What would it take to turn your world upside down? A dystopian future? An alien invasion? Maybe something smaller like a sudden move. Our must-read books this month explore what happens and how we react when life-changing events, big and small, force us to change the ways we approach our lives and our relationships with others.
Discover these stories, from sci-fi to fantasy and contemporary to graphic novels.
All Better Now by Neal Shusterman
There’s a new virus with unexpected consequences.
When people start coming down with a fever that leaves them with a lasting feeling of happiness, the world is in uproar. For those who have experienced this “mass unburdening,” negative feelings are no longer a concern, but those who make money by selling products with feelings like anxiety, stress, and rage, want to put a stop to the spreading happiness.
Two teens make it their mission to reveal the truth as companies start campaigning against happiness and offering solutions that may take it all away.
If you like: Sci-fi, dystopia, thriller, speculative fiction
Why On Earth: An Alien Invasion Anthology Edited by Rosiee Thor and Vania Stovanova
Have you ever felt so different you might as well be from another planet?
Why On Eath is a collection of stories from multiple authors that explores alien narratives from invasions to secret identities to understand what it means to belong and be loved.
If you like: Sci-fi, short stories, anthologies, aliens
These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban
Ceci’s life changes when her stepfather is arrested and she moves back to her mother’s hometown of Santa Aguas to live with her mother in the abandoned and supposedly cursed manor of the Sevilla family.
Things are spooky, but Ceci can work on her art in the strange small town, and she finds herself getting more and more invested in the Sevillas’ history and the curse of the witch La Cegua.
Is La Cegua real? Is she inspiring Ceci’s paintings? When a door Ceci paints appears in the forest for real, it leads Ceci and her new friend Jamie to a wishing well guarded by a statue of La Cegua. It could make their wildest dreams come true or allow La Cegua to exact her revenge on the town. Either way, Ceci is going to have to decide if the power is worth it.
If you like: Horror, fantasy, mystery, mythology
The History of Everything by Victoria Evans
Agnes’s mom gives her the shocking news that she and Agnes are moving away at the end of the summer. Everything in Agnes’s life is about to change. It’s also catastrophic for Agnes’s best friend Daisy.
Daisy and Agnes have been friends for life, and finding that a movie will separate them has them crushed and concerned. Luckily, they have “The History of Everything,” a scrapbook they made with a bucket list of activities they’ll use to make their last summer together count.
It’s not that simple, though. Daisy’s new boyfriend changes her schedule and alters their plans. Will life changes end their friendship, or can they continue to grow together?
If you like: Graphic novels, contemporary, fiction, summer adventures
Hunger’s Bite by Taylor Robin
Neeta Pandey and Emery Botwright grew up together on the SS Lark. Now, they’re planning their own futures are sea. Emery wants to continue his father’s legacy and stay on the ship forever, but Neeta wants to travel the world.
When Mr. Honeycutt bought the Lark, everything changed. He’s making workers miserable while his influence is helping the rich first-class passengers turn into hungry, insatiable monsters.
You know things are serious when your only ally is a vampire! Neeta and Emery team up with vampire secret agent and paranormal investigator Wick Farley to expose Mr. Honeycutt’s secrets and stop the forces on the ship from consuming everyone on board.
If you like: Graphic novels, paranormal, fantasy, life at sea, vampires, mystery
