KidsBookClubbing: Two Terrific New YA Reads

March 1, 2018

New Releases: Author Notes, Book Giveaways, and More

Dear Readers,

In this issue, you'll discover two terrific new YA reads:

- Beneath the Haunting Sea by Joanna Ruth Meyer explores the forbidden -- locked-up dusty rooms, books, love -- and the ripple effects of pursuing or ignoring these illicit temptations.

- It Should Have Been You by Lynn Slaughter is just right for readers who like the psychological mind games of Pretty Little Liars and the thrill of unraveling a mystery such as in One of Us is Lying.

Happy Reading!

Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp

bookclubcookbook.com

Ages 12 and up / YA Fantasy / Page Street Publishing

Win a copy of Beneath the Haunting Sea by Joanna Ruth Meyer. Enter to win by emailing the author (write "Kidsbookclubbing" in the subject line).

Dear Reader,

Beneath the Haunting Sea is my love letter to music and words. It's about a girl who struggles against her fate and a boy filled with secrets. It's about the power of stories and the strength of love, and an impossible journey that changes everything.

When Talia gets banished to a dreary mansion on the edge of the
Northern Sea, she's betrothed against her will to

Wern, a brilliant, moody musician, but finds herself falling for the far more dashing Caiden instead. As she attempts to navigate the creepy old house and its many secrets, she's drawn to the ancient myths of the goddess Rahn, who holds a dead captive in her hall beneath the waves. Always the sea is whispering its haunting music into Talia's ears, calling her toward her destiny. But will she answer?

Enjoy and let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from you!

Joanna Ruth Meyer

Book reviews

"Epic, musical, and tender."

- Kirkus Reviews

"Combining an unforgettable world, fearless characters, and an age old mystery, Beneath the Haunting Sea is a fantastic read from start to finish."

- Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf

"A pure delight to read! One of the most stunning YA novels I have ever read."

- Bookish Delights

Discussion questions:

Do you believe in destiny? Why or why not?
What do you imagine has become of Eda and the kingdom she came to rule?
If you were in Talia's situation do you think you would have made the same choices? Why or why not?
Talia is often drawn to what she's been told to avoid -- such as a secret room or a book. Have you ever been enticed by something off limits? What have you done in that situation and why? What did you learn from it? If you didn't act on that interest, do you regret it?

To learn more and follow the author's latest happenings, visit her website.

Author call-in information : Joanna Ruth Meyer is available for phone or Skype calls with your club and for author visits. Email the author t o submit your request.

Ages 14 and up / YA Fiction / Page Street Publishing

Win a copy of It Should Have Been You by Lynn Slaughter. Enter to win by emailing the author (write "KidsBookClubbing" in the subject line).

Dear Reader,

Years ago, one of the college students I taught told me her twin had been murdered when she was in high school.

Her horrific story stu ck with me. Out of it grew the character of seventeen-year-old Clara. When her twin Moura gets murdered, rumors swirl that Clara killed her. Moura had been a superstar, a piano prodigy who sucked up all the attention and barely spoke to Clara.

Then Clara starts getting threatening emails sent to the inbox of the high school advice column she ghostwrites. Convinced that her cyberstalker thinks she killed Moura and is out for revenge, she bravely undertakes her own investigation. But tim e may be running out.

Clara's scared, but she's also funny, caring, and feisty. Even as her own life is threatened, she falls in love and tries to help another teen involved in an abusive dating relationship. I hope you'll enjoy her story!

Lynn Slaughter

Book reviews:

"A solid whodunit for genre fans."

- Kirkus Reviews

"A tidily constructed murder mystery."

- Booklist

"Fans of the genre will find much to enjoy in this thriller."

- Publishers Weekly

"A compelling psychological journey of obsession."

- Lee Tobin McClain, bestselling author of Sizzle

"From the first sentence, through all of the twists and turns to the surprising ending, this book will hold you in its grasp and not let go."

- V.M. Burns, author of The Plot is Murder

"It Should Have Been You will keep you guessing right up until the final twists. ...Compelling."

- Beth Fantaskey, author of Buzz Kill and Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

Discussion questions:

1. If you had to give an elevator pitch for this novel, what would it be?

2. What do you think is the driving motivation behind Clara's desire to find her sister's killer? Survivor's guilt? Proving her innocence? Something else?

3. When you first started reading the novel, whom did you think killed Moura? Were you correct?

4. Which devices do you think make a finely constructed mystery novel?

To learn more and follow the author's latest happenings, visit her website.

Author call-in information : Lynn Slaughter is available for phone or Skype calls with your club and for author visits. Email the author to submit your request.

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