“Boom! Boom! Boom! Clap!”

by Jennifer Nicholson Rowan Public Library

“Boom! Boom! Boom! Clap!”

 If you are familiar with this phrase, then you probably know the song “Boom Clap” by Charli XCX; which is a popular song from the movie “Fault in Our Stars.”  Based off of the popular book by John Greene, this movie has been sweeping the box office and has been the source of excitement for many readers. 

            If you have been to the movies lately you probably have noticed several of these movies “Fault in Our Stars,” “The Maze Runner,” “The Giver,” and “If I Stay,” are just a few to mentioned that are based on books, Young Adult books to be exact!  So, why Young Adult (YA) books, what is YA?  While many readers have their own reasons for reading YA; this collection is really books that are written for and read by teens, ages 13-18. However, many do include some titles that are aimed at middle school, ages 11-13, into the YA collection as well.  The YA collection does include many different genres: romance, graphic novels, non-fiction, dystopian society, mystery and thriller, and even realistic fiction. 

The Rowan Public Library offers a great collection of YA books.  A few new titles and series to consider are:

Throne of Glass series (Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight) by Sarah Maas- If you enjoyed The Hunger Games and love fantasy; this is the book for you!  Celaena Sardothien is a trained assassin, sent to prison in the salt mines, she expects to end her days there.  Yet, when the Crown Prince Dorian and his Captain of the Guard, Westfall, come with a proposition, she jumps at the chance.  If she survives the challenges set by the King and win the competition, she could win her freedom.  This book is full of danger, challenges, magic, and is a complete page-turner!

Lux series (Lux: Beginnings, Lux: Consequences, and Opposition)- Katy has moved to West Virginia, with her mother for a new start after the death of her father.  There she meets Dee and her infuriating brother, Daemon; except they are not human, they are aliens.  Follow Katy as she tries to not fall in love with Daemon, out smarting the government, and saving the ones she loves from an alien invasion.

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson- Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are extremely close, that is until three years later.  Something happened to destroy the twins’ relationship.  Written in dual point of views, the reader will discover what happened, and learn that everyone always has half of a story to tell.

This Star Won’t Go Out by Esther Earl- This biography is the story of Esther Earl, and is the dedication for Fault in Our Stars by John Greene.  At age 12, Esther was diagnosis with metastasized papillary thyroid cancer.  This book contains her journal entries, letters, fiction stories, photos and drawings done of and by Esther.  Her energy and spirit will completely inspire you. Check out her website at www.tswgo.org, to learn more!

I Hunt Killers series (I Hunt Killers, Game, Blood of My Blood) by Barry Lyga- Jazz seems like a normal teenager, except his father is one of the most famous serial killers ever.  Having first hand knowledge of his dad’s behavior, Jazz is considered an expert.  After a series of murders, that leaves Jazz wondering if someone is copying his dad, he joins the police and helps investigate the murders.  This thriller will leave you on the edge of your seat!

Come into the library to check these titles out, or visit our catalog online at http://catalog.rowanpubliclibrary.org, to reserve your copy!