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!
4 Comments
Zoe Marriott
28 January, 2015 at 9:13 amHelen Grant’s books! Three are set in Germany and one in Belgium and they have this amazing, Gothic atmosphere going on with demons and ancient Flemish churches and things. I never thought Germany was romantic before reading her books!
Rachel
28 January, 2015 at 12:24 pmThe Last Leaves Falling has caught my eye because of all the rave reviews on it but Stolen also looks like an interesting read. Great post! 🙂
Rachel recently posted…Review: The Glass Sentence
Maia
30 January, 2015 at 8:34 pmI really enjoyed The Last Leaves Falling and seeing those themes and ideas from the point of view of someone from a different culture.
I love the Tales of the Otori series, that are also set in Japan, so I think there might be a theme here..!
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Jaz
2 February, 2015 at 12:19 pmOooh what an interesting post. I’ve heard such good things about Last Leaves Falling and it sounds like the J-Drama 1 Litre of Tears. I know if I read it I need to be emotionally prepared.
Lucy you should come Aus and see the scenery for yourself 😀
I’m not sure this counts as UKYA but Sarah Alderson’s Lila books are set in the US and I love them so much!
Omg that Jessica Cole Model Spy book is going on my TBR because Paris AND modelling meets Ally Carter? YES! Thanks for the rec.