To Shape a Dragon's Breath

To Shape a Dragon's Breath

by Moniquill Blackgoose
Del Rey, 2023. 511 pages. Fantasy

Book #1 in the "Nampeshiweisit" series

The remote island of Masquapaug has not seen a dragon in many generations—until fifteen-year-old Anequs finds a dragon’s egg and bonds with its hatchling. To her people, Anequs is revered as Nampeshiweisit—a person in a unique relationship with a dragon. Unfortunately for Anequs, the Anglish conquerors of her land have different opinions. Only with great reluctance do they allow Anequs to enroll in a proper Anglish dragon school on the mainland. Anequs and her dragon may be coming of age, but they’re also coming to power, and that brings an important realization: the world needs changing—and they might just be the ones to do it.

I'm always a fan of a protagonist that goes to lengths to disrupt the social hierarchy, especially one that is racist and sexist. While it has roots in reality, the world that Blackgoose has created is complex and rich in its history and scope. I particularly enjoyed learning  the details about their fantasy version of chemistry, which others in the genre gloss over or ignore altogether. However, I see how this could be a bit laborious and cumbersome to those with a different academic background. Also, dragons are always fun, but I feel they could have been developed a little further as characters. And the romance was a very slow burn: IIRC first kiss somewhere around 70%. This one definitely needs a sequel.

How to Be Remy Cameron

How to Be Remy Cameron

by Julian Winters
Duet, 2019. 340 pages. Young Adult

Everyone on campus knows Remy Cameron. He's the out-and-gay, super-likable guy that people admire for his confidence. The only person who may not know Remy that well is Remy himself. So when he is assigned to write an essay describing himself, he goes on a journey to reconcile the labels that people have attached to him, and get to know the real Remy Cameron. 

I enjoyed how this book presented true-to-life depictions of queer adolescence (which, if you're a regular of this blog, you know that YA sometimes misses the mark for me in that regard). I also love how Remy refuses to let either his race or his sexuality be his sole defining characteristic, and Winters grapples with this important issue head on. This book is beautifully written, and there are passages and lines that really captivated me. This work is not so plot-driven and focuses more on introspection while maintaining a lighthearted and positive tone.

The Forbidden Wish

The Forbidden Wish

by Jessica Khoury
Razorbill, 2016. 352 pages. Young Adult Romantasy

When Aladdin discovers Zahra's jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn't seen in hundreds of years—a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra's very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes. But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. Is winning her freedom worth losing her heart? 

This was a great retelling of Aladdin, and I had my doubts considering it was billed as a YA romance. The romance was a part of the story, but not the main focus, and it built up so organically that it didn't seem forced in any way. The powerful, smart, flawed women in this work were a breath of fresh air, especially seeing them work together instead of tear each other down: a far cry from the typical fairy tale stereotype of a damsel in distress. Khoury strikes a good balance of familiarity from the original folktale and freshness of an original storyline with intricate and lavish descriptions. While I generally shy away from comparing retellings to their originals, I think it's safe to say I enjoyed this significantly more than the 1992 animated Aladdin (Sorry, Robin Williams. RIP).

The God Box

The God Box

by Alex Sanchez
Simon & Schuster, 2007. 272 pages. Young Adult

Paul, a religious teen living in a small conservative town, finds his world turned upside down when he meets Manuel—a young man who says he’s both Christian and gay, two things that Paul didn’t think could coexist in one person. Doesn’t the Bible forbid homosexuality? As Paul struggles with Manuel’s interpretation of the Bible, thoughts that Paul has long tried to bury begin to surface, and he finds himself re-examining his whole life.

Honestly, this book was difficult to read because of how relatable it was. I also grew up religious in a Latinx family in a conservative town, and I struggled (and to a certain extent, still struggle) to reconcile my beliefs with my homosexuality. Sanchez raises some good points in regards to Christian beliefs and Biblical passages regarding homosexuality, like the needed "reformation" of "same-sex attracted" individuals into something less "sinful". While I'm unconvinced as to its efficacy as a tool for "converting" Christian readers into tolerance and acceptance, I don't think that was his goal to begin with. Understandably, some of the events (particularly towards the end of the work) are a bit dramatized and overexaggerated, and some plot elements are a bit predictable, but perhaps that's par for the course for a YA novel written in the mid-2000s. But notwithstanding, it reads as an authentic, believable story in terms of the experience as a homosexual Latino Christian.

Jack of Hearts and Other Parts

Jack of Hearts and Other Parts

by Lev A. C. Rosen
Little, Brown and Company; 2018. 352 pages. Mystery

Jack Rothman is seventeen and loves partying, makeup and boys. His sex life makes him the hot topic for the high school gossip machine, but when he starts writing an online sex advice column, the mysterious love letters he's been receiving take a turn for the creepy. Jack's secret admirer loves him, but not his unashamedly queer lifestyle. And if Jack won't curb his sexuality voluntarily, they'll force him. As the pressure mounts, Jack must unmask his stalker before their obsession becomes genuinely dangerous.

I wish I'd had this book when I was in high school, but Teenage!Daniel never would have read it. This irreverent and raunchy novel frames sex-positive advice for audiences of diverse sexualities in the context of humor with well-developed characters and remarkable queer representation. Rosen does get a bit graphic with the sex, yet he tackles heavy issues like consent, gender fluidity, BDSM, and the fetishization of the queer community by straight people. If you're shy about teenagers having casual (gay) sex, you may want to skip this one.

Spin Me Right Round

Spin Me Right Round

by David Valdes
Bloomsbury YA, 2022. 352 pages. Sci-Fi

All Luis Gonzalez wants is to go to prom with his boyfriend, something his “progressive” high school still doesn’t allow. Not after what happened with Chaz Wilson. But that was ages ago, when Luis’s parents were in high school; it would never happen today, right? He’s determined to find a way to give his LGBTQ friends the respect they deserve (while also not risking his chance to be prom king). When a hit on the head knocks him back in time to 1985 and he meets the doomed young Chaz himself, Luis learns firsthand that a conservative school in the ’80s isn’t the safest place to be a gay kid.

I love how this story featured voices from a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds, as well as a variety of LGBTQ identities. It certainly went far beyond tokenism to provide a richly developed cast of characters that each felt true-to-life. I do wish Valdes had unpacked Luis's selfishness a little more, as there was an opportunity for some real growth that wasn't fully realized. He was also relatively unlikable, and it never really got resolved. That said, the writing was top notch, and it was fun to see the compelling, Back-to-the-Future-esque plotline adapted for a modern audience.

Furia

Furia
by Yamile Saied Méndez
Algonquin Young Readers, 2020. 368 pages. Realistic Fiction

In Rosario, Argentina, Camila lives under her brother's shadow, her mother's expectations, and her father's abusive rule. But on the field, she is La Furia, a powerhouse of skill and talent. When her team qualifies for the South American tournament, everything is set for her rise to greatness -- only her parents would never approve if they knew she was playing fútbol, and she'll need their permission to continue. As life becomes even more complicated, Camila faces her secrets and makes her way in a world with no place for a girl's dreams and ambitions. 

What's striking to me is how Camila never yields to her circumstances and difficulties. She lives a double life and has deep secrets, and Méndez effectively conveys the agony of concealing oneself and passions. We also feel the stigmatizing stereotypes regarding sports and gender in Latinx culture, as well as the (in some cases, toxic) family dynamics and friendships. The fact that this novel is set in my mother's hometown added an extra layer of personal interest and begged me to compare Camila to my own strong mother who also wasn't afraid to break the mold and be herself.

Here's to Us

Here's to Us
by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Quill Tree, 2021. 466 pages. Romance

Book #2 in the "What If It's Us" series

Two years after the events of What If It's Us, Ben has totally moved on -- until he hears that Arthur is back in town. And while Arthur is living his dream in a Broadway internship, he is more bothered than he expects when he comes upon Ben with a mystery boy. Did his feelings for Ben ever really go away? What if they're actually meant to be?   

Never have I been this joyful over a sequel. Sometimes, a sequel can feel like a cash grab rather than the continuation of a story. But that wasn't the case here. When I read the first book, I was hooked up until the ending, which was very unsatisfying; I understand the importance of portraying two characters who realize their relationship isn't right for them and walk away staying friends, but it was hard to process that in a work of YA literature. I also appreciated how the people they were dating (Mikey and Mario) don't become characters we should hate, which rings true. It seems Albertalli and Silvera have redeemed themselves (and their characters) in this much-needed second installment.

Five Midnights

Five Midnights

by Ann Dávila Cardinal
Tor Teen, 2019. 288 pages. Horror

When teen Lupe Dávila travels from Vermont to Puerto Rico to visit police chief uncle, she arrives just as he is called to the scene of a grisly murder, the first of many. Lupe and her new friend Javier set out to discover who -- or what -- is causing these murders. But the clues they find lead them into a world of myth, legend, and shadow.

This trilling novel sets the Latin American myth of el Cuco against the backdrop of modern-day San Juan. As a Puerto Rican female author, Cardinal seems to understand that not everyone in her reader base will understand written Spanish; therefore, she masterfully crafts passages that include Spanish phrases and dialogue, always being sure to weave in translations or explanations. However, the characterization feels a little forced: the protagonist never really settles into any distinct personality traits, except perhaps for teenage angst. Despite this, the break-neck pace of this plot makes for a very compelling read. 

American Royals

American Royals

by Katharine McGee
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2019. 448 pages. Sci-Fi

Book #1 in the eponymous series

After the Revolutionary War, General George Washington was offered the throne. And everyone knows he said yes. This alternate history explores the America's reigning House of Washington and the drama that surrounds Princess Beatrice as she prepares to become the first queen regnant of the United States. Living in her sister's shadow, Princess Samantha generally is unbothered, but that changes when she shows interest in a boy who is strictly off-limits to her. And let's not forget Samantha's twin Prince Jefferson, who is adored as the quintessential royal heartthrob and being pursued by two very different love interests. 

This work seems like a standard YA contemporary romance, where the enjoyment comes from untangling the drama. The premise of an American royal family is quite a fun sandbox to play in, but I wish McGee had colored a little more outside the lines. Beyond the fact that this takes place in the United States, there isn't much to tie this work and its characters to the nation. 

Flamer

Flamer

by Mike Curato
Henry Holt and Co., 2020. 368 pages. Graphic Novel

It's the summer between middle school and high school, and Aiden Navarro is away at camp. Everyone's going through changes, but for Aiden, the stakes feel higher. As he navigates friendships, deals with bullies, and spends time with Elias (a boy he can't stop thinking about), he finds himself on a path of self-discovery and acceptance.

As a queer reader, it was a unique experience reading this poignant, emotional graphic novel; I rarely read works to which I can relate so fully. There were parts that were uncomfortable and almost painful to read because of how personal and powerful the narrative is. I can easily see how this work lives up to the claim on its cover that "this book will save lives." 

Content warning: this work addresses difficult topics such as suicidal ideation, homophobia (including use of the f-slur), racism, fat-shaming, and teen sexuality.

Bloom

Bloom
by Kevin Panetta, ill. by Savanna Ganucheau
First Second, 2019. 368 pages. Graphic Novel

Now that high school is over, Ari is dying to move to the big city with his band — if he can just persuade his dad to let him quit his job at their struggling family bakery. But while interviewing candidates for his replacement, Ari meets Hector, an easygoing guy who loves baking as much as Ari wants to escape it. As they become closer over batches of bread, love is ready to bloom... that is, if Ari doesn’t ruin everything.

This heartwarming queer love story between two teenage boys is paired with a satisfying monochromatic color palette and a gorgeous art style. Both of the main characters (and several of the side characters) are very well developed. Bonus points for authentic looks at multiple cultures, including Ari's Greek family and Hector's Samoan heritage. That said, the plot is nothing extraordinary: slow-burn small-town summer romance, sprinkled with family drama throughout. Still a delightful, light-hearted read.

Fandoms in Publishing and Readers’ Advisory

Fandoms in Publishing and Readers’ Advisory

Having renewed the Roman Catholic Church with “a new Pentecost,” Pope John XXIII was named Time magazine’s “Man of the Year” for 1962, the first pope to receive the title (Time, 1963). Decades later, Pope John Paul II attributed John XXIII with saying, “What unites us is much greater than what divides us” (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2001). These words ring true even today, when our nation is fraught with turmoil and unrest. 

What are the things that unite us? For centuries, groups of people have been drawn together by common interest and activities. Derived from fanatic, the word “fan” has been used since the late 19th century to refer to “the devoted observers of, or participants in, a sport” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). However, this term has since expanded to include any “ardent admirer or enthusiast (as of a celebrity or a pursuit)” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). Wikipedia (Fandom, 2021) defines a fandom as “a subculture composed of fans characterized by a feeling of empathy and camaraderie with others who share a common interest.” 

Kratos cosplayer at New York Comic Con in 2018.
Photo by Rhododentrites, CC BY-SA 4.0

The word “fandoms” may bring to mind the television series Star Trek and its avid viewers who dress up as Spock and Kirk, attend conventions to meet the creators and actors, or write letters in a campaign to extend the franchise. However, the concept extends backwards in time to those who devoured Sherlock Holmes mysteries over a hundred years ago (Brown, 2009), or those who once fawned over the musical talents of Frank Sinatra, Elvis, the Beatles, or even Romantic musician Franz Liszt (American Library Association, 2015).

The advent of the Internet cannot be ignored as a catalyst for the formation and promulgation of various fandoms, be it through blogs, fan forums, archives, online communities, or other formats (Romano, 2012). Reid (2018) reports that over 250,000 fans purchased tickets to attend the New York Comic Con in 2018, most of which tickets were purchased online. 

The extensive power of fandoms to unite people bled over from the general zeitgeist of the 21st century into mainstream literature. This essay will discuss the impact of fandoms in recent publishing trends and how this impacts readers’ advisory. It also provides a list of fandom-inspired reading suggestions to help introduce a librarian to the trend, as well as new and future publications to keep an eye out for.

Recent Publishing Trends

While the concept of fandoms extends several decades and even centuries into our past, the influence of fandoms on mainstream publishing is particularly evident in the past decade. In 2013, the publisher St. Martin’s Griffin released Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, in which a girl named Cath navigates not only her transition from high school to college but also her obsession with a fictional character (Rowell, 2013). This depiction of fandom in the real world spawned a number of similar works, particularly in young adult and middle grade fiction.

In 2019, the Marvel Cinematic Universe – which supports a very large fan base – concluded its third phase of motion picture debuts with Avengers: Endgame and Spiderman: Far from Home (Ford & Kit, 2014). The hype has translated into literature with the publication of works that features superheroes in everyday situations; Infinity Son by Adam Silvera and The Extraordinaries by T.J. Klune both feature superpowered individuals on alternate Earths where Internet-based fans are suddenly pulled into the action (BookPage, 2020).

Fandoms have the power to connect individuals who otherwise never would have met, and personal information – such as names – is often kept confidential amid online interactions (BookPage, 2020). In her recent work I Kissed Alice, Anna Birch utilizes these aspects of fandoms in the story of two prep school rivals who unknowingly collaborate on an “Alice in Wonderland” webcomic and fall in love (Birch, 2020). There has also been a recent surge of work that feature fans engaging in fandom activities in the real world, such as This Is How We Fly by Anna Meriano. This work stars a “muggle Quidditch team,” which consists of “no flying, no magic, just a bunch of scrappy players holding PVC pipe between their legs and throwing dodgeballs” in imitation of the wizarding sport from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series (Meriano, 2020).

It goes without saying that a readers’ advisory librarian should keep abreast of recent publication trends. It is only through a familiarity with new literature that a librarian can keep themselves relevant and informed. A knowledge of recent publishing trends will help both new and existing patrons to develop and deepen their trust in librarians. It can also help reluctant patrons be engaged with new literature and programs that relate to topics they care about. 

Reading Suggestions

A librarian who desires to further understand this trend should read the aforementioned Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. This coming-of-age story which heavily features fanfiction was largely without precedent, and it served to kickstart the trend into overdrive. The remainder of the reading suggestions have not been previously named in this essay.

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson (2014): Teenager Kamala Khan dreams of joining the Avengers, but when dream comes true and she’s suddenly empowered with superhuman gifts, she struggles with her identity and her legacy as she tries to help her community. This graphic novel portrays the challenges that arise when a fan is drawn into the world they adore, as well as touching on topics like diversity, culture, and family relationships.

The Geek’s Guide to Unrequited Love by Sarvenaz Tash (2016): Graham plans to use the upcoming comic book convention to get his lifelong best friend Roxy to fall in love with him, but he soon learns that real-life can be more complicated than fiction. The use of the comic con as a setting and plot device clearly demonstrates the cultural impact that fandoms have had on modern society.

Kill the Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky (2016): When four friends sneak into a Manhattan hotel to catch a glimpse of The Ruperts, their favorite boy band, things take a turn for the worse when one of them kidnaps and ties up one of the band members. And when Rupert is killed, things get even worse. Rife with dark, sadistic humor, this book shows the effect of fandoms through the extreme (and here, comically exaggerated) actions of fans.

All the Feels by Danika Stone (2016): When superfan Liv’s favorite character Spartan is killed off in the latest movie installment of Starveil, she launches a campaign to bring him back from the dead. This work offers a view into the inner world of fans, particularly the online venues in which they thrive. It also showcases the influence fans can have on real-life entities like movie producers and writers.

New and Future Publications

What I Like about You by Marisa Kanter (April 2020): After achieving popularity and becoming a couple with web comic author Nash via her Twitter pseudonym, Halle moves to her grandfather’s small town and is shocked to meet Nash in person. She struggles as to when and how to reveal her secret identity to the boy who may have already fallen in love with her alter ego.

Bookish and the Beast by Ashley Poston (August 2020): This retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” stars a teenage heartthrob who evades a tabloid scandal by fleeing to a small town where he meets a bookish girl in mourning over her mother’s death. 

Spoiler Alert: A Novel by Olivia Dade (October 2020): Despite studio rules, Marcus, the star of a fantasy TV series, writes clandestine fanfiction about his character. When geologist April’s plus-sized cosplay goes viral on social media, Marcus asks her out and soon realizes that she is the fellow fanfiction writer he has befriended online. But how can he reveal the truth to her, and can their online romance survive in the real world?

Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala (January 2021): Winning the upcoming cosplay competition could secure Raffy an admission to art school, not to mention drum up respect for his talent. But things get complicated when he’s paired with his main competitor, ex-boyfriend Luca.

Down with This Ship by Katie Kingman (expected June 2021): Kole tries to keep her superb writing skills anonymous, but when she wins a major contest for her fanfiction and her identity is revealed, she’s thrown into heated ship wars, as well as social drama at school.

Conclusion

For centuries, humans have gravitated towards those who share their common interests. In today’s digital world, our potential to connect with each other has increased exponentially. Fans of almost any topic can find spaces to connect, create, and share with fellow fans. The power of fandoms has impacted mainstream publishing, resulting in several recent publishing trends. A readers’ advisory librarian should keep themselves current with new publications to establish trust with their patrons. An understanding of fandom-inspired literature could also help a library reach new patrons who otherwise may not have interest in library services. For example, a library could further leverage existent interest in science fiction fandoms to host “tournaments or other face-to-face social activities” in pursuit of their goals to be “centers of community and engagement” (American Library Association, 2015).

 

References

American Library Association. (2015, September 25). Fandom. Retrieved March 11, 2021, from http://www.ala.org/tools/future/trends/fandom

Birch, A. (2020). I kissed Alice. Macmillan.

BookPage. (2020, April 21). 9 publishing trends we’re loving right now. https://bookpage.com/features/25093-9-publishing-trends-were-loving-right-now

Brown, S. (2009, April 20). Scott Brown on Sherlock Holmes, obsessed nerds, and fan fiction. Wired. https://www.wired.com/2009/04/pl-brown-6/

Fandom. (2021, February 18). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fandom&oldid=1007484580

Ford, R. & Kit, B. (2014, October 28). Marvel reveals complete Phase 3 plans, dates ‘Black Panther,’ ‘Inhumans,’ ‘Avengers: Infinity War’. The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/marvel-reveals-complete-phase-3-plans-dates-black-panther-inhumans-avengers-infinity-war-744455

Libreria Editrice Vaticana. (2001, February 9). Address of John Paul II to the catholic bishops of the Russian Federation on their "Ad Limina" visit. http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/speeches/2001/february/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20010209_russia-ad-limina.html

Meriano, A. (2020). This is how we fly. Philomel Books.

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Fan. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved March 10, 2021, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fan

Reid, C. (2018, October 10). A record 250,000 fans mob New York Comic Con 2018. Publishers Weekly. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/78281-a-record-250-000-fans-mob-new-york-comic-con-2018.html

Romano, A. (2012, August 7). A beginner’s guide to fandom. Daily Dot. Retrieved March 11, 2021, from https://www.dailydot.com/culture/beginners-guide-fandom-fanworks/

Rowell, R. (2013). Fangirl. St. Martin’s Griffin.

Time. (1963, January 4). Man of the Year. 81(1), 58-62

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
by Suzanne Collins
Scholastic, 2020. 517 pages. Sci-Fi

The Tenth Annual Hunger Games are about to begin, and Coriolanus Snow has been chosen as a mentor. A win in these Games could bring glory to the Snow name, which saw better days before the war; the family depends on the slim chance that Coriolanus's tribute outlasts the other twenty-three. But the odds are not in his favor: humiliatingly, he's been assigned the female tribute from destitute District 12. He'll soon see how intricately interwoven their fates are: both inside the arena in a fight to the death, and outside the arena as the desire to follow the rules competes with the necessity to survive.

This newest installment of the Hunger Games saga has received some heavy criticism since it's publishing earlier this year. It certainly has a more philosophical feel when compared to the previous plot-driven novels. It goes above and beyond the typical villain origin story, exploring morally grey areas and the importance of following the rules, rather than presenting the villain in as a sympathetic character. To be honest, I didn't read it as voraciously as the original trilogy because it wasn't as much of a thrill ride. But I don't think it's bad for a book to make you think as you read it.

*This blogpost first appeared on Provo City Library Staff Reviews blog.* 

Not If I Save You First

Not If I Save You First
by Ally Carter
Scholastic, 2018. 293 pages. Thriller

Maddie Manchester thought she and Logan would be friends forever. But when your dad is a Secret Service agent and your best friend is the president's son, sometimes life has other plans. After her father was wounded in an attempted kidnapping, the pair moved to a cabin in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness with no phone and no Internet. And not a single word from Logan. Maddie tells herself it's okay and starts to move on, until Logan shows up six years later... and Maddie wants to kill him. But before that can happen, an assailant appears out of nowhere, knocking Maddie off a cliff and dragging Logan to some unknown fate. Maddie knows she could turn back and get help. But the weather is turning, and the terrain will only get more treacherous, the animals more deadly. Maddie still really wants to kill Logan. But she has to save him first.

In some novels for young adults, the romantic elements feel clunky and artificial. But this winner of the 2020 Beehive Book Award certainly is not one of them. The chemistry between Maddie and Logan is believable (teen awkwardness and all), and it helps to lighten up this complex story of loss and revenge. As they begin to heal old wounds, the two friends find real, healthy connection. Beyond the romance, Carter strikes a careful balance of action and angst. Get ready for a fun, quick-paced thriller with a witty, capable heroine and some dark twists.

*This blogpost first appeared on Provo City Library Staff Reviews blog.*   

Reading Suggestion: If You Liked Harry Potter...

Book-lovers everywhere know the satisfaction of finishing a great read, and there’s an extra-special feeling that comes from completing a favorite story for the umpteenth time. In our house, the plot and characters of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series are well-known and cherished, and our copies are dog-eared and well-loved. I hope we never get too old for the magic of Hogwarts.

In my fledgling career as a librarian, several people have asked me to recommend “something like Harry Potter” for them to read after finishing the series. With all the books in our beautiful library, it should be easy to find something that fits the bill, right?

Well, that’s trickier than it seems.

For starters, there’s no doubt that Harry Potter has deeply influenced our culture. Consider the following questions:

• What house are you in?
• What’s your Patronus?
• Would you ever use Imperio or Crucio or Avada Kedavra?

The fact that these questions even make sense is a testament to the impact of Harry Potter has had.

But what makes Harry Potter so great? It stands out among fantasy for a number of reasons. The magic of Harry Potter extends beyond the pages into a vast and vibrant community which continues to flourish: think of the theme parks, merchandise, fan-fiction sites, screenplay sequel, and soon-to-be dozen feature films – and this is almost a decade and a half after the publication of the last book in 2007.

Harry Potter is very relatable and accessible to readers of virtually all ages, from grade school to adult. Everyone who has read the series was convinced that they could be a witch or wizard themselves, with magic lying dormant in their veins: I know I was. And we’ve all met real-life versions of:

• Draco, the arrogant bully
• Hermione, the book-smart know-it-all
• Luna, the eccentric weirdo
• Lupin, the cool teacher and valuable mentor
• Fred and George, the set of joking pranksters
• Moaning Myrtle, the specter that haunts the local bathroom (…okay, maybe not that last one.)

It's a tall order for any series to reach the same caliber as Harry Potter. But I think it’s healthy to branch out a little bit and take a chance on some rising stars that haven’t hit the same heights as Harry Potter – at least not yet.

Below are some suggestions for Harry Potter read-alikes (librarian slang for books with similar elements). I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

The Iron Trial
1st book of 5 in the Magisterium series
by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
(2014-2018)

12-year-old Callum Hunt's father attempts to keep him from the Magisterium, a school where young mages are trained. Despite his best attempts to fail the entrance exam, Cal's inherent magical ability gets him accepted, and he begins the first of five years of his training.

Whereas Harry Potter goes to school in the UK, Cal lives and studies in the US. But both series include a trio of students who learn to develop their magical talents and face dangers from all sides. I found Magisterium to be faster paced and more modern than Harry Potter. It hits the spot for a coming-of-age story with fantasy elements and unexpected twists. 

Sandry's Book
1st book of 4 in the Circle of Magic series
by Tamora Pierce
(1997-1999)

During a medieval and Renaissance era in a fictional land, four young misfits enter a strict temple community and become magicians-in-training, each in a different form of magic. Together, the newfound friends learn to harness their hitherto unexplored inherent magical abilities.

Circle of Magic delves deeper into interactions and combinations of different forms of magic than we ever saw in Harry Potter. The books are also considerably shorter than Harry Potter, which makes for easier reading. But if the story ends too quickly for your liking, fret not; Circle of Magic is followed by a sequel quartet, The Circle Opens (with the original cast as fully qualified teen mages) as well as a stand-alone novel The Will of the Empress (which takes place several years after that).

Midnight for Charlie Bone
1st book of 8 in the Children of the Red King series
by Jenny Nimmo
(2003-2010)

Charlie Bone is an ordinary boy who lives with his widowed mother and two grandmothers. But when Charlie realizes he can hear people in photographs talking, he is swept into an ages-old magical battle against the descendants of the ancient and powerful Red King.

It’s easy to see why Children of the Red King made it onto this list. It features a school for young magicians in the UK (Bloor’s Academy for Gifted Children), which reminds us a great deal of Hogwarts. And despite significant plot differences, these two fast-paced stories both center on a magical war between good and evil. Especially recommended for younger Potterheads.

The Black Witch
1st book of 3 (published so far, 5 total planned) in the Black Witch chronicles
by Laurie Forest
(2017-?)

Despite the fact that she looks exactly like her late grandmother who saved her people during the Realm War, Elloren Gardener has absolutely no magical abilities. When she joins her brothers at the prestigious Verpax University, she learns to embrace her destiny and step beyond the shadow of her grandmother's legacy. However, her blood relationships can prove dangerous, and Elloren must decide who to trust and what is true.

This richly crafted world of magic and creatures powerfully portrays the concept of privilege and prejudice. Forest engages critically with complex issues like racism, fascism, and xenophobia -- without hitting you over the head with it. The brisk pace of this novel makes the pages fly by, and you'll wish you had the sequel as soon as you finish the first. The subject matter and a some of the content might make this a better choice for a slightly older audience.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
1st book of 7
by J.K. Rowling
(1997-2007)

Oscar Wilde said it best: “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.”

*A version of this blogpost first appeared on Provo City Library blog.*  

The Art of Being Normal

The Art of Being Normal
by Lisa Williamson
Farrar, Straus and Giroux; 2016. 334 pages. Realistic Fiction

David Piper has always been an outsider with a big secret: despite being assigned male at birth, David is actually a girl. New student Leo Denton has a secret of his own, and his goal of keeping a low profile starts to go south when he attracts the attention of the most beautiful girl in his class. When Leo stands up for David in a fight, an unlikely friendship forms. But when David's secret gets out, things get very complicated for both of them. David struggles to find support as she prepares to come out and transition: to find a new name and begin living a truth that has been kept secret for too long.

I would highly recommend this uplifting coming-of-age novel to cisgender readers -- people who identify with the gender assigned to them at birth -- who want to learn more about gender identity and what it means to be transgender, as well as the unique challenges placed before trans youth. Williamson doesn't sugarcoat the harsh realities of being a trans teen, including internalized transphobia. However, the overall message is one of hope, with the feeling that even if you can’t get everything you want, you can get what you need.

*This blogpost first appeared on Provo City Library Staff Reviews blog.*