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Meredith Davis's avatar

Two other Ruta Sepetys YA books I love are Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray (not to be confused with Fifty Shades of Gray). I also love the recently released Sea Change by Susan Fletcher that features teens with gills (the Mer), light romance and lends itself to conversations about genetic modification.

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Michelle Watson's avatar

I loved Salt to the Sea as well! I listened on audio and it was a multi narrator cast, a treat! I will be checking out Sea Change!

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Jane's avatar

Candle Island by Lauren Wolk. Anything by her is good

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Michelle Watson's avatar

Thank you for the recommendation! I have not read anything by Lauren Wolk yet even though I recognize her name!

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Kaitlyn's avatar

I totally agree with some YA books being too graphic. When I worked in a library, the librarian and I would try to keep atop of what was popular and the amount of harsh, dark YA books made me sad. Of course some of the cheesy YA has some good writing or themes to explore. But definitely prefer juvenile to YA many times

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Michelle Watson's avatar

I love reading middle grade even as an adult. I feel like many teens are mistakenly pursuing maturity by exposing themselves to those harsh, dark books. There is intense curiosity at work, and sometimes I forget how intense. 😆

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Linda Stoll's avatar

It all makes me wonder what I was reading way back in the day. I only wish my reading journal stretched back that far ...

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Michelle Watson's avatar

I am in AWE of your journal. I wish I’d kept track back in those days.

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