A few changes have taken place for Books, Teens and Magazines these last months. Firstly, I have created a blog. The blog is more chatty and includes book reviews, comments on issues such as diversity and bullying and how these subjects are represented in YA fiction, author interviews and book suggestions. Any entry on the blog feeds through automatically to my Twitter account so if you follow me on Twitter you will be made aware of any new reviews on the website and any new articles on the blog. My Twitter account is @BooksTeensMagaz.

Secondly the Books, Teens and Magazines Twitter account has grown - it now has over 450 followers - readers, authors, publishers, teachers and librarians. As well as providing information on the new items on my website and blog, I use Twitter to share information on competitions, new releases, author visits etc.

New YA books released so far in 2014

2014 has started with a bang, with plenty of new YA releases, both stand-alone and forming part of a series. I have listed below the books I have reviewed so far this year. However, there are plenty more to come - the Upcoming Reviews page on my website lists books that are due out shortly and which I have reviewed. The reviews will be released nearer the publication dates. 

Boys Don't Knit by TS Easton - this book is very enjoyable - a feel good book that makes you laugh and smile. It also packs a powerful message about being true to yourself. I love books that make me feel happy and this is one of them.

Running Girl by Simon Mason - this is a whodunit with a rather annoying, lazy but clever, teenager called Garvey helping (or hindering?) a police investigation. The tension is well maintained and Garvey is a great character. I love characters who aren't perfect - makes me feel so much better about my imperfections! This is a great choice for those readers who like reading books where the characters reflect ethnic diversity.

The Dark Inside by Rupert Wallis - this book will appeal to readers who enjoyed A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. It is part coming of age, part coping with loss and guilt and part understanding what the important things in life are. With a bit of fantasy thrown in. It is a straightforward read, well written and it does make you think. I think some readers may react to it like marmite - but I like marmite and I liked this book.

Tape by Steve Camden - this book has received high praise from reviewers and bloggers. I wasn't so keen because, for me, it didn't hang together. However, it is well written and has an interesting premise - can people speak to each other across time and what happens if they do?

Bird by Crystal Chan - this book haunted me - the sense of loss, the frustration of not understanding the behaviour of grown ups, the feeling of not belonging. I loved the writing and, in spite of the sadness, I found this to be a book of hope. I don't see teenagers dashing to read it, but it is a good book and worth reading especially for readers who love books that use language and words poetically. 

Defy the Stars by Sophie McKenzie - I felt old reading this book. I think I might even have tutted a few times. However, this is a book for teens and Sophie Mckenzie understands what her audience wants. It is the final book in the Flynn series and will appeal to teen romance readers. A modern day Romeo and Juliet couple face difficult decisions, happiness and heartache. 

Finding Jennifer Jones by Anne Cassidy - this is the follow up book to Looking for JJ. It is excellent and it raises so many interesting topics for discussion. I covered these in my blog so I won't repeat them here. 

Dead Silent by Sharon Jones - Poppy Jones is struggling with her feelings for her lovely boyfriend when dead and bloody bodies start appearing everywhere. It is not a perfect book, but it is enjoyable and interesting.

Rock Wars by Robert Muchamore - this is the author's new series now that Cherub and Henderson Boys is complete. The story follows four teen bands who want to make it big. There is plenty of action and a multitude of interesting characters. Whilst adults will worry about the inclusion of sex, drugs, self-harming and law breaking, teenage and tween readers will enjoy the book.

Stuffed by Miriam Halahmy - the third book in the Hayling Island Cycle (the others are Hidden and Illegal). I really enjoyed this book. I found the teenagers' voices to be real and I was engrossed in their stories. I liked the fact the author never waved a magic wand to make problems disappear. These three books are well worth reading. I have also interviewed the author on my blog. 

Trouble by Non Pratt - underage sex and drinking and a teen pregnancy. This book has received high praise from reviewers and bloggers and it is well written and realistic. Teenagers will enjoy reading it. However, if you are recommending the book to a teenager, I think you need to be aware that whilst irresponsible drinking and promiscuity are not condoned in this story, under age sex and drinking are not condemned either. 

Panic by Lauren Oliver - when you live in a dead end town and you are in need of money to get out, playing the biggest dare game ever seems like a good idea. Action, intrigue, adventure, romance - this is an enjoyable, if nail biting, straightforward read. 

I will soon be reviewing the final book in The Murder Notebooks series by Anne Cassidy. For those who have been waiting for the book, it is called Dead and Buried and was published on 6th March 2014. 

I have been updating my Books in a Series reading list if you need to check when the next book in a series is due out. 

I wish you a good end of term and Easter holidays. I will keep reading, reviewing and posting so do keep in touch,

Regards

Chiara