home.

FEBRUARY

Cameron Battle and the Escape Trials by Jamar J. Perry
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
It’s time for Cameron Battle’s second epic tale! Inspired by West African and Igbo history and mythology, this middle-grade fantasy celebrates the triumphs and challenges of a boy finding his path to greatness.

Not an Easy Win by Chrystal D. Giles
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
A powerful novel about family, forgiveness, and figuring out who you are when you don’t make the rules, Not an Easy Win is the marvelous story of young Lawrence who, after being involved in too many school fights, ends up spending his days at a rec center helping out a neighbor who runs a chess program and learning to bet on himself.

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind by Misa Sugiura
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Acclaimed young adult author Misa Sugiura makes her middle-grade debut with Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind, a thrilling and funny series about a girl who sets out to save her Shinto goddess mother—and the world—by facing down demons intent on bringing chaos. Perfect for fans of the Aru Shah and Fablehaven series.

Ring of Solomon by Aden Polydoros
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
This exciting and adventurous start to a middle-grade trilogy follows a queer boy and his family as they try to halt the chaotic effects of a mysterious ring, drawing upon Jewish mythology to navigate magic, mayhem and the search for pride in one’s identity.

The Pearl Hunter by Miya T. Beck
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
A stunning, Japanese-inspired debut fantasy in the vein of Grace Lin featuring twin pearl divers, in which one sister goes to the ends of the earth to rescue her twin, who’s been stolen by a ghost whale.

MARCH

Mirror to Mirror by Rajani LaRocca
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
In Rajani LaRocca’s breathtaking follow-up to the Newbery Honor– and Walter Award–winning Red, White, and Whole, identical twin sisters with a complicated relationship do everything together—until one day, they break apart. Perfect for readers who love Amina’s Voice and The Lost Girl.

The Alchemy of Letting Go by Amber Morrell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Twelve-year-old Juniper Edwards can’t stop chasing the endangered butterfly her sister died trying to catch. In her grief, Juniper finds comfort in her family’s study of insects, because science is based on logic, order, and control. But then Juniper’s search for the butterfly nearly kills her, too, and when she wakes up with newfound abilities, she discovers that the line between science and magic-and life and death-is not as solid as she thought.

The Palace of Dreams by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
This third book in the haunting and magical Thirteen Witches series from New York Times bestselling author Jodi Lynn Anderson follows Rosie in her last stand against the Nothing King—perfect for fans of Newbery winner The Girl Who Drank the Moon. 

Catch Me If I Fall by Barry Jonsberg
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Twins Ashleigh and Aiden have always promised to protect each other, but after an accident on a school trip, Aiden starts behaving strangely. Are they just growing apart, or is something more sinister going on? 

What Stays Buried by Suzanne Young
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Perfect for fans of Bone Hollow and The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street, this thrilling yet heartfelt ghost story—following a twelve-year-old medium facing an evil spirit and the loss of her supernatural gift—is New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young’s middle grade debut.

APRIL

The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto by Adrianna Cuevas
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto follows a Cuban American boy who’s sent to work on a ranch as punishment for a school prank gone wrong where he is confronted with a troubling supernatural mystery.

A Spoonful of Time by Flora Ahn
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
When You Reach Me meets Love Sugar Magic in this unforgettable middle grade novel where time travel, family recipes, and family secrets collide.

The Rhythm of Time by Questlove and S.A. Cosby
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
From the Academy Award–winning, Grammy-winning, and bestselling author Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and the New York Times bestselling author S. A. Cosby comes this thrill-a-minute middle grade novel, the first in a series of rollicking time-travel adventures that touch on themes of friendship, family, and otherworldly events.

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomas
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Internationally bestselling superstar author Angie Thomas makes her middle grade debut with the launch of an inventive, hilarious, and suspenseful new contemporary fantasy trilogy inspired by African American history and folklore.

Jude Saves the World by Ronnie Riley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
This fantastic debut follows 12-year-old, queer, nonbinary Jude as they navigate the complexities of identity and friendship after befriending the ex-popular girl at school and try to create a safe space club at their local library, all while juggling familial expectations as they’re planning coming out to their old-fashioned grandparents.

MAY

Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
From award-winning author Leah Johnson comes a laugh-until-you-cry, cry-until-you-laugh story about friendship, change, and the power we have to love ourselves.

Vivian Lantz’s Second Chances by Kathryn Ormsbee
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Groundhog Day meets Eighth Grade in this time-loop story set on the first day of school, from the critically acclaimed author of Candidly Cline.

Skating on Mars by Caroline Huntoon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
A heartwarming debut about a young figure skater discovering who they are on and off the ice. Skating on Mars is a tender examination of grief and a hopeful middle grade tale of self-discovery.

The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
The Penderwicks meets The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street in New York Times bestselling author Morgan Matson’s middle grade debut about a young girl who gets to know her mom’s side of the family and hunts for hidden treasure over the course of one chaotic summer.

Pack Your Bags, Maggie Diaz by Nina Moreno
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
This humorous and heartfelt middle-grade novel by Nina Moreno with illustrations by Courtney Lovett is perfect for fans of Celia C. Pérez and Terri Libenson.

JUNE

Haarville by Justin Davies
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Welcome to Haarville – if you’ve arrived, you’ve survived! This darkly comic, quirky middle-grade mystery adventure is perfect for fans of Malamander and Lemony Snicket.

North of Supernova by Lindsey Leavitt
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Stella North has waited her whole life for a coveted birthday party invite that will guarantee a friend-filled summer in Washington. But those perfect summer plans implode when her Dad returns with a surprise from his business trip: his new fiancée, Whitney. Shaken up by her father’s announcement, Stella decided to take fate into her own hands and sets out to discover the future (and maybe even change it) through astrology, crystals and Magic 8 Balls.

Camp Sylvania by Julie Murphy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin’ and Dear Sweet Pea comes a hilarious and spooky middle grade summer-camp story that takes a bite out of fat camp.

Nightmare Island by Shakirah Bourne
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
From rising star Shakirah Bourne, author of Josephine Against the Sea, comes a mysterious adventure that explores one of the most chilling tales in Caribbean mythology: the faceless douen children.

Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Theo Tan doesn’t want a spirit companion. He just wants to be a normal American kid, playing video games, going to conventions, and using cirth pendants to cast his spells like everyone else. But, when his older brother dies, Theo ends up inheriting Jamie’s fox spirit, Kai. After inheriting the grieving fox spirit, Theo must learn to embrace his heritage to solve the mystery of his brother’s death.

What middle grade releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post You Need These Highly Anticipated 2023 Middle Grade Fiction Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and take a peek at Our Joy, Our Power by Julian Winters. Cool. Awkward. Black. is out January 10th 2023.

A girl who believes in UFOs; a boy who might have finally found his Prince Charming; a hopeful performer who dreams of being cast in her school’s production of The Sound of Music; a misunderstood magician of sorts with a power she doesn’t quite understand.

These plotlines and many more compose the eclectic stories found within the pages of this dynamic, exciting, and expansive collection featuring exclusively Black characters. From contemporary to historical, fantasy to sci-fi, magical to realistic, and with contributions from a powerhouse list of self-proclaimed geeks and bestselling, award-winning authors, this life-affirming anthology celebrates and redefines the many facets of Blackness and geekiness–both in the real world and those imagined.

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The post Read An Excerpt From ‘Cool. Awkward. Black.’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Magic, monsters, meddling mothers, mysteries, and more all await you amongst 2023’s upcoming young adult books! From authors such as Marie Lu, Alexandra Bracken, Ibi Zoboi, Steven Salvatore, and Adiba Jaigirdar, along with those making their dazzling debut this year, there are so many books to look forward to.

We’ve rounded up 72 YA books releasing between the months of January and June, so you will definitely find quite a few exciting new reads within this list. Be sure to check out our other 2023 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Romance, Middle Grade, and Queer Books lists!

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below what you are looking forward to!

JANUARY

Cool. Awkward. Black.
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
A multi-genre YA anthology of bestselling, critically acclaimed Black authors challenging the concept of the geek, featuring contributions from Amerie, Kalynn Bayron, Terry J. Benton-Walker, Roseanne A. Brown, Elise Bryant, Tracy Deonn, Desiree S. Evans, Isaac Fitzsimons, Lamar Giles, Jordan Ifueko, Leah Johnson, Amanda Joy, Kwame Mbalia, Tochi Onyebuchi, Shari B. Pennant, K. Arsenault Rivera, Julian Winters, and Ibi Zoboi.

A Ruinous Fate by Kaylie Smith
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
A Ruinous Fate series will take readers’ imaginations to new heights on an adventure of dark secrets, witches, and forbidden magic.  

Retro by Jarrod Shusterman & Sofía Lapuente
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
What starts off as a light-hearted competition to live without modern technology for a year turns into a fight for survival in this unputdownable young adult thriller by New York Times bestselling author Jarrod Shusterman and debut author Sofía Lapuente.

The Buried and the Bound by Rochelle Hassan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
A contemporary fantasy YA debut from Rochelle Hassan about monsters, magic, and wicked fae, perfect for fans of The Darkest Part of the Forest and The Hazel Wood.

Friday I’m in Love by Camryn Garrett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
It’s too late for a Sweet Sixteen, but what if Mahalia had a coming-out party? A love letter to romantic comedies, sweet sixteen blowouts, Black joy, and queer pride.

Brighter Than the Moon by David Valdes
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Lauded writer David Valdes offers a heartfelt, clever, and thought-provoking story about how we figure out who we want to be–online and IRL–for fans of David Levithan and Adam Silvera.

Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman
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Twin sisters, both on the run, but different as day and night. One, a professional rogue, searches for a fabled treasure; the other, a changeling, searches for the truth behind her origins, trying to find a place to fit in with the realm of fae who made her and the humans who shun her. 

City of Nightmares by Rebecca Schaeffer
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Gotham meets Strange the Dreamer in this thrilling young adult fantasy about a cowardly girl who finds herself at the center of a criminal syndicate conspiracy, in a city where crooked politicians and sinister cults reign and dreaming means waking up as your worst nightmare.

The Love Match by Priyanka Taslim
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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets Pride and Prejudice in this delightful and heartfelt rom-com about a Bangladeshi American teen whose meddling mother arranges a match to secure their family’s financial security—just as she’s falling in love with someone else.

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
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The Davenports delivers a totally escapist, swoon-worthy romance while offering a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked.

Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare
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James and Cordelia must save London—and their marriage—in this thrilling and highly anticipated conclusion to the Last Hours series from the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Thorns is a Shadowhunters novel.

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao
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In a fallen kingdom, one girl carries the key to discovering the secrets of her nation’s past—and unleashing the demons that sleep at its heart. An epic fantasy series inspired by the mythology and folklore of ancient China.

FEBRUARY

The Headmaster’s List by Melissa de la Cruz
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Set against the glitz and glamour of an elite LA private school, Melissa de la Cruz’s first YA thriller is an addictive mystery perfect for fans of Gossip Girl and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.

The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa
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El Diablo is in the details in this Latinx pirate fantasy starring a transmasculine nonbinary teen with a mission of revenge, redemption, and revolution.

This Time It’s Real by Ann Liang
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Get ready to fall in love in this hilarious romcom about a girl who begins a fake relationship with the famous actor in her class, perfect for fans of Meg Cabot and Jenny Han.

My Flawless Life by Yvonne Woon
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Yvonne Woon, author of If You, Then Me, has crafted a slow-burn thriller about fixing—our friends, ourselves, and our complicated pasts. For fans of Allegedly and We Were Liars, My Flawless Life features a compelling narrator who grapples with the secrets of her private school classmates as well as her own life.

Revelle by Lyssa Mia Smith
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Inspired by Moulin Rouge! and set on an island in a magical version of Prohibition-era New York, Revelle is a breathtaking YA stand-alone fantasy full of dazzling magic, romance, and mystery from debut author Lyssa Mia Smith.

Out of Character by Jenna Miller
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Dumplin’ meets Geekerella in debut author Jenna Miller’s queer, body-positive love story that explores online and offline relationships in all of their messiness.

Lola at Last by J. C. Peterson
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This Pride and Prejudice–inspired tale, a companion to J. C. Peterson’s Being Mary Bennet, spins a modern Lydia Bennet’s life into a tumultuous and hilarious coming-of-age journey, complete with misadventures, misunderstandings, mayhem, and a romance worthy of Darcy and Elizabeth themselves. 

She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran
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A House with a terrifying appetite haunts a broken family in this atmospheric horror, perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic.

When You Wish Upon a Lantern by Gloria Chao
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Acclaimed author Gloria Chao creates real-world magic in this luminous romance about teens who devote themselves to granting other people’s wishes but are too afraid to let themselves have their own hearts’ desires—each other.

Chaos Theory by Nic Stone
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The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin delivers a gripping romance about two teens: a certified genius living with a diagnosed mental illness and a politician’s son who is running from his own addiction and grief. Don’t miss this gut punch of a novel about mental illness, loss, and discovering you are worthy of love.

Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim by Patricia Park
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The award-winning author of Re Jane makes her young adult debut in a funny, poignant, and powerful novel about a multicultural teen struggling to fit into her whitewashed school, her diverse Queens neighborhood, and even her own home as her family reels from the loss of her father.

Nightbirds by Kate J. Armstrong
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In a dazzling new fantasy world full of whispered secrets and political intrigue, the magic of women is outlawed but four girls with unusual powers have the chance to change it all.

MARCH

Rosewood: A Midsummer Meet Cute by Sayantani DasGupta
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New York Times bestselling Sayantani DasGupta brings her trademark wit and insight to this bright and funny Sense and Sensibility retelling!

Made of Stars by Jenna Voris
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Inspired by the lawless love story of Bonnie and Clyde, Jenna Voris’s heart-stopping tale of passion and crime will have you seeing stars.

Dear Medusa by Olivia A. Cole
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This searing and intimate novel in verse follows a sixteen-year-old girl coping with sexual abuse as she grapples with how to reclaim her story, her anger, and her body in a world that seems determined to punish her for the sin of surviving.

Study Break: 11 College Tales from Orientation to Graduation
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Study Break, a collection of interconnected contemporary Young Adult short stories written by Gen Z authors, explores different parts of “the college experience,” from questioning your major to questioning your identity.

Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa
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A young adult graphic novel about high school wallflower Belle Hawkins, who ends up in a love triangle after tutoring the girlfriend of her crush.

Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell
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Perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Tamora Pierce, this standalone YA debut is a stunning cottagecore fantasy romance about a girl with powerful and violent magic, which she must learn to control—or lose everything she loves.

Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu
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The Hating Game meets Mission: Impossible in this smoldering new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu about a superstar tapped to become a secret agent and the reluctant young spy assigned to be his partner.

Midnight Strikes by Zeba Shahnaz
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In this explosive fantasy debut, a provincial girl must work with an infuriatingly handsome prince to escape a nightmarish curse that forces them to relive the same night over and over.

The Memory Eater by Rebecca Mahoney
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A teenage girl must save her town from a memory-devouring monster in this piercing exploration of grief, trauma, and memory, from the author of The Valley and the Flood.

Royal Blood by Aimée Carter
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An American girl becomes the British Monarchy’s greatest nightmare in this thrilling new series where royal scandals just got deadlier.

There Goes the Neighborhood by Jade Adia
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A raised fist against the destructive forces of gentrification and a love letter to communities of color everywhere, Jade Adia’s unforgettable debut tells the darkly hilarious story of three best friends willing to do whatever it takes to stay together.

Into The Light by Mark Oshiro
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For fans of Courtney Summers and Tiffany D. Jackson, Into the Light is a ripped-from-the-headlines story with Oshiro’s signature mix of raw emotions and visceral prose―but with a startling twist you’ll have to read to believe.

APRIL

An Improbable Season by Rosalyn Eves
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For fans of Bridgerton, a Regency romance by Rosalyn Eves about three young women, their big dreams, and a London Season gone awry.

A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson
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Be swept away by a lush, witchy tale about forbidden magic and missing girls who don’t need handsome princes to rescue them. Perfect for fans of The Hazel Wood.

Forget Me Not by Alyson Derrick
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Perfect for fans of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Five Feet Apart, this tender solo debut by the coauthor of New York Times bestseller She Gets the Girl is a romantic ode to the strength of love and the power of choosing each other, against odds and obstacles, again and again.

This Delicious Death by Kayla Cottingham
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From the author of the New York Times bestselling My Dearest Darkest comes another incredible sapphic horror. When four best friends with a hunger for human flesh attend a music festival in the desert they discover a murderous plot to expose and vilify the girls and everyone like them. This summer is going to get gory.

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
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When two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection, they must face the depths of hell, in a war among gods, to seal their fate forever.

If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie Couch
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From the author of The Sky Blues and Blaine for the Win comes a speculative young adult romance about a teen stuck in a time loop that’s endlessly monotonous until he meets the boy of his dreams.

Never Vacation with Your Ex by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
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The Summer I Turned Pretty meets People We Meet on Vacation in a YA second chance romance from fan-favorite author couple #Wibbroka!

Pieces of Me by Kate McLaughlin
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The next gut-punching, compulsively readable Kate McLaughlin novel, about a girl finding strength in not being alone.

The Other Side of Infinity by Joan F. Smith
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They Both Die at the End meets The Butterfly Effect in this YA novel by Joan F. Smith, where a teen uses her gift of foreknowledge to help a lifeguard save a drowning man—only to discover that her actions have suddenly put his life at risk.

Queen Bee by Amalie Howard
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A teen girl seeking retribution against her backstabbing former best friend finds her plans slightly derailed once she catches the eye of a familiar, handsome marquess. Bestselling author Amalie Howard delivers a delightful, anti-historical Regency-era romp that’s Bridgerton meets The Count of Monte Cristo!

That Self-Same Metal by Brittany N. Williams
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A stunning YA fantasy debut, perfect for fans of Holly Black and Justina Ireland, about a Black girl (and sword expert) fighting a Fae uprising in Shakespearean London.

Silver In The Bone by Alexandra Bracken
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#1 New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Bracken cements her status as one of the top fantasy authors writing today in this stunning series opener inspired by Arthurian legend and fueled by love, revenge, and pure adrenaline!

MAY

If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come by Jen St. Jude
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We Are Okay meets They Both Die at the End in this YA debut about queer first love and mental health at the end of the world-and the importance of saving yourself, no matter what tomorrow may hold.

The Alchemy of Moonlight by David Ferraro
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The Alchemy of Moonlight by David Ferraro is a seductive YA paranormal romance following a runaway queer teen’s deepening and dangerous ties to a mysterious family of werewolves.

Nigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi
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From Ibi Zoboi, bestselling, award-winning author of American Street and co-author of Punching the Air, comes a bold new YA coming-of-age story, which explores race, feminism, and complicated family dynamics, about a girl whose father is the leader of a Black liberation group. The ideal next read for fans of Roxane Gay, Jacqueline Woodson, and Elizabeth Acevedo.

They Hate Each Other by Amanda Woody
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Jonah and Dylan get along like oil and water. Until a fake dating ploy gives them new perspective, and they realize that “falling for your enemy” isn’t as impossible as it seems.

Something Like Possible by Miel Moreland
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In this compelling YA contemporary from author Miel Moreland, a bisexual teen’s path to political staffer stardom is in jeopardy, until she convinces a cute new candidate to team up with her on the campaign trail.

I Like Me Better by Robby Weber
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I Like Me Better is joyful  queer summer romance from the author of If You Change Your Mind.

Court of the Undying Seasons by A.M. Strickland
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Sarah J. Maas meets A Deadly Education in A.M. Strickland’s lush, queer YA dark fantasy novel. Court of the Undying Seasons is a deliciously dark romantic novel and a pitch perfect modern take on classic vampire tropes.

No Perfect Places by Steven Salvatore
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From lauded author Steven Salvatore comes a moving YA novel about twins whose incarcerated father dies and leaves behind a life-changing secret, perfect for fans of I’ll Give You the Sun and Euphoria.

Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian
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From the Stonewall Honor–winning author of Like a Love Story comes a sweeping story of three generations of boys in the same Iranian family. Perfect for fans of Last Night at the Telegraph Club and Darius the Great Is Not Okay.

Secret of the Moon Conch by David Bowles and Guadalupe García McCall
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Award-winning authors David Bowles and Guadalupe García McCall join forces to craft a sweeping fantasy romance about falling in love despite all odds.

When the Vibe Is Right by Sarah Dass
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From the author of Where the Rhythm Takes You comes a delightful enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance set during Trinidad’s Carnival celebration.

In Nightfall by Suzanne Young
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In the quaint town of Nightfall, Oregon, it isn’t the dark you should be afraid of—it’s the girls. The Lost Boys meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this propulsive novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Treatment.

JUNE

Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou
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In a world where the children of the gods inherit their powers, a descendant of the Greek Fates must solve a series of impossible murders to save her sisters, her soulmate, and her city.

Wolfpack by Amelia Brunskill
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Perfect for fans of We Were Liars, Wolfpack is an unforgettable and unputdownable novel that will hold you breathless all the way to its shocking finale.

Kismat Connection by Ananya Devarajan
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In this charming YA debut, a girl who’s determined to prove her star chart wrong ropes her longtime best friend into an experimental relationship—not knowing that he has been in love with her for years.

Sing Me to Sleep by Gabi Burton
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In this dark and seductive YA fantasy debut, a siren must choose between protecting her family and following her heart in a prejudiced kingdom where her existence is illegal.

Some Shall Break by Ellie Marney
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This sequel to the New York Times bestselling None Shall Sleep is an equally electrifying, chilling thriller that brings us back into the lives of junior FBI consultants Travis Bell and Emma Lewis with a new case that may unravel everything they’ve been working for.

You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
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At Camp Mirror Lake, terror is the name of the game . . . but can you survive the night? This heart-pounding slasher by New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron is perfect for fans of Fear Street.

Ride or Die by Gail-Agnes Musikavanhu
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Gail-Agnes Musikavanhu’s adrenaline-packed joyride of a debut is an ode to Gen Z and chaotic teens—perfect for fans of Grace D. Li, Ebony Ladelle, and Baby Driver.

Invisible Son by Kim Johnson
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From the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of This Is My America comes another thriller about a wrongly accused teen desperate to recclaim both his innocence and his first love.

Always Isn’t Forever by J.C. Cervantes
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From New York Times bestselling author J.C. Cervantes comes a sparkling, unforgettable YA romance, perfect for fans of You’ve Reached Sam.

Plus One by Kelsey Rodkey
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Fans of Emma Lord and Rachel Lynn Solomon will revel in Kelsey Rodkey’s latest swoon-worthy YA rom-com as self-proclaimed matchmaker Lahey finally puts her own heart on the line—to find a date in just one week.

The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar
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A pun-filled YA contemporary romance, The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar finds a teenage girl competing in a televised baking competition, with contestants including her ex-girlfriend and a potential new crush – perfect for fans of The Great British Bake Off and She Drives Me Crazy!

Borrow My Heart by Kasie West
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When a girl overhears a guy getting verbally destroyed by his friends for being catfished, she jumps in to save the day—and pretends to be his online crush. A young adult romance from the critically acclaimed author of Places We’ve Never Been.

What YA releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post YA Book Releases To Add To Your TBR In 2023 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Out of Character by Annabeth Albert
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Red, White & Royal Blue meets Fangirl in this heartwarming romcom where two former friends strike an unlikely bargain that could lead to more than either expected.

Flash Fire by TJ Klune
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In the second installment in this hilarious contemporary fantasy trilogy, Nick has landed himself the superhero boyfriend of his dreams but with new heroes arriving in Nova City it’s up to Nick and his friends to determine who is a friend or a foe.

Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson
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From the author of You Should See Me in a Crown comes another stunning novel about being brave enough to be true to yourself, and learning to find joy even when times are unimaginably dark. Packed with irresistible romance, Rise to the Sun is a cinematic story about grief, love and the remarkable power of music to heal and connect us all.

What We Devour by Linsey Miller
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Beauty and the Beast meets Wicked Saints in this standalone dark fantasy from the author of Mask of Shadows duology and Belle Révolte.

Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier, illustrated by Val Wise
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Annie, a smart anti-social lesbian involuntarily joins the cheerleader squad to make friends and reconnects with her former friend BeeBee, a trans girl who must keep her parents happy to keep their support of her transition. Sparks fly when the two rekindle their friendship and realize just how much they’ve been missing each other.

Fresh by Margot Wood
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Some students enter their freshman college year knowing exactly what they want to do with their lives. Elliot McHugh is not one of those people. Fresh is all about Elliot’s hilarious yet flawed experiences during freshman year.

The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould
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A YA supernatural thriller about two girls who fall in love when they team up to stop an evil presence terrorizing a smalltown – a story about the things that lurk in the dark, the parts of you that can’t remain hidden and about finding home in places – and people – you didn’t expect.

Anything but Fine by Tobias Madden
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Anything but Fine is about a teenage ballet dancer who breaks his foot and begins to question everything he once took for granted, including his relationship with the dreamy, perfect-in-every-way, and seemingly straight captain of the rowing team.

The Hollow Heart by Marie Rutkoski
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Intrigue, romance and magic abound in this heart-stopping conclusion to Marie Rutkoski’s Forgotten Gods duology.

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
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n 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.

The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros
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David Levithan meets Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All in this haunting standalone historical fantasy that follows a young, queer Jewish immigrant who is possessed by the evil spirit of his murdered best friend and is catapulted into a deadly hunt for a serial killer terrorizing Chicago during the World’s Fair of 1893.

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
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 A Man Called Ove meets The Good Place in this delightful new queer love story from TJ Klune, author of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller The House in the Cerulean Sea. By turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, this absorbing tale of grief and hope is told Klune’s signature warmth, humor and extraordinary empathy.

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World
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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. 

The Insiders by Mark Oshiro
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Award-winning YA author Mark Oshiro makes their middle grade debut in this queer coming-of-age story about three kids who don’t belong, a room that shouldn’t exist, and the year that will change everything.

City of Shattered Light by Claire Winn
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In this YA sci-fi, an heiress flees her controlling father to prevent her test-subject sister’s mind from being reprogrammed—but must ally with a smuggler to outwit a monstrous AI, gravity-shifting gladiatorial pits, and bloodthirsty criminal matriarchs to save her sister and their city.

Tink and Wendy by Kelly Ann Jacobson
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What happens when Tinker Bell is in love with both Peter Pan and Wendy? In this sparkling re-imagining of Peter Pan, Peter and Wendy’s granddaughter Hope Darling finds the reclusive Tinker Bell squatting at the Darling mansion in order to care for the graves of her two lost friends after a love triangle gone awry. 

Spin Me Right Round by David Valdes
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A sharp, funny YA debut that’s Back to the Future with a twist, as a gay teen travels back in time to save a closeted classmate’s life.

Briar Girls by Rebecca Kim Wells
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Cursed to kill all those she touches, Lena endures an isolated life on the run from her fellow humans. But when an enigmatic stranger offers to help her break the curse in exchange for her aid in waking a princess hidden in an enchanted forest, Lena embarks on a quest to win her freedom, no matter the cost.

Grimrose Girls by Laura Pohl
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The Descendants meets Pretty Little Liars. Four troubled friends, One murdered girl… and a dark fate that may leave them all doomed.

The Reckless Kind by Carly Heath
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A genre-defying debut, this queer historical YA centers a wild and reckless trio who fly in the face of small town tradition—full of compassion, love, and determination to live the lives of their choosing.

If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich
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For fans of What If It’s Us: two boys in America’s biggest boy band fall for each other while on their first sold-out European tour, and are forced to keep their relationship a secret.

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.

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.

The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling
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Elise, a mortal girl who feels the death of anyone she touches, and Claire, the vampire assigned to recruit her for the Order, as they team up to stop a paranormal killer and realize they might be falling in love.

What queer books have you picked up in the second half of the year or are looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post You Need These New 2021 Queer Book Releases To End The Year appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

This month sees new releases from the likes of Elizabeth Lim, Karin Slaughter, Jasmine Guillory, Max Barry, and so many more!

Read on to discover our picks and tell us if you’re looking forward to any of them in the comments below! 

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 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.

The Good Lie by A.R. Torre
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Six teens murdered. A suspect behind bars. A desperate father. In a case this shadowy, the truth is easy to hide.

Song of the Forever Rains by E.J. Mellow
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From the award-winning author of the Dreamland series comes a new dark romantic fantasy about a young woman finding hope in her powers of destruction.

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. 

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.

False Witness by Karin Slaughter
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From the New York Times bestselling author of Pieces of Her and The Silent Wife, an electrifying standalone thriller.

While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory
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Two people realize that it’s no longer an act when they veer off-script in this sizzling romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory.

XOXO by Axie Oh
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Jenny’s never had much time for boys, K-pop, or really anything besides her dream of being a professional cellist. But when she finds herself falling for a K-pop idol, she has to decide whether their love is worth the risk. A modern forbidden romance wrapped in the glamorous and exclusive world of K-pop, XOXO is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Maurene Goo.

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…

The 22 Murders of Madison May by Max Barry
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From the critically acclaimed author of Jennifer Government and Lexicon comes mind-bending speculative psychological suspense about a serial killer pursuing his victim across time and space, and the woman who is determined to stop him, even if it upends her own reality.

Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson
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Packed with irresistible romance and irrepressible heart, bestselling author Leah Johnson delivers a stunning and cinematic story about grief, love, and the remarkable power of music to heal and connect us all.

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

The post July 2021 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Spanning the course of three days during a music festival, this book is perfect for being devoured in one sitting. We have a mystery aspect to Olivia and Toni’s lives at home, we have super varied but amazing friendship dynamics, and a cute spark that turns into so much more.

Both protagonists were super relatable. The way Olivia changes her entire persona to make people fall in love with her as a sort of protection mechanism because she thinks that if she were herself, they’d never stick around simultaneously broke my heart and made me feel so seen. In a world of social media, online dating etc, there are so many distractions that sometimes we feel we never find the person who will want us over everything else if we don’t constantly adapt and Olivia really illustrated that innate fear. Olivia keeps getting her heart broken and yet she still reaches out to new partners and it just made me love her even more when she and Toni fell head over heels for each other. Toni, meanwhile, is still reeling from her father’s death and won’t let anyone too close because she’s scared she’ll lose them as well. Her music is the one connection she still has to her father and I loved how that passion took center stage in Rise to the Sun. These two just had undeniable chemistry, a fantastic meet cute, and so many adorable romantic moments!

I also adored the secondary characters, namely their best friends. Imani, in particular, really shined as Olivia’s best friend who, time and again, has been cast aside whenever Olivia would fall in love with a new person and completely derail their best friend plans. When the same thing happens at the festival, Imani is upset and rightfully so—I really enjoyed the back and forth between them and could relate to Imani so much.

Rise to the Sun also includes discussions of important topics that really hit home—from fuckbois who somehow always get off scot-free no matter their crimes or the realities of what it means to be Black in a world where racism is still such a present issue, Johnson handles these topics with such care without forfeiting her stance on what it will take to make the world a better place and how much we owe to each other to fight for this better world. Quite like with her debut, Johnson’s voice is sharp, witty, and enlightening and makes for an unforgettable reading experience.

With Rise to the Sun, Leah Johnson delivers another outstanding tale of Black, sapphic love that defies all. At times hauntingly sad and yet strangely uplifting, this sophomore novel cements Johnson as one of the freshest voices of this generation.

Rise to the Sun is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of July 6th 2021.

Will you be picking up Rise to the Sun? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Three days. Two girls. One life-changing music festival.

Olivia is an expert at falling in love . . . and at being dumped. But after the fallout from her last breakup has left her an outcast at school and at home, she’s determined to turn over a new leaf. A crush-free weekend at Farmland Music and Arts Festival with her best friend is just what she needs to get her mind off the senior year that awaits her.

Toni is one week away from starting college, and it’s the last place she wants to be. Unsure about who she wants to become and still reeling in the wake of the loss of her musician-turned-roadie father, she’s heading back to the music festival that changed his life in hopes that following in his footsteps will help her find her own way forward.

When the two arrive at Farmland, the last thing they expect is to realize that they’ll need to join forces in order to get what they’re searching for out of the weekend. As they work together, the festival becomes so much more complicated than they bargained for, and Olivia and Toni will find that they need each other, and music, more than they ever could have imagined.

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