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UKYA Extravaganza

Posted on 28 February, 2015

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Today I attended the first ever UKYA Extravaganza event, put together by Emma Pass and Kerry Drewery and hosted by Waterstones Birmingham Hight Street.

As you may know, I’ve been a huge advocate for UKYA in the past few years so I love to attend events whenever I can. I really hope there are lots more UKYA Extravaganza events in the future because I loved today an awful lot!

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Scattered throughout the event were author panels and the event offered a great chance to catch up with friends – both new and old. I also came away with a lot more books than I took!

Events such as this one are a perfect example of the importance of community cohesion. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, and I think today was a credit to our lovely community. It was so nice to see people getting along so well and sharing their love for books.

No matter your age, gender or how you look, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and we really did show that today.

Here’s to many more UKYA Extravaganza’s in the future!

UKYA

UKYA Abroad

Posted on 28 January, 2015

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I love reading UKYA books set in other countries because I’m able to read them through a tourist’s eyes and learn about incredible new cultures. There aren’t many of them, but the existing ones are real gems!

Stolen by Lucy Christopher is set in the Australian Outback, about a girl who is kidnapped by an older man. The imagery was beautiful and it was easy to imagine what the setting was like, even though I’ve never been there before.

The Last Leaves Falling by Sarah Benwell is out TOMORROW and is set in Japan. It’s about a boy called Sora who has ALS and we learn about him as his ALS progresses. Despite the topic, it’s a book full of hope which was shown even more through the setting of Japan. I’d love to read more books set there!

Jessica Cole Model Spy: Code Red Lipstick by Sarah Sky is set in Paris. I am a huge sucker for any book set in France and it’s pretty much guaranteed that I’ll love it. Sarah Sky’s books are modelling meets Ally Carter, and SO good!

A Brighter Fear by Kerry Drewery is set in Baghdad during the war in 2003 and it’s wonderfully unique. It’s easy to feel as if you are actually there and living through the terror and fright.

Jessie Hearts NYC and Emma Hearts LA by Keris Stainton are both brilliant contemporary books by one of my favourite UKYA authors. They have a big crossover appeal too and I like recommending them to people who are new to reading YA!

Finding Sky by Joss Stirling is a book I’ve read millions of times from cover to cover. In fact, I think I’m in need of a re-read soon! It’s set in Colorado and I’m pleased that it’s a UK fantasy book set in another country. There aren’t many of them!

What are your favourite UKYA books set in other countries?