Young adult books roundup – reviews

Playwright and screenwriter Moira Buffini makes her young adult debut with Songlight (Faber) In a post-apocalyptic future an advanced form of telepathy has emerged; anyone found with this sixth sense, however, is hunted and persecuted as an “unhuman”. Kaira and Elsa have lived their lives in great danger, concealing their abilities in order to survive, but when they connect telepathically an extraordinary bond is formed. Echoing dystopian classics from John Wyndham to Margaret Atwood, this is rich and immersive storytelling, playing out against a turbulent backdrop of war and power.
The post-Heartstopper boom in young adult graphic novels continues. American creator Molly Knox Ostertag captured some of those feelgood vibes in her bestselling The Girl from the Sea but explores a more complex story of self-acceptance in The Deep Dark (Scholastic). Magdalena Herrera is tied to her home town, not only by caring responsibilities but by a terrible family secret in her basement. When an old friend returns, she begins to imagine a different future and a queer love story slowly evolves. The intense emotions of teenage life are skilfully reflected in Ostertag’s shifting colour palette. Utterly compelling.
In The Thread That Connects Us by Ayaan Mohamud (Usborne) Safiya has been coping with her mum’s depression since her dad left and moved to Somalia. When her father returns to the UK with his new family, Safiya is thrown together with her stepsister, Halima, who is struggling with the upheaval of the move. Deeply held resentment slowly gives way to a powerful bond as the girls uncover secrets and betrayals from their parents’ past. An empowering paean to sisterhood.
A 16-year-old starlet encounters Hollywood glamour with a side of murderous intrigue in Last Seen Online by Lauren James (Walker). Stumbling across the story of the mysterious death of a famous actor a decade earlier, Delilah is determined to uncover the truth. Fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder will love this twisty take on fame and fandom, told in true-crime style through blogposts, messages and a fast-paced narrative.
For slightly younger readers comes Sisters of the Moon by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick (Faber) an ethereal slice of teenage life set in a small Irish town. After a midnight wish under the full moon, new girl Rhiannon claims Suzy as her best friend, sweeping her into the whirl of friends, beach parties and adventure that Suzy has always longed for. But who is the beguiling and fearless Rhiannon? A dreamy, highly atmospheric look at the power of female friendships.
Finally, Carnegie Medal winner Meg Rosoff returns with Almost Nothing Happened (Bloomsbury), a summer romp told in Rosoff’s inimitable style. After a disappointing French exchange visit, teenage Callum’s chance encounter with Arnaud and his enigmatic stepsister Lilou sweeps him into a chaotic 48-hour chase through Paris in search of a Matisse painting and a stolen oboe. Slapstick comedy meets coming-of-age pathos in a gloriously witty adventure encapsulating all the awkwardness and yearning of being 17.