New Book Releases for April 2019 – Young Adult Fiction

Here’s my list of top picks for April 2019 new releases. What’s on your reading list? Click on covers for more details.

 

Children’s Fiction

Summer of a Thousand Pies – Margaret Dilloway – Balzer+Bray – Published 16 April 2019

Cady knows what it is like to go without, or to be judged for living in her dad’s van rather than a house like everyone else. So when her dad is arrested and she is sent to live with her aunt, Cady knows she just has to survive a few months until her dad will come to get her. But Cady’s aunt Shell is nothing like she expected, and the best bit is Shell’s pie shop, where Cady can help out, learn to make pies and finally get to try some of the recipes she has collected over the years.

Middle-grade fiction: Contemporary.

Young Adult Fiction


The Center of the Universe – Ria Voros – Kids Can Press – Published 2 April 2019

Grace Carter is the third Grace in her family. And while her grandmother is an actress and her mother a popular and well-loved TV news anchor, Grace prefers her life well out of the spotlight. Instead, she spends her time searching for new planets, star gazing and hanging out with her best friend, Iris. But when Grace’s mother goes missing, Grace will have to re-evaluate her relationship with her mother and everything she thought she knew about her.

Young adult fiction: Mystery.


Cold Day in the Sun – Sara Biren – Amulet Books – Published 12 March 2019

Abel only has one mission left that matters: save the life of Noemi Vidal. To do that, he not only has to escape the Genesis authorities, he also must face the one person in the galaxy who still has the means to destroy him. Burton Mansfield’s consciousness lives on, desperate for a home, and Abel’s own body is his last bargaining chip.

Young adult fiction: Science fiction


The Boy Who Steals Houses – C.G. Drews – Orchard Books – Published 4 April 2019

Sammy Lou steals houses. It’s the only way he can stay off the streets each night, look after his older brother and feel some small part of being home, which he craves so much. But when Sammy steals a house that is occupied and is still there when the owners return, Sammy is surprised to find himself swept up in the big, loud and slightly crazy family who lives there. But presented for the first time with everything he has ever wanted, Sammy isn’t sure he can shake his past which is about to catch up with him.

Young adult fiction – Contemporary.


Serious Moonlight – Jenn Bennett – Simon Pulse – Published 16 April 2019

Meeting that charming guy in her favourite diner, Birdie didn’t expect to end up in the back seat of his car – nor find herself hightailing it out of there without a word of goodbye. She wants to shake the entire encounter from her mind and is horrified to discover that Daniel will be her coworker for the summer at her new night job at the glamorous Cascadia Hotel. A mystery lover and amateur detective, Birdie’s plan to ignore Daniel backfires when he reveals a real-life mystery happening at the hotel and offers to partner with Birdie to reveal the hidden identity of a famous writer. But spending so much time with outgoing and charming Daniel is confusing, especially with her growing feelings for him.

Young adult fiction: Contemporary.


An Anatomy of Beasts – Olivia A. Cole – Faloiv #2 – Katherine Tegen Books – Published 16 April 2019

In the forty years since the Vagantur landed on Faloiv, the planet has existed in a tenuous peace between the humans who live in the enclosed community of N’Terra and the Faloii, the indigenous population. But after uncovering the shadowy secrets of the Council’s newly elected leader and helping a kidnapped Faloii man escape, sixteen-year-old Octavia knows that conflict is looming. Her discovery of a separate population of humans—including her grandparents—only serves to show her how out of touch humans are with reality on Faloiv.

Young adult fiction: Science fiction


Earth To Charlie – Justin Olson – Simon Pulse – Published 16 April 2019

Convinced his mother has been abducted by aliens, Charlie Dickens spends his nights with an eye out for UFOs, hoping to join her. After all, she said the aliens would come back for him. Charlie will admit that he doesn’t have many reasons to stick around; he doesn’t get along well with his father, he’s constantly bullied at school and at work, and the only friend he has is his 600-pound neighbor Geoffrey, and Geoffrey’s three-legged dog, Tickles.
Young adult fiction – Contemporary

Tiger at Midnight – Swati Teerdhala – Tiger at Midnight Trilogy #1 – Katherine Tegen Books – Published 23 April 2019

Esha is an assassin, known as the Viper. She works to undermine General Hotha and King Vardaan who caused so much harm when they unrightfully stole the throne. Kunal is a solider. Raised by General Hotha, Kunal knows his duty is to the king and army. But when he at first unwittingly meets Esha and is then tasked with finding and killing the Viper, everything he knows about the world and his role in it will be challenged.

Young adult fiction: Fantasy