BOOKS

There are two statement pieces we love to start our school years with: Our latest stylish backpack and ofc, the perfect new book to match. On the hunt for your first read of the year? Much like belts and purses, it's always a good practice to match, bb.

HOW TO BECOME A PLANET by Nicole Mellaby

Algonquin young readers, $17

Pluto, 12, wants to have a fun summer spending time with her bestie Meredith and hanging at the planetarium—but her depression and anxiety has other ideas. When Pluto's mom persuades her to work at their pizza shop, Pluto bonds with Fallon. Together, they forge a friendship while learning to navigate the challenges of growing up.

ME (MOTH) by Amber McBride

Feiwel & Friends, $19

After their parents die in a car crash, Moth and her brother Zach move from New York City to Virginia to live with their Aunt Jack, who is hiding her alcoholism. Written in gorgeous verse, Moth’s painful story of heartbreak, connection and learning to love again unfolds, thanks to a soul connection with cool guy Sani.

THE CRUELEST MERCY by Natalie Mae

Razorbill, $19

In this follow-up to The Kinder Poison, Zahru is living a quiet life while her maybe-BF Crown Prince Jet handles the looming threat of war in the kingdom of Orkena. But when Prince Kasta returns, claiming he’s the rightful heir to the throne (and has the gods’ mark as proof), Zahru has to reveal a secret: She has the gods’ mark, too.

LUCY CLARK WILL NOT APOLOGIZE by Margo Rabb

Quill Tree Books, $18

When Lucy Clark, 16, gets kicked out of boarding school in Texas, she ends up living with her cousin in New York City—and helping to take care of an eccentric elderly lady named Edith Fox, who believes someone is trying to kill her. Is the glamorous-but-mysterious Edith for real? Lucy decides to sleuth everything out.

THE BOX IN THE WOODS by Maureen Johnson

Katherine Tegen Books, $19

High schooler (and amateur detective) Stephanie “Stevie” Bell is back to solve another deadly mystery. This time the year is 1978, at a camp called Sunny Pines. As she investigates, Stevie winds up on a true-crime podcast about the case. But things at Sunny Pines soon take a dark turn: Forget solving the case— Stevie needs to make it out alive.

XOXO by Axie Oh

Harperteen, $18

High school cello prodigy Jenny meets Jaewoo singing Karaoke at her uncle’s place. Sparks fly—then poof, he’s gone. When Jenny and her mom move to Seoul, Jenny reconnects with Jaewoo...who turns out to be a K-pop superstar. Can he and Jenny actually be together—or will his band XOXO get in the way?

THE TRAGEDY OF DANE RILEY by Kat Spears

St. Martin's Publishing Group, $19

Dane is grieving his dad, who just died of cancer. If that wasn’t bad enough, Dane’s mom has already moved on with his dad’s best friend (who has a mean son Eric) while Dane agonizes over his own feelings for Ophelia, the literal girl next door. Will Dane find the strength to get through? The answer is surprising—and beautifully powerful.

EAT YOUR HEART OUT by Kelly Devos

Razorbill, $19

Vivian Ellenshaw is a popular high school student-athlete who is pushed into attending a weight-loss camp. Once there, Vee meets a vibrant cast of curvy characters... who all eat the camp's suspicious fit bars. Nonstop action (and gore) ensues as the kids fight flesh-eaters while proving that they are perfect just the way they are.

Which book are you starting off your school year with? Let us know on Insta with our Bestie Book Club @glbestiebookclub!

Slider image: @mycozymnbooks

by GL; Edited for digital by Erin Sargent | 8/13/2021