Elle McNicoll's Favourite Reads of 2021

Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow by Benjamin Dean

There are so many ways to talk about how a book like this was long overdue but ultimately the story is what makes it so special. Discovering pride and exploring family dynamics makes this a thoughtful and beautiful Middle Grade read.

Amari and the Night Brothers by BB Alston

Wow! This book was a ride. I felt a little bit sad about the fact that I couldn’t read a book like this as a young person, but then felt immediately better when I remembered we’re getting an adaptation of this glorious debut. Harry Potter meets Men in Black with an incredible main character, I can’t wait for Amari’s next adventure. 

Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-Iyimide

Believe the hype! A clever thriller in the Young Adult market where buried secrets threaten to upend everything that the students at Niveus High know. Privilege and racism are explored with nuance and this page turner had me claiming it as my first book of 2021 that I read in one sitting. Excellent! 

A Different Sort of Normal by Abigail Balfe 

A non-fiction graphic novel exploring what it’s like to go through school as an undiagnosed autistic. Poignant, funny and a good companion for A Kind of Spark. 

Empress and Aniya by Candice Carty-Williams 

Teens are a very neglected readership, I feel. A lot of YA is consumed by adult readers, and I think we desperately need more contemporary stories for actual teen readers. This novella is a perfect example of that. Sharp, funny and moving with a strong female friendship at the heart of it, this is how girls speak! It took me right back to those challenging social groups in senior school and all of the drama, while reinforcing just how life-altering and affirming a true bond of friendship between two girls can actually be.

Thank you for reading my top five books of 2021, it was very difficult to choose. If I were to ask for a book for Christmas, it would be Midnight in Everwood by M.A Kuzniar. I can’t wait to get dressed up for that book launch; I think it’s going to be a brilliantly Christmassy and romantic read! 

Midnight in Everwood by M.A Kuzniar