Faber and Faber–Middle Grade and Young Adult Books

As I mentioned in my last post, Faber and Faber are about to publish some fantastic books and I can’t wait to share the details about them with you. Earlier today, I discussed the picture books they will be debuting, so now let’s look at the Middle Grade and Young Adult books they will be publishing.

Middle Grade

Flora in Love by Natasha Farrant ( second book in the The Diaries of Bluebell Gadsby series)

I missed out on hearing about the first book and I could kick myself after hearing Natasha read a passage from the sequel. It is funny and yet heart warming at the same time. In this instalment, Bluebell’s sister Flora falls in love. From what I have heard about this series, I think it’s definitely one to read. This book is published in April, but you can buy After Iris, the first book in the series right now.

Next up we have The Tornado Chaser by Ross Montgomery. This is an inspiring book aimed at the 8 to 9 year old audience, where kids chase tornadoes for fun. At the moment, there isn’t an image available of the final cover, so I will just tell you it sounded fabulous. The author, Ross Montgomery, has already exploded into the publishing world. His debut novel, Alex, the Dog and the Unopenable Door was shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book Award last year. So expect more great things from him.

Memoirs of a Neurotic Zombie by Jeff Norton.

Now the name Jeff Norton might be really familiar to you, but not necessarily with Faber or as a Middle Grade author. Jeff is well known for his Young Adult series, MetaWars published by Orchard. If you ever have the pleasure of meeting Jeff, you will be utterly delighted by his warm personality and witty sense of humour. He is definitely one of those authors who you will always remember meeting. During the Faber event, he read a passage from his new novel and I was crying with laughter. Everyone know I hate zombie books, but I will definitely make an exception at reading this one.  Unfortunately there isn’t a cover available to drool over yet, so you will have to look at Jeff’s lovely face.

The Girl Who Walked On Air by Emma Carroll

I am very excited by Emma’s second book as I loved her first novel, Frost Hollow Hall, which was set during the Winter of 1881. Her new novel, The Girl Who Walked On Air is also set during the Victorian era, but in a completely different setting. With this book, we will find ourselves transported to the circus, where orphan, Louie, want to be the show stopping act instead of just working in the ticket office.

Finally in the Middle Grade bracket, we have Archie Green and The Magician’s Instruction by DD Everest. Archie receives a book in a box for his birthday; with the book comes a Summoning from Oxford, asking him to return with the book in the box. When he arrives, he discovers the world of the Book People. This book sounds utterly enchanting. A place to discovered enchanted books shelves and librarians who are secretly sorcerers. Could Archie be the new Harry Potter?

So that concludes the exciting books that were discussed for the Middle Grade audience. Now let us delve into the Young Adult books.

Young Adult

Dead Ends by Erin Lange

Erin Lange is the author of the book, Butter, which many bloggers were raving about last year. Now I haven’t read either, but I did manage to get hold of a copy of Butter, so I look forward to being able to tell you more about it. Erin Lange is already being compared with John Greene and R.J. Palacio, so I am excited to read one of her books. Dead Ends is  about an incredible friendship between a Downs Syndrome child and a bully, with the story being told from the bully’s point of view.

There are rumours that Erin will be visiting the UK in April, so an ideal time to buy your books in order to get them signed when she arrives.

Sweet Damage by Rebecca James is the second book to be published by this author with Faber and Faber. Her first novel, Beautiful Damage, was published last year. Rebecca will appeal to fans of April Henry. Imagine a scary house, a mysterious owner and terrifying bumps in the night, not to mention a past coming back at you with a vengeance! Can’t wait for April for this one.

Between The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke. This book has the best opening line ever…

You stop fearing the devil when you’re holding his hand…

Imagine a Great Gatsby setting with hints of Gothic as Violet tries to work out just who the mysterious man she has fallen in love with, actually is. Out in March.

Another book mentioned that won’t be available until Autumn, is Winterkill by Kate A. Boorman. Being pitched alongside Patrick Ness and Moira Young, she is definitely an author to look out for. This book won’t be available until the Autumn. Set in a puritanical and medieval alternate world, Emmeline has the opportunity to repair the damaged name of her family by marrying the settlement leader. But Emmeline wants more.

Also mentioned during the brunch was the fabulous debut by Alexia Casale, The Bone Dragon.  I have heard such good things about this book and I really need to read it soon. It will be published in paperback in April, so it is definitely time to read it.

So there you have an abundance of exciting books coming from Faber and Faber over the next few months. Which book would you like to read first?