The Nottingham City of Literature free book giveaway campaign (29 June -12 August) features five compelling Young Adult titles, selected by young people, for young people…
Tart by Becki Jayne Crossley
(Bloomsbury YA)
Tart by Becki Jayne Crossley finds queer teenagers, Dan, Libby, and Neha navigating through hostilities in bullies, family and self-doubt as they make their way to self-discovery and expression. Where Tart lacks in cliché misunderstandings, it fully makes up for in elevating its simple coming-of-age premise to an emotionally rich story in the heart-warming department. One can’t help but be sweetened up by Libby and Neha's growing relationship as they find safety in each other against the town’s mistreatment.
Alongside the blossoming romance, Crossley drops hints of mystery around Dan’s incident, leaving readers to piece together the nature of his and Libby’s relationship. In balancing these elements, Tart whips up a bittersweet rollercoaster — a story that will satisfy any young exploring readers. - Tan Sze Wei
The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue by Zoulfa Katouh
(Bloomsbury YA)
Zoulfa Katouh’s second original YA novel The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue follows grieving Syrian American teenage artist Jihad Dabbagh, as she longs to fulfil her life-long dream of attending a prestigious art school Opus. But following her mother’s sudden tragic death, she loses her sense of colour. Jihad’s greyscale view of the world is not helped when she attends an exclusive new high school, where her name and faith are weaponised by bigoted staff and Islamophobic bullies.
Drawing from her namesake’s resilience, Jihad reclaims her Syrian heritage and fights back against prejudice with her paintbrush, “taking in every colour” as she rediscovers the powerful healing behind art, family and friendship. Zoulfa Katouh’s lyrical prose lingers, leaving hues of hope long after the last page. - Katherine Monk-Watts
Searching for the Remarkable in Things by Natalie Lucy
(ZunTold)
“It’s finding out about this whole family history. With its terrible secrets”, says thirteen-year-old Clover, an empathetic voice in Natalie Lucy’s YA debut novel: Searching for the Remarkable in Things. Following the death of her mother, Clover discovers more about herself and her heritage, stitching together a delicate connection with her estranged father, while navigating deep secrets regarding a mysterious box containing letters which date back to 1851.
Unusual structure, gripping mystery, and poetic storytelling present the modern-day impacts of enslavement in a unique and emotionally brutal way, weaving old letters into a modern-day plot to knit this beautiful blend of historical fact and fiction, personal trauma, and historical injustice. This is an informative, touching and immersively thrilling story, which invites you to piece together parts of its mysterious patchwork. - Millie Webster
29 Locks by Nicola Garrard
(HopeRoad Publishing)
This impressive debut novel follows Donny's journey through poverty, crime and uncertainty as he travels along the canal system. Reminiscent of Alex Wheatle's Liccle Bit, the novel offers an honest portrayal of working-class life and the challenges faced by vulnerable young people. Garrard creates an authentic and engaging narrator whose struggles make the story both emotional and thought-provoking.
A key theme is resilience: despite the setbacks and hardships he faces, Donny continues to seek a better future. The novel's hopeful message is captured in its final words: "even if it don't look like luck, even if bad luck seems more closer, its only because it’s hiding better luck you going to find round the corner." - Nadzieja Kolodziejski
Charlotte Grote: Solver by John Allison
(Scary Go Round Books)
A chaotic insight into post-school life for an eldest daughter, graphic novel Charlotte Grote: Solver tracks Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Grote’s journey on the well-trodden path of existential confusion in early adulthood. “The greatest feat of strength is withstanding social pressure”, we are told – Lottie’s best friend, Claire Little, and the careers adviser, Glenn Durgan, join hands to find new glory for her, away from the shadow of a former teen detective. Allison eschews far-fetched heroes, opting for a Sheffield-centric focus that spotlights community warmth. Charlotte is a seldom seen type of female protagonist: cynical, witty and erratically self-assured. The plot jerks from side to side at times – perhaps to echo life’s systemic messiness – which does not detract from this comedic read and fine entry point into graphic novels. - Aarya Handa
To find out more about how to get involved with this year’s Big City Reads, and for clues on where to find the five books, keep an eye on @nottmcityoflit social media!
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