The Kickassery of YA

The paths I wear into library carpeting more often than not lead to the children's and young adult sections. The books I find there are populated by heroes and heroines whose courage and wisdom often eclipse my own and I like that. That and they are entertaining as all get out. I like that too. These are the ones that have stood out to me lately...

It's rare to find a young female protagonist who is so unabashedly confident and smart. And so completely her own person. In addition to creating a delightful character, Alan Bradley published the first of his Flavia De Luce mysteries at the age of 69 and for that I love him all the more.  

Despite losing all cover contests, Walk Two Moons is wonderful. Its touching evocation of love among three different generations reduced me to a puddle of tears by the end of the book.

A coming of age story and gay romance that transcends sexual orientation, Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda (the title's probably the weakest part of the book) is a valuable addition to the sex positive reading material that exists in the world. 

Hunger Games meets Ender's Game, Red Rising is about a space chase and revolution among the astroids. Irresistible, even if it's not wholly original.  

Why did the fan who drew this rendition of the Lunar Chronicles team choose to put them all in their underwear? Dunno. I do know that this futuristic retelling of classic fairytales is surprisingly awesome and addicting.