September brings the sound of school bells, fresh notebooks, new timetables, and the promise of a new semester. As children and young adults settle back into classrooms, it is also the perfect time to turn the page, quite literally. Masala’s rounded up something for every bookshelf, hopefully making the return to campus a little more exciting.
This middle grade novel follows Lekha Diveka navigating her identity as the only Indian-American girl in town…or she thought. When a new girl moves into her neighbourhood, our main character is thrilled to learn that her name is Avantika. The two girls quickly build a bond, and through this friendship, Lekha learns that she doesn’t have to hide her culture from her peers. If your child is starting school soon, or moving somewhere new, this book serves as the perfect gentle reminder that embracing your culture is, indeed, beautiful.
Our science and history textbooks often chronicle the great scientists and inventors of the world, but often fail to honour the work of the remarkable women in STEM who dared to break barriers. This book trails the work of 10 incredible women who pushed the boundaries of science, and created paths of discovery on their own. Composed as a collection of stories from the popular Lost Women of Science podcast, writers Melina and Katie unearth the insightful triumphs of these pioneers.
What’s the worst thing that could happen to you in detention? Well, if you have strict parents, the question should be what happens once you’re out of detention but Karen M. McManus’ YA mystery novel centres around five students who walk into detention but only four walk out. After the death of Simon, the other four are all suspects and they all have secrets. If you were a fan of shows like Pretty Little Liars (2010–2017) and Gossip Girl (2007–2012), One of Us is Lying might be right up your locker.
In Leigh Bardugo’s first adult fantasy series, Alex Stern joins Yale University with the intention of keeping her head down. She had absolutely no idea of the world of the occult that ran directly beneath the grounds of New Haven. Secret societies are a dime a dozen at an Ivy League institution and the stories surrounding them range from tame to unbelievable but in Ninth House, Bardugo asks “What if the paranormal was real? And what happens when it’s out to get you?” Let’s hope your college experience is nothing like Alex Stern’s.