Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte

FOUR DEAD QUEENS by Astrid Scholte is a truly unique debut which blends elements of fantasy, science fiction, and murder mystery.  There’s also quite a bit to keep track of due to multiple narrators and their shifting perspectives.  The main character is a seventeen-year-old thief named Keralie Corington.  Estranged from her family and feeling guilty about past actions, she has taken refuge with an old friend who challenges her to steal a sensitive package from a messenger named Varin who comes from Eonia, a technologically sophisticated area and one of the four regions in a Quadara.  The others are Archia (agriculture focused, with no electricity); Toria (the main trading center); and Ludia (focused on art and beauty). In a long-standing effort to keep the peace, Quadara is ruled by four queens and it is their deaths which are foretold in the stolen package. 

Keralie and Varin try to save the queens while dealing with growing feelings for each other in this twisty, fast-paced adventure. On the way there’s some interesting commentary on emotional traits (jealousy, empathy, selfishness, trust, taking responsibility) and the contrast between life for the privileged rulers and their people and also between the cultures in each region.  For example, Keralie (from Toria) notes on travels through Eonia that “no one dared to approach me.  Nor did they speak to those around them. It was as though they were traveling alone. Completely disconnected from each other. … Was this what Varin’s normal life was like? … Sure the Jetee [area in Toria where she lived] was dirty and smelly, and everyone there had questionable morals, but we acknowledged each other…”  

FOUR DEAD QUEENS was named an Indie Bestseller and chosen as an Amazon best book for March; fans of Cashore’s Graceling will enjoy this surprising tale of strong queens and a troubled girl thief.

Just Mercy - YA Adaptation - by Bryan Stevenson

If you are not aware of JUST MERCY by Bryan Stevenson, you should be, especially since he spoke locally and an adaption for young adults was released today.  JUST MERCY deals with America’s incarceration system and the racial inequities which it exhibits. This is a high interest topic for our students and many will benefit from exposure to the young adult version which closely parallels the original. 

This book deals with disturbing situations, but is truly inspirational as well and in a related note, I am continually amazed at PBS’ “Brief but Spectacular” segments.  Here is the one featuring Stevenson:

In addition, view this moving tribute from PBS to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice founded by Stevenson’s Equal Justice initiative whose mission it is to protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable.  

The young adult adaptation of JUST MERCY received starred reviews from both Booklist and Kirkus. 

Little Do We Know by Tamara Ireland Stone

LITTLE DO WE KNOW by award-winning author Tamara Ireland Stone is an emotional and compelling young adult novel that explores faith, doubt and relationships. High school Seniors Hannah and Emory were inseparable best friends until a traumatic event, a huge fight and some uncomfortable truths drive them apart. Hannah has been raised to embrace her Christian faith and trust her parents’ guidance – her Dad is the principal of her faith-based high school, but she starts to question her faith and becomes infatuated with a teacher at the school, reflecting her vulnerability and immaturity. Emory is driven and focused on her acting career, applying to UCLA, and on her intimate relationship with boyfriend Luke. When Luke undergoes a near death experience and turns to religion while questioning his own values, an even greater tension develops between Hannah and Emory. Alternating narrators, Stone seeks to develop realistic, relatable characters who care for each other while also being self-centered and immersed in their own issues. LITTLE DO WE KNOW respectfully explores the questions of faith which teens often face, with one character noting “I think the world would be a better place if people stopped every once in a while and questioned everything they thought they knew.” In addition, Stone deftly prompts readers to examine inappropriate relationships and actions since both young women are let down by men in their lives.  

Booklist recommends LITTLE DO WE KNOW to “readers looking for a nuanced treatment of religion;” this title received a starred review from Publishers Weekly.