Each year, Cracking the Cover compiles a list of books that make great gifts. The following are young adult books published in and/or reviewed by Jessica in 2024. Scroll down for the complete list or click or tap the following links to directly visit a section. CONTEMPORARY • FANTASY • MYSTERY/THRILLER • ADVENTURE • HISTORICAL FICTION • NONFICTION
CONTEMPORARY
The Art of Us, by Julie Wright, Shadow Mountain, Nov. 5, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)
A teen struggles to maintain a normal life while simultaneously keeping her homelessness a secret in The Art of Us, By Julie Wright.
The Art of Us follows Ireland and Kal as they navigate school and home life. The connection between the two is strong, and their sweet romance is interesting to watch unfold.
Art is the central theme in which The Art of Us plays out. It’s a strong backdrop the opens the door to a larger audience.
Wright’s tone is spot on — she really seems to understand who her audience is. The pacing is sound and the book is a fast read. My one complaint is that the ending feels a little too hurried, and little too “perfect.” That said, it’s a good read.
FUN FACT: I LOVE YOU, by Gina Larsen, Shadow Mountain, July 2, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)
Two high school seniors think they’ve got everything figured out until a family tragedy changes their trajectories in Fun Fact: I Love You, by Gina Larsen.
At the center of the story are Nellie and Jensen. Lifelong friends that realize they may have more than just friend feelings for each other. Author Gina Larsen develops each character well, allowing for growth and self-realization along the way. They don’t have the best communication skills when it comes to each other, but they learn along the way.
Fun Fact: I Love You does deal with themes of death, deception, neglect and adultery, but it remains fairly lighthearted. There is some passionate kissing, but it’s pretty tame compared to a lot of YA books. It’s a good choice for teens entering high school.
LOUDER THAN WORDS, by Ashley Woodfolk and Lexi Underwood, Scholastic Press, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)
Louder Than Words is one of those books that you can just sit down with and go. You don’t have to “get into” it or “connect” with the characters — that’s already in place. From the start, the prose is both familiar and comfortable, and the story is compelling, making you want to read it from beginning to end. (I read it in one day.)
At the center of the story is Jordyn, a girl who is hoping to put the past behind her but hasn’t really dealt with it enough to move on. She’s a likeable, but flawed, protagonist whose story unfolds mostly during present day but with flashes back to the previous year.
Louder Than Words delves into the world of bullying, owning mistakes, online presence and forgiveness. Jordyn faces problems that are relatable to a wide cross-section of teens, and must decide where to draw the line between “right” and “wrong.”
THE BALLAD OF DARCY AND RUSSELL, by Morgan Matson, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 14 and up)
Almost all of The Ballad of Darcy and Russell takes place over the course of one day, and it’s a book that you’ll probably read in one day, too.
Author Morgan Matson has spot-on pacing for this story about two strangers who magically connect when their bus breaks down. The book is divided into four acts, and while I don’t want to give anything away, the shift at the beginning of act II is exactly what the book needed to keep things interesting.
In fact, all four acts offer changes that are key to story and character progression.
The book unfolds from Darcy’s point of view. She comes across as someone who’s usually pretty reliable but struggles when concrete plans go out the window. This, of course, creates the initial tension and allows for growth on her part.
The Ballad of Darcy and Russell moves at a comfortable pace that seems right for the characters. It’s an enjoyable romance that celebrates connections and pushing yourself to be more.
MADE GLORIOUS, by Lindsay Eagar, Candlewick, April 2, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
Made Glorious is one of those books where there’s nothing redeemable about the main character, but you can’t stop reading. And, in the end, you can’t help but admire her gumption.
Author Lindsay Eagar’s writing is a tour de force. Her intricately plotted novel is told through multiple viewpoints, with script excerpts, an original musical score, and the potential leading lady providing asides throughout.
And what a leading lady.
Rory is methodical, always a few steps ahead. After all, no one would ever suspect her of any wrongdoing. She’s a bright student and she’s always willing to help behind the scenes.
Every word of Made Glorious has been meticulously mapped out. It’s a diabolical and witty page-turner. It’s really one of the best YA novels I’ve read in some time.
BREATHING UNDERWATER, by Abbey Lee Nash, Holiday House, March 5, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (young adult)
An epilepsy diagnosis puts an elite swimmer’s dreams at risk in Breathing Underwater, a young adult novel by Abbey Nash.
The great thing about Breathing Underwater is that even if you’re not a swimmer, if you’ve been involved in any sort of extracurricular activity — sports, dance, debate, theater, etc. — then you can relate. The push to be your best, to go beyond your boundaries, to be there for your group or team, the pain of watching it all fall apart — those are universal themes.
At the heart of Breathing Underwater is Tess, a girl with a single-minded purpose — nationals and a securing a college scholarship. Tess is strong and determined and then suddenly, she’s lost. She doesn’t like her new “normal,” and doesn’t want to accept it.
Nash deftly explores the complexities of discovering you have an illness and learning to live with it. Tess is well realized, as are the members of her family. They all feel believable. And Tess’s growing relationship with Charlie feels natural.
IN THE ORBIT OF YOU, by Ashley Schumacher, Wednesday Books, March 19, 2024, Hardcover, $21 (young adult)
Childhood friends unexpectedly reunite in In the Orbit of You, a new young adult novel by Ashley Schumacher.
In the Orbit of You is one of those books that just kind of sits with you.
If you’ve ever had a relationship with someone who is “your person,” you’ll immediately connect with Nova and Sam. Author Ashley Schumacher captures that connection with such ease, she must have experienced something like it in real life.
Nova and Sam are both complex and believable characters. And their motives, although sometimes misguided, are understandable.
In the Orbit of You is a compelling YA sort of romance sort of not that is thoughtful. It may not be a one-sitting read, but it’s definitely one that you want to come back to.
IF I PROMISE YOU WINGS, by A.K. Small, Algonquin Young Readers, Jan. 16, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
A young woman works to fulfill her dreams of becoming a feather artist in If I Promise You Wings, by A.K. Small.
If I Promise You Wings has a magical quality to it. It never quite crosses the line into magical realism, but it sure captures the feeling.
Alix has a natural talent for creating with feathers. She desperately wants to learn all she can, and she continually pushes herself toward her goal. But that goal is laced with grief. She sees her lost friend in the feathers, and that brings her both solace and pain. Alix is a compelling protagonist that quickly captures your heart.
Small has the ability to draw readers in. Even if you’re not initially sure what’s going on, you know you want/need to keep reading. Small brings Paris to life — even for those who have never been there. But where she excels the most is her handling of the feathers themselves. She brings them to life, almost making them characters unto themselves.
If I Promise You Wings is a fast-moving YA novel that celebrates healing through creativity.
THIS IS HOW YOU FALL IN LOVE, by Anika Hussain, Bloomsbury YA, Feb. 13, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (Young Adult, ages 14 and up)
Friendship gets messy when besties enter into a fake relationship in This Is How You Fall in Love, a YA Desi rom-com by Anika Hussain.
This Is How You Fall in Love is a swoony YA read that’s a love letter to romance and rom-coms and the friendship that can build them up and take them down.
The story unfolds from Zara’s point of view. She’s the type of kid you’d like your own kid to be friends with — from a loving family, loyal, an inviting personality. I’m not in love with how she always goes along with Adnan’s plans, but I can see how easy it would be to fall into that trap. Adnan isn’t as fully realized, and he comes across as semi likeable guy who’s got a bit of a selfish streak. All this is to say that their friendship is relatable in its flaws.
This Is How You Fall in Love is a fast-moving read that is a fun escape.
CONDITIONS OF A HEART, by Bethany Mangle, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Feb. 20, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
A teen must come to terms with her disability and what it means for her future in Conditions of a Heart, a YA novel by Bethany Mangle.
It takes a while to get into Conditions of a Heart. This comes in part because some of the key elements aren’t immediately explained, but if you stick with it, you’ll be greatly rewarded. It’s a book I read late into the night with some tears running down my face.
Author Bethany Mangle artfully captures the emotions involved with both living with a disability and living with someone who has a disability. Brynn’s anguish is palpable, and the uncertainty she faces makes planning for the future near impossible.
Conditions of a Heart is not an easy read, but it’s a heartfelt one. Brynn’s relationships — with her friends, her sister, her ex-boyfriend, her mom and her dad — are at the heart of the story. While all are complex and well explored, it’s the one with her dad that makes the book sing.
FANTASY
CASTERS AND CROWNS, by Elizabeth Lowham, Shadow Mountain, Oct. 1, 2024, Hardcover, $20.99 (young adult)
A princess sets out to negotiate peace and ends up cursed instead in Casters and Crowns, a young adult fantasy by Elizabeth Lowham.
Casters and Crowns is a slow-burn romantic fantasy.
At the center of the story are Aria and Baron. Both are facing futures they weren’t expecting, and it’s only when they learn to trust each other that they are able to turn things around.
In Casters and Crowns, Author Elizabeth Lowham has crafted a compelling plot and a complex, but accessible, magic system. Her main characters are well developed, and her supporting cast, though not as well considered, are interesting and help fill out the story.
A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS, by Ann Liang, St. Martin’s Press, Oct. 1, 2024, Hardcover, $32 (young adult (ages 14 and up)/ new adult/ adult fiction)
A Song to Drown Rivers, by Ann Liang, is inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China. It is a story of sacrifice, war, a woman’s power and love.
At the center of the story is Xishi, a beauty so unparalleled that her looks alone can change the fate of country. But Xishi is more than just a pretty face. She’s smart and cunning and driven. Xishi knows the power of love and loss and harnesses that to achieve her goal. There’s a lot of morally grey stuff here, but Xishi remains a sympathetic character.
Author Ann Liang perfectly paints her picture, giving readers an emotional hook even before introducing her well-realized world. You care about Xishi almost from the first page, and eagerly anticipate her path.
A Song to Drown Rivers is an epic romantasy contained in a stand alone novel. Liang’s pacing is strong and her story even better. And unlike many novels written in this genre, it’s less about sexual encounters and more about the characters. It could easily be classified as a slow-burn read.
THE THIRTEENTH CHILD, by Erin A. Craig, Delacorte Press, Sept. 24, 2024, Hardcover, $20.99 (young adult)
Erin A Craig’s The Thirteenth Child is an engrossing retelling of the Grimm Brothers’ dark fairytale, Godfather Death.
Erin A. Craig (The House of Salt and Sorrows, Small Favors) is an excellent storyteller. Through her masterful hands, fairy tales take on new life and new possibilities open up.
The Thirteenth Child reads like a Gothic fantasy. Hazel is a pragmatic girl who grows into a skilled healer. At the center of the story is Hazel’s literal relationship with death. She is forced to live by Merrick’s rules and learns the hard way when she works around them.
Merrick was the surprise character. In him, Craig crafts a nuanced character that is both known and an enigma. He’s really the piece that makes this book special.
The Thirteenth Child is a book you don’t want to put down. Craig’s writing has a familiar, welcoming quality to it that moves the story forward, even in the slower spots. It’s got elements of magic, adventure, mystery and romance, making it well worth your time.
BEASTLY BEAUTY, by Jennifer Donnelly, Scholastic Press, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (young adult)
A thief finds himself stuck in an enchanted castle with a monstrous inhabitant following a robbery gone wrong in Beastly Beauty, by Jennifer Donnelly.
As you might have guessed, Beastly Beauty is a reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, and author Jennifer Donnelly definitely has made the story her own. In this version, the roles are reversed, and the reason for the curse has less to do with selfishness and arrogance and more to do with sexism and societal expectations.
Beastly Beauty is not just a fairy tale retelling. It’s also a mystery and romance. At its heart, it’s a story of relationships and how those relationships can dictate actions that impact those around us.
Donnelly expertly sets the scene, bringing the castle and all its mysterious inhabitants to life. Though the story moves quickly, it feels a little too long in places. That said, it’s an intriguing take on a classic tale.
SONG OF THE SIX REALMS, by Judy I. Lin, Feiwel & Friends, April 23, 2024, Hardcover, $20.99 (young adult)
A young musician finds herself at the center of a battle between divine rulers and demonic beasts in Song of the Six Realms, by Judy I. Lin.
In Song of the Six Realms, author Judy I. Lin has created a complex world where there are different levels of divinity and spirits and demons. It’s so complex that she includes a list of all the different groups at the front of the novel. It’s a helpful list, but one you shouldn’t get too caught up in to begin with. It’s much better to refer back to it as you read.
If you’re hoping for Song of the Six Realms to be a romantic fantasy, you might be disappointed. It is a fantasy, and there is a romance, but that’s not the main plotline. Rather, the romance evolves as the story unfolds, and you watch a true relationship develop. However, if you’re looking for a strong mystery, you’ll find one. There’s lots of twists and turns and it’s unpredictable.
Lin’s writing is full of imagery. And her magical world feels fully plausible. Her ending is perfectly imperfect, and she made it all fit into one novel. At 400 pages, it’s not a short read, but it moves at a good pace. And the musical elements add an extra layer. It’s a good reading option heading into the last month of school and summer break.
WHERE THE DARK STANDS STILL, by A. B. Poranek, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Feb. 27, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
A girl makes a bargain with a demon in hopes of freeing her from dangerous magic in Where the Dark Stands Still, a YA fantasy novel by A. B. Poranek.
Inspired by Polish folklore, Where the Dark Stands Still reads like a pre-Disneyfied fairy tale where the setting is dark, the magic a bit wicked and the characters morally grey.
At the center of the story are Liska and the Leszy. While Liska is desperate to be rid of her magic, she does remember a time when it didn’t scare her. It’s that dichotomy that holds her in tense state. She has to come to terms with both sides before she can move forward. The Leszy is dedicated to his job as overseer of the woods, and he will let nothing get in the way of it, until Liska comes along…
From its enchanting cover to compelling text, Where the Dark Stands Still is magical. The tone offers an embrace of imperfection while balancing moments of light, dark and in between. It’s an engrossing read that has me wishing for more from the author.
MYSTERY/THRILLER
GAMES UNTOLD, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Nov. 12, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (young adult)
Romance, luxury, and secrets abound in this new collection that takes readers deeper into the world of the #1 bestselling Inheritance Games series
There is nothing frivolous about the way a Hawthorne man loves.
An amnesiac playboy and the woman with every reason to hate him. A daredevil, his favorite heiress, and three nights in Prague. An unlikely pairing between a cowboy and a goth. Four brothers with an inescapable bond, strengthened by the family they chose, in a house of wonders that promises to always deliver one more secret.
Discover their stories of love and loss, power, puzzles, and life-and-death secrets in this mind-blowingly romantic collection that proves that when you love the way Hawthornes love, there is no going back. —Synopsis provided by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
THE GRANDEST GAME, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, July 30, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
Get ready for a new series that brings readers deeper into the lush, romantic, and puzzle-filled world of the bestselling Inheritance Games series, set a year after we last saw Avery and the Hawthornes.
Seven tickets. An island of dreams. The chance of a lifetime.
Welcome to the Grandest Game, an annual competition run by billionaire Avery Grambs and the four infamous Hawthorne brothers, whose family fortune she inherited. Designed to give anyone a shot at fame and fortune, this year’s game requires one of seven golden tickets to enter. With millions on the line, those seven players will do whatever it takes to win.
Some of the players are in it for the money. Some for power. Some for reasons all their own. Every single one of them has secrets. Amidst it all is Grayson Hawthorne, tasked with a vital role in this year’s game. But as tensions rise and the mind-bending challenges push the players to their limits—physically, mentally, and emotionally—it soon becomes clear that not everyone is playing by the rules. —Synopsis provided by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
LOOKING FOR SMOKE, by K. A. Cobell, Heartdrum, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
It’s up to the four people of interest to solve the murders of two Blackfeet Nation girls in Looking for Smoke, by K. A. Cobell.
Cobell is a member of the Blackfeet Nation and set Looking for Smoke in the Blackfeet Nation reservation in Montana. Cobell hopes Looking for Smoke will bring attention to the epidemic. She says in her author’s note that this was a story that needed to be told without trivializing or sensationalizing the pain many Native people are enduring. She wanted to send a message that was not easily forgotten.
Cobell’s choice to make Mara an “outsider” gives non-Native readers an entry point. She then fills in with Loren, Brody and Eli, going deeper into many of the issues that face their community. But it’s not just the issues she delves into, but the sense of extended family, their community, their traditions. You gain a deep understanding of how devastating and far-reaching the consequences.
The story unfolds from the four points of view, with plenty of twists and turns and lots of atmosphere along the way. Looking for Smoke is a complex thriller that does, in fact, stick with you. I look forward to reading more from this author.
KILL HER TWICE, by Stacey Lee, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, April 23, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)
Sisters investigate the murder of a movie star in Kill Her Twice, a YA murder mystery noir by Stacey Lee.
Lee’s flair for historical fiction and a murder mystery noir, and you’ve got a recipe for an enticing read.
Kill Her Twice revolves around May and Gemma, Chinese sisters who are trying to keep the family floral business afloat while their father is sick. The two are as close as can be, but their different temperaments make for some conflict. The story unfolds from their alternating points of view.
Set against the backdrop of anti-Chinese sentiment and the move to get rid of Los Angeles’ Old Chinatown, Kill Her Twice is more than just a who-done-it. Competing interests mean the only people actively trying to solve Lulu’s murder are May and Gemma.
With lots of great banter, sticky situations and suspenseful twists, Kill Her Twice almost plays out like a film itself. At nearly 400 pages, the book reads a lot faster. That’s all down to Lee’s smooth writing and excellent pacing. Lee transports you to another place and time — one where you don’t want to leave.
THE DARKNESS RISES, by Stacy Stokes, Viking Books for Young Readers, April 9, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
A girl struggles with the aftermath of her power to see death before it happens in The Darkness Rises, by Stacy Stokes.
From the very first sentence in The Darkness Rises, author Stacy Stokes expertly sets the scene. And she does it in a comfortable, almost familiar way that makes it easy to settle in to her speculative thriller.
At the center of the story is Whitney, a girl who, since the age of 7, has the ability to see if a person is going to die. And that ability gives her the chance to rewrite history. Saving lives was something she was so proud of. But all actions have consequences. And now the consequences have come back to bite her in the deadliest of ways.
Whitney is a well-realized character, and most of the action plays out through her first-person narrative. She’s immediately the character that you want to root for.
The Darkness Rises is a story about death and, in particular, a school shooting. So, it deals with some pretty heavy stuff. Stokes does an excellent job exploring the emotions a trauma like that elicits. And she explores that trauma on multiple levels — personal, family of those killed, the schools, the community as a whole. It’s all encompassing, and the book is better for it.
ADVENTURE
THE SECOND CHANCE OF DARIUS LOGAN, by David F. Walker, Scholastic Press, July 2, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)
A young man is given the chance at redemption in The Second Chance of Darius Logan, a YA novel by David F. Walker.
Walker takes themes of social justice and identity, courage and second chances and blends them into an action-packed story full of mystery, adventure and heart.
Darius is a sympathetic main character that you want to root for. His growth throughout the novel is strong. His surrounding supporting characters are strong as well, with Walker highlighting the commonalities and struggles everyone from a top-tier superhero to the guy who mops the floor shares.
I don’t know that this genre is one that I’ll ever be obsessed about, but I do know that if the books are written as well as The Second Chance of Darius Logan, I will enjoy them. I look forward to more books from David F. Walker.
ADVENTURES OF MARY JANE, by Hope Jahren, Delacorte Press, June 25, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)
The red-headed girl from Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn gets her own book in Adventures of Mary Jane, by Hope Jahren.
The book follows Mary Jane as she travels down the Mississippi River in the 1840s.
Author Hope Jahren fully realizes Mary Jane’s character with a depth and brightness that calls out to the reader. Supporting characters are equally layered and compelling. Their stories are bound together by Jahren’s meticulously researched setting. It’s fascinating to see the people and places change as Mary Jane moves further south.
Jahren’s writing is warm and inviting and her pacing sound. All of the “adventures” take on different flavors, with some more engaging than others. Nonetheless, Adventures of Mary Jane is a book that resonates. It should appeal to young adults and adults alike.
HEIR, APPARENTLY, by Kara Mcdowell, Wednesday Books, July 9, 2024, Paperback, $14 (young adult)
An American learns she may have accidentally married the king of England, only to end up stranded on a tropical island with him in Kara McDowell’s Heir, Apparently.
If ever there was a rom-com that I was dying to read, Heir, Apparently would be it. It’s the sequel to Kara McDowell’s fast-paced high-stakes rom-com The Prince & the Apocalypse. And it’s just as addictive. Heir, Apparently does not stand alone. You need to read The Prince & the Apocalypse first. Trust me. It’s worth it.
In Heir, Apparently, you are once more thrown into a fast-paced high-stakes rom-com that builds on its predecessor.
Absolutely everything that happens is so completely far-fetched that it’s completely unrealistic, and it’s for that reason that the story works so well. It’s so convoluted and ridiculous and wonderful.
Wren and Theo are still dealing with the fallout from the apocalypse, and neither one has got things figured out. The push and pull works between the two works really well. Heir, Apparently is a cinematic read that’s perfect for readers looking for a guilty pleasure.
HISTORICAL FICTION
WITTY IN PINK, by Erica George, Entangled: Teen, Aug. 6, 2024, Paperback, $12.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
Two enemies join forces to secure their futures in Witty in Pink, a YA Regency romance by Erica George.
Briggs and Blythe have known each other since childhood when Briggs would pull pranks and mercilessly tease Blythe.
Fast-forward a few years and Blythe is fully grown and, with a little effort, fully capable of landing herself a well-to-do husband. And that’s exactly what her parents need her to do. Their finances depend upon it. But Blythe has other plans — a business that could save everything.
Briggs’ future also depends on making money. A lot of money. He needs to marry someone with a sizable dowry if he’s going to save his family’s estate. He’s got just the girl in mind, and he needs Blythe’s help wooing her. In exchange, Briggs will introduce Blythe to all the influential families in the county — people who may be willing to invest in a new venture.
As with most Regency romances, the basic outcome of Witty in Pink is fairly predictable. The fun, however comes in the details. And there are a bunch of fun twists along the way. Though author Erica George’s settings are cinematic, it’s the banter she’s created between Briggs and Blythe that really takes the book over the top. It’s what moves the story forward and adds emphasis in all the right places.
TRAJECTORY, by Cambria Gordon, Scholastic Press, April 2, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)
A young woman finds herself working on a top-secret project for the US Army during WWII in Trajectory, by Cambria Gordon.
At the center of the story is Eleanor, a girl who loves math but has kept her talent hidden. But it’s hard to keep that sort of ability quiet forever, and when she leans into it, she realizes what a difference she can make.
Because Trajectory is about human computers, readers should expect to see some math. It may not all make sense to readers as far as following the equations, but it does make sense in Eleanor’s story. The book wouldn’t be the same without it.
That said. Author Cambria Gordon’s writing is accessible and entertaining. She draws readers in with a complex main character and an intriguing supporting cast. Her pacing is strong and she does a great job creating tension.
YOURS FROM THE TOWER, by Sally Nicholls, Walker Books US, Jan. 30, 2024, Hardcover, $17.99 (young adult)
Three school friends share their lives through letters in Yours from the Tower, a YA historical novel by Sally Nichols.
If ever there was a YA novel that could easily crossover into the adult market, Yours from the Tower would be it. The book explores of friendship and love during the Victorian Age, with a wholesome freshness that is delightful from beginning to end.
Yours from the Tower is told through letters between Tirzah, Sophia, and Polly — and occasionally someone else. And because it’s told through letters, you get a real sense of personalities. Tirzah is the dramatic one; Polly the loving one; and Sophia the romantic one. Each girl is conscious of their familial responsibilities and how they may — or may not — mesh with their personal dreams.
This lighthearted read is a lovely escape. I look forward to reading more from the author.
NONFICTION
THE SALT THIEF: GANDHI’S HEROIC MARCH TO FREEDOM, by Neal Bascomb, Scholastic Focus, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)
The dramatic story of Gandhi and India’s long march to freedom by award-winning author Neal Bascomb.
In 1930, the Indian people, long ruled by their British occupiers, were at a breaking point. No more could many stand the terrible demands of colonial rule. At this pivotal moment, Mohandas Gandhi, who had suffered firsthand for decades the cruelty of his oppressors, saw an opportunity to win his people’s freedom.
And so, Gandhi led a small band of his followers on a grueling march from his ashram in western India to the Arabian Sea. After 24 days and 241 miles under a withering sun, the marchers arrived on the Dandi seashore. There, Gandhi scooped up a handful of salt to protest the much-hated British salt tax, demonstrating to the world the injustice of Britain’s yoke and setting the stage for a popular national uprising. —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Focus
Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
