Challenge Planning Thread

[Tash]

Nicky wrote: "This is my first ever reading challenge, so i'm a little nervous, but mostly excited to see if i can do it!

Here is my selection:

#1: Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo.
#2: They Both Die At The End..."
Hi Nicky, I noticed that you chose They Both Die At the End for the second prompt. Unfortunately whilst it is a wonderful book by all accounts. It doesn't fit the prompts as it's leads identify as gay/ bisexual.

[Nicky_K]

@tash oh nuts. I thought it did. No worries, I thought I saw it on the list of suggestions, but no dramas I’ll try to find something else. Cheers.

[Tash]

Nicky wrote: "@tash oh nuts. I thought it did. No worries, I thought I saw it on the list of suggestions, but no dramas I’ll try to find something else. Cheers."

@ Nicky Kelly posted a few comments above some suggestions of some local and int titles if you are struggling :)

[rachel, x]

@gill: Take Three Girls has my highest recommendation for a LoveOzYA contemporary about supportive friends.

[Kelly (Diva Booknerd)]

Gill wrote: "rachel wrote: "@gill: Take Three Girls has my highest recommendation for a LoveOzYA contemporary about supportive friends."

Thanks, I'm trying not to buy new books but I will see i..."

If you're looking for #LoveOzYA books about friendship to fit the prompt, a few others I can recommend are:

Akarnae
Queens of Geek
The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl
Night Swimming
Untidy Towns
The Yearbook Committee
The Boys of Summer
That one is actually free right now on Amazon Kindle HERE

[Nara]

January
1: First in a series: Zenith
2: Non-binary, Genderfluid or Genderqueer point of view protagonist: Every Day
3: Supportive friends: The Unexpected Everything
4: LoveOzYA / LoveNZYA book: Among the stars: Gemina

February
1: Dark magic: Wintersong
2: Self published / Small press: The Accident
3: Point of view protagonist with anxiety: The Problem with Forever
4: #LoveOzYA / LoveNZYA book: Small town: Night Swimming

March
1: Mystical beings: Inkmistress
2: Last in a series: Obsidio
3: Twinning: The Diminished
4: #LoveOzYA / LoveNZYA book: A Muslim protagonist: When Michael Met Mina

April
1: Biracial protagonist: Dread Nation
2: Animal Companion: City of a Thousand Dolls
3: Dragons, Dragons everywhere: Onyx and Ivory
4: #LoveOZYA / LoveNZYA book: First Love: This Mortal Coil

May
1: Retelling: Pride
2: Artificial Intelligence: LIFEL1K3
3: Mysterious Monsters: Beyond a Darkened Shore
4: #LoveOzYA / #LoveNZYA book: Aboriginal / Indigenous Australian or Māori author: The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf

June
1: A book adapted for film or television: Mortal Engines
2: Heroes and villains: Steelheart
3: Faith or spirituality: The Boundless Sublime
4: LoveOzYA/NZ book: Bisexual protagonist: Take Three Girls

July
1: A book by two or more authors: A Thousand Beginnings and Endings
2: A character you identify with: American Panda
3: Visually / Hearing impaired protagonist: Winter Glass
4: LoveOzYA / LoveNZYA book: Gay or lesbian protagonist: I Had Such Friends

August prompts
1: Fighting injustice: War Storm
2: Sibling rivalry: Grace and Fury
3: Jewish protagonist: What If It's Us
4: LoveOzYA / LoveNZYA book: Thrills and chills: Wreck

September prompts
1: Steampunk: Clockwork Angel
2: Moving house: Twilight
3: Set at boarding school: Vampire Academy
4: #LoveOzYA / #LoveNZYA book: By an author / person of colour: Laurinda

October prompts
1: Debut author: The Disasters
2: At sea: Sea Witch
3: Latinx protagonist
4: #LoveOzYA / #LoveNZYA book: Published over five years ago: Genesis

November prompts
1: Judge it by its cover
2: Autistic protagonist
3: Set at college/uni: Fangirl
4: #LoveOzYA / #LoveNZYA book: A story of survival

[Grace]

Here's my January Reading Challenge:

#1: Valentine by Jodi McAlister
#2: Every Day by David Leviathan
#3: Spider-Man/Deadpool Vol 3: Itsy Bitsy (because they are the world's greatest bromance) by Joe Kelly
#4: Unearthed by Amie Kaufman & Megan Spooner

So far two down, two to go :)

[Sarah]

Grace wrote: "Here's my January Reading Challenge:

#1: Valentine by Jodi McAlister
#2: Every Day by David Leviathan
#3: Spider-Man/Deadpool Vol 3: Itsy Bitsy (because they are the world's greatest bromance) by ..."

Hi Grace,

Deadpool fan here, but for a graphic to count it needs to be YA.
Rick Riordan, C.S.Pacat, Amanda Hocking, Alice Oseman and Mariko Tamaki all have awesome YA graphic's :-).
And pretty much any of Rick's adaptations would fit the supportive friend prompt.

[Grace]

Grace wrote: "Here's my January Reading Challenge:

#1: Valentine by Jodi McAlister
#2: Every Day by David Leviathan
#3: Spider-Man/Deadpool Vol 3: Itsy Bitsy (because they are the world's greatest bromance) by ..."

UPDATE:
#3: Simon Vs The Homosapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

I did a twitter poll asking if there was a supportive friendship group in here and everyone has said yes so far and on top of that it's actually YA so I'm adding it in

[Sarah]

Wonderful choice Grace. Simon Vs... is a fantastic read!

[Mima]

January prompts
#1: First in a series Sabriel
#2: Non-binary, Genderfluid or Genderqueer point of view protagonist
#3: Supportive friends
#4: LoveOzYA / LoveNZYA book: Among the stars

February Prompts
#1: Dark magic
#2: Self published / Small press
#3: Point of view protagonist with anxiety*
#4: #LoveOzYA / LoveNZYA book: Small town

March prompts
#1: Mystical beings
#2: Last in a series
#3: Twinning
#4: #LoveOzYA / LoveNZYA book: A Muslim protagonist
Check out the #LoveOzYA website for recommendations HERE

[Rebecca]

January Prompts
#1: The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf ✓
#2: Brooklyn, Burning
#3: Ready Player One
#4: LoveOzYA / LoveNZYA book: As Stars Fall✓

February Prompts
#1: Dark magic
#2: Self published / Small press
#3: Protagonist with anxiety
#4: #LoveOzYA / LoveNZYA book: Small town

March prompts
#1: Mystical beings
#2: Always and Forever, Lara Jean
#3: This Side of Home
#4: #LoveOzYA / LoveNZYA book: A Muslim protagonist

[Clare]

Thinking about what to read for #3 in Feb.
I started reading Turtles All the Way Down
Eliza and Her Monsters
A Quiet Kind of Thunder
but had to stop them all because they were too triggering for me. Can anyone rec a book other than these?
I'll keep trying :-)

[Kelly (Diva Booknerd)]

Clare wrote: "Thinking about what to read for #3 in Feb.
I started reading Turtles All the Way Down
Eliza and Her Monsters
A Quiet Kind of Thunder
but had to stop ..."

Hi Clare. We're still reading the January prompts so we've asked readers not to read ahead but if you're looking for a lighter read, have you read Queens of Geek?

[Clare]

Kelly (Diva Booknerd) wrote: "We're still reading the January prompts so we've asked readers not to read ahead..."

Thanks. Just planning because I get most of my books from the library.

[Rebecca]

I'm reading Ready Player One and wanted to make sure it counts for supportive friends? Sometimes it's hard to know until you've read the book.

[Tash]

Rebecca wrote: "I'm reading Ready Player One and wanted to make sure it counts for supportive friends? Sometimes it's hard to know until you've read the book."
Unfortunately no as you probably guessed now that you have started the book. Sorry

[rachel, x]

@clare: definitely second Queens of Geek for a light-hearted read. I personally adored Beautiful Mess and Timekeeper but they are all 'intense' stories as well so I don't know how you'll do with them, sorry. 10 Things I Can See from Here is good, though. But maybe By Your Side? Cutesy contemporary and v lighthearted. Not a personal fave but might work for you.

[Clare]

Thanks for the recs re: anxiety. I also found Starfish. I might have to read them all!

@Rachel My book group is doing Beautiful Mess next month. They like to mess with my head.

[rachel, x]

@clare: hope you find whatever works for you!

[Gothie]

So trying to plan out Feb's books so I can request library transfers if I need to.
For the Anxiety prompt would Six of Crows count?

And Does anyone have suggestions for Oz Small town and Small press/self published?

[Kelly (Diva Booknerd)]

Gotherella wrote: "So trying to plan out Feb's books so I can request library transfers if I need to.
For the Anxiety prompt would Six of Crows count?

And Does anyone have suggestions for Oz Small town and Small pre..."

Small press could be anything from perhaps UQP, Text Publishing, Wakefield Press? Even just a self published novel if you have a Kindle or reader. I know The Boys of Summer is usually free on Amazon and self published.

For the small town, there's lots to choose from.
Untidy Towns
Another Night in Mullet Town
Breathing Under Water
Black
Remind Me How This Ends
Night Swimming
No Limits
Swallow the Air
Clancy of the Undertow
Jasper Jones
Mallee Boys

If there's something in particular you're in the mood for, happy to recommend more to fit the prompt, Just give me a shout.

[Clare]

@Gotherella Facing Up is self published.

I love love love Breathing Underwater! and its pub UQP

[cherryjellybeans]

Could anyone suggest books for the Feb Dark Magic category? I am thinking either Daughter of the Burning City or the City of Brass ARC otherwise if they fit?

[Nara]

I would say that Daughter of the Burning City definitely counts. I recently read it and thought it was excellent!

[Bernadette]

Gotherella wrote: "So trying to plan out Feb's books so I can request library transfers if I need to.
For the Anxiety prompt would Six of Crows count?

And Does anyone have suggestions for Oz Small town and Small pre..."

I'm also keen to know if Six of Crows fits the anxiety prompt, if anyone knows? I've been trying to work it out but I keep accidentally almost reading spoilers!!

[Nara]

From what I remember, while it's not explicitly named, it seemed more like PTSD and OCD were the main mental illnesses portrayed? I don't remember there specifically being a character with "anxiety" as such, but someone correct me if I'm wrong! It's been a while since I've read them.

[Liz]

Gotherella wrote: "So trying to plan out Feb's books so I can request library transfers if I need to.
For the Anxiety prompt would Six of Crows count?

And Does anyone have suggestions for Oz Small town and Small pre..."

Would Pantera Press be considered small press? I was thinking of reading If I Tell You by Alicia Tuckerman for this category.

[Chiara]

Hi Gill, there are POV chapters from a character called Damaris in Ida who is genderfluid, which is why it fits the prompt :)

[Chiara]

Hi Liz, Pantera Press would definitely be considered small press :) I hope you like If I Tell You!

[Grace]

My February Challenge Plan:
- Dark Magic - Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige
- Self-Pub/Small Press - Graevale by Lynette Noni
- Protagonist w/ anxiety - Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
- LoveOzYA “Small Towns” - Remind Me How This Ends by Gabrielle Tozer

[Chiara]

As long as the character has a POV the book counts! No problem :)

[Tash]

For those asking about SOC. I agree with Nara. It’s more PSTD so it wouldn’t count :(

[Tash]

For those who are struggling with the anxiety prompt, here are some suggestions
A Quiet Kind of Thunder
Fangirl
Finding Audrey
The Nature of Jade
The Problem with Forever
Speak
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Highly Illogical Behavior
Queens of Geek
Beautiful Mess
Timekeeper
10 Things I Can See from Here

[Tash]

Here's some Dark Magic books for the prompt
Daughter of the Burning City
A Darker Shade of Magic
The Bone Witch
Wintersong
Three Dark Crowns
Labyrinth Lost
Strange the Dreamer
Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Red Queen
Shadow and Bone

[Tash]

For the small press prompt here are some books and authors . Hope this helps for Feburary prompts :)
The Consort
No Limits
Julia Ember
Contessa
First World
Not Your Sidekick
Saving Jazz
Sister Heart
The Moon Dwellers
Ida
Ryan's Bed
Hotbloods
Paper Princess

[cherryjellybeans]

Nara wrote: "I would say that Daughter of the Burning City definitely counts. I recently read it and thought it was excellent!"

Thanks Nara, looks like Daughter of a Burning City is a go then.

[Liz]

Tash wrote: "Here's some Dark Magic books for the prompt
Daughter of the Burning City
A Darker Shade of Magic
The Bone Witch
Wintersong
[book:Thre..."

Thanks Tash, these lists are great. I have Neverland by Margot McGvoern on my TBR shelf. Do you know if it fits into this prompt?

[Liz]

Chiara wrote: "Hi Liz, Pantera Press would definitely be considered small press :) I hope you like If I Tell You!"

Great, thanks Chiara. I am looking forward to reading it.

[Tash]

Liz wrote: "Tash wrote: "Here's some Dark Magic books for the prompt
Daughter of the Burning City
A Darker Shade of Magic
The Bone Witch
[book:Wintersong|2476362..."

Liz unfortunately no. I haven't read it but the magic isn't dark from what I have been told. It's more about mental illness and feminism

[Niamh]

I'm hoping to read A Shadow Bright and Burning for the Feb Dark Magic prompt but I don't know much about it so I'm not sure if it counts.. Does anyone know?

[Liz]

Tash wrote: "Liz wrote: "Tash wrote: "Here's some Dark Magic books for the prompt
Daughter of the Burning City
A Darker Shade of Magic
The Bone Witch
[book:Winter..."

OK, thanks Tash, I will go back to the list.

[Tash]

Niamh wrote: "I'm hoping to read A Shadow Bright and Burning for the Feb Dark Magic prompt but I don't know much about it so I'm not sure if it counts.. Does anyone know?"

Yes do it count, Niamh, hope you enjoy it :)

[Kelly (Diva Booknerd)]

Also the prompt dark magic can also be open to interpretation too.

[Niamh]

Tash wrote: "Niamh wrote: "I'm hoping to read A Shadow Bright and Burning for the Feb Dark Magic prompt but I don't know much about it so I'm not sure if it counts.. Does anyone know?"

Yes do it count, Niamh, ..."

Thanks Tash!

[Tash]

February Prompts
#1: Crooked Kingdom
#2: Royals
#3: Beautiful Mess
#4: P is for Pearl

[rachel, x]

@tash: timekeeper is amazing!

[Clare]

Another Dark Magic book is The Beast Is an Animal. I read it last year and its still stuck in my thoughts.

[Tash]

@rachel Yay, I’m hoping it would be . I’m waiting on my copy to turn up but want to read it asap

[rachel, x]

@tash: one of my favourite books of last year! i'm dying for the sequel atm.