When it gets cold in Alachua County, it always seems like a special occasion. It's a great time to crack open an old favorite or sit down with a new, big book under a warm blanket. The chill may not last long, but here are our favorite YA titles to enjoy while it does.
Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Rey Terciero and Bre Indigo
Little Women is one of our favorite cold-weather reads, and this new graphic novel adaptation by Rey Terciero is a great adaptation of the classic story. This book is great for younger tweens as well as teens!
Sadie by Courtney Summers
Some nights we want books to warm us, educate us...and sometimes, we want a good, spooky mystery. Sadie is about a girl who disappears shortly after her sister is murdered. The chapters alternate between a true crime podcast about the missing Sadie and her murdered sister, trying to unravel the truth; and Sadie herself, who knows what happened and is going to make sure it never happens again. Dark and suspenseful, Sadie is the perfect book to read in between new episodes of your favorite podcast.
The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman
Now, we don't mind if you'd rather watch the HBO adaptation, but we're big fans of The Golden Compass. Much of the book is set in the Arctic north, telling a story of polar bear kings, witches, daemons, Dust and adventure. This book is perfect for curling up in an armchair on Friday night and not leaving until Sunday afternoon.
Birthday by Meredith Russo
A love story told over birthdays, Birthday is about Eric and Morgan, two kids who don't quite fit the mold in small town Tennessee. A story told from two perspectives with an LGBT protagonist, Birthday is the perfect book to take your breath away.
Giant Days. Volume 1 by John Allison, Lissa Treiman, Whitney Cogar, Jim Campbell
The story of three freshmen at a British university, the sarcastic Susan, the goth Esther, and the bright-eyed Daisy have all become close friends. Read about their adventures and misadventures at school, from Daisy's decision to adopt a pigeon, Susan's crusade against an ex with a mustache, and Esther's "drama curse." Giant Days is extremely British in the sort of way that lets you escape to a world you've never experienced. This book is written for young adults.
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
In an alternate America where the Civil War is derailed by zombies rising from the battlefields, Jane McKeene is just hoping to get by. Jane is biracial, and under the Reeducation Act, she has few options. If she plays her cards right, she'll become an Attendant, and protect the wealthy and priviledged from the undead hordes. But when families in Baltimore start going missing, Jane is pulled into a conspiracy that is much more dangerous than any zombie.