A thoughtful YA dystopian novel about belief, control, and the cost of questioning authority. In Candle in the Wind, Kim Baccellia follows a young woman cast out of a cult-like community and forced to confront the truth behind everything she was taught to believe.
Ariel: Dancing on TV by Ailish Sinclair is a BBNYA Semi-Finalist YA contemporary romance that blends resilience, fame, and first love. Set at a prestigious Scottish dance school housed in a shadowed castle, this emotionally charged story follows a sixteen-year-old girl determined to rise above a lifetime of pain and reclaim her future through dance.
A magical BBNYA 2025 Semi-Finalist Spotlight! Discover Lady of Dragons Part One by Shelby Elizabeth — a YA fantasy romance filled with dragon riders, phoenix bonds, fierce heroines, gentle love interests, and high-stakes adventure.
The Cyclopes' Eye by Jeffrey Haskey-Valerius Book Spotlight — a gripping YA speculative fiction and BBNYA 2025 semi-finalist exploring love, loss, and corporate control in a chilling near-future.
Today kicks off my two-part feature on J. Taylor’s After Series. I’m reviewing Survival (Book Two)—a heart-pounding, middle-grade dystopian adventure set in Nova Scotia—plus hosting a poignant guest post from the author. Next week, I’ll be back with The Invasion (Book Three).
B.T. Polcari is an award-winning author best known for his Mauzzy & Me cozy mystery series, including Lucky Secrets. With witty dialogue, high-stakes puzzles, and a lovable rescue pup sidekick, his stories blend humor and suspense in a YA-friendly package. Discover his unique voice and captivating plots—perfect for readers who love mysteries with heart and brains.