Why is YA so awesome right now?
YA – or young adult books – are totally knocking it out of the park. Most of the fabulous books I’ve read lately happen to fall into this magical category. If you think YA books are dumb because they are for teens and tweens, think again. You won’t find many books better than these. YA is fun for everyone.
Loved loved loved this one! Liz Lightly is a high school band geek who is just trying to make it through high school in small(ish) town Indiana. But she just doesn’t seem to fit in outside of music. When her scholarship falls through, she decides to run for Homecoming Queen because the prize money will make up the difference (who knew?). Liz is a great emcee, and us Hoosier band geeks have to stay together. I love the journey she went on as the book progressed. I wish I had been that brave in high school. Good for you, Liz Lighty.
Each book in this Once Upon a Con series is based on a fairy tale. This first one is Geekerella, which I had to read because that is such a great title. That led me to The Princess and the Fangirl, where an uber fan gets to pretend to be her favorite actress for the length of ExcelsiCon. Not to mention the most recent release, Bookish and the Beast. I don’t have a favorite book in the series, but taken together they are highly enjoyable, and I can’t wait to see what Poston does next.
Did you watch Glee or Pitch Perfect and fall in love? If you are any kind of a fan of a cappella, you have to check this book out. Jordan is working through her junior year at a fancy performing arts boarding school, but since she’s stuck in Alto 2 Land, no one in her musical theater department is impressed. Desperate to make some kind of a name for herself, Jordan pretends to be a guy and auditions for the all-male acca-group, The Sharpshooters. Her low voice is exactly what the Sharpshooters need to fill their Tenor 1 spot. Then hijinks ensue. Loved loved loved!
What would happen if Romeo and Juliet had been star-crossed frenemies from rival burger joints? To answer this question, look no further than this book. Featuring Twitter feuds, secret chat rooms, and darn good burgers, this book turns a whole bunch of unexpected, but enjoyable ways. Will we get our HEA? Will anyone discover the secret recipe? I loved these characters – especially Jack. I wish this would become a series because I could read about these guys all day!
If you’re looking for some great books to finish off your Summer Reading Challenge, these books would do it with a bang. I can’t wait to see what they come out with next.
Happy YA-ing…
:) Amanda
