Lead characters shine in host of teen novels to brighten up your summer

From high-speed heists and magical quests to climate change and cults, new books will keep youngsters thrilled and chilled, writes Ruth Concannon

There are many reading gems out for children and young adults this month.

AUGUST brings many reading gems, particularly in teen and young adult books where coming-of-age stories set amongst magical quests, high-speed heists and climate activism create character-building moments allow protagonists to blossom.

Character building in children’s literature is one of the more fascinating areas explored on the page and informs the theme of this year’s Children’s Books Ireland International Conference. Taking place on September 21-22 in the Light House Cinema, Smithfield, Dublin, the conference is a weekend-long celebration of the very best in children’s books with a host of brilliant international speakers. You can attend in-person or online.

See the lineup and secure your ticket now at childrensbooksireland.ie.

The Other Side of theValley, by Ashling Lindsay (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books)

Pip has always lived in the Lonely Valley, comfortable in its calm familiarity. But when strange, colourful leaves begin to drift into his valley, Pip decides to take a brave step and investigate where they have come from. A story of challenging loneliness, and impeccably illustrated, Lindsay is a rising star in Irish illustration. (4+)

The Shy Book, by Howard Pearlstein and James Munro (Graffeg)

Too shy to share its story, as the pages turn, The Shy Book becomes more comfortable opening up to readers, and even imparts some of its wisdom on overcoming shyness. Addressing social anxiety with humour and a light touch, this is an interactive read ideal for those who struggle in the spotlight. (4+)

The Beanstalk Murder, by PG Bell (Usborne)

Life has been peaceful since the giants and the humans called a truce, that is until the body of King Thibault plummets from the sky, squashing the magical village of Old Stump. 

The Beanstalk Murder by PG Bell (Usborne) 

Accidentally hitching a ride on a beanstalk, Anwen and Cerys deliver the bad news, and are drawn into a truly unique whodunit and the search for Thibault’s killer. A murder mystery like no other — Bell’s magic and humour offer a zany spin on fairy tales retold for the modern age. (9+)

Sword of the Sun, by Sinéad O’Hart (Piccadilly Press)

Uprooted from Dublin, Ben and his brother Fin are not looking forward to adjusting to life in a remote area of the Burren. But as their arrival has awakened the ancient magic of the Morrigan and the Cailleach, they might be in for a greater adventure than imagined. Fusing the contemporary and the ancient, O’Hart’s combination of familial bonds, Irish folklore and a good old-fashioned quest make for an unputdownable story. (11+)

Wintour’s Game, by Brían Dungan (Little Tiger)

Alex Wintour’s secret skill of glimpsing the future has helped her carve out a life as a thief. But when a burglary goes wrong, she finds herself mixed up with Cole, who shares her powers as a Temporal, and a heist where the stakes are higher than ever. Quick-witted and sharp-tongued, Alex is a compelling lead protagonist with a thirst for survival in a jam-packed plot. Dungan’s debut will have action fans waiting impatiently for a sequel. (12+)

Save Our Forest!, by Nora Dåsnes, translated by Lise Lærdal Bryn (Farshore)

When the grown-ups threaten to destroy Bao’s beloved bog, she gathers fellow climate-conscious students in a drastic attempt to save their forest. Another readable and relatable coming-of-age graphic novel from Dåsnes, Bao’s anxiety around climate change will resonate with young readers, as will lessons around teamwork and asking for help. (13+)

Éanna Corr, by Antain Mac Lochlainn (Leabhar Breac)

Éanna believes his luck has changed when new student Síomón befriends him. Unfortunately, friendship with enigmatic Síomón comes with a price, and being a member of the Temple Nua is not as straightforward as lonely Éanna realised. With a slow build of tension, this short novel on religious cults, and those vulnerable to them, certainly packs a punch. Conversational-style Irish will make this accessible to confident Irish readers and fluent speakers alike. (13+)

Brielle and Bear, by Salomey Doku (HarperCollins Children’s Books)

First-year student at the Once Upon a Time University, Brielle is finding her feet on campus. A total bookworm, Brielle is more than familiar with all the rules of fairy tales, but will she recognise her own prince charming when she meets vice-captain of the rugby team, Bear? Colourful and cosy, this is the sweetest autumnal graphic novel romcom for fairy tale fans who love a happily ever after. (14+)

Braids Take a Day, by Zainab Boladale (The O’Brien Press)

With her Leaving Cert complete, Abi’s summer stretches in front of her with plenty of opportunities for dates, discos and fun with friends. But when a new friendship reveals an unexpected secret, Abi is left questioning not only her father, but also her future plans. Boladale’s coming-of-age debut perfectly captures rural Irish teenage life along with the complicated emotions and search for identity that come with that final summer between secondary school and college. (14+)

Sisters of the Moon, by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick (Faber & Faber)

Still grieving the loss of her mother, Suzy finds herself desperately wishing for a friend. When Rhiannon enters her life, she is soon pushed out of her comfort zone in ways she never expected. But Rhiannon has a secret as mysterious as the changing cycles of the moon. A spellbinding and atmospheric read,

Fitzpatrick is at her very best here, capturing the transformative power of female friendship through magical realism. (15+)

Songlight, by Moira Buffini (Faber & Faber)

Set in a dystopian future, Elsa is on the cusp of being forced into marriage to a war veteran when her secret power of Songlight connects her to Kaira. Fearing they will be discovered as unhuman, Elsa plans to run away, but soon learns the enemy is not who she expected. While readers should be warned of strong language and graphic violence, this story is truly unique and one of the most compulsive reads of the year so far, and recommended for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Hunger Games. (17+)

Almost Nothing Happened, by Meg Cabot (Bloomsbury)

If you feel like almost nothing happened this summer, here’s proof there’s always time for a last-minute adventure. Callum has failed spectacularly to have a coming-of-age summer on his French exchange trip. Impulsively deciding not to take the Eurostar home, he embarks on a 48-hour romp through Paris involving a stolen oboe, a priceless painting, and dodging a police curfew on the back of an electric motorbike. Escapist reading at its best, Cabot’s summer adventure is a blissful page-turner. (17+)

• Ruth Concannon is the publications officer for Children’s Books Ireland, the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child’s right to develop a love of reading. Its mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people in Ireland, to share its expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence them, to champion every child’s right to excellent books and live literature events, and support the artists who make that goal possible across the island of Ireland.

See childrensbooksireland.ie for more information.