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Top 5 Young Adult titles for July 2021

by Brandon King

Looking for some new YA titles to read this summer? Take a look at our top picks of gripping, inspirational, and heartwarming stories.

Some events in life will always be out of our control, whether it's a global crisis or a traumatic event at home. 'Be Resilient' shows that the power to cope is in our hands. Discover how to develop the skill of mental resilience in this fascinating guide from award-winning author and teenage brain expert Nicola Morgan.

From the former teacher and author of Positively Teenage and Blame by brain

You're now at secondary school. You've settled in, made some friends and you know the subjects you like and the ones you loathe. Added to that, you've just managed to survive the most BONKERS year ever - a pandemic, no school, exam chaos - whhhhat? Are you feeling a little frazzled? Like you can't be bothered? That everything is just pointless? We all feel like that from time to time. But there are things you can do to get back your mojo, find a bit of hope and get back on track. After one of the hardest school years imaginable, head teacher Matt Burton is here to help students get motivated again.

Allyship is not a trend. Allyship is a journey, but it's not always easy to know where to start. See things from a different perspective with heartfelt real-life stories by writers from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and circumstances. Wherever you are in your allyship journey, these stories about what it means to be an ally can empower you to help make the world a better place for everyone. Find out what you can do and take an active role with resources like self-reflective questions, journaling ideas, prompts, and further reading. Be the reason someone feels seen, heard, and supported.

Ash Persaud is about to become a reaper in the afterlife, but she is determined to see her first love Poppy Morgan again, the only thing that separates them is death. Car headlights. The last thing Ash hears is the snap of breaking glass as the windscreen hits her and breaks into a million pieces like stars. But she made it, she's still here. Or is she? This New Year's Eve, Ash is gets an RSVP from the afterlife she can't decline: to join a clan of fierce girl reapers who take the souls of the city's dead to await their fate. But Ash can't forget her first love, Poppy, and she will do anything to see her again - even if it means they only get a few more days together.

They knew the end was coming. They saw it ten years back, when it was far enough away in space and time and meaning. The changes were gradual, and then sudden. For Mae and her friends, it means navigating a life where action and consequence are no longer related. Where the popular are both trophies and targets. And where petty grudges turn deadlier with each passing day. So, did Abi Manton jump off the cliff or was she pushed? Her death is just the beginning of the end. With teachers losing control of their students and themselves, and the end rushing toward all of them, it leaves everyone facing the answer to one, simple question. What would you do if you could get away with anything?

The YA debut novel from the author of We begin at the end