YA FICTION
ANATOMY: A love story, by Dana Schwartz (Piatkus)
In 1817 Edinburgh, only the guys get to go to med school, relying on grave-robbers to supply the cadavers needed to learn their trade. Trying to bluff her way into the anatomy class, herbalist Hazel Sinnett falls for a “resurrectionist”. Watch out for the sequel, Immortality: A love story.
AS LONG AS THE LEMON TREES GROW, by Zoulfa Katouh (Bloomsbury)
This heartbreaking first novel from a Syrian woman now living in Canada honours all those who have no choice but to leave their home, prepared to risk everything for freedom. A first-hand account of living in a war zone, and the PTSD that’s an almost inevitable consequence.
THE IMPROBABLE LIFE OF RICKY BIRD, by Diane Connell (Simon & Schuster)
Mesmerising from the opening lines, often funny, and frequently heartbreaking. Ricky’s family move neighbourhoods after Dad’s exit, and nothing can be relied on any more – including Victoria/Ricky’s stories. Suspend your disbelief; prepare to weep.
MIRACLE, by Jennifer Lane (Cloud Ink)
When her father takes up a job at the local crematorium, 14-year-old Miracle – born during an earthquake that destroyed the lives of many – faces life as a social pariah. Warm family relationships and a quirky eye for detail make this an enjoyable read.
NEANDS 2, by Dan Salmon (OneTree House)
NZ is now divided into humans and Neands, “meatheads” whose DNA has been altered by a virus that activated the Neanderthal genes most of us carry. Reminiscent of Jack Lasenby’s quartet, this sequel follows two
