I owe this newfound love of science fiction to Shaun David Hutchinson’s At the Edge of the Universe. While much of it is based in our contemporary world, the mystery and fear surrounding a shrinking universe that only one person can remember had me awake until the wee hours of the morning trying to find out what happened to the protagonist’s boyfriend! While I think this book is a one-of-a-kind, I know there are other authors with amazing stories featuring LGBTQIA+ characters. So if you’re eager for more LGBTQIA+ characters in sci-fi and fantasy, here are a few to try.

23 Must-Read Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books with LGBTQIA+ Characters

The post Must-Read Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books with LGBTQIA+ Characters appeared first on Simon Teen.

Let us know what you think of our choices!

9 Most Useful Runes (In Our Opinion)

1. Enkeli/Angelic Power

This is one of the first runes the Nephilim receive upon initiation, imbuing them with the power of Angel Raziel. It’s also one of the most powerful runes so…yeah…we could use some of that!

2. Voyance

If you’re ever caught in a dark alley with a disguised Downworlder, this mark helps you see right through the glamours. It also helps if you already have the Sight.

3. Friendship/Parabatai

For when you and your bestie are ready to take things to the next level.

4. Speed

Gotta go fast!—Sonic the Hedgehog

5. Equilibrium

Take solace, left-footed friends! This rune makes it extremely difficult to knock someone off their feet, which comes in handy whether you’re facing a demon or an uneven sidewalk.

6. Fireproof

No more burning yourself while making s’mores!

7. Iratze

It was the second rune that Raziel gifted to the Nephilim, and with good reason. It helps alleviate pain, closes cuts and wounds, and can even help with minor health concerns like headaches!

8. Mnemosyne

This, along with several others, grants the wearer an excellent memory.

9. Speak in Tongues

Not only can the Shadowhunter bearing this rune speak and understand any language, they can communicate with others without demons understanding them.

Ready for more Shadowhunters goodness? Find out which combination of Shadowhunters characters you’d be!

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13 Historical Fiction Books You Don’t Want to Miss

1. Daughters of Jubilation by Kara Lee Corthron

Evalene Deschamps has more things to worry about than living in Jim Crow South. She has two little sisters to look after, an overworked single mother, and a longtime crush who is finally making a move. Evvie also has magic abilities that her family calls jubilation. But when the demons of Evvie’s past finally shake free, she must embrace her mighty lineage, and summon the power that lies within her.

2. The Coming Storm by Regina M. Hansen

Music, myth, and horror blend in this romantic, atmospheric fantasy debut about a teen girl who must fight a powerful evil that’s invaded her Prince Edward Island home—perfect for fans of An Enchantment of Ravens.

3. When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler

Based on a true story, When the World Was Ours is a poignant and harrowing story about three young friends whose fates are intertwined during the devastation of the Holocaust.

4. Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare

Set at the turn of the 20th century in Edwardian England, a new generation of Shadowhunters works to solve the mystery of the illness that is plaguing their society. Everything you love about a Shadowhunters book mixed with the charm and class of early 1900s England makes this book an absolute must-read. Once you finish this book, don’t miss the sequel, Chain of Iron, which is out now!

5. Jazz Owls by Margarita Engle

In this timely novel, Margarita Engle explores World War II on the home front, as seen through the eyes of those who were part of the Zoot Suit Riots in LA. Told entirely in verse, this important yet often-ignored part of American history is also a great pick for poetry lovers!

6. Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

No historical fiction list is complete without Fever 1793, which serves as a lot of people’s first foray into the genre. During the summer of 1793, Philadelphia was overrun with yellow fever. Fourteen-year-old Mattie must fight to stay alive through heat, panic, and chaos caused by the outbreak of a deadly disease.

7. The Degenerates by J. Albert Mann

In the tradition of Girl, Interrupted, this fiery historical novel follows four young women in the early 20th century whose lives intersect when they are locked up by a world that took the poor, the disabled, the marginalized—and institutionalized them for life.

8. The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell

Not just a historical fiction, but a time-traveling fantasy! Esta, a talented thief of magical artifacts, must go back to the New York City of 1902 in order to stop the dark Magician from destroying the Maegus’s last hope of survival.

9. Angel Thieves by Kathi Appelt

An ocelot. A slave. An angel thief. Multiple perspectives spanning across time are united through themes of freedom, hope, and faith in a most unusual and epic novel from Newbery Honor–winning author and National Book Award finalist Kathi Appelt.

10. Anastasia and Her Sisters by Carolyn Meyer

Life as a Russian royal is anything but the fairy tale, especially for Anastasia Romanov. Her brother and the heir to the throne suffers from a painful blood disease, which has caused the tsarina to seek counsel from Rasputin, a man whose true intentions are a mystery to the entire court. But these problems soon pale in comparison to national upheaval when Germany declares war and the starving poor revolt.

11. Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper

After losing her family, being torn away from everything she knows to be sold into slavery, Amari is only concerned with survival. The goodness she finds does little to soothe the humiliation and despair she feels daily, but with the help and hope a real and true friendship provides, Amari begins to believe she can reclaim her freedom.

12. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

After being rescued by the Shadowhunters, Tessa Gray finds herself thrown into a world of demons and dangerous magic, where an evil Magister hopes to corrupt her newfound powers for his own devices. There’s action, mystery, magic, and romance, all you can expect from a Cassandra Clare series!

13. Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson

The series starts when Isabel is only thirteen in Chains, but she endures hardships beyond her years, in the hopes of reuniting with her sister Ruth, who was sold to a Southern plantation. Laurie Halse Anderson is an expert at exploring the nuance of what it meant to fight not just for your country’s freedom, but your own. In the exciting and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, Isabel and her friend Curzon will witness the Battle of Yorktown.

14. Four-Four-Two by Dean Hughes

Yuki Nakahara, like many Americans of Japanese descent, was sent to an internment camp in the Utah desert after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In the hopes of fighting this injustice, he enlists in the Army. But he is not ready for the segregation and prejudice that awaits him on the front line, or back at home—if he returns—in this little-known history of the Japanese Americans who fought with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II.

15. The Great Unknowable End by Kathryn Ormsbee

Stella dreams of being a space engineer and Galliard has only ever known life inside Red Sun, the local hippie commune. The day Stella and Galliard meet, there is something in the air in their small town. Literally. So begin weeks of pink lightning, bloodred rain, unexplained storms…And a countdown clock appears mysteriously above the town hall. With time ticking down to some great unknowable end they’ll each have to make a choice.

16. What Every Girl Should Know by J. Albert Mann

This compelling historical novel spans the early and very formative years of feminist and women’s health activist Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood, as she struggles to find her way amidst the harsh realities of poverty.

Not a big historical fiction reader? Check out these must-read contemporary books!

The post 16 Historical Fiction Books You Don’t Want to Miss appeared first on Simon Teen.

13 Inspiring Books for New Graduates

1. What I Leave Behind by Alison McGhee

Sixteen-year-old Will spends most of his days the same way: Working at the Dollar Only store, trying to replicate his late father’s famous cornbread recipe, and walking the streets of Los Angeles. Will started walking after his father committed suicide, and three years later he hasn’t stopped. But there are some places Will can’t walk by: The blessings store with the chest of 100 Chinese blessings in the back, the bridge on Fourth Street where his father died, and his childhood friend Playa’s house.

2. For Every One by Jason Reynolds

Originally a poem performed at the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr memorial, FOR EVERYONE is for the dreamers, who have been too scared to dream. Because just having the dream is the start you need, or you won’t get anywhere anyway, and that is when you have to take a leap of faith.

3. The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

Andie always has a plan for everything. So when her summer internship falls through, she’ll discover all the joys in life that happen while you’re busy making other plans. After graduation, there’s always the question of what’s going to happen next? Now, more than ever, a story of embracing life’s unexpected moments will definitely inspire you as you set off on your next adventure.

4. Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

On the last day of senior year, class rivals Rowan and Neil must work together to win their senior class game that will take them all over Seattle. Over the course of 24 hours, they’ll learn that maybe their feelings of hatred might actually be love in disguise.

5. Emergency Contact by Mary H. K. Choi

Penny Lee came to Austin for school—and to leave behind a less-than-ordinary life. Her meet-cute with tattooed barista Sam isn’t exactly that, but still they swap numbers. Soon they become digitally inseparable, but transferring it to an IRL connection proves more difficult. If you love Jenny Han and Rainbow Rowell, you absolutely need to read this charmingly awkward novel.

6. Your Destination is on the Left by Lauren Spieller

Tired of her family’s nomad RV life, Dessa Rhodes eagerly accepts an art internship in Santa Fe. She knows this is the ticket to a new life attending art school. But just when she feels settled into this new environment, family troubles try to pull her back into a life she wants to leave behind. But is she ready to?

7. Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman

Kiko Himura’s life is effectively over: she was rejected from her dream art school, and her abusive uncle has moved back in with her family. Desperate to flee, she jumps on the chance to move to tour art schools on the west coast with her childhood friend. Finally free from her restrictive home life, Kiko can learn how to be herself, how to cope with her past, and how to be brave in this beautiful debut novel by Akemi Dawn Bowman.

8. Finding Felicity by Stacey Kade

After being caught in an elaborate lie, a fabrication of a 90s TV series, Caroline Sands is ready to start fresh in college. But making friends has never been her strong suit. To find a place where she truly belongs, Caroline may have to abandon her script and take the risk of being herself.

9. Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian

Scooping cones at Meade Creamery has always been the highlight of Amelia’s summers. But when the owner dies unexpectedly, the ice cream stand is turned over to her grand-nephew, and he has plans of his own for the business. With her final summer in jeopardy, Amelia knows she can’t stand by and let this handsome newcomer threaten the traditions that have made Meade Creamery so great.

10. American Panda by Gloria Chao

As a freshman at MIT, Mei is on track to becoming the woman her parents always dreamed her to be, even though she isn’t all that thrilled. But when she reconnects with her brother, estranged from her family for dating the wrong woman, Mei starts to wonder if Mom and Dad really do know best.

11. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Even though Dimple’s parents let her attend a summer program for aspiring web developers, the first step on the path to her biggest dreams, they’re a little more reticent to give up on finding her the “Ideal Indian Husband.” And when the “suggested arranged husband” Rishi arrives on campus to spend time with her before they head off to their respective colleges, Dimple is determined not to let this goo-goo eyed romantic ruin her summer—and life—plans. Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways.

12. At the Edge of the Universe by Shaun David Hutchinson

The universe is shrinking, and the only person who knows is Ozzie, who is trying to find out why his boyfriend, his best friend, his everything, Tommy, one day ceased to exist. With high school ending in months and the plans to leave their small town now in jeopardy, Ozzie will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth in this exciting, mysterious sci-fi thriller from Shaun David Hutchinson.

13. We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

Decisions of the heart are never easy to make. And when it comes down to two boys, brothers, that Belly has known all her life, no decision has ever been harder. The Summer I Turned Pretty series is the perfect beach read, a reminder that no flame is ever completely out.

Looking for more? Check out these perfect books to read while at the beach!

The post 13 Inspiring Books for New Graduates appeared first on Simon Teen.

Sometimes all you need to do is put on your favorite quiet time music to drown out the thunder, light some candles, and chase away the rain with an amazing book. Here are some of my favorites to read while waiting out a stormy day.

8 Books to Read in a Thunderstorm

1. The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

Three sisters in the town of Sparrow were sentenced to death for witchery, and every summer for two centuries, they return, to seek revenge by luring and drowning boys in the water surrounding Sparrow. Penny Talbot fears that this curse will claim the life of a handsome newcomer, Bo. This salty, rain-soaked town is the perfect setting for a story full of twists, turns, and truths revealed.

2. See All the Stars by Kit Frick

Last year Ellory had it all: best friends, a boyfriend, clarity, direction. Now after a two-month suspension, she’s back in school, completely alone and riddled with guilt. The mysterious letters she’s receiving don’t help either. Flashbacks to throughout offer a trail of breadcrumbs to a total shocker at the end.  This debut novel comes out 8/14, so you can preorder this binge worthy summer thriller now!

3. An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

As a painting prodigy, Isobel is well-accustomed to her immortal and infallible clientele, until the Autumn Prince, Rook, commissions her. But she makes a fatal mistake in painting mortal sorrow in his eyes, a crime she must stand trial for in the Autumnlands. They’re quickly waylaid by trouble on their journey, and the fight for survival drives the two closer than they ever thought they could be.

4. Shimmer and Burn by Mary Taranta

After her sister is enslaved by a manipulative monarch, Faris must band together with a rag-tag crew to smuggle stolen magic into a neighboring kingdom. With a forbidden romance, amazing characters, and a sequel on the way, this is a great choice for a rainy day read.

5. Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

Lennon and Zorie never let their parents’ feud stop them from being best friends, until the homecoming dance drove a wedge so deep between them that they won’t even speak to each other. But they certainly face the elements when they are abandoned by their friends in the wilderness—especially a rainstorm that turns steamy!

6. Strange Grace by Tessa Gratton

The town of Three Graces sits in the shadows of the Devil’s Forest, but remains untouched by sickness, famine, or blight. Every seven years, when the Slaughter Moon rises, they send their “best boy” into the forest as sacrifice for prosperity. But this time, the moon has risen early. The heir to the Grace witches’ secrets, an outcast, and the expected sacrifice all risk their lives to discover the truth behind the bargain in the hopes of saving everyone they love, including each other. Strange Grace is spooky, spine-tingling, and subverts traditions of fantasy in such a way that only a writer like Tessa Gratton could. You’ll have to wait until 9/18 to purchase, but trust us, the anticipation is worth it.

7. This Mortal Coil by Emily Suvada

Cartaxus is a dangerous corporation that has taken advantage of a violently deadly epidemic in order to take full control of the human population. They have kidnapped Catarina Agatta’s father, a prolific gene hacker, and imprisoned him to work on a cure that the masses must pay for with their compliance. But when Cat learns her father has been killed and she must rely on her own skills to unlock the truth…hidden in the genes of a Cartaxus soldier. This was one of our favorite books of 2017, and the sequel promises to deliver on the burning questions we were left with at the end.

8. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Ari has always been a loner, but meeting Dante makes him want to be so much more. Over the course of several years, the boys learn, grow, and change, but their one constant is their devotion to each other. Many pivotal moments in the novel happen when it rains, and most importantly, a kiss scene with one of the most tender “I love you” moments possibly in all of young adult literature. And if that isn’t enough to convince you, try listening to the audiobook, read by Lin-Manuel Miranda!

The post 8 Books to Read in a Thunderstorm appeared first on Simon Teen.

9 Bookish Travel Essentials Every Die-Hard Reader Needs to Pack

Portable Book Light

This is a LIFE essential, not just for travel! For days when you’re worried about disrupting a roommate, your bus/train/plane neighbor en route to your destination, or just can’t quite reach your bedside lamp, this is a perfect portable light for reading. Bonus: it can even double as a bookmark!

Source: Soonhua 

Cloth Book Weight

Once you’ve cycled through all your reading positions, this convenient book weight will allow you to rearrange yourself more comfortably without needing to hold your book open.

Source: DragoninKnots 

Sweater

No travel list is complete without the cozy essentials! You never know when you’ll need a sweater when the plane or your destination is chillier than you expected.

Source: Literary Emporium 

Infinity Scarf

And when the sweater isn’t enough, a customizable infinity scarf should keep you bundled.

Source: Litographs

Socks

If you’re taking off your shoes at the security check, give everyone something cute to look at!

Source: Out of Print Clothing 

Secret Book Safe

This isn’t ideal for traveling, but this book safe will store all of your most precious items, like your passport, for safekeeping at home.

Source: Secrets of Storage Books 

Travel Wallet

Normally, the best way to avoid stress when you’re traveling is to hold onto your tried and true storage, like your wallet. But this travel wallet has literally a catch-all for each and every hotel confirmation, train ticket, and foreign currency you’ll need! There’s even a place for your passport!

Source: Disaster Designs via Modcloth 

Notebook

Always, always bring a notebook when you travel! You’ll need it for more than just writing down directions. Check out this post for more ideas!

Source: Kit Cronk via Society6

A Tent

This two-person tent is a must-have for summer, especially if you find yourself stranded in the woods like Zorie and Lennon in Jenn Bennett’s must-read summer romance, Starry Eyes!

Source: Field Candy 

Love camping? (Or books about camping?) Pick up Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett!

The post 9 Bookish Travel Essentials Every Die-Hard Reader Needs to Pack appeared first on Simon Teen.

Standard

Source: amandaonwriting

There’s nothing wrong with a tried and true bookshelf design. No bells, no whistles, no uneven, twisting, turning shelving to distract from what’s really important—the books! This is a great choice for the reader who only keeps their absolute favorites around.

Tall

Source: Jess Harold

A shelf that dominates the entire wall is ideal for the person who can’t say no when they walk into a bookstore. You don’t have to kick your habit, and you’ll still have room for your favorite board games! A huge win.

DIY

Source: classicfm.com

Source: Instructables

Making a bookshelf yourself adds a personal and unique touch to the place where you keep your books. Using anything from repurposed plywood to an old piano (really!), a DIY bookshelf can be a fun weekend project, and a great way to show off how handy you are with a Phillips head screwdriver. Check out this fun way to give old skateboards a second life.

Floating Shelf

Source: Tee Books

Look Ma, no shelves! A floating shelf is another fun way to show off your favorite reads along your walls. And this shelf is extremely versatile. Here are two awesome designs: an asymmetrical floating “T” layout supporting all your books. Put a few of these shelves on your wall to free up space on the floor!

Book cart

Source: Wayfair

Perfect for the aspiring librarian, a book cart keeps you and your favorite books mobile. If you like reorganizing your room and reading nooks, give this cart a spin! 😉

Which of these shelves is your favorite? Or is there a bookshelf you love that I missed?

Once you’ve picked a display, we have the perfect way to help you arrange your books!

The post What Would Your Ideal Bookshelf Look Like? appeared first on Simon Teen.

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So as we close the book on 2017, we wanted to ask you, our faithful readers, what your bookish resolutions for 2018 are! Here are some of our favorite answers (I might add a few of these for my own resolutions list!):

Read more outside of my comfort zone!

To hopefully finally read 100 books in a year, and to continue to blog consistently!

To shrink my ‘to read’ list!

To read 7 classics this summer!

I want to read all the books of all the movies I’m putting off seeing until I read the book!

The post Top 5 2018 Reading Resolutions appeared first on Simon Teen.

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