Tuesday 1 November 2016

Most Anticipated Novels for November / October's Book of the Month

Where is this year going? I can't believe we are already at November! I haven't read half the books I would've like to, but I'm sure I will get round to them at some point. 
So let's move swiftly onto the top five books I can't wait to read that are being published in November. 
1) Instructions for a Second-hand Heart by Tamsyn Murray.
Published by Usborne

I've been looking forward to this ever since the cover reveal back in the summer! So lucky to get my hands on a copy. Although I think I may need some tissues.

Summary
Jonny isn't like "normal" teenagers. Every day he wakes up in hospital, kept alive by a machine. Every day he wonders if this is the day they'll find a donor match for his heart. Every day he wonders if this is the day he'll die.
Every day, Niamh fights with her "perfect" brother Leo. Every single day, Leo wins. Every day, Niamh dreams of a life without Leo. But all that changes on the day of the accident: the day EVERYTHING falls apart.
This is a story about facing the future no matter how frightening. This is a story about healing your heart, no matter how much it hurts. 

2) The Road to Ever After by Moira Young
Published by Macmillan Children's Books

Just look at that cover.  Isn't it beautiful?  Mix that up with the synopsis and you have a book I can't wait to read. 

Summary
Part Benjamin Button, part Harold and Maud, part Brian Selznick and part Neil Gaiman, this is a unique, magical story that will draw readers in and make them fall in love with both characters.
Davy David is a thirteen-year-old orphan, who lives in the bushes in a town ruled by a strict minister, Reverend Fall. A talented artist, Davy loves to draw pictures of angels in the dirt, in the early hours of the morning before the townspeople are awake. He spends his days on his own, except for a small dog, who has attached himself to Davy, often going to the library to find inspiration for his pictures of angels. One day, after chasing after a ball for some of the town's boys, he finds himself in the yard of the old boarded-up museum, now rumoured to be the home of a witch. The witch is Miss Elizabeth Flint, an elderly woman who has a proposition for Davy: drive her to her childhood home, where, it turns out, she has made the decision to die.

3) Winter Magic curated by Abi Elphinstone
Published by Simon and Schuster. 

So many amazing Middle Grade authors in one place. I actually don't know which story to read first. And the perfect stocking filler for Christmas. 

Summary
A beautiful and classic anthology of frosty, magical short stories from acclaimed children’s writers such as Michelle Magorian, Berlie Doherty, Lauren St John and Katherine Woodfine, and edited by author Abi Elphinstone.
Dreamsnatcher’s Abi Elphinstone heads up this gorgeous collection of wintery stories, featuring snow queens, frost fairs, snow dragons and pied pipers . . . from classic children’s writers such as Michelle Magorian, Geraldine McCaughrean, Jamila Gavin, Berlie Doherty, Katherine Woodfine, Piers Torday, Lauren St John, Amy Alward and Emma Carroll, among others.
An unmissable, enchanting treat of a collection that will be enjoyed for years to come, by readers of all ages.

4) Reckless: The Golden Yarn by Cornelia Funke
Published by Pushkin Press

I love Cornelia Funke. And I absolutely adored the first couple of books in this series. Although it has been a while since I read them, so I may need to re-read them again. Cornelia was one of the first children's authors I ever read as an adult. Inkheart will always stay dear to my heart. 

Summary
The worlds on either side of the mirror are about to collide. And there's nothing Jacob can do to stop them.
After a perilous encounter with an Alder Elf - an immortal, trick-­turning creature to whom he owes a great debt - Jacob must journey back into the enchanted Mirrorworld once again.
Together with Fox, his beautiful shape­shifting friend, Jacob has no choice but to follow his brother on the trail of the Dark Fairy, who has fled deep into the East: to a land of folklore, Cossacks, spies, time­-eating witches and flying carpets. But what exactly is the Dark One running from? Could it be the same danger that threatens Jacob and Fox?
The third book in the Reckless series, ?The Golden Yarn ?is a thrilling tale of courage and fear, jealousy and forbidden desire; in which love has the power both to save a life - and to destroy it.

5) The Song From Somewhere Else by A.F Harrold and illustrated by Levi Pinfold
Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books.

I was lucky enough to meet A.F. Harrold last year at Brighton Rocks where I chaired some panels. He was delightful and extremely funny. I've been wanting to read one of his books ever since, so I jumped at the chance of getting my hands on this one. The illustrations are to die for. 

Summary
Frank doesn't know how to feel when Nick Underbridge rescues her from bullies one afternoon. No one likes Nick. He's big, he's weird and he smells – or so everyone in Frank's class thinks.
And yet, there's something nice about Nick's house. There's strange music playing there, and it feels light and good and makes Frank feel happy for the first time in forever.
But there's more to Nick, and to his house, than meets the eye, and soon Frank realises she isn't the only one keeping secrets. Or the only one who needs help.

So the star of excellence goes to the book that I've read that month and absolutely adored. It doesn't matter when it is coming out. This month, there really wasn't any contest as one book has stuck with me and made it very difficult for me to read anything else. My book of the month goes to...Wing Jones by Katherine Webber.
It's one of those books that stays with you long after you've read it. You'll feel empowered by Wing. She overcomes a lot of troubles in her life to be the most amazing and committed person she can be. With hints of magical realism, this book is just beautiful.  I will have a full review up later this month. I'm really sorry that this book isn't out till January, but you don't have long to wait for it now. 
Summary
Jandy Nelson meets Friday Night Lights: a sweeping story about love and family from an exceptional new voice in YA. With a grandmother from China and another from Ghana, fifteen-year-old Wing Jones is often caught between worlds. But when tragedy strikes, Wing discovers a talent for running she never knew she had. Wing's speed could bring her family everything it needs. It could also stop Wing getting the one thing she wants.




2 comments:

  1. The cover of "The Song from Somewhere Else" is amazing. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for this at the library!

    ReplyDelete

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