In today's episode, Jay is sitting down with fellow Bookstagrammer Bree to chat about exploring the different genres of YA novels. Tune in to hear them discuss their thoughts on representation in this category. They also touch on how best to approach reading YA novels and the books that have left a lasting impression on them.

What we talked about: 

• Episode intro 00:00
• Guest intro and current reads 00:43
• Memorable YA reads 12:00
• Having empathy for YA characters 15:24
• YA author appreciation 25:41
• Thoughts on representation in YA novels today 29:52
• Bree's favorite YA books 36:17
• Annotating in books 41:16
• Book recommendations 43:13
• Lightning Round - There's a book for that 51:42
• Final thoughts 58:00

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron
• Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
• My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron
• You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
• Children of Anarchy and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi
• This Side of Home by Renée Watson
• Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
• Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney
• Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
• Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington
• City of Bones (Shadow Hunter Series) by Cassandra Clare
• Love Radio by Ebony Ladelle
• Author Elise Bryant
• Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant
• Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling by Elise Bryant
• Author Angie Thomas
• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
• Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas
• On The Come Up by Angie Thomas
• Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
• The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy Colbert
• All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
• As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
• Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
• Children of Anarchy and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi
• Nothing Like The Movies by Lynn Painter
• Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
• Finding Me by Viola Davis
• Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
• The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
• Kindred by Octavia Butler
• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
• Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
• You've Been Served by Kristen Alicia

All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission. 

Connect with today's guest: 

• Follow Bree on Instagram @breesbookshelf_
• Follow Bree on TikTok @breesbookshelf_
• Connect with Bree on GoodReads
• Stay up to date with all Bree's reading and life journey

Final Thoughts: 

• Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
• Join our September buddy discussion on Instagram or the Geneva App for Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond.
• For inquiries please email info@jaybraggs.com
• Don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast