It’s finally 2018 and a fresh start to the year – which means a whole array of stunning new Children’s and YA titles to enjoy! This month we’ve got books due to be adapted into film productions, sneak peaks of our enchanting picture books, and poignant notes on our #WeNeedDiverseBooks selection.
Mumbling’s on our Star Pick…
By New York Times bestselling authors, Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Amie Kaufman and Meagon Spooner are New York Times and internationally bestselling authors, who have produced multi-awarding winning work, such as, the Starbound trilogy, and The Illuminae Files.
Their newest edition, and our star pick of the month is Unearthed – a breathtaking science fiction adventure that’s set in a dystonia future where survival of the fittest is critical and Earth is not the only habitual planet in the solar system…
The novel has been captioned for a movie production by Cross Creek Pictures, with Doug Limon set to direct the brand new film, who has also previously worked on blockbusters, such as the Bourne Identity and Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
Exclusive Extracts from our Key January Titles
One Special Day by Lola M. Schaefer and Jessica Meserve
From the Heart of Africa by Eric Walters
Gregory and the Gargoyles #2 by Denis-Pierre Filippi and Silvio Camboni
A List of Cages by Robin Roe
Something terrible is going to happen.
I usually wake up with that feeling at the bottom of my chest. It’s as if I’m blind and there’s something right beside me, and I could get away from it if only I could see. It’s a vague but gnawing idea that’s followed me into fourth period. The more I try to shake it off, the more it consumes me.
I realise I’ve zoned out when I notice my Art teacher, Miss Hooper, standing above me with a yellow paper square that reads: TO DR. WHITLOCK’S OFFICE.
I sigh.
The best part about finally getting into high school was that those meetings with the school psychologist were over. Then I found out the lady from my old middle school is working here now.
“Take your things,” Miss Hooper says, so I grab my backpack and step out into the hall.
“Julian?”
I spin around.
And the moment seems to slow.
It’s as if I’m standing still and the world is whipping past like a car down a dark street.
And for just a second, headlights shine right on me. That’s what it’s like – standing frozen in the dark, then seeing him. Adam Blake.
#WeNeedDiverseBooks
Kids Like Us by Hilary Reyl
Kids Like Us tells the story of a teenage boy with autism who falls in love with a French girl. At first he mistakes her for a character he read in a book, but gradually realises she is not the fantasy girl he imagined, and is in fact a real person. Falling in love, in all its unpredictability, teaches Martin that it is possible for him to connect with another human being.
Hilary Reyl presents an honest exploration of mental health issues – in this case autism – which unfortunately to this day still has somewhat of a stigma attached to it. The use of third person narrative helps to place the reader into the mindset of the protagonist, which creates a personal account of the character’s emotions and a better understanding of their condition. The writing style is one that’s enjoyable and is also important for what the book would like to achieve in terms of understanding and acceptance of mental health issues.
A truly thought-provoking and unique story, with a powerful concept behind it.
Tune in for more exclusive extracts, mumblings on our star pick, and upcoming events next month!
Post by Sarah