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BOOKS
Rad Reads
What to read next, based on your winter-break vibe
Hark! A brand new reading rec to match *any* magical moment.
POV: You're sipping a warm spiced chai in your book nook.
★ Billion Dollar Girl by Megan Schull ($18, Razorbill)
At just 13 years old, feisty and independent River Ryland lives alone in a trailer. When her principal rats her out to the authorities, she winds up accidentally living someone else's life on an island. There, she meets Cricket. Their friendship is fun at first...until River wins the lottery, leaving her questioning what she truly needs.
POV: You just stumbled upon a secret reading room...complete with a cozy fireplace corner.
★ We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds ($19, Roaring Brook Press)
Avery doesn't want to leave D.C. for her senior year. But after her grandmother falls ill, she and her parents uproot their lives to care for Mama Letty in Bardell, Ga. There, Avery finds friendship (and romance) in unlikely places and is faced with questions about her own family roots in a town festering with secrets.
POV: After spending the day wrapping presents, the only thing on your mind is whether to text your crush.
★ The Love Match by Priyanka Taslim ($20, Simon & Schuster, BFYR)
Zahra's amma (mom) and aunties are attempting a love match for her. The boy they choose, Harun, is rich and handsome—and so not Zahra's type. As Zahra and Harun embark on a fake relationship, she begins to pursue her real crush, Nayim, but soon realizes that family loyalties are more complicated than she thought.
POV: You just put the finishing touches on your cupcakes before your besties arrive for movie night.
★ Eight Nights of Flirting by Hannah Reynolds ($20, Razorbill)
Shira, 16, lands in Nantucket for the holidays. The only person she knows there? Tyler, her ex-crush and current nemesis. After sharing a taxi, the unlikely duo strikes a deal: Tyler will give Shira flirting lessons in exchange for job connections. But Shira soon discovers the real romance might be right in front of her eyes.
POV: You and your sis are walking your pup in the neighborhood, swapping book recs.
★ Operation Final Notice by Matthew Landis ($19, Dial BFYR)
Seventh-graders Jo and Ronny are BFFs with big plans in the works. Jo must nail her cello audition at a prestigious music academy, and Ronny is desperately trying to raise $878 dollars to save his family's car. When their schemes fall apart, will they accept help? Tender and sweet, this novel is a testament to the power of friendship.
POV: You're jamming out to Midnights (on vinyl, ofc) while you color-code your bookshelf.
★ The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond by Amanda Glaze ($19, Union Square & Co.)
When their clairvoyant mother dies, twins Edie and Violet run away to join a Spiritualist show. Violet opens The Veil between life and death and Edie crosses into the spirit world. After their act goes awry, Edie feels the dark spirit who murdered their mother cross into the living world. Can they uncover the killer's identity?
POV: You just curated a v. niche character-inspired playlist.
★ Silver in the Mist by Emily Victoria ($19, Inkyard Press)
As the Mists swallow borders and create monsters, Devlin, a spy, is on a mission to restore her kingdom of Aris. With few Magic Casters left, pushing The Mists back is nearly impossible. Dev's mother, The Whisperer, sends Dev to kidnap Alyse, the most powerful Magic Caster, to save Aris—that is, if The Mists don't kill them first.
POV: You're in your PJs, surrounded by your stuffed animal collection as the snow falls.
★ Beasts of Ruin by Ayana Gray ($19, G.P. Putnam's Sons BFYR)
In the second book of the Beats of Prey trilogy, Koffi serves Fedu, the god of death—and discovers her powers will be trained for evil. Ekon is determined to save Koffi, but he must first outrun the brotherhood he once knew. New and old characters work together against dark forces in this African myth-inspired fantasy.
Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our December/January 2023 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.
Slider image via @paulinasbookshelf_ | GIF via Giphy
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