Thursday Teen Book Review: Fresh Ink (YA anthology)

From the publisher: 

In partnership with We Need Diverse Books, thirteen of the most recognizable, diverse authors come together in this remarkable YA anthology featuring ten short stories, a graphic short story, and a one-act play from Walter Dean Myers never before in-print.

Careful--you are holding fresh ink. And not hot-off-the-press, still-drying-in-your-hands ink. Instead, you are holding twelve stories with endings that are still being written--whose next chapters are up to you.

Because these stories are meant to be read. And shared.

Thirteen of the most accomplished YA authors deliver a label-defying anthology that includes ten short stories, a graphic novel, and a one-act play. This collection will inspire you to break conventions, bend the rules, and color outside the lines. All you need is fresh ink. 

My thoughts:

Such great stories here; an eclectic mix of diverse authors writing for teens of today. Some of the stories were a bit rougher than others, but overall the collection feels honest and fresh.

This is probably one of the best YA books I've read, since it truly reflects all teens today. I have a few teenagers in the house; these stories really resonate, and don't pull punches.

Recommended if you want to try some new authors--I've added a few names to my list for sure.

**NetGalley provided copy for review**

Thursday Teen Book Review: Copyboy by Vince Vawter

From the publisher: 

In the sequel to the Newbery Honor-winning novel Paperboy, Victor Vollmer sets off to fulfill a final request of Mr. Spiro, the aging neighbor who became his friend and mentor. Now a few years older and working as a newspaper copyboy, Victor plans to spread Mr. Spiro’s ashes at the mouth of the Mississippi River as the former merchant marine wished. 

But the journey will not be a simple one. Victor will confront a strange and threatening world, and when his abilities and confidence get put to the test, he’ll lean on a fascinating girl named Philomene for help. Together they’ll venture toward the place where river meets sea, and they’ll race to evade Hurricane Betsy as it bears down. 

My thoughts: 

This is definitely one of the best books I've read this year--truly an undiscovered gem.

The story continues where Paperboy left off, and I'll admit that I went back and read that one first. Where Paperboy is a beautiful middle-grade, Paperboy is a great YA. We follow Victor as he's about to go off to college when his mentor Mr. Spiro passes away and asks Victor to spread his ashes.

The journey takes Victor to the Gulf Coast; the author reflects the culture there so well. I loved how this was a coming-of-age story that transcends the genre.

Highly recommend for all ages; a YA that's appropriate for a strong MG reader who is not quite ready for the stronger YA content.