Seattle has a thriving YA author population who set their books right here in Emerald City – or nearby. Whether you are attending Midwinter or not, here are a few titles to get you in a Pacific Northwest’ frame of mind.
‘ The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti
Suffering from panic attacks, Jade finds it calming to watch the Woodland Park Zoo’s elephant webcam. Her fascination with the animals (and a boy she sees working with them) encourage her to get out of her comfort zone.
Don’t Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala
Set right up the hill from the convention center, Cupala’s’ sophomore effort deals with the homeless teen population on Capitol Hill. She truly captures the darker side of this destination neighborhood.
Payback Time by Carl Deuker
While the Seahawks just ended their best season in years, Payback Time looks at high school football in Seattle. Specifically, possible corruption. It’s got action and mystery for a riveting suspense read.
My Not-So-Still Life by Liz Gallagher
A companion to Gallagher’s first novel, My Not-So-Still Life follows artsy Vanessa as she separates who she thinks she should be with who she wants to be.
Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John
This Schneider Award winner captures the Seattle music scene – and educates the reader about it at the same time. It might inspire you to take a musical tour of the city.
Flyaway by Helen Landalf
After being abandoned by her meth-addicted mother and taken in by her aunt, Stevie’ tries to figure out her future, and who can be saved, while volunteering with wildlife rescue.
Necromancing’ the Stone by Lish McBride
Darkly humorous, this sequel to Morris Finalist Hold Me Closer, Necromancer is equally fun – and manages to make the undead in Seattle fresh.
Crazy by Amy Reed
Summer camp friends separated by a ferry ride, correspond online as one of them gets’ trapped in a bi-polar cycle.
The Jewel and the Key by Louise Spiegler
Historical Seattle is explored when an earthquake sends Addie back in time to 1917.
Stringz’ by Michael Wenberg
Abandoned by his flaky mother with his aunt in Seattle, Jace tries to earn extra money by busking downtown with the one thing that’s never let him down: his cello.
Adios, Nirvana by Conrad Wesselhoeft
When Jonathan’s twin dies after getting hit by a Seattle bus, Jonathan struggles to find his place. His grades suffer, and in order to pass junior year, his principal strikes a bargain: go to class, work with a dying WWII vet on his biography, and perform the principal’s favorite song on a guitar donated by a local rock legend.
-Jackie’ Parker, YALSA Local Arrangements Committee,’ Midwinter Seattle 2013
