Today, Eugenia shares four YA books releasing in September that she is really, really, really excited for– and hopes you pre-order through bookpeople.com!
Why do pre-orders matter? Publishers prioritize a book’s first week sales. Placing a pre-order for your favorite authors and anticipated reads ensures sales will be counted on the publication date and be more likely to end up on bestseller lists. Plus, you get to support an indie bookstore in the process.
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Dr. Yusef Salaam – pubs 9/1/2020
“A must-read for now and for always, National Book Award finalist Ibi Zoboi and prison reform activist Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five make a powerful team. When 16-year-old Amal is wrongfully incarcerated, readers dive deep into his story, learning, through a series of flashbacks, what really happened that day. We are haunted by the ‘what ifs’, by the failures of the educators who were supposed to guide, support, and uplift him, and the devastating reality of the school-to-prison pipeline. Zoboi and Salaam remind us of the impact of expression through poetry and art, with writing that absolutely SOARS. Simply unforgettable.”
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson – pubs 9/15/2020
“This was my first book by Tiffany D. Jackson, and…. damn. I hope Grown spurs deep thought and conversations about the infuriating reality of rape culture, abuse of power, and the way our society fails young women and girls, especially Black women and girls, time and time again. Jackson is an incredible storyteller; her plot was masterfully executed, and her characters felt so deeply real.”
Miss Meteor by Tehlor Kay Mejia & Anna-Marie McLemore – pubs 9/22/2020
“Former best friends Chicky Quintanilla and Lita Perez join forces to take over their small town’s beauty pageant in this beautifully written charmer from Tehlor Kay Mejia and Anna-Marie McLemore. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will cheer for these two incredible characters in their journey toward friendship and self-love– and yes, some adorable romance to boot. The entire cast of characters is funny, smart, pure *magic*! MISS METEOR came at a perfect time for me as a reader. Who knew all I needed was a little bit of stardust?”
Every Body Looking by Candice Iloh – pubs 9/22/2020
“A powerful, beautifully written story of fear and trauma, self doubt, and ultimately, self love. In Every Body Looking, we see young Ada growing into herself, clumsily, slowly, but surely standing up for what she wants and what she needs to move forward. Iloh’s writing carries so much restraint but also this gorgeous freedom that guides the reader as we turn the page, her words full of intimacy and hope. Turns out I LOVE novels in verse!”
BookPeople 