Malcolm Pinsent and his son Carter are in the middle of an archaeological dig near Meydum, a community in the Libyan Desert, when Sir Robert Ottley, a famous explorer, and his daughter approach them with an unusual proposition. He wants to use Malcolm Pinsent's men to excavate a sarcophagus with a remarkable history. The expedition takes a deadly turn when Ottley is gruesomely wounded in the encounter, yet he offers to buy the Pinsent's silence concerning his expedition. They have no idea that their cooperation in the matter will drag them into a puzzling conspiracy to verify the authenticity of a two-thousand-year-old prophecy, complete with its accompanying curse. With the odds against their fathers, the onus rests on Carter and May to resolve the situation. Only time will tell if they will survive the consequences of their actions in C.W. James's The Tomb Of Ptahmes. The action is nonstop in The Tomb Of Ptahmes. The plot is a masterful fusion of mystery and suspense, deeply rooted in beautifully rendered Egyptian mythology. C.W. James dives right into the action from the first page, offering the reader the origins of both the Pinsents and the Ottleys with such fluidity that there is no doubt that a one-of-a-kind adventure is in the offing. The character development is pristine. Despite their shaky alliance based on shared interests, the similarities between Carter's and May's early childhood suggest a possible meeting of the minds. The dialogue between the characters maintains the British perspective while adding a healthy dose of that quintessential British humor in vibrant verbal sparring. James has found the perfect formula for crafting a riveting narrative with a unique storytelling approach and breakneck pacing in The Tomb Of Ptahmes.

Book Talk For English Teachers and Other Lovers of Reading

Writing children’s books can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it’s important to remember that they are not just miniature versions of adult books. Children’s books require a special…

Plot: Shitty superpowered teens from a shitty town are hunted down by shitty people.For Readers Who Like: X-Men, The Young Avengers, and DivergentGet it here!

Dancing Without Music is a young adult coming-of-age story by Angela Grey and Paige Peterson. The book follows the lives of two seventeen-year-old teens, Mia Callan and Milo Chatham. Despite their seemingly humdrum lives, Mia has an eating disorder that prohibits her from living a normal life, while Milo suffers from epileptic seizures, triggering his acute depression and suicidal tendencies. The two teens find kindred souls in each other and soon form a burgeoning relationship based on mutual trust and respect. But their disorders slowly begin to drive a wedge in their relationship, compounded by an incident with Mia at a high school party. Will her friends and family's support be enough for Mia to overcome her terrible trauma? Will Milo and Mia find a way through the darkness? High school life can be hard enough without the additional baggage of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Angela Grey and Paige Peterson delve into some of these topics in this poignant coming-of-age tale about two teenagers trying to navigate love, friendships, and school life in the age of social media and a rapidly changing society. Dancing Without Music is an unflinching look at how vulnerable teenagers become victims to nefarious predators looking for ways to take advantage of their age and naivety. The authors don't shy away from touching upon some increasingly relevant social and mental health issues that can have a lasting effect on youths in their formative years. An engrossing coming-of-age drama that I will recommend to everyone.

Bring reading to life with these 11 free reading websites for kids! Great resources for preschool through middle school. Find more at ReallyGoodTeachers.com

The lone thief. A team of misfits. An elaborate plan. A treasure with worth beyond compare. Here are 24 of our absolute favorite heist books!

Add these to your reading list ASAP.

Books Publishing This Week: February 18 - 23

The UnderRealms by Katharine E. Wibell follows the tale of Katie, a seemingly ordinary teenager; however, that’s only when she’s on Earth. Katie is the Djed, the prophesied savior meant to keep the balance between the twelve magickal worlds. Katie must attempt to rally allies from all twelve worlds to face two foes from the past before the arrival of the Great War. The author presented a well-thought-out and intricate universe and many charismatic characters. Wibell did a great job, and considering this was the third book, I had no trouble reading it as a stand-alone. All the bases were covered regarding how the universe works and Katie’s role and motives. The progression and pacing were right as I eased into Katie’s journey through the magickal worlds. Gullfaxi was my favorite because not only was he such a good supporting character, but he was a sassy steed and brought humor into the story. I found myself clutching my stomach with laughter when he first appeared, and it was a scene that will stick with me. The fantastical world that is The UnderRealms by Katharine E. Wibell left me wanting nothing. I was not expecting to enjoy The UnderRealms as much as I did, but I’m glad I chose this book. I also thought the cover was beautiful.

Asha is a star and is very proud to be one, including everything it represents. She also seeks to learn more about her home, the Valley of Stars, its history with the dark and ancient enemy of the stars, Hosheh, and the human world that stars are sworn to protect, Adama. However, this forbidden thirst and quest for knowledge leads to her exile. She is cast out from the sky and left to die, becoming a fallen star. However, where others die, Asha lives—with the help of a runaway Adamian, Yusra. Now Asha and Yusra will have to flee from people seeking to harvest a star’s parts and those after Yusra to have a chance at happiness. Find out what becomes of them in this young adult novel, The Valley of Stars, by Yona Katz. I enjoyed this book. I thought that Asha and Yusra were incredibly brave and resilient, and I loved how they bonded in times of adversity. The Valley of Stars is more character-driven than plot-driven; Yona Katz shows how Asha and Yusra grow individually and together, moving from doubt and mistrust to learning to be independent and forming strong bonds with each other. They also make many friends along the way. I think the nature of the plot in The Valley of Stars is a splendid way to introduce the series, and I enjoyed the snippets promising hidden depths to Hosheh, the dark and ancient enemy of the stars. I will definitely look out for the sequels!

In the fantasy novel and first book in the series by the same name, Stormless by Nick Stitle is set in Auris and its destructive storms, where an ominous warning is delivered to King Avenos Titansworn by a Summoner, a wielder of magical abilities, from a Sect believed to be extinct. This warning of a looming crisis known as The Resurgence tasks ordinary soldier Castien Varic and an elite group of Auris's strongest magic wielders with unraveling its veracity. Meanwhile, Prince Faelyn Titansworn grapples with divided loyalties between his father and his realm, especially as his father dismisses the impending peril. Two years prior, Asteros Silverglade, the chief of Auris's deadliest Sect, discovered a cache of ancient lore that reveals truths about the disappearance of ancient Sects, and the destructive Tempests that empower the Summoners and unleash the downfall on them all. Now that's how you start a series! So, first things first, we all know that it is the world-building in any fantasy novel that anchors the story, and Stormless by Nick Stitle has arguably the most unique atmosphere and settings that I have come across in a long, long time. And I'm old enough to have a kid in college. We have two timelines and a now-and-then method of storytelling that works well for the book, which I generally don't love, but Stitle is good enough at its execution so that in Stormless I did. The magic and social structure are intensive and, in short, magic is sourced from crystals and storms, and they split society into seven powerful sects, plus the powerless, called Stormless. I say “in short” but with the depth Stitle has embedded into it, the whole shebang should, hopefully, mean we are in the series for the long haul. And I can definitely say I'm committed to the ride. Very highly recommended.

Emma Chan and Naomi Lin are best friends who attend the same school, share a love for music, and often compete in the same competitions. Despite these similarities, their lives couldn't be more different. Naomi is always busy and does not find much pleasure in her achievements. She feels numb from the daily routine and the pressure to succeed. Her parents are always proud of her accomplishments and remind her of their love for her. On the other hand, Emma struggles every day to reach Naomi's level. She has low self-esteem, and her parents are always arguing. They blame her for every problem, and their marriage is on the verge of collapse. When Emma and Naomi decide to collaborate in a competition, the challenges in their lives and the true nature of their friendship become apparent. Will they find true happiness and learn to believe in themselves? Discover the answer in Stuck In Her Head by Kylie Wang and Liana Tang. Stuck In Her Head is an inspiring story that takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster. The book explores various social issues that young adult readers will relate to, including Naomi's fear of following her dreams and Emma's struggle for perfection while dealing with her parents' disagreements. The story is set in Hong Kong, which is a unique touch that adds to the book's charm. Kylie Wang and Liana Tang use their personal experiences to introduce readers to the lifestyle and culture of Hong Kong residents. The story is thought-provoking and will resonate with many teenagers. Overall, I enjoyed reading Stuck In Her Head and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read a well-written and emotionally engaging story.

Tempting Fake by Tracey Morait is a YA novel about growing pains. Adam and Cherry are two boarding school students living at opposite ends of England. Cherry's mother is newly married to a womanizing rich pedophile, and Cherry is glad to be away from him at Helton Manor. Adam's father is posted to the Air Force in England, and making friends is hard for both Adam and Cherry at their new schools. Initially, both seek out friendship on social media and look forward to their frequent chats, until one of Adam's school friends at The Priory hacks his account and floods private images of Cherry throughout the whole school. Although Adam is innocent in the deed, he slowly transforms into Cherry's stalker and does anything possible to be near her. When Cherry moves on with a new guy, Danny (Adam's new fake account), Adam's obsession with Cherry comes to a halt when Adam finds love with one of the male students at The Priory. Determined to prove to himself he is not gay, Adam goes to Cherry's home and drama ensues. I can hear the music to Law and Order playing in my head after each sentence I type - how bizarre is that for a Deaf reviewer? Tracey Morait's riveting story packs so much of today's truths into it, with the risks involved in seeking out love and friendship on social media. Tempting Fake so often feels like a victimless crime, as if what we cannot see won't actually hurt us. However, when obsession steps into play, there soon seems no uncrossable line. Innocent chat turns into stalking, rape, drugs, and thoughts of committing murder to justify the deeds done. I guess I can almost see this story as it is in reality, having lived it. There are so many different aspects to this story, whether it be young love, seeking friendship online, seeking revenge, or determination for the ends to justify the means.... mystery, drama, love, and more... all by the age of fifteen. I highly recommend Tempting Fake to all users of the internet who use social media, as it can be more dangerous than you think. I found this book incredible and feel it would do well in all school and public libraries.

A Storm Rises is penned by Rose Garcia in the epic fantasy, adventure, and interpersonal drama genres, and is part of the Bloodlines Legacy series. It is intended for the young adult reading audience to enjoy. Fae Princess Avalynn Stromm, destined to rule Faevenly, seeks adventure in the Summit Range Hunt instead of palace duties. Mateo Vela, a lowborn half-fae, sees the hunt as his chance to change his family's fate. Amidst whispers of prophecy, they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous competition. As they face a common enemy, secrets surface, old rivalries reappear, and Avalynn and Mateo must unite to survive the hunt, despite the unexpected attraction growing between them. Garcia utilizes every opportunity to craft an electrifying journey into a world of prophecy, adventure, and forbidden romance. Readers will find themselves totally immersed in a richly imagined realm where Faevenly's future hangs in the balance, and I was really impressed by the detail and internal logic that holds the world together so convincingly. The dynamic between Avalynn and Mateo crackles with tension, their individual quests intertwining in unexpected ways. I loved the dynamism of the dialogue which characterizes them as individuals, but also as a driving force of the shared plot. The unfolding of the prophecy is well-paced as a core timekeeper for the plot, and I felt there was a great balance of tension versus action so that things were never quiet for long. As Avalynn and Mateo navigate treacherous challenges and confront their own desires, the stakes escalate, culminating in a thrilling climax that leaves readers craving more. Overall, A Storm Rises by author Rose Garcia delivers a compelling tale of destiny, danger, and the enduring power of love, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to fans of accomplished YA fantasy everywhere.

I asked the readers of this site to recommend books for teen and young adult readers. They gave me this list of over 100 outstanding titles.

Buy books online and find book series such as Hamster Princess written by Ursula Vernon from PenguinRandomHouse.com

Release date: May 26What it's about: Rosen is once again bringing tough and necessary conversations to gay YA books, this time with a summer camp romance that explores toxicity, identity, and masc4masc culture. Everyone is queer at Camp Outland, but not everyone expresses themselves the same way, and Randy's out to make a change. When he returns for his last summer as Del in order to finally land his longtime crush, Hudson, it means dropping his beloved theatre and other things he loves for "more masculine" pursuits. After all, once Hudson falls for him, he'll be able to ease back into who he really is and have everything he's always wanted, right? But what if what Hudson wants isn't that cut-and-dried either? Get it from Amazon for $17.99, Barnes and Noble for $17.99, or from a local bookstore through Indiebound here.

The Instant New York Times Bestseller“Filled with rich worldbuilding with stakes that will keep you at the edge of your seat.” —BuzzFeed“A sparkling ...

The Dog Snatcher is a children’s adventure by Phyllis Wheeler with illustrations by Katie O’Malley. The story follows Jake, an eleven-year-old boy, and his twin sister Ava as they embark on an unexpected adventure through space and time. One day, Jake discovers a key that looks like those used to unlock pirates' treasure chests. He doesn't think much of it until a stranger comes looking for it. Jake decides to lie and keep the key for himself, but this backfires because the stranger abducts Nicky, Jake's beloved dog, and vanishes into thin air. With the key being his only clue, Jake examines it and discovers a whole new world with endless possibilities when he twists it in the air. The race against time to find Nicky and fix his mistakes begins. Join Jake as he teams up with Ava and new friends in this exciting adventure. The Dog Snatcher is the first book in the Guardians of Time series, and it lays an excellent foundation for future installments. The story is captivating and left me wanting more. Phyllis Wheeler is a good writer who uses simple words and a casual tone, making the book easy to follow and understand. The characters are ordinary individuals with relatable struggles, and their progress throughout the story is gradual and enjoyable. Jake's guilt was a prominent theme, and it was satisfying to see him conquer his fears, apologize, and correct his mistakes. The book also teaches readers about different languages and places and has sketches that perfectly complement the plot. I enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more from this author and this series. Overall, this is great work.

Read your way through this infographic of 162 young adult books that are all retellings of classic literature, myths, fairy tales and Shakespearean plays.

Wellsville by L. C. Scott is a science fiction novel for young adults. Nobody likes anybody, but when Wellsville collapses, Priya, Mia, Colby, and Liam must come together to figure out why the entire town has fallen into a coma, but not them. They have little to work on, just one strange message that Liam received on his computer. The message tells them to find an island, but few people ever leave Wellsville. The four unlikely friends are about to embark on an adventure that takes them far from their town, but what they find leaves them with more questions than answers. Can they discover what’s going on in Wellsville? Wellsville by L. C. Scott is a coming-of-age sci-fi story with a unique plot and plenty of action. It begins strongly and maintains momentum throughout with some good characters who start off not being friends. Throughout the plot, they learn much about each other and what it means to work as a team, using each other’s strengths and weaknesses to solve the mystery. The story is reminiscent of a video game, a surreal, alternate world, and if this is your kind of thing, you will enjoy this book. The characters are easy to relate to, all very different people, and that’s why they work well together, each bringing something different to the team. The ending won’t give you all the answers you seek, so hopefully, there is a sequel on the way to clear things up. Wellsville is a debut novel, and it’s a good start to what will hopefully be a series.

The Price of Thorns is a work of fiction in the epic fantasy, adventure, and LGBTQ+ fiction subgenres. It is intended for the young adult reading audience. In this superbly penned, cinematic novel by author Tim Susman, we are introduced to Nivvy, a skilled thief with many secrets. Nivvy is thrust into an epic task by Bella, a mysterious woman with an ancient past. The mission: steal back the kingdom she claims as her own. As Nivvy unravels the layers of truth and connections to ancient tales, he discovers the journey is far more perilous than anticipated. Bella's secrets intertwine with the forgotten narratives, revealing a dangerous adventure that surpasses the allure of stealing a kingdom. Author Tim Susman has crafted a narrative where the language of storytelling is not just a tool by which we discover the tale, but an integral part of the plot in a gloriously meta-themed way. The blend of mystery, adventure, and the uncovering of hidden histories creates a compelling story that keeps readers engaged from the first page to the last. I was really impressed with the pacing to keep such a meaty epic adventure going through episodic moments and with plenty of highs and lows in the drama. The characters, especially Nivvy and Bella, are intricately developed, with some fascinating dialogue that shows you how their attitudes have been shaped by the fantastical world around them and its many pressures and constraints. Susman's ability to weave a tale within a tale, where secrets are both currency and curse, showcases a unique and captivating storytelling style that is a rare gift indeed. The natural inclusion of LGBTQ+ theming and characters was gorgeously done as a true representation without ever feeling gimmicky. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Price of Thorns to fantasy fans everywhere as an unmissable read for the year ahead.

GoodReads: Nothing is more important than loyalty. But what if you’ve sworn to protect the one you were born to destroy? Tarisai has always longed for the warmth of a family. She was raised in isol…

Though the feminine experience can be idiosyncratic, we can find unity and solace in books that explore the challenges of our lives.

Katherine Paterson, author of the Newbery Medal-winning Bridge to Teribithia, shares nine books that she recommends for every middle grade and YA reader.

Artima's Travels - Part II: Ella is the second novel in the All about Artima's Travels series by E. A. Dustin. The story follows the 17-year-old Ella, an old soul very much like her mother Arty Ressols. Growing up with her mother by her side was good enough for her, but things turned upside down when she found out that her estranged father had passed away. Ella learned of a half-brother named Colton, and she wanted to meet him. Ella did what any headstrong teenager would do, and ran away to California to form a relationship with her brother. At first, the siblings connected, but Ella couldn’t help but wonder whether something was wrong with Colton. What she discovered would shock her to the core and make her question many things about her family. As she and Colton dig deeper, they realize their ancestors had a dark past and that may be the reason why Colton was different. What is it that they discover and how does it put Colton and Ella in danger? A fast-paced, adrenaline-inducing, action-packed novel, Artima's Travels - Part II had me hooked from the beginning. At first, I dismissed Ella as your typical teenage character, ready to torment her mother just for the sake of it. As the story progressed, I realized how wrong I had been. Ella was far too smart for her own good. She was intelligent, and so was Colton. The combination of the siblings and their chemistry was outstanding. They handled the mystery of their family’s past with an intensity and ease that surprised me. Their development was so natural that I didn’t even realize it until I reached the crescendo of the story. E. A. Dustin did plenty of research to bring readers something new about WWII and how it impacted the lives of people stuck in the concentration camps. The narrative style is perfectly smooth and flows fluidly. This is a brilliant young adult novel that is free of unwanted romance, swords, and knights in shining armor!

Two Halves Whole: Hafu Sans Halo, Book 2 is a young adult coming of age novel written by Melissa Abigail. While the author gives enough background information to allow this book to be read on its own, I would advise that readers begin with the first book in the series, Judge by the Cover, to get the full impact of this engrossing and powerful tale. Haruna was still processing the fact that Ryu was not at all the irresponsible bad boy she had imagined him to be before their joint English project. Ryu, likewise, had had to rethink his preconceived notions about Haruna. The two of them weren’t quite sure, however, how to proceed from that point. There was something drawing them together that was more than their shared Japanese ancestry, but could it survive the fact that Ryu was in training to be a gangster and could expect a brief and violent life at best? Melissa Abigail 's young adult coming of age novel, Two Halves Whole: Hafu Sans Halo, Book 2, continues the compelling story of Haruna and Ryu, whose lives seem so different and yet who are drawn so inexorably together. Along the way, Abigail addresses the issue of racism and the differences in attitude toward people of other races as displayed by the students compared with that of their parents, or, in Haruna’s case, grandparent. I was entranced by this bittersweet and genuine romance as the two young adults work to find answers to what is binding them together and a solution to what appears to be an insoluble situation. Two Halves Whole: Hafu Sans Halo, Book 2 is a beautifully written and eloquent literary fiction novel, and it’s most highly recommended.