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Jem's fave reads of 2024

In no particular order, here are my top 10 reads of this year! It includes a variety from children's novels, YA, biographies and adult fiction.

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14 items

  • A fierce and unflinching told in verse novel, it looks at the emotional complexities of healing and dives deep into the inner battles we face when it comes to love and trauma. The writing, though in prose has such strength and beauty to…
    BookNew York : Amulet Books, 2023. — YOUNG ADULT FICTION
  • If you're a music fan, this is a must read for you! Each of the chapters are named after a song! I was very excited by this, especially as I saw a few of my fave songs/artists throughout the book! I loved this story so much, the diverse…
    BookToronto, Ontario : Inkyard Press, [2024] — YOUNG ADULT FICTION
  • If you are fascinated by Shakespear or enjoy some Shakespearean theatre, you ought to give this a read. It provides a real insight into who Shakespear really was. As in a woman called Emilia Bassano. Though, this has been debated in recent…
    BookCrows Nest, New South Wales : Allen & Unwin, 2024. — FICTION
  • My first fantasy read in a really long time, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself! I enjoy reading Asian mythology, so the cover of this book definitely captured my attention. Based on the Korean folktale of the Gumiho, I knew I had to read it.…
    BookNew York : Del Rey, [2024] — FANTASY
  • In all honesty, I have been meaning to read this since it's publication, however, the interview styled dialogue was something I wasn't sure I could follow along with or be completely absorbed into. Well, I was wrong. Very, very wrong. This…
    BookLondon : Hutchinson, 2018. — FICTION
  • A beautiful children's novel told in verse. There is just something about prose writing that I really enjoy, maybe it's the simplicity of the writing, yet it packs a bunch, and you really feel the emotions of the characters. Definitely…
    BookNew York : Quill Tree Books, [2021] — OLDER FICTION
  • Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom

    My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March

    Lowery, Lynda Blackmon, 1950-
    An incredible true story based on the experiences of Lynda Blackmon Lowery as the youngest marcher in the historic Selma to Montgomery march. An incredible and powerful memoir of courage and determination. At just 15, she risked everything…
    BookNew York : Speak, 2016. — 323.1196 LOW
  • A very relatable, told in verse novel about a middle grader's experience during the covid-19 lockdown. This is a great story for all ages as we all went through this experience and we all coped in different ways. I felt that a lot of…
    BookNew York : Wordsong, [2022] — OLDER FICTION
  • My first New Zealand historical fiction! Not that I judge books by their covers but... wasn't sure I would like this one, especially as historical fiction isn't my go to genre but again... I was unexpectedly and completely drawn in and…
    BookAuckland [New Zealand] : HarperCollinsPublishers, 2002. — HISTORICAL
  • The Girl Who Fell From the Sky

    An Extraordinary True Story of Resilience, Courage, Hope and Finding Lightness After the Heaviest of Landings

    Carey, Emma
    What happens when you see your life flash before your eyes and within a few seconds, you expect to be dead. This is the triumphant story of a young Australia woman who was in a skydiving accident, whilst holidaying in Europe. I cried, I…
    BookCrows Nest, New South Wales : Allen & Unwin, 2022. — 362.43 CAR
  • Process

    Finding My Way Through

    Spraggan, Lucy
    Another incredible memoir I read this year, I actually watched Lucy Spraggan while she was on the X-Factor and her song 'Tea and Toast' is still constantly being played and lives rent free in my head. One day, Lucy just disappeared from…
    BookLondon : Blink Publishing, [2023] — 781.64 SPR
  • Definitely a new favourite author of mine! I just love the characters that Crystal Maldonado comes up with! If you are an Autumn girlie, then you'll love this book. it just has all the cute Autumnal vibes. One of the reasons that I loved…
    BookNew York : Holiday House, [2023] — YOUNG ADULT FICTION
  • Get ready to cry your eyes out. Or at least I did. When war breaks out in Syria, Salama is forced to make a decision, either continue living in her country with her community or escape, leaving behind all those she loves for a fresh start.…
    BookLondon : Bloomsbury YA, 2022. — YOUNG ADULT FICTION
  • One of the most informative novels I read this year. Though this is a fictional story, the issues explored throughout the novel are real and true. Many young girls are still going through this very terrifying experience. I really…
    BookNew York : Katherine Tegen Books, [2018] — YOUNG ADULT FICTION