"For those willing to enter into the dark and tragic childhood of Cyndy Etler, this memoir is sure to inspire teens to surpass the odds in their own life and to gain hope that there is always a chance for escape, even in the most impossible of situations."

"Finding love and acceptance in any relationship is important, but at what cost? Girl on the Verge is a young adult novel that both teens and adults alike are sure to find themselves obsessing over, unable to leave Dunn‘s beautifully executed world."

"With a vivid and lyrical writing and a pulse-pounding story about the darkness of human nature, Hawkins returns with another dark, disturbing, and exhilarating thriller that readers are guaranteed to find themselves absorbed in."

This month, our book theme is a cautionary tale of vanity, greed, and beauty. See what our founder, Jennifer Niven, has to say about Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray in a letter to all of you Germies at the link here: http://www.germmagazine.com/monthly-letter-from-the-editor/

Stop by Germ for Sandhya Menon's story behind When Dimple Met Rishi: http://www.germmagazine.com/the-story-behind-when-dimple-met-rishi-by-sandhya-me...

"Gardner‘s debut has a little something for everyone and is extremely original; nothing can be compared to this book in the YA genre. For anyone looking for a closer examination of graffiti art, the intricacies of teen life, or the struggles of not being able to hear, check out You‘re Welcome, Universe as Julia tries to discover herself and uses her passions to express herself and also to get into a whole lot of trouble."

"I‘m not overly curious to find out where the next novel will take us, but I wouldn‘t mind hopping back into the fictional zombie-infested world with these characters. And Tom. Especially Tom."

"After reading Zentner‘s second YA novel, there is no doubt in my mind that he is one of the most brilliant new writers in the genre. His ability to combine topics such as death and grief with perfectly timed bodily humor is pure genius."

"The only way to resolve something is to get to the bottom of it, and this incredible book depicts that exactly — zooming in on every nook and cranny of her not-so-perfect life, never just breaching the surface. She addresses everything, no matter how broken, and this allows hope, a quality Sophie carries through her words of wisdom and inspiration throughout both books."

"The words danced off the pages, and I often found myself doing a double take at how descriptive and clear her sentences were... This book is unlike any young adult novel with its fluent writing style and eye-opening themes, without overdoing either factor."

"With a genuinely funny plot, a cast of relatable and artsy main characters, and plenty of romance in the air, Crazy Messy Beautiful is sure to speak to anyone who has ever longed for love, been sparked by passion, or felt a bit out of place."

Happy International Women's Day! 👭❤️ What female authors and/or characters are you reading today?

"The characters are so completely real, and their suffering and triumphs are sure to ripple through the veins of readers. The story is told so realistically; both the language used and the setting feel entirely lifelike, giving the narrative even more depth and emotional-impact."

A Little Princess is our book theme of the month, and we're so inspired by Sara's consistent kindness! 💞
Read a letter from our Social Media Director to all our Germies here: http://www.germmagazine.com/monthly-letter-from-the-editor/

We spoke to Holly Goldberg Sloan about Short, The Wizard of Oz, other musicals, and more! Read it all here: http://www.germmagazine.com/holly-goldberg-sloan-short-blog-tour-being-short-mus...

"With plenty of intrigue, mystery, romance, and a cast of quirky and memorable characters, Kami Garcia has brought the excitement of the TV series back to audiences, providing Mulder‘s wit and excellent detective skills for a new generation."

This month, we're celebrating love- be it romantic, familial, or platonic. That's why our book theme of the month is Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. 💖 Read a letter to all of you from our co-editor-in-chief and literary editor: http://www.germmagazine.com/monthly-letter-from-the-editor/

We got to interview Jeff Giles about his new novel, Lord of the Rings, advice to teen writers, and more! Read it all here: http://www.germmagazine.com/jeff-giles-writing-lord-of-the-rings-and-exciting-ne...

"With an enjoyable plot, a heart-racing romance, and a competition that is anything but certain, young adult readers are sure to find Caraval to be one of their very favorite reads of 2017."

We got to chat to E. Katherine Kottaras about her novels, writing romance, and her advice to teen writers! Read the full interview here: http://www.germmagazine.com/e-katherine-kottaras-interview-ya-romance-and-beyond...

"In addition to a wonderfully layered plot, you are treated to a shining empathy toward refugees and a condemnation against those who hate them. This championing of refugees and bold anti-xenophobia is a staple of Marchetta‘s work, and it is at its peak here."

We got to chat with Romina Russell about the latest of her Zodiac series, Black Moon, her inspirations, Gilmore Girls, and more! Read our full interview here: http://www.germmagazine.com/romina-russell-interview-black-moon-critique-partner...

We interviewed Kathryn Ormsbee about writing Lucky Few, what she's reading, and a positive look at homeschooling! Read our interview here: http://www.germmagazine.com/kathryn-ormsbee-writing-reading-and-the-other-side-o...

This month's book theme on the site is Les Miserable by Victor Hugo! Fill your month and the rest of your year with hope and optimism even when it doesn't feel like an option. Here's a letter to all of you from our co-editor in chief: http://www.germmagazine.com/monthly-letter-from-the-editor/

We got to chat with author Leigh Bardugo about her new adult series, past characters, diversity, and more! Read our full interview here: http://www.germmagazine.com/leigh-bardugo-diversity-relationships-and-her-new-ad...

"While many science-fiction novels have been released this year, nothing can compare to the strength in characters and complexity of The Diabolic. From public executions to a deadly romance, this novel gives readers plenty to get excited about."

Got a vintage-loving bookworm friend? We've got the perfect gift ideas for you! Including American Blonde by our founder, #JenniferNiven! Check it out here: http://www.germmagazine.com/books-to-give-vintage-lovers-this-christmas/ 📚🎄✨

"Told with a fresh and unique voice and a plot that is unlike anything ever written for teen audiences, Spontaneous is sure to be one of the most brilliant YA books written all year. Starmer has combined action, romance, and even a bit of thrilling moments into one novel that both male and female readers will find satisfying and completely hilarious."

This month's book theme at Germ is The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis! We'll discuss magic, wonder, and most importantly, unconditional love! Head to the link for a letter from our co-editor in chief/literary editor to all of you! ❄️❤️ http://www.germmagazine.com/monthly-letter-from-the-editor/

At Germ, this month's book theme is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott! 👭👭💕
Head here for a letter to all of you from our Social Media Director: http://www.germmagazine.com/monthly-letter-from-the-editor/

"There was virtually nothing to complain about in 'We Know It Was You.' The writing was gripping from start to finish, and Thrash‘s dark sense of humor was present throughout the story, making the novel stand out to me personally."

We got to interview Dana Elmendorf about South of Sunshine, what she's working on now, her advice for teen writers, and more! Read it all here: http://www.germmagazine.com/pasadena-loves-ya-interview-with-dana-elmendorf-auth...

We got to chat with Marisa Reichardt about her debut novel, "Underwater," her inspirations, and more! Read our interview here: http://www.germmagazine.com/pasadena-loves-ya-interview-with-author-marisa-reich...

October at Germ is all about To Kill A Mockingbird!
Head to the link for a letter from our Style Editor to all of you: http://www.germmagazine.com/monthly-letter-from-the-editor/

Happy #BookBirthday to Holding Up The Universe and Jennifer Niven, our lovely founder!! 💙✨🎉

We're head over heels for Libby, Jack, Jennifer, and Holding Up the Universe!
"Libby and Jack leap off the pages and become good friends; readers will be cheering and getting teary-eyed as the two characters struggle to find themselves and one another."

September at Germ is all about big dreams, chasing adventure, and embracing change, just as in our book theme of the month, "Little House on the Prairie" by Laura Ingalls Wilder! ??
Head to http://www.germmagazine.com/monthly-letter-from-the-editor/ for a letter from our editor to all of you!

"Thirteen Reasons Why does not offer easy answers. It asks you questions; it makes you question your own actions and words. But it offers one very important thing: hope."

It's #NationalBookLoversDay! How're you celebrating? 📚💖

"With an emotional love story and a tale of discovery, Kami Garcia brings readers the reality of economic division and the strength that comes from loss."

This month is about "All for one and one for all!" ⚔✨ Head to the site for a letter from our editor to all of you.

💖💖

"In this sunny anthology, we have everything from dark carnivals with demons to an awkward encounter that ends in pizza and secrets. Each story is unique, with distinct style and tone from each writer."

"Cline takes readers on the dark and chilling downslide of Evie‘s life as she is caught in drugs, sex, violence, and a mysterious group of people who claim to be one big happy family."

"Filled with plenty of humor, romance, and chaos, The Nerdy and the Dirty is a novel that will stay with readers long after they finish this highly original tale of redemption and acceptance."

This month's book theme is all about taking adventures! Head to the site for a letter to you from our Director of Social Media 🐲⚔

This is just one of the great LGBTQ books we think you should be reading the summer! Check the site for the rest! ❤️💛💚💙💜

"Where Things Come Back is a great novel. It is charming as well as thought-provoking. Throughout the book, Whaley develops a powerful intensity that will creep up on you. It is a deeply impactful read. I highly recommend it to everyone looking for something different to read."

"Girl in Pieces may be my favorite book of 2016. The author‘s strong voice and life-changing messages are simply stunning in this novel, and it is one that will stay with me for a long time."

Our book theme this month is all about adventures! Head to the site to read a letter to you from our Style Editor about what this month has in store! 🗺