UKYA Mini Reviews – SING (Like No One’s Listening) by Vanessa Jones & Alex in Wonderland by Simon James Green

Hi Everyone, It’s been a long time since I’ve done some book reviews, I have quite a few to catch up on, some going back to May. 🙊 Today I bring you two very different but perfect Summer YA reads. I would like to point out that by doing mini-reviews this is in no a bad reflection of the books. It sometimes nice to do short and sweet reviews.

SING (Like No One's Listening) by Vanessa Jones
Published by Macmillan Children's Books on April 18, 2019
Genres: Contemporary
Amazon | Book Depository
Goodreads

Make your mark. Raise your voice. Fame and Glee meets Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl in former West End actress Vanessa Jones’ YA novel, Sing (Like No One’s Listening).

Since her mother died, Nettie Delaney hasn’t been able to sing a note. This wouldn’t be a problem if she wasn’t now attending Dukes, the most prestigious performing arts college in the country, with her superstar mother’s shadow hanging over her. Nettie has her work cut out for her and everyone is watching.

But one night, in an empty studio after college, Nettie finds herself suddenly singing, as someone behind the curtain accompanies her on the piano. Maybe all is not lost for Nettie. Maybe she can find her voice again and survive her first year at Dukes. But can she do it before she gets thrown out?

A novel about dreaming a dream, finding and raising your voice, and not throwing away your shot!

Do you like the Step-Up movies? Well your in for a treat. I loved this book, whilst it had elements of that finding your talent or where you fit in, with the storytelling there was so much more to it. Characters had depth, they cared for each other and there was also the classic rivalry to who is best in the academy.

I loved the added mystery as well, you wanted to know who the secret singer who could get …. out of her shell and the true person her mum would want her to be as well. I really loved her group of friends, they are the ones that supporters you through thick and thin and doesn’t ask to many questions.

Vanessa Jones has created a smash hit, pardon the pun. I loved how contagious her writing is and I really wanted to watch loads of musicals, sing them loud and be inspired by making your mark in life, there is obstacles in life but there will be something or someone that will help you get through it.

Alex in Wonderland by Simon James Green
Published by Scholastic on June 6, 2019
Genres: Contemporary
Amazon | Book Depository
Goodreads

In the town of Newsands, painfully shy Alex is abandoned by his two best friends for the summer. But he unexpectedly lands a part-time job at Wonderland, a run-down amusement arcade on the seafront, where he gets to know the other teen misfits who work there. Alex starts to come out of his shell, and even starts to develop feelings for co-worker Ben... who, as Alex's bad luck would have it, has a girlfriend.

Then as debtors close in on Wonderland and mysterious, threatening notes start to appear, Alex and his new friends take it on themselves to save their declining employer. But, like everything in Wonderland, nothing is quite what it seems...

Seaside. Summer Job. Arcade. Hot new boy. Flamingo. Mr Lemon. Wonderland need saving.

Alex to the rescue and a love life that starts to sizzle. What could be better for a LGBT summer YA read. This book is awkwardly romantic and there’s plenty of belly laughing throughout. I loved it. 

I love how relatable Alex’s character is to everyone. Alex is basically unlucky in love and we can shyly admit that we can feel his pain. He struggles to find who is, but it’s where you least expect it that pieces of your life seem to fit together. There isn’t moment in this book that you just don’t just go ‘yup mate, I know how you feel.’ Simon captured teenager feelings to a tea and represents a UKYA own voice to gay teenagers in a honest, awkward and funny way. This book give you all the smoosh-y feels. 

I was very lucky to have Simon come to my school for a visit. His talk inspired not only a year group of students but also me as a librarian and reader. Earlier in the year I admitted I hadn’t read very much LGBT but it’s authors like Simon that inspire you and I can’t wait to read the Noah books. 

If you have any LGBT recommendations please let me know.

Thank you to both Scholastic and Macmillan Children’s for sending me a copy in exchange for a honest review.