Happy Monday! We’re starting off the week great with a bunch of new giveaways, including an international one. Don’t forget to check out all the new releases below!

Happy Reading,

Shelly, Sam, Jocelyn, Martina, Erin, Susan, Kelly, Laura, Emily, Anisaa, and Lori Ann

YA BOOK GIVEAWAYS THIS WEEK

A Thousand Sisters: The Heroic Airwomen of the Soviet Union in World War II
by Elizabeth Wein
Hardcover Giveaway
International
Balzer + Bray
Released 1/22/2019

In the early years of World War II, Josef Stalin issued an order that made the Soviet Union the first country in the world to allow female pilots to fly in combat. Led by Marina Raskova, these three regiments, including the 588th Night Bomber Regiment—nicknamed the “night witches”—faced intense pressure and obstacles both in the sky and on the ground. Some of these young women perished in flames. Many of them were in their teens when they went to war.

This is the story of Raskova’s three regiments, women who enlisted and were deployed on the front lines of battle as navigators, pilots, and mechanics. It is the story of a thousand young women who wanted to take flight to defend their country, and the woman who brought them together in the sky.

Packed with black-and-white photographs, fascinating sidebars, and thoroughly researched details, A Thousand Sisters is the inspiring true story of a group of women who set out to change the world, and the sisterhood they formed even amid the destruction of war.

Author Question: What is your favorite thing about A Thousand Sisters: The Heroic Airwomen of the Soviet Union in World War II?

What I loved best about writing A THOUSAND SISTERS is that it’s non-fiction. It’s the first non-fiction I’ve ever written for a mainstream audience. That was a real challenge in terms of getting the facts right. When you’re writing fiction, if you can’t connect two historical events, you can make up something to fill in the gaps. But when you’re sticking to facts, you can’t speculate. You can’t elaborate or make up conversations. You have to be able to back up your claims.

As a fiction writer and a storyteller, I found it a blessed relief not to have to make up anything as I wrote this book. The story was already there, and it was wonderful. All I had to do was find a way to tell it. It’s probably the most difficult book I’ve ever had to write, but it was a joy and a privilege to be able to tell this story. I’m very proud of what I’ve done.

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Imprison the Sky
by A.C. Gaughen
Hardcover Giveaway
U.S. Only
Bloomsbury YA
Released 1/22/2019

Stolen from her family as a child, Aspasia has clawed her way up the ranks of Cyrus’s black market empire to captain her own trading vessel–and she risks it all every time she uses her powerful magic to free as many women, children, and Elementae from slavery as she can.

But Cyrus is close to uncovering her secrets–not only that Aspasia is a wind Elementa with the ability to sail her ship through the sky, but that she is also searching for her lost family. And if Aspasia can’t find her younger siblings before Cyrus does, she will never be able to break free.

Armed with her loyal crew full of Elementae and a new recruit who controls an intriguing power, Aspasia finds herself in the center of a brewing war that spans every inch of the ocean, and her power alone may not be enough to save her friends, family, and freedom.

Author Question: What is your favorite thing about Imprison the Sky?

I think this whole book is a favorite thing–it is almost definitely my favorite of all the books I’ve written. As a little girl, my dad taught me to sail, and some of the most vivid and obsessive memories I have are of standing out on a bowsprit, crashing over the waves, feeling like I could fly. It was an immense pleasure writing a girl that is not only complicated, damaged, vulnerable and so strong, but also has the ability to crash over waves before she leaps into the air to fly. It is very much a childhood fantasy come true–you know, aside from the whole thing about slavery.

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The Birds, the Bees, and You and Me
by Olivia Hinebaugh
Hardcover Giveaway
U.S. & Canada Only
Swoon Reads
Released 1/22/2019

Seventeen-year-old Lacey Burke feels like the last person on the planet who should be doling out sex advice. For starters, she’s never even kissed anyone, and she hates breaking the rules. Up until now, she’s been a straight-A music geek that no one even notices. All she cares about is jamming out with her best friends, Theo and Evita.

But then everything changes.

When Lacey sees first-hand how much damage the abstinence-only sex-ed curriculum of her school can do, she decides to take a stand and starts doling out wisdom and contraception to anyone who seeks her out in the girls’ restroom. Meanwhile, things with Theo have become complicated, and soon Lacey is not just keeping everyone else’s secrets, but her own as well.

Author Question: What is your favorite thing about The Birds, the Bees, and You and Me?

I’m gonna be honest: I like the kissing (and more than kissing) scenes. I mean, the romance is fun in general, but I love how respectful of the other person the characters engaged in said kissing are. Respectful and considerate and sweet, but occasionally awkward. Hopefully it reflects a realistic and sex positive spin on kissing scenes. I hope it makes readers smile half as much as I did while writing it.

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MORE YOUNG ADULT FICTION IN STORES NEXT WEEK WITH AUTHOR INTERVIEWS

Circle of Shadows
by Evelyn Skye
Hardcover
Balzer + Bray
Released 1/22/2019

Sora can move as silently as a ghost and hurl throwing stars with lethal accuracy. Her gemina, Daemon, can win any physical fight blindfolded and with an arm tied around his back. They are apprentice warriors of the Society of Taigas—marked by the gods to be trained in magic and the fighting arts to protect the kingdom of Kichona.

As their graduation approaches, Sora and Daemon look forward to proving themselves worthy of belonging in the elite group—but in a kingdom free of violence since the Blood Rift Rebellion many years ago, it’s been difficult to make their mark.

So when Sora and Daemon encounter a strange camp of mysterious soldiers while on a standard scouting mission, they decide the only thing to do to help their kingdom is to infiltrate the group. Taking this risk will change Sora’s life forever—and lead her on a mission of deception that may fool everyone she’s ever loved.

Author Question: What is your favorite thing about Circle of Shadows?

This fantasy is full of magic and mischief, and my absolute favorite thing is how Sora, Daemon, and their friends band together to wreak havoc against enemies who are a lot more powerful than they are. A lot of times, we can feel so small as individuals, but this is a story about what can be accomplished when you’ve got grit, your best friends, and the belief that you’re fighting for the right side of history.

I also loved creating the kingdom of Kichona. It’s not Japan but was certainly inspired by some aspects of Japanese landscape and culture, and I’m thrilled to give the book community a fantasy world that is both Asian-inspired and yet wholly its own magical place. As with all my stories, there is big magic and lots of playing with the landscape, as well as plenty of food. (Apologies if you get hungry while reading!)

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Song of the Dead
by Sarah Glenn Marsh
Hardcover
Razorbill
Released 1/22/2019

Karthia is nothing like it used to be. The kingdom’s borders are open for the first time in nearly three hundred years, and raising the dead has been outlawed. Odessa is determined to explore the world beyond Karthia’s waters, hoping to heal a heart broken in more ways than she can count. But with Meredy joining the ocean voyage, vanquishing her sorrow will be a difficult task.

Despite the daily reminder of the history they share, Odessa and Meredy are fascinated when their journey takes them to a land where the Dead rule the night and dragons roam the streets. Odessa can’t help being mesmerized by the new magic–and by the girl at her side. But just as she and Meredy are beginning to explore the new world, a terrifying development in Karthia summons them home at once.

Growing political unrest on top of threats from foreign invaders means Odessa and Meredy are thrust back into the lives they tried to leave behind while specters from their past haunt their tenuous relationship. Gathering a force big enough to ward off enemies seems impossible, until one of Queen Valoria’s mages creates a weapon that could make them invincible. As danger continues to mount inside the palace, Odessa fears that without the Dead, even the greatest invention won’t be enough to save their fates.

Author Question: What is your favorite thing about Song of the Dead?

It’s safe to say a lot of things about SONG are my favorite, as this was my first published sequel, and it taught me so much! Still, if I had to pick one specific thing, I’d say my favorite part is the openness of the world. There are a lot of things implied by this–yes, I mean that for the first time in the series, we get a glimpse at the wider world, cultures, and beliefs outside the isolated kingdom of Karthia, as well as a look at other animals, and even other magical powers, and all of that was really exciting to me as a writer. But I also mean the way the wider world in SONG is quite open and accepting of different races of people, different sexual orientations, and different identities. Gay, straight, ace–however you identify, you can be a mage, a hero, and even befriend a dragon when you step into this story.

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MORE YOUNG ADULT NOVELS NEW IN STORES NEXT WEEK

All Is Fair
by Dee Garretson
Hardcover
Swoon Reads
Released 1/22/2019

Lady Mina Tretheway knows she’s destined for greater things than her fancy boarding school, where she’s being taught to be a proper English lady. It’s 1918, and war is raging across Europe. Unlike her father and brother, who are able to assist in the war effort, Mina is stuck sorting out which fork should be used with which dinner course.

When Mina receives a telegram that’s written in code, she finally has her chance to do something big. She returns to her childhood home of Hallington Manor, joined by a family friend, Lord Andrew Graham, and a dashing and mysterious young American, Lucas. The three of them must band together to work on a dangerous project that could turn the tide of the war.

Thrilled that she gets to contribute to the war effort at least, Mina jumps headfirst into the world of cryptic messages, spycraft, and international intrigue. She, Lucas, and Andrew have to work quickly, because if they don’t succeed, more soldiers will disappear into the darkness of war.

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Love Me or Miss Me: Hot Girl, Bad Boy
by Dream Jordan
Paperback
Wednesday Books
Released 1/22/2019

What’s a Brooklyn Girl to do when her best friend is away for the whole summer? Don’t ask Kate, because she has no idea. Aimless, and unhappy with her new foster mother, Kate falls into the hands of a stylish, “It Chick” who whips her into fashionable shape. Armed with new confidence, and a game plan to get her man, Kate quickly falls under her new bestie’s bad influence. And she becomes reckless in her pursuits. Can Kate get her life back on the right track–or is it already too late?

One year later, Kate’s fantasy life of having the perfect family comes to an abrupt end when she is suddenly forced to return to the group home, a place she’s fought so hard to avoid. Alone and vulnerable, Kate falls for the ever so gorgeous Percy who treats her well at first, but soon a cycle of controlling and abusive behavior begins. Kate finds herself trapped and unable to be the strong, independent girl she’s tried to be her whole life. Will she be able to escape Percy’s clutches?

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Only a Breath Apart: A Novel
by Katie McGarry
Hardcover
Tor Teen
Released 1/22/2019

They say your destiny is carved in stone. But some destinies are meant to be broken.

The only curse Jesse Lachlin believes in is his grandmother’s will: in order to inherit his family farm he must win the approval of his childhood best friend, the girl he froze out his freshman year.

A fortuneteller tells Scarlett she’s psychic, but what is real is Scarlett’s father’s controlling attitude and the dark secrets at home. She may be able to escape, but only if she can rely on the one boy who broke her heart.

Each midnight meeting pushes Jesse and Scarlett to confront their secrets and their feelings, but as love blooms, the curse rears its ugly head…

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Parkland Speaks: Survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas Share Their Stories
by Sarah Lerner
Paperback
Crown Books for Young Readers
Released 1/22/2019

The students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School share their emotional journeys that began on February 14, 2018, and continue today. This revealing and unfiltered look at teens living in the wake of tragedy is a poignant representation of grief, anger, determination, healing, and hope.

The intimate collection includes poetry, eyewitness accounts, letters, speeches, journal entries, drawings, and photographs from the events of February 14 and its aftermath. Full of heartbreaking loss, a rally cry for change, and hope for a safe future, these artistic pieces will inspire readers to reflect on their own lives and the importance of valuing and protecting the ones you love.

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Ship of Smoke and Steel
by Django Wexler
Hardcover
Tor Teen
Released 1/22/2019

In the lower wards of Kahnzoka, the great port city of the Blessed Empire, eighteen-year-old ward boss Isoka enforces the will of her criminal masters with the power of Melos, the Well of Combat. The money she collects goes to keep her little sister living in comfort, far from the bloody streets they grew up on.

When Isoka’s magic is discovered by the government, she’s arrested and brought to the Emperor’s spymaster, who sends her on an impossible mission: steal Soliton, a legendary ghost ship―a ship from which no one has ever returned. If she fails, her sister’s life is forfeit.

On board Soliton, nothing is as simple as it seems. Isoka tries to get close to the ship’s mysterious captain, but to do it she must become part of the brutal crew and join their endless battles against twisted creatures. She doesn’t expect to have to contend with feelings for a charismatic fighter who shares her combat magic, or for a fearless princess who wields an even darker power.

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Someday We Will Fly
by Rachel DeWoskin
Hardcover
Viking Books for Young Readers
Released 1/22/2019

Warsaw, Poland. The year is 1940 and Lillia is fifteen when her mother, Alenka, disappears and her father flees with Lillia and her younger sister, Naomi, to Shanghai, one of the few places that will accept Jews without visas. There they struggle to make a life; they have no money, there is little work, no decent place to live, a culture that doesn’t understand them. And always the worry about Alenka. How will she find them? Is she still alive?

Meanwhile Lillia is growing up, trying to care for Naomi, whose development is frighteningly slow, in part from malnourishment. Lillia finds an outlet for her artistic talent by making puppets, remembering the happy days in Warsaw when her family was circus performers. She attends school sporadically, makes friends with Wei, a Chinese boy, and finds work as a performer at a “gentlemen’s club” without her father’s knowledge.

But meanwhile the conflict grows more intense as the Americans declare war and the Japanese force the Americans in Shanghai into camps. More bombing, more death. Can they survive, caught in the crossfire?

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The Electric War: Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse, and the Race to Light the World
by Mike Winchell
Hardcover
Henry Holt and Co.
Released 1/22/2019

In the mid-to-late-nineteenth century, a burgeoning science called electricity promised to shine new light on a rousing nation. Inventive and ambitious minds were hard at work. Soon that spark was fanned, and a fiery war was under way to be the first to light―and run―the world with electricity. Thomas Alva Edison, the inventor of direct current (DC), engaged in a brutal battle with Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse, the inventors of alternating current (AC). There would be no ties in this race―only a winner and a loser. The prize: a nationwide monopoly in electric current. Brimming with action, suspense, and rich historical and biographical information about these brilliant inventors, here is the rousing account of one of the world’s defining scientific competitions.

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The Vanishing Stair
by Maureen Johnson
Hardcover
Katherine Tegen Books
Released 1/22/2019

The Truly Devious case—an unsolved kidnapping and triple murder that rocked Ellingham Academy in 1936—has consumed Stevie for years. It’s the very reason she came to the academy. But then her classmate was murdered, and her parents quickly pull her out of school. For her safety, they say. She must move past this obsession with crime.

Stevie’s willing to do anything to get back to Ellingham, be back with her friends, and solve the Truly Devious case. Even if it means making a deal with the despicable Senator Edward King. And when Stevie finally returns, she also returns to David: the guy she kissed, and the guy who lied about his identity—Edward King’s son.

But larger issues are at play. Where did the murderer hide? What’s the meaning of the riddle Albert Ellingham left behind? And what, exactly, is at stake in the Truly Devious affair? The Ellingham case isn’t just a piece of history—it’s a live wire into the present.

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Undying (An Unearthed Novel)
by Amie Kaufman
Hardcover
Disney-Hyperion
Released 1/22/2019

Earth’s fate rests in their hands. Trapped aboard the Undying’s ancient spaceship and reeling from the truth they’ve uncovered, Mia and Jules are desperate to warn their home about what’s coming.

After a perilous escape, they crash-land on Earth’s surface?but Jules and Mia can hardly fathom their new predicament: No one believes them. Because the threat against Earth is hiding in plain sight.

A mounting global crisis is taking shape, starting with a mysterious illness that seems to reduce its victims to a regressed state. Jules and Mia have no choice but to take matters into their own hands, escaping custody of the International Alliance in order to reuinte Jules with his father, the disgraced expert on the alien race, whose research may be the key to saving humanity.

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