Kids and Teen Blog
Teen Reads for the Beach
by Melissa
Events + Excerpts + Kids + YA Fiction / June 11, 2013
The sun is shining here at the Raincoast offices which, of course, reminds me that it's just about summer! The fast-approaching season is one of my favourites, because that means there's more time to relax in the sun and read a great book. I've been creating my own summer reading list, so I thought why not share some of Raincoast's awesome summer titles? Here are some books that are ideal for reading while soaking up the sun:
REAL MERMAIDS series by Hélène Boudreau 
A series for young readers, the REAL MERMAIDS books are ideal for summer time since they will inspire you to jump in a pool and act like a mermaid yourself...or is that just me? Hélène Boudreau creates an incredibly fun series that will keep kids reading during those relaxing summer moments and pool-bound during those not-so-relaxing ones.
HOW I LOST YOU by Janet Gurtler
Our awesome Sales & Marketing Assistant, Megan, has already blogged about this book here. But just to reiterate, How I Lost You is a contemporary book that delves into the complexities of friendship. What do you do when your best friend seems to be taking advantage of you, and isn't looking out for your best interests? How I Lost You rings true to life as the main character, Grace, struggles between loyalty and standing up for herself, and her dreams.
Located in the Calgary area? Janet will be signing books at the Cross Iron Indigo tonight, June 12th, beginning at 5:00 PM.
You can also find her at McNally Robinson in Winnipeg on June 26th at 7 PM.
The summer is also the perfect opportunity to try some Fierce Reads:
CREWEL by Gennifer Albin
In the words of one of our fantastic publicists, Jocelyne, "Crewel is like if The Giver starred a girl instead of a boy, that girl was like Katniss, and it all involved forbidden romance, dangerous politicking, and some seriously awesome weaving." If that very descriptive and intriguing recommendation didn't make you want to read it, I'm not sure what else will!
The second in the series, Altered, will be out in October. Can't wait until October? Take a look at sneak peeks from the Prologue and Chapter 1 of Altered here: PART 1 ; PART 2 ; PART 3 ; PART 4 ; PART 5
or check out The Department of Alterations, a short story set in the Crewel world.
OF POSEIDON and OF TRITON by Anna Banks
Another series about mermaids, but this time for the YA crowd. Of Poseidon and Of Triton will immediately suck you into the world of the Syrena (mermaids and mermen) and if you're like me, the books will probably make you want to be a mermaid too. Pick these up for a perfect summer read while you're lying on the beach and be inspired to take a dip in the ocean. Just watch out for sharks!
For more in the Syrena world, take a look at a prequel short story to Of Poseidon.
SHADOW AND BONE and SIEGE AND STORM by Leigh Bardugo
If you haven't yet read Shadow and Bone, what are you waiting for? This series is absolutely addictive. The first in the series sets up the intricate world of Ravka and the magical powers of the Grisha. With a strong female heroine, riveting love interest(s), and a fabulous villain who you're guaranteed to love to hate (or just to love), these books are impossible to put down. Word of warning: be prepared to anxiously await the third book in the series, coming in 2014.
For more in the Grisha world, check out Leigh Bardugo's short stories:
The Witch of Duva: A Ravkan Folk Tale
or read an excerpt from Siege & Storm here.
UNREMEMBERED by Jessica Brody
With a synopsis and title like this one, it's hard not to be curious about the mystery that Unremembered promises. The first in a series, Unremembered only untangles the beginning of a fascinating tale—one that is full of surprises at every turn. Combining elements of sci-fi, mystery and romance, Jessica Brody weaves a fast-paced tale that will be sure to keep readers hooked until the end. I will leave you with this slightly vague description, since disclosing anything further would ultimately result in spoilers—something you definitely don't want for this book!
Jessica Brody also wrote a short story to accompany Unremembered. You can find it here.
MONUMENT 14 and MONUMENT 14: SKY ON FIRE by Emmy Laybourne
Monument 14 tells the story of 14 kids—ranging from young children to teenagers--trapped in a superstore after disasters ravage the outside world, and how they must band together to survive. With parallels to Lord of the Flies, this book is full of interesting twists with a cliffhanger ending. The sequel continues the story with an equally gripping narrative. Fast-paced thrillers that will keep you enthralled to the very end, this series is perfect for dystopia-lovers.
Find a sneak peek from Monument 14: Sky on Fire here.
These last fabulous five authors will also be in Toronto at Indigo Yorkdale on June 19th at 7 PM! Come meet the authors and get some Fierce Reads swag. For more details, or to RSVP to the event, take a look at the Fierce Reads Facebook page.
