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YA books for adults, too

Two very different books will get readers thinking, both young adult and adults.

First, an alien invasion may have brought the end of the world, but can music and books help save it? Two very different characters are brought together in “The Sound of Stars” by Alechia Dow.

The Ilori came to Earth 2 years ago, and nothing has been the same. Ellie now lives in a controlled center in New York, with her mother and father both working for the invaders and becoming more and more unraveled. The only thing that keeps Ellie sane is her friend Alice and her secret library she hides in the basement and dolls out to others in the building she trusts. When M0Rr1S, an Ilori, stumbles across Ellie’s library, he knows he should turn her in, but doesn’t want to. He also loves Earth music, and is wanting more. The two start a shaky partnership over the love of one band, but soon Ellie is in terrible danger from Morris’ people. Can he save her from destruction? Can they both save the world?

An alien apocalypse story with lots of heart and a love letter to the importance of music and books, this will strike a chord in both adults and teens.

“The Sound of Stars” is published by Inkyard Press. It is $18.99.

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A coming of age story takes readers to Nigeria and the plight of young girls there in “The Girl with the Louding Voice” by Abi Dare.

Adunni lives in a small village. Her mother wanted her desperately to get an education, but after her death, Adunni’s father has other plans. Selling her as a 14-year-old bride to a much older man with two wives already at home for her bride price, Adunni has to say goodbye to any thoughs of education. When a trip with one of her sister wives turns tragic, Adunni fears she will be blamed and takes the first opportunity to run from both her husband and father. She ends up working as a servant in Lagos to a rich native woman and her alcoholic husband. When the cook of the house sees an opportunity for Adunni to get an education and get away from the household, he urges her to take it. But will everything that has happened to her stand in her way?

A native of Nigeria, Dare looks at the world of young girls there and the importance of education in their lives. It will make everyone think.

“The Girl With the Louding Voice” is published by Dutton. It is $26.

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Contact Amy Phelps at aphelps@newsandsentinel.com.

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