6 YA Books To Preorder In May
Rubi Ramos's Recipe for Success By Jessica Parra
Graduation is only a few months away, and so far Rubi Ramos’s recipe for success is on track. *Step 1: Get into the prestigious Alma University. *Step 2: Become an incredibly successful lawyer. But when Alma waits for Rubi’s application, her plan is in jeopardy. Her parents, especially her mom, AKA the boss–have wanted this for her for years. In order to get off the waitlist without her parents knowing, she needs math tutoring from surfer-hottie math genius Ryan, leading the debate team to a championship to remember the final step of the recipe.
Chasing Pacquiao By Rod Pulido
Self preservation. That's Bobby's motto for surviving his notoriously violent high school unscathed. Being out and queer would put an unavoidable target on his back, especially in a Filipino community that frowns on homosexuality. It's best to keep his head down, get good grades, and stay out of trouble. But when Bobby is unwillingly outed in a terrible way, he no longer has the luxury of being invisible. A vicious encounter has him scrambling for a new way to survive by fighting back. Bobby is inspired by champion Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao to take up boxing and challenge his tormentor. Then Pacquiao publicly declares his stance against queer people, and Bobby's faith--in his hero and in himself is shaken to the core.
Transmogrify!: 14 Fantastical Tales of Trans Magic By G. Haron Davis
Transness is as varied and colorful as magic can be. In Transmogrify!, you’ll embark on fourteen different adventures alongside unforgettable characters who embody many different genders and expressions and experiences—because magic is for everyone, and that is cause for celebration.
The Luis Ortega Survival Club By Sonora Reyes
Ariana Ruiz wants to be noticed. But as an autistic girl who never talks, she goes largely ignored by her peers despite her bold fashion choices. So when cute, popular Luis starts to pay attention to her, Ari finally feels seen. Luis’s attention soon turns to something more and they have sex at a party—while Ari didn’t say no, she definitely didn’t say yes. Before she has a chance to process what happened and decide if she even has the right to be mad at Luis, the rumor mill begins churning—thanks, she’s sure, to Luis’s ex-girlfriend, Shawni. Boys at school now see Ari as an easy target, someone who won’t say no.
Nigeria Jones By Ibi Zoboi
Warrior Princess. That’s what Nigeria Jones’s father calls her. He has raised her as part of the Movement, a Black separatist group based in Philadelphia. Nigeria is homeschooled and vegan and participates in traditional rituals to connect her and other kids from the group to their ancestors. But when her mother, the perfect matriarch of their Movement disappears, Nigeria’s world is upended. She finds herself taking care of her baby brother and stepping into a role she doesn’t want. Nigeria’s mother had secrets. She wished for a different life for her children, which includes sending her daughter to a private Quaker school outside of their strict group. Despite her father’s disapproval, Nigeria attends the school with her cousin, Kamau, and Sage, who used to be a friend. There, she begins to flourish and expand her universe.
Warrior Girl Unearthed By Angeline Boulley
Perry Firekeeper-Birch has always known her role in her indigenous tribe on Sugar Island. When Native women start disappearing and her family is caught in the middle of a high-profile murder investigation, Perry questions her place as the laidback twin. As grave robbers strike the tribe, Perry must fight to save her ancestors and her tribe members before all is lost.