Children’s / Teenage fiction: Thrillers / suspense

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Book SynopsisIt''s every influencers biggest nightmare when a follower decides to kidnap her TikTok hero in order to become her BFF and a big star herself. Like Stephen King''s Misery... for the TikTok generation.The first time Nora saw one of Shea''s videos on TikTok, something just clicked. You know how you can see someone and know you''re supposed to be in each other's lives? Well, that''s how Nora felt. She knows Shea is a big star, with nearly a million followers, and Nora isn''t. But, really, all Nora needs is her own viral moment. And who better to help her with that than SheaIf life isn''t going to give Nora entry into Shea''s world, Nora''s going to have to take matters into her own hands.Meeting Shea.Kidnapping her.Holding her hostage until Shea finally understands...They are meant to be best, best friends.

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Book SynopsisHoping to avoid the Alcatraz guards, Zak Nine and Erro decide to climb down into a deep canyon to hide. But soon the boys see some huge rock formations that move! Zak and Erro are quickly caught by the giant criminals that have been imprisoned in the deep gorge. Some of the giants want to hand the boys over to the Alcatraz guards to gain their own freedom. But a few giants would rather turn the boys into dinner! Will Zak and Erro outwit their captors and get away before becoming the giants'' next meal?This special Express edition has a reduced level text of ATOS 2.0 or lower. With exciting illustrations and gripping, page-turning text, it is sure to engross even the most reluctant of readers.

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Book SynopsisA boy is researching animals in the library. Most of the books are boring, but one is very lively . . . and hungry. Now the boy has been gobbled up! Can he team up with the powerful Librarian and escape the belly of the beastly book? Uncover hidden dangers and dark mysteries with SECRETS OF THE LIBRARY OF DOOM, a page-turning chapter book series from bestselling author Michael Dahl.

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Book SynopsisAncient treasures are kept safe within the mighty Heroes Hold. Butâ the fierce Beast has âsomehow slipped inside. Itâsâ on the hunt for Heroes, a bookâ containing âthe power of all heroes from all stories.â Can the Librarian and his helpers make sure the mighty book is never checked out? Uncover hidden dangers and dark mysteries with SECRETS OF THE LIBRARY OF DOOM, a page-turning chapter book series from bestselling author Michael Dahl.

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Book SynopsisA groundbreaking YA thriller following a diplomat''s daughter from New York to Europe''s criminal underworld in search of her kidnapped father.The Cruelty is the first book from a groundbreaking new YA voice: an utterly compelling thriller.When Gwendolyn Bloom realizes that her father has been kidnapped, she has to take matters into her own hands. She traces him from New York City across the dark underbelly of Europe, taking on a new identity to survive in a world of brutal criminal masterminds. As she slowly leaves behind her schoolgirl self, she realizes that she must learn the terrifying truth about herself. To overcome the cruelty she encounters, she must also embrace it.Trade Review[...] well-crafted first novel [...] It’s a premise that demands a degree of suspended disbelief, but Bergstrom manages Gwen’s transformation from high school student to assassin believably enough, and he doesn’t avoid the toll Gwen’s actions take on her. Not for the weak of heart, this is a grim, fast-paced tale that stands knee-deep in dead bodies. * Publishers Weekly *This is a coming of age story like no other. Imagine if Jason Bourne was female and sixteen. That just about sums up The Cruelty... Smart, dangerous, kick-ass (yes, really) and an absolute page-turner, The Cruelty, is sure to be one of the hits of 2017. Look out Katniss – here comes Gwendolyn and she’s about to kick your butt! -- Jon Page * Couple of Pages *“It’s certainly a page turner […] this lurid, skilfully written book is certainly entertaining.” * Armadillo *“[…] well-crafted first novel. […] It’s a premise that demands a degree of suspended disbelief, but Bergstrom manages Gwen’s transformation from high school student to assassin believably enough, and he doesn’t avoid the toll Gwen’s actions take on her. Not for the weak of heart, this is a grim, fast-paced tale that stands knee-deep in dead bodies.” * Publishers Weekly *"[T]his debut novel is relentlessly paced, full of global sets, slick action […] with a grim, ass-kicking antihero."— * Booklist *

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Book SynopsisFIVE EXTRAORDINARY ORPHANS. ONE INCREDIBLE MYSTERY.UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF THE WINTERBORNE HOME FOR VENGEANCE AND VALOURFor readers who love the mystery of Robin Stevens and the mayhem of A Series of Unfortunate Events ...When 11-year-old April joins a group of kids living at Winterborne Home she doesn''t expect to be there for very long. But she soon learns that this home isn''t like any of the others - especially when she unearths the secret of the missing-and-presumed-dead billionaire, Gabriel Winterborne, who is neither missing nor dead but is actually living in a basement lair, sharpening his swords and looking for vengeance.Now that April knows Gabriel Winterborne is alive, she must turn to the other orphans to keep him that way. As a looming new danger threatens to take Gabriel down once and for all, they must use their individual talents to find a way to make sure this home for misfits isn''t lost to them for ever.Trade ReviewA thrilling mystery for whodunnit fans looking for their next Nancy Drew, the first in Ally Carter's new series is a joyful adventure packed full of daring escapades, edge-of-your-seat tension, and bright, believable characters. We can't wait for the next one * BookTrust *

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Book SynopsisThe next adventure in Kesia Lupo''s stunning and original YA fantasy world. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Laini Taylor.On a mysterious island where the very earth holds magic, masked assassins plague the city and strange creatures rise from the desert. Livio has riled against his destiny his whole life. Beatrice longs to escape her life of servitude. But when a twist of fate unites them, it is up to them to stop a deadly revolution.Are they just puppets in someone else''s game? Will they have to accept the hands they have been dealt or can either change their fortunes?Another thrilling, plot-driven adventure, with an even bigger twist, We Are Bound by Stars is a tale of masks, politics, desire and deception that will have you gripped once again in Kesia Lupo''s rich fantasy world.Trade ReviewDeft, dark and daring, Kesia Lupo seamlessly entwines the fates of two young women bound by magic to a dying city * Melinda Salisbury on WE ARE BLOOD AND THUNDER *A stormer of a story! * Kiran Millwood Hargrave on WE ARE BLOOD AND THUNDER *A gorgeously written fantasy, with a haunting, intricate world * Mary Watson on WE ARE BLOOD AND THUNDER *Enchanting. This isn’t just an excellent book – it is unusual, unique and universally appealing * Natasha Pulley on WE ARE BLOOD AND THUNDER *The sequel to We are Blood and Thunder kicks the worldbuilding and the themes up a gear resulting in an even pacier more absorbing second book. Livio and Beatrice are about to find out that destiny is not going to fall out as they expected. This was a great book about choices and consequences that was even better than the first one * NetGalley Reviewer *This book brings into question the true nature of destiny and its implications. There is a creative use of magic and fantasy, which adds a unique dimension. The story of both protagonists intertwines beautifully at the end of the story * Teen Titles Magazine *

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Book SynopsisAn eerie, modern gothic thriller about what awaits us after death - angels or the devil . . . A fast-paced, dark, sinister and powerful novel, shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2011 and longlisted for the Guardian Children''s Fiction Prize 2010. It''s summer. Taken from the buzz of London, her friends and what she thinks is the start of a promising romance, Rebecca is an unwilling visitor to Winterfold.Ferelith already lives in Winterfold - it''s a place that doesn''t like to let you go, and she knows it inside out: the beach, the crumbling cliff paths, the village streets, the woods, the deserted churches and ruined graveyards, year by year being swallowed by the sea. Against their better judgement, Rebecca and Ferelith become friends, and during that long, hot, claustrophobic summer they discover more about each other - and about Winterfold - than either could have wanted. Frightening secrets are uncovered that would have been best long forgotten.Trade Reviewan original and exceptional novel of tragedy, angels, devils and friendship * THE BOOKSELLER *The narrative is fast paced and dark. The characterisation of the two protagonists is powerful * BOOKS FOR KEEPS *This may be [Sedgwick's] most ambitious book yet ... explores religion, death, friendship, truth and love with an intensity that confident older readers will immerse themselves in * DAILY MAIL *An oppressive modern-gothic thriller * TIME OUT *A dark and gruesome modern Gothic novel, with a compelling, and carefully crafted dual storyline that really builds the tension. The way in which the past and present interweave is brilliantly achieved, and there is a tremendous sense of place, both creepy and oppressive. * GOOD BOOK GUIDE *

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Book SynopsisYou don''t need to have superpowers to be a hero.Theodore Boone is back in a new adventure, and the stakes are higher than ever. When his best friend, April, disappears from her bedroom in the middle of the night, no one, not even Theo Boone - who knows April better than anyone - has answers. As fear ripples through his small hometown and the police hit dead ends, it''s up to Theo to use his legal knowledge and investigative skills to chase down the truth and save April. Filled with the page-turning suspense that made John Grisham a number one international bestseller and the undisputed master of the legal thriller, Theodore Boone''s trials and triumphs will keep readers guessing until the very end.**********************What readers are saying about THEODORE BOONE: THE ABDUCTION''The most exciting and gripping book in this series so far'' - 5 stars''Really enjoyed reading this book - thanTrade ReviewPraise for THEODORE BOONE:Not since Nancy Drew has a nosy, crime-obsessed kid been so hard to resist. * The New York Times *Gripping... I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery. I think everyone will be enthralled by Theodore Boone. * Scholastic News *There's a new kid on the young fiction block, and this one really does have serious powers: Theodore Boone, half-boy, half-lawyer... fans will be pleased to know there will be more of Theo's adventures to come. * Sunday Express *Contemporary lit for young readers has its icons: Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Artemis Fowl. Make way for the new kid on the block. * USA Today *Nobody does legal fiction better. * Daily Express *A master of his craft. * Guardian *Another page-turner that will find favour with Grisham fans and everyone who enjoys unravelling a good mystery. * Country News Insert *A suspenseful page-turner. * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisBecca King and her mother are on the run from her stepfather who has used Becca''s talent for hearing ''whispers'' to make a large and illegal sum of money. Now their options for safety are running out. In the town of Langley on Whidbey Island, Becca finds refuge in the home of her mother''s childhood friend while her mother continues on to Canada in search of safety.But on her first day in town Becca meets sixteen years old Derric Mathieson, a Ugandan orphan who was adopted as a ten-year-old by the town''s Deputy Sheriff. Derric has a secret that no one on Whidbey Island knows. Derric and Becca form an un-severable bond. Becca is convinced that she''s the only person who can truly help him, and just maybe Derric can convince Becca that life is too short to live on the run.Trade ReviewAction-packed, mysterious, and somewhat creepy . . . Raising the bar when it comes to today's YA fiction. * Suspense Magazine *In combining her skills in crime writing with an obvious flair for the supernatural this award-winning author creates a wonderful tale. * My Weekly *The author writes brilliantly and has an incredible ability to set a scene and create characters you want to know more about. * Sun *Presses all the buttons to make us hoover her stuff up. * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe Martian for teens - an epic, highly original space thriller with real science and heartbreaking beauty.Leo has never set foot on Earth. Born and raised with twins Orion and Libra on the Moon 2 Space Station, they have grown up together in the most extraordinary of ways. Now, they are preparing to make their first trip home - their first journey to Earth. But Leo, Orion and Libra cannot possibly imagine the irreversible consequences that their return will set into motion...Trade ReviewAn exciting read, full of suspense. * The School Librarian *a timeworn science fiction scenario is brought back to full brightness, aiming its tight-beamed questions with the intensity of borrowed light...The book's depiction of an Earth both familiar and strange (and a satellite in which engineered sterility is pervaded by tenderness), its thrilling, audaciously unlikely denouement, and its ethical and philosophical conundrums are all communicated via Leo's truncated, syncopated diction. * Times Literary Supplement *This is extraordinary science fiction, as diverse and humane as Iain M Banks at his best * The Guardian *I love Nick Lake's writing. I would read anything he wrote - grocery list, email etc., because his writing, always, is so real and so brave. He takes on subjects other writers might avoid, and he writes the hell out of them. -- Jennifer Niven, New York Times bestselling authorNick Lake's book grips from the off, combining elements of science fiction and thriller for a page-turning read. A powerful vision of space and science, at its core Satellite is a story about the need to belong - a universal story about a universal dream. * INIS Reading Guide, Children's Books Ireland *An epic space story based around real science, it's a truly gripping thriller, imbued with raw emotion. Lake's best book since his debut, In Darkness. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *'Satellite is a sci-fi, poetic-epic adventure that is foremostly Leo's, whose story you must read...Meticulous and mesmeric second-by-second descriptions of floating existence in zero gravity are combined with a detective-like thread in Leo's voice - an assured narrator whose mature self-reflections and heightened visual descriptions are highly enjoyable...The whole narrative is laden with introverted meditations on language and experience, making for challenging reading...always rich, poetic and thrilling...Personally, the love of language and experience that Satellite exudes will stay with me the most.' * Armadillo Magazine *Told in Leo's abbreviated, allusive diction, this is extraordinary science fiction, as diverse and humane as Iain M Banks at his best' -- Imogen Russell Williams * The Guardian *Satellite is a novel of great beauty. The prose is careful but expansive and technical but poetic. The glories and wonders of space and science breathe through every line but so do the more quotidian experiences of tasting ice cream for the first time, or seeing a bird in flight, or hearing music played live and not through your headphones. It's a mystery thriller at its heart...but it moves at a slow, luxurious pace, unlike most thrillers. And Lake finds room for so much that is of interest to his young readers - family dynamics, sexuality, gender expression, finding love, coming-of-age, climate change, the list seems almost endless. And it's seamless; nothing shoe-horned in...Nick Lake is one of the highest quality authors writing for our young people today. His range is exceptional and he can capture human experience with poetic detail. And in Satellite he wrote a kiss that made me cry for its beauty and sadness. * The Book Bag *Set on a space station in the near future, this cool concept sci-fi novel with a powerful finding-your-way-in-the-world theme also has much for fans of contemporary YA...This is a thought-provoking thriller, fuelled by the suspenseful space journey, and by Leo's emotional journey...With this foray into sci-fi, author Nick Lake confirms his status as a writer with immensely diverse talents. * Lovereading4kids *

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Book SynopsisYou don't know it exists, but when you have nowhere else to turn, the Haven will find you ... An adrenaline-fuelled adventure in a new series by top thriller writer Simon Lelic.Trade ReviewThis is a compelling, fast paced story full of exciting twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was totally absorbed in the world it graphically creates. * Primary Times *A thrilling, page-turner of an adventure. * Parents in Touch *It's London but not as you know it. The government has turned its back on society and adults are too busy looking after themselves to care for youth. So when Ollie Turner's guardian is violently attacked right before him, the orphan takes refuge deep in the sewers under the city. It's here he stumbles upon a secret headquarters who may just offer him the belonging and safety he needs. Run for kids by kids, the Haven protects youth, champions justice and accepts Ollie into its mysterious ranks. But nothing comes without a cost. Fans of rapid-pace novels packed with adventure, thrills, twists and turns will love Lelic's first foray into Young Adult fiction after success in the adult thriller genre. * CANVAS *

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Book SynopsisYou don't know it exists, but when you have nowhere else to turn, the Haven will find you ... An adrenaline-fuelled adventure, second in the Haven series, by top thriller writer Simon Lelic.Trade ReviewThe Haven has taken on a life of its own now, and easily stands beside Robert Muchamore's CHERUB series without in any way being in its shadow * Crime Review *

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Book SynopsisThe highly anticipated sequel to the must-read psychological thriller The Girls I''ve Been (soon to be a Netflix film).Nora O''Malley has survived . . . senior year, that is. School''s over, but her life isn''t, which is weird since last she checked, her murderous stepdad Raymond is finally free. Determined to enjoy summer before her (possibly) imminent demise, Nora plans a backpacking trip with Iris and Wes. And Wes''s girlfriend tags along. Amanda''s nice, so it''s not a huge issue. Until she gets taken. Or rather, mis-taken . . . for Nora, that is. Now they''re deep in the woods. Raymond has a hostage. Nora has no leverage. Iris is carving spears out of sticks. And Wes is building booby traps. It''ll take all of them to make it out alive. But someone is lying. Someone is keeping secrets. And someone has to die.Praise for THE GIRLS I''VE BEEN''Unlike anything I''ve read before...

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Book SynopsisThe gripping sequel to Prisoner of Night and Fog. The epic tale of one young woman racing to save the man she loves during one of history''s darkest hours. For fans of The Book Thief and Beneath a Scarlet Sky.'' ''It''s terrifying and incredible to think how much of this story is true'' Elizabeth Wein, author of Code Name Verity on Prisoner of Night and Fog Gretchen Muller has three rules for her new life:1. Blend into the surroundings2. Don''t tell anyone who you really are3. Never, ever go back to GermanyGretchen Whitestone has a secret: she used to be part of Adolf Hitler''s inner circle. When she made an enemy of her former friends, she fled Munich for Oxford with her love, Daniel Cohen. But then a telegram calls Daniel back to Germany, and Gretchen''s world turns upside down when he is accused of murder. To save Daniel, Gretchen must returTrade ReviewSuspenseful and clever, intertwining historical truth with action-packed shootouts * Kirkus Reviews *The book's meld of romance, action, and thriller is utterly convincing... a heady sweep of truth and fiction. The mystery, revolving around Göring and a mistress he might have killed, twists effectively, ramping up to a real-life historical conspiracy * Booklist *I'm in awed envy of the daring with which Anne Blankman plunges into her difficult and sensitive subject matter. To read Prisoner of Night and Fog is to be immersed in a breathtaking evocation of Munich in the 1930s, where life is ordinary and skin-crawling by turns, and in the painful, hopeful story of one young girl's awakening conscience. It's terrifying and incredible to think how much of this story is true -- Elizabeth Wein, author of CODENAME VERITYA tremendously cleverly constructed and terrifically compelling story that puts you right back into History - I read this one obsessively and felt every single moment * www.lizlovesbooks.com *I haven't liked a historical fiction novel quite this much since Elizabeth Wein's Rose Under Fire. Prisoner of Night and Fog is completely absorbing. It's well-written and clever, and the sort of book that lingers in your thoughts well after the final pages * www.realmoffiction.blogspot.co.uk *Completely engrossing * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *

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Book SynopsisFor months, a gruesome killer has been plaguing the Midwest. The murderer’s calling card? The bodies they leave behind are completely drained of blood. Aspiring journalist Michael Jensen, desperate to escape his small-town life, can hardly believe it when the Bloodless Murders come to sleepy Black Deer Falls, Minnesota. Or that his father, the sheriff, located the only suspect: fifteen-year-old Marie Catherine Hale.Tiny Marie doesn’t look capable of committing the grisly, inhumane attacks that are gripping the nation. At least, not on her own. With Marie refusing to talk to anyone but Michael, he agrees to tell her side of the story.But how can Michael trust Marie’s confession when it calls into question everything he's ever known . . . when falling for her lies may cost him his life?All These Bodies by Kendare Blake is the bone-chilling supernatural thriller for older readers, perfect for fans of Rory Power.

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Book SynopsisDry meets Hatchet in this thrilling tale of survival following a teen girl who must lead her friends across the country to the safety of her estranged father’s survivalist compound after a mass power failure leaves the country in chaos.When seventeen-year-old Zara escaped her father’s backwoods survivalist compound five years ago, she traded crossbows and skinning hides for electricity and video games…and tried to forget the tragedy that drove her away. Until a malware attack on the United States electrical grids cuts off the entire country’s power. In the wake of the disaster and the chaos that ensues, Zara is forced to call upon skills she thought she’d never use again—and her best bet to survive is to go back to the home she left behind. Drawing upon a resilience she didn’t know she had, Zara leads a growing group of friends on an epic journey across a crumbling country back to her father’s compound, where their only hope for salvation lies. But with every step she takes, Zara wonders if she truly has what it takes to face her father and the secrets of her past, or if she’d be better off hiding in the dark.

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Book SynopsisLia Setiawan has never really fit in. And when she wins a full ride to the prestigious Draycott Academy on a track scholarship, she's determined to make it work even though she's never felt more out of place.But on her first day there she witnesses a girl being forcefully carried away by campus security. Her new schoolmates and teachers seem unphased, but it leaves her unsure of what she's gotten herself into.And as she uncovers the secrets of Draycott, complete with a corrupt teacher, a golden boy who isn't what he seems, and a blackmailer determined to get her thrown out, she's not sure if she can trust anyone…especially when the threats against her take a deadly turn.

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Book SynopsisThe thrilling conclusion to Ryan Graudin's Carnegie Medal 2017 nominated alternative history and fantasy epic, WOLF BY WOLF. In 1950s Germany, the war may be over, but the fight has just begun . . .There would be blood. Blood for blood. Blood to pay. An entire world of it. With their mission to overthrow the Nazis in danger, Yael and the resistance are ready to fight. Forced to run, life in the shadows for Yael, Luka and Felix isn't easy, especially when their enemy seems to know their every move. And when each step uncovers dark secrets and even darker truths, each must find a way to navigate right and wrong, past and future, life and death, if they are to survive at all.A captivating story of survival, love and freedom in a gripping, fantastical alternate universe from WOLF BY WOLF and THE WALLED CITY author, Ryan Graudin.Trade ReviewRollercoaster ride...great piece of alternate history fiction. Recommended * The Bookbag *The sequel to the excellent Wolf by Wolf does not disappoint, and has a very satisfactory conclusion. * Reading Zone *This isn't your average high-action YA novel - this one is more thought-provoking and gut-wrenching and noteworthy, in various ways * Eater of Books *The climax was fantastic, one surprise to the next that left me breathless and desperate to read more (I actually read one of the chapters on my phone while pretending to be busy at work...) * Maia and a Little Moore *Wolf by Wolf completely immerses the reader in a story they'll never forget. Filled to the brim with tension and intrigue, non-stop action and a vivid cast of characters, you'll feel every bump in the road they ride. I simply couldn't stop reading-and wherever Ryan Graudin rides next, I'll follow. -- Amie Kauffman, New York Times Bestselling author of These Broken Stars

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Book Synopsis‘There were friends once, but they melted away. Things are different now I am a MONSTER’ Frances is alone. Cast away on a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, she has to find water, food and shelter. But survival is hard. Especially when she is haunted by memories of the things that she did before, the things that made her a monster. Pushed to the limit in extreme conditions, she battles to come to terms with her past, and find a future worth fighting for. This is a gripping and thought-provoking story about one girl’s journey to become the person she believes she can be.

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Book SynopsisReal, compulsive and intense: Cat Clarke is the queen of emotional suspense. For fans of Paula Hawkins, Gillian Flynn, Megan Abbott and Jandy Nelson.Jem Halliday is in love with her gay best friend. Not exactly ideal, but she's learning to live with it. Then the unspeakable happens. Kai is outed online ... and he kills himself. Jem knows nothing she can say or do will bring him back. But she wants to know who was responsible. And she wants to take them down. A searing story of love, revenge and betrayal from a bestselling author.Trade ReviewAn emotional page-turner * Teen Now magazine *Perfect and heart breaking at the same time ... A brilliant read * Overflowing Library *Most definitely Cat Clarke's best novel yet * Serendipity Reviews *An utterly gripping tale and rips into those dark places inside us all where revenge blooms and I defy you not to gasp and be jolted out of your seat as you read it * Sister Spooky *Undone is what contemporary YA should be: gritty, thought-provoking and emotionally involving. Brilliant. * So Many Books, So Little Time *We laughed and we cried, but MAN were we not expecting the explosive conclusion * Sugarscape *A powerful novel, but Clarke uses enough humour to make sure that it's never relentlessly bleak * Bookbag *A searing story of love, revenge and betrayal * U magazine *Simply put, Undone is astounding ... It's just brilliant * Writing from the Tub *Incredible - pure and simple * Writing from the Tub on Cat Clarke *Undoubtedly one of the most exciting and talented YA writers in Britain * Library Mice on Cat Clarke *I wholly, unabashedly and completely recommend this book * Inis Magazine on Cat Clarke *Clarke...succeeds brilliantly, thanks to the reality of the characters and the depth of the emotion * The Scotsman on Cat Clarke *Moving, thought provoking and utterly gripping from start to finish * Mizz on Cat Clarke *Clarke excels at genuine page-turners and I read this in one greedy sitting * The Bookseller on Cat Clarke *

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Book SynopsisReal, compulsive and intense: Cat Clarke is the queen of emotional suspense. For fans of Paula Hawkins, Gillian Flynn, Megan Abbott and Jandy Nelson.Can love survive the ultimate betrayal? A compelling story of love and identity from a bestselling author.When Alex meets Kate the attraction is instant. Alex is funny, good-looking, and a little shy - everything that Kate wants in a boyfriend. Alex can't help falling for Kate, who is pretty, charming and maybe just a little naive... But one of them is hiding an unbelievable secret, and as their love blossoms, it threatens to ruin not just their relationship, but their lives...Trade ReviewAll in all a perfect YA novel which blew me away from the start, had me gripped until the end and left me in emotional tatters * Good Reads *A realistic, gritty novel of growing as a person, of loving a person of acceptance and one that will stick with you even after the last page! * Studio Reads *The best yet from the consistently great Cat Clarke, this is a stunning story of a relationship with a secret at the heart of it * Book Bag *Clarke excels at genuine page-turners with a heart of darkness and I read this in one greedy sitting. * The Bookseller *A satsifying and...all-too-credible thriller * Inis *Undoubtedly one of the most exciting and talented YA writers in Britain * Library Mice on Cat Clarke *I wholly, unabashedly and completely recommend this book * Inis Magazine on Cat Clarke *Clarke...succeeds brilliantly, thanks to the reality of the characters and the depth of the emotion * The Scotsman on Cat Clarke *Moving, thought provoking and utterly gripping from start to finish * Mizz on Cat Clarke *

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Book SynopsisThe Outfit' had never really believed the stories about the ghosts of Weeping Wood until now! When odd events keep on happening, they decide to investigate the strange cries that come from the forest, but soon discover there's more to the mystery than they could ever have imagined! This gripping, page-turning read from the Carnegie Medal-winning master storyteller Robert Swindells is a great introduction to the series, as The Outfit hunt out adventure, crimes and mysteries to solve as only a bunch of best friends could!

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for CrimeFest Best Crime Novel for Young Adults 2019. Nora has lied about many things. But has she told her most dangerous lie of all? There’s a new art assistant at Nora’s school, and he’s crossed a line. Nora decides to teach him a lesson he won’t forget. But not everything goes quite to plan, and Nora needs an escape. She befriends the rich and talented Bel, who longs for a part in a remake of a famous film. Bel is unpredictable, jealous and crazy, but she opens up a new world for Nora, and that makes her irresistible. As events start to spin wildly out of control, Nora must decide where her loyalties lie – and what deceits she can get away with.Trade Review"Gray has a sure-footed understanding of the adolescent mind (so much so that I often winced in pleasurable recognition) and creates a gripping, smoothly executed psychodrama... I genuinely could not stop reading this: a treat for teens and above." -- Philip Womack * Literary Review *"Julia Gray’s impressive, Patricia Highsmith inspired Little Liar... puts readers into the hands of the ultimate unreliable narrator for a story that never lets you stay too long on stable ground - it’s nail-biting stuff." * Waterstones Children's Summer Reading Round-Up *"This gripping psychological thriller, crackling with the intensities of female friendship, confirms [Julia Gray] as a highly original new talent in YA fiction" -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *"Julia Gray’s second novel is a superb psychological thriller with a distinctive voice, a clever blend of contemporary realism and classic noir." -- Claire Hennessy * Inis Reading Guide *"Julia Gray has created an immensely powerful psychological thriller which challenges our whole understanding of behaviour and warns against passing judgement" * Carousel *"Intelligent, gripping, highly original." -- Andrea Reece * Lovereading *"Intense, psychological, gripping; The Talented Mr Ripley for YA" -- Anna McKerrow"Smart, gripping and sharply-observed YA, with a pitch-perfect narrative voice." * Katherine Woodfine *"Another wildly inventive, thrillingly unreliable narrator from the immeasurably talented Julia Gray. Full of twists and turns this story leaves you wondering who is telling the tallest story. A great novel about truth and lies and what we need to believe to stay alive." -- Julia Bell"...a gripping, memorable page turner that I am glad to have read." * Teach Secondary *

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Book SynopsisBea has started to hear and see things that no one else can – creatures, voices, visions. Then strangers visit Bea and tell her she is different: she has the rare powers of a witch. They warn her she is being hunted. Her parents think she is hallucinating and needs help. All Bea wants to do is get on with her life, and to get closer to Lars, the mysterious young man she has met at the skate park. But her life is in danger, and she must break free. The question is – who can she trust? Carnegie Medal-winner Melvin Burgess returns with a powerful, thrilling fantasy for young adults about magic, myth and following your instincts.Trade Review"Extraordinary" -- Simon Mayo * Simon Mayo's Books of the Year podcast *"Rich, twisty storytelling ... Written with observation and skill" -- Nicolette Jones * Sunday Times *"Burgess is a master storyteller" -- Alex O'Connell * The Times, Children's Book of the Week *"The godfather of young adult fiction" * BBC Front Row *"Melvin Burgess is an original, experimental voice and in his first YA novel for five years he draws on the rich tradition of British fantasy rooted in landscape and folklore" -- Fiona Noble * Observer *"Burgess’s work remains strong meat, sometimes overwhelming; abduction, seduction, deceit, coercion and the limits of moral responsibility all test the reader’s tolerance of trauma to breaking point in this arresting coming-of-age tale." -- Imogen Russell Williams * Guardian *"Tackles issues of control, identity, personal freedom and trust through the medium of folklore and magic... An arresting, high-octane adventure" -- Sally Morris * Daily Mail *"...an uncompromising look at issues in a way that doesn't patronise young adult readers. A tough page-turner." -- Jane Graham * Big Issue - Kid's Books of 2018 *

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Book SynopsisIn Boston, a young woman finds herself pregnant – even though she is still a virgin.In Ireland, another young woman discovers she is in the same impossible condition.And in cities all around the world, medical authorities are overwhelmed by epidemics, droughts, famines, floods and worse. It all feels like a sign that something awful is coming.Anne Fitzgerald, a former nun turned private investigator, is hired by the Archdiocese of Boston to investigate the immaculate conceptions. Even as she comes to care about and trust the young women, she realises that both are in great danger. Terrifying forces of light and darkness are gathering.Stepping into uncharted territory where the unknown is just the beginning, Anne must discover the truth – to save the young women, to save herself and to protect the future of all mankind.The worldwide bestseller, updated for young adults

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Book SynopsisAn ocean-drenched, atmospheric horror debut! Liv's best friend disappears on their first night aboard their dream semester-at-sea program - but is he really sick, like everyone says, or is something darker lurking beneath the water?It should have been the trip of a lifetime.When Liv lands an all-expenses-paid opportunity to study aboard the luxury cruise ship the Eos for a semester, she can't believe her luck. Especially since it will offer her the chance to spend time with Will, her ex-best friend, who's barely spoken to her since the night their relationship changed forever. But as soon as she steps on board, Liv realizes just how out of her depth she is. With Will, with the rest of the Seamester students - including the brittle and beautiful Constantine, who may be hiding his own ties to the Eos - and most of all, with the Sirens, three glamorous and mysterious influencers who seem to have the run of the ship.Liv quickly discovers that the only reason she was invited to join the trip is because another girl disappeared shortly after enrolling-and no one seems to know what happened to her. When further disappearances rock the ship and strange creatures begin haunting Liv's dreams, she wonders: Is the Eos hiding a dark secret within its shadowy decks?The truth will come at a price . . . only, how much is Liv willing to pay?Trade ReviewThe slow unravelling of the mystery is captivating and surprising... An original, suspenseful, and atmospheric debut. * Kirkus Reviews *Through Liv's snarky first-person narration, Goldsmith crafts a seafaring tale of grim horror. * Publishers Weekly *Quick-fire pacing and stunning reveals around every corner... as dazzling as it is terrifying. * Kara Thomas, author of That Weekend and The Cheerleaders *An immaculately crafted, eerie thriller that will hold readers in breathless suspense until the final, chilling moments. * Lyndall Clipstone, author of The World at the Lake’s Edge duology *Taut and immersive. * Tara Goedjen, author of No Beauties or Monsters *A delicious descent into dark waters... a slippery, salt-soaked mystery where no one can be trusted and debts must be paid. * Ann Fraistat, author of What We Harvest *Weaving Greek mythology and oceanic horror into a glittering mystery at sea, Those We Drown explores the sinister side of wealth, beauty, and privilege. * Erica Waters, author of The River Has Teeth and The Restless Dark *This story took me on an adventure I won't soon forget. I've always wanted to go on a cruise . . . but this made me think twice. I loved it. * Amanda Linsmeier, author of Starlings *

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Book SynopsisThe first in a fast-paced, funny series featuring The Stig: Top Gear's legendary racing driver.Sam Wheeler may be the new boy in Bunsfold, but he's got a feeling that all is not well either in the town or at Bunsfold High - and he's not just talking about the maths teacher with the unfortunate flatulence. A local boy, Buster Mustang, has recently gone missing, and no one seems to care - they're all too busy playing the highly addictive video game Xenon or getting the town ready for its very first TT race. Both are the brainchild of mysterious local billionaire PT Cruiser. Besides global domination, PT Cruiser wants nothing more than to destroy his nemesis The Stig once and for all - and his TT race is just what he needs to tempt him on to the big stage again ...Sam sets out with his new friends Minnie Cooper and Ford Harrison to uncover the truth behind all the strange goings-on in Bunsfold - but danger has a habit of showing up wherever they do, and soon all that stands between our heroes and disaster is ... a taciturn man in a white suit.Perfect for fans of ALEX RIDER and CHERUBTrade ReviewThe Stig works surprisingly well as the action star of this fast-paced and funny children's book * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisReal, compulsive and intense: Cat Clarke is the queen of emotional suspense. For fans of Paula Hawkins, Gillian Flynn, Megan Abbott and Jandy Nelson.SHE WAS LOST... When six-year-old Laurel Logan was abducted, the only witness was her younger sister, Faith. Faith's childhood was dominated by Laurel's disappearance - from her parents' broken marriage and the constant media attention to dealing with so-called friends who only ever wanted to talk about her sister. NOW SHE IS FOUND... Thirteen years later, a young woman is found in the garden of the Logans' old house, disorientated and clutching the teddy bear Laurel was last seen with. Laurel is home at last, safe and sound. Faith always dreamed of getting her sister back, without ever truly believing it would happen. But a disturbing series of events leaves Faith increasingly isolated and paranoid, and before long she begins to wonder if everything that's lost can be found again...Trade ReviewClarke excels at genuine page-turners with a heart of darkness and I read this in one greedy sitting. * The Bookseller *A satsifying and...all-too-credible thriller * Inis *Undoubtedly one of the most exciting and talented YA writers in Britain * Library Mice on Cat Clarke *I wholly, unabashedly and completely recommend this book * Inis Magazine on Cat Clarke *Clarke...succeeds brilliantly, thanks to the reality of the characters and the depth of the emotion * The Scotsman on Cat Clarke *Moving, thought provoking and utterly gripping from start to finish * Mizz on Cat Clarke *Blending coming-of-age elements with psychological suspense, Clarke carefully weaves a story in which the unnerving truth is slowly unveiled. As with the best thrillers, the truth is far from a straight line, and what readers believe changes with every turn of the page. In this fast-paced and darkly entertaining novel, Clarke's true success lies is in crafting a realistic and haunting story of two young women who redefine what it means to be sisters. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisMission: SurvivalLocation : The Sahara DesertDangers : Diamond smugglers; heatstroke; scorpionsAfter being forced to parachute out of a smugglers’ plane, teenage adventurer Beck Granger is about to face his toughest survival challenge yet – the Sahara Desert. Blistering sun, shifting sand dunes, and no water for hundreds of miles . . .Can he survive the heat and make it out alive?Trade ReviewA very good read * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisJesse is on a school trip in New York when his subway carriage is rocked by an explosion. When he and three friends crawl out of the wreckage they discover a city in chaos. Streets are deserted. Buildings are in ruins. And the only other survivors are infected with a virus that turns them into horrifying predators. . .

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Book SynopsisA Girl. A War. Who to Trust? Even your friends may betray you. In war everyone becomes a new person and some seem to shed their old skin entirely. Paris 1942, when Amelie Dreyfus hides in her mother's cupboard, it's a game; when she comes out it's a matter of life and death.Trade Review'A powerful wartime adventure.' THE BOOKSELLER 'A gripping, utterly convincing wartime spy story' LOVEREADING4KIDS 'Hide and Seek brings to vivid life the courage of young people who risked all in the French resistance in the Second World War.Young Amelie Dreyfus is playing hide and seek when the soldiers come for her Jewish family. A much more dangerous game of cat-and-mouse ensues as she half-starves, makes common cause with resistance operatives and eventually outperforms a whole cadre of British spies with her cunning and courage. Who can you trust, Scott-Elliot asks.' THE OBSERVER 'An epic, inspiring coming-of-age novel, which thrills from the opening pages and doesn't lose its grip' CHRIS SOUL

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Book Synopsis A deliciously spooky novel packed with illustrations - Stranger Things for younger readers! 'Wildly imaginative and totally terrifying' JEFF KINNEY, AUTHOR OF DIARY OF A WIMPY KID 'A haunted-house version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' BRIAN SELZNICK, AUTHOR OF THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET 'Overgrown with fantastic ideas' THE NEW YORK TIMES Nothing seems out of place in the town of Cowslip Grove. But kids have been going missing – excpet no one even realizes it, because no one remembers them. Not their friends. Not their teachers. Not even their families. But Levi and Kat do remember, and only they can see why everyone is in danger when night descends. Can they find the disappeared before evil swallows the town whole? A spellbinding, original and lavishly illustrated horror story for middle-grade readers Half-written, half-graphic novel, and all spooky mystery! Two unlikely friends face down their worst fears in order to stop their small town – and themselves – from disappearing

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Book SynopsisWhen Pearl discovers a newspaper clipping showing a picture of her dad holding the baby he found abandoned outside a hospital, it sets off a chain of events of betrayal, obsession, murder. And it all started with a lie. Perfect for fans of Cynthia Murphy and Holly Jackson.

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Book SynopsisWhen Hudson receives the weird message that Mokee Joe is coming, his life turns into a nightmare. Who is Mokee Joe? And what has Hudson done to make him so mad? There's only one course of actionHudson must destroy this monster before it destroys him!

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisClass Six are back, and they''re on a mission: keep that nosy Mrs Knowall from finding out that their school is secretly magic. Which means no more flying around the hall, no more history lessons with Robin Hood, and the school trip to the moon is definitely off.But with their beloved teacher Miss Broom sent back to teacher training, and the school in need of funds for magical supplies, Class Six will have to band together to make this year''s school fete the best yet. And everyone knows that no fete is complete without an eel that can see the future... Funny, exciting or a little bit spooky, Black Cats are fast-paced stories with short chapters and illustrations throughout - stepping stones to reading confidence.Book band: Dark BlueIdeal for ages: 9+Trade ReviewThe plot of the book is another unexpected treat for readers and is very well thought-out, with adventure and trouble on every page. And it's very, very funny. This book certainly deserves a spot on any shelf, as a reading stepping stone between Horrid Henry and Harry Potter. * Children's Books Ireland *Prue writes so well. She's so zingy and inventive and the illustrations by Loretta Schauer fit perfectly with this zany and delicious story... Buy for your school classroom. Buy for your child.... enjoy! -- Adele Geras * An Awfully Big Blog Adventure *Loretta Schauer's illustrations punctuate short chapters with cartoons of Sirens with 1960s hairdos and fangs, a troll with an itchy scalp, and a classroom invaded by a sea serpent. * Nicolette Jones, The Times *The stories in the series are varied but always well written and there's plenty to appeal to different tastes. * Parents in Touch *

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Book SynopsisEnter the mind of Joey Drew in this exclusive memoir, sure to captivate fans of the hit horror video games Bendy and the Ink Machine and Bendy and the Dark Revival!Bendy fans will delight in poring over the memoir of his ingenious creator, Joey Drew. From humble beginnings to his meteoric rise as the force behind his eponymous studio, Mr. Drew offers a behind the scenes peek at his many animation innovations, such as Sillivision, his Rules to Animate By, and of course his unique approach to franchising-among the first of its time.This re-release even includes never before seen information omitted from the original manuscript, cobbled together from the Joey Drew Studios archive as well as Mr. Drew''s personal estate. Don''t miss this exclusive peek inside the rise-and fall-of one of the most groundbreaking animators in history!

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Book SynopsisTarget: Toxic WasteFlying to Northern Canada to investigate reports of illegal dumping of toxic waste, the Alpha Force team must dive into an icy river, cross the harsh landscape on snowmobiles and test their caving skills to complete their mission.Trade ReviewGreat gung-ho stuff * Independent on Sunday *Boys will definitely like this adventure * Teen Titles *With Chris Ryan it's unremitting action where 'who dares wins' is always true, heroes and heroines are without blemish and villains without redeeming features . . . Many are going to love this -- Dennis Hamley * Carousel *

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Book SynopsisBook four in the OFFICIAL Minecraft fiction series for readers age 7+Morgan, Ash, Harper, Po and Jodi return in another adventure in the world of Minecraft.Portals opening Worlds colliding! It sounds impossible, but the Evoker King has found a way from Minecraft into the real world! As Jodi races to piece together the clues to his identity, she doesn''t like where they point. Could one of her friends be the sinister mob?!For fans of the Minecraft game, Jumanji and Wreck it Ralph.

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Book SynopsisAn instant New York Times bestseller! ?Grown exposes the underbelly of a tough conversation, providing a searing examination of misogynoir, rape culture, and the vulnerability of young black girls. Groundbreaking, heart-wrenching, and essential reading for all in the #MeToo era.? ?Dhonielle Clayton,New York Timesbestselling author ofThe Belles Award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another riveting, ripped-from-the-headlines mystery that exposes horrific secrets hiding behind the limelight and embraces the power of a young woman?s voice. When legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots Enchanted Jones at an audition, her dreams of being a famous singer take flight. Until Enchanted wakes up with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night. Who killed Korey Fields? Before there was a dead body, Enchanted?s dreams had turned into a nightmare. Because behind Korey?s charm and star power was a controlling dark side. Now he?s dead, the police are at the door, and all signs point to Enchanted.?Never have I read a story that so flawlessly hits the highest high and lowest low notes of Black girlhood in pursuit of the American Dream.? ?Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin and JackpotTrade Review"Tiffany D. Jackson has penned a riveting, powerful love story to Black girlhood and a haunting reminder of the ways in which their innocence is often stolen. Remarkable, suspenseful, and gut-wrenching, Grown is a masterfully told story that stays with you long after you put it down." — Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give and On the Come Up “With a gripping plot and punch-to-the-heart stakes, Tiffany D. Jackson’s Grown exposes the underbelly of a tough conversation—the seductive abuse of older men who prey on teen girls—providing a searing examination of misogynoir, rape culture, and the vulnerability of young black girls. Groundbreaking, heart wrenching, and essential reading for all in the #MeToo era.” — Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles "This is a book that is filled to the brim with shocking twists and turns, but in 'Grown,' Jackson also centers Black girls in conversations about abuse, discussions they are so often erased from." — The New York Times Book Review “Never have I read a story that so flawlessly hits the highest high and lowest low notes of Black girlhood in pursuit of the American Dream. Tiffany D. Jackson has done it again.” — Nic Stone, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin and Jackpot “This heart-pounding, powerful story about a young girl trapped in a predator’s web holds up a devastating mirror to our society’s refusal to care about all victims. A call-out and condemnation of the celebrity-besotted culture that allows evil people to destroy lives.” — Laurie Halse Anderson, New York Times bestselling author of Shout "Gripping in both its content and format... Jackson's writing some of the best thrillers for teens these days." — Booklist (starred review) "Expertly juxtaposing the glamour of Enchanted’s potential fame against the harshness of her private moments with Korey, Jackson builds the story gradually and painfully to an astonishing, chilling climax." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Compelling; Jackson excels in writing books steeped in social commentary." — Kirkus Reviews "In another ripped-from-the-headlines novel, Jackson takes readers through a heart-pounding thriller exploring physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, misogynoir, and rape culture... this novel is sure to initiate important conversations while delivering an engrossing story." — Horn Book Magazine “Grown is equal parts riveting and alarming. It asks hard questions about power, innocence, and who we, as a society, see as worth saving. A captivating and cautionary page-turner." — Ashley Woodfolk, author of When You Were Everything "Jackson draws on the R. Kelly case to effectively depict the tightening noose of an abusive relationship, enhanced here by Korey’s wealth and fame…A grim tale that shows how thin a glossy exterior can be." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Praise for Let Me Hear a Rhyme: * “Exceptional storytelling, well-crafted, true-to-life dialogue, and the richly drawn Brooklyn landscape will draw readers into this fast-paced blend of mystery, budding romance, and social commentary...Thoroughly engrossing and as infectious as Steph’s lyrics.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) * “Jackson repeatedly proves that she is a titan among her peers, and her latest novel is no exception... Jackson weaves the three points of view together seamlessly, creating richly drawn and authentically real teen characters.” — ALA Booklist (starred review) * “Deftly chronicles the timely story of bold young talent gone too soon... Jackson scores a bull’s-eye with her passionate homage to black city life in the late ’90s, yet it’s her earnest takes on creativity, love, and loss that are timeless.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) * “This YA novel harmonizes music and prose to create a certified literary banger.” — Shelf Awareness (starred review) * “Readers will feel connected to these teens’ love of hip-hop, their loyalty to each other and their love for their community... offers moving portraits of young people... an engaging ode to ’90s hip-hop and to love in many forms.” — BookPage (starred review) “With thoughtful attention to detail, Jackson offers a believable cast of Black teens immersed in a particularly rich hip-hop moment. The combination of lyricism and narrative realism is an effective mode of representing a particular sort of adolescence against the backdrops of New York City and rap music.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Jackson presents a fast-moving, heart-pounding homage to nineties hip-hop, Brooklyn, and the power of music, love, and friendship. Readers are transported to a time when DJs and MCs rocked the parties and when word-of-mouth could make you a star.” — Horn Book ”A thrilling, heart-rending, unforgettable novel.” — Buffalo News PRAISE FOR MONDAY’S NOT COMING: “A mesmerizing, punch-in-the-gut story about the power of friendship and the horrors hiding right in front of us.” — Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Speak and Chains * “This thought-provoking thriller examines issues such as abuse, gentrification, and the marginalization of people of color with nuance and sensitivity. The narrative deftly moves back and forth between past and present, building to a devastating conclusion. A spellbinding, profoundly moving choice for YA collections.” — School Library Journal (starred review) * “Jackson’s sophomore novel features another ripped-from-the-headlines premise that will keep readers guessing through the final pages. Jackson’s characters and their heart-wrenching story linger long after the final page, urging readers to advocate for those who are disenfranchised and forgotten by society and the system.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) * “Jackson effortlessly weaves elements of suspense with issues of race, class, and gender, casting a harsh light on a world that often refuses to notice the disappearances of black and brown girls. The twist at the end is both gaspworthy and heartbreaking.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) “Jackson doesn’t hold anything back when it comes to the pain of abuse and the ramifications of turning a blind eye. It’s a frank, devastating read filled with real and flawed characters, and it’s a story that needs to be read.” — Booklist “The draw of this novel, which was inspired by actual events, lies in its interwoven themes of the effects of gentrification, especially on black residents whose connections, culture, and community become afterthoughts in the face of capitalism. A tragic and heartbreaking tale of love, loss, grief, growth, and perseverance.” — Kirkus Reviews PRAISE FOR ALLEGEDLY: * “With remarkable skill, Jackson offers an unflinching portrayal of the raw social outcomes when youth are entrapped in a vicious cycle of nonparenting and are sent spiraling down the prison-for-profit pipeline. Dark, suspenseful.” — School Library Journal (starred review) * “Her novel effectively joins Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13th and Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow (2010) to become another indictment of the penal system’s decimating power beyond its bars and, more subtly and refreshingly, a pro-reproductive-justice novel. Searing and true.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) * “The characters are complex, the situation unsettling, and the line between right and wrong hopelessly blurred. It’s also intensely relevant, addressing race, age, and mental illness within the criminal justice system. Well conceived and executed, this is an absorbing and exceptional first novel.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) * “Suspenseful without being emotionally manipulative, compelling without resorting to shock value, this is a tightly spun debut that wrestles with many intense ideas and ends with a knife twist that will send readers racing back to the beginning again.” — Booklist (starred review) “Seen through Jackson’s dark portrait of the legal system and the failures of parents and social workers, Mary’s environments are as grim as the stories that play out in them; readers fascinated by procedural dramas will be thoroughly hooked.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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