From graphic novels to new works from the AMAZING Dave Rudden and Jenny Ireland, with a stunning new debut (Solo) as well. April is a brilliant time for new release's for teens and older readers with so many new books to celebrate.
Here’s a round-up of some of our new favourites for older readers, compiled by award-winning and best-selling Irish Author Triona Campbell.
17 Martin Street (Graphic Novel) - Age 9+
Original story by Marilyn Taylor/ Adapted by Alan Nolan/ Illustrated by Jason Browne
Published by The O’Brien Press Ltd
When Hetty Golden’s family move to Martin Street near Portobello bridge in Dublin, they’re not sure of their welcome. And next door, Ben Byrne’s family are not sure about their new Jewish neighbours: it’s the Emergency and they are suspicious of strangers.
To repay a debt, Ben agrees to do odd jobs for the Goldens, keeping it a secret from his family. But there’s a bigger secret: Renata, a refugee from Nazi Germany, is on the run in the city, and Hetty is determined to rescue her.
Can Hetty and Ben overcome their differences and save Renata, or are they just meddling in things they know too little about?
Fairy Hill - Age 9+
Author Marita Conlon-McKenna
Published by The O'Brien Press
Strange things are happening in Fairy Hill.
Thirteen-year-old Anna is upset when she is sent to stay with her dad and his new family at Fairy Hill in the west of Ireland. Hearing whispers in the wind, Anna senses she is being watched, but nobody believes her except the mysterious boy down by the lake. When her little half-brother, Jack, nearly gets lost, Anna suspects that someone is trying to steal him away. She wonders if the stories about the old house and the fairies are true. And if they are, could Jack be in real danger?
Paper Dragons rise of the Sand Spirits - Age 9 +
Author Siobhan McDermott/ Illustrator Yuzhen Cai
Published by Hodder Children’s Books
Return to the underwater realm . . .
Following the infiltration of Hok Woh and possession of her friends, Zhi Ging sets out on a dangerous mission to find Reishi, the Silhouette Scout, whom she believes has been lured into a dangerous trap.
With her adorable now-phoenix Malo by her side, Zhi Ging must fight off dangerous sand spirits, power-hungry enemies and magnificent dragons if she is to save her friends and her new home in the world of the immortals.
But as secrets are uncovered and new enemies emerge, can Zhi Ging figure out who to trust? And, more importantly, how to survive?
Tales of Darkisle 1: Conn of the Dead - Age 9+
Author Dave Rudden/ Illustrator Ali Al Amine
Published by Gill Books
After one misadventure too many, 11-year-old serial miscreant Conn is sent home from school. Picked up by his professor aunt Doireann, she takes him to her office in UCD’s National Folklore Collection on the way home. Surrounded by old books and artefacts, it’s only a matter of time before Conn puts a foot wrong...
Intrigued by a case marked 'hazardous’, he opens it to reveal the ancient skull of the Abhartach, an undead sorcerer of terrible might. In doing so, he releases the monster, and a terrifying chase through the university ensues, as the bodiless sorcerer hunts Conn through every piece of technology it can find. Can Conn defeat the Abhartach before it regains its true power?
The Friendship Cup – Palestine to Ireland
Author Winnie Clarke/ Illustrator Miguel Ángel Martínez & Sonia Pérez
Published by The Mercier Press
What happens when a summer football program brings together children from different worlds?
When a Palestinian team arrives in Ireland, nobody realises how deeply these new friendships will change everyone's lives. Inspired by a real football exchange from 2017, this moving novel follows Irish children as they welcome visitors into their homes and hearts.
As they play matches and learn about each other's lives, the Irish children begin to understand what daily life is like in Palestine. But when fighting breaks out in October, it becomes hard to stay in touch. With scary news reports every day, the Irish children worry about their faraway friends.
How do you help when someone you care about might be in danger?
What can children do when grown-up problems seem too big to solve?
Join these brave friends as they work through family worries and learn to speak up. With help from a kind counsellor, they turn their concerns into action, showing that friendship can cross any border. A powerful story about connection, understanding and finding your voice in a complicated world.
Money from each book sold will help support the Al Hilal Football Academy in Gaza.
Tom Crean: Irish Antarctic Hero
Authors Michael Smith & David Butler/ Letterer Louise McSharry
Published by The O’Brien Press
The unforgettable story of Ireland’s greatest unsung hero, Tom Crean, in graphic novel form.
Tom Crean, the teenage son of a poor Kerry farmer, ran away from home in 1893 to seek adventure, and became a major figure in three pioneering expeditions to the unexplored Antarctic. Crean volunteered for Captain Robert Scott’s Discovery expedition in 1901 and was among the last to see Scott alive near the South Pole in 1912.
He returned to the ice with Irishman Ernest Shackleton on the epic Endurance voyage. Undeterred by the hardships and hazards of trekking across the frozen wastes, more than once he risked all to save his companions in acts of astonishing bravery. When he settled back in Annascaul, the only hint Crean gave to his death-defying adventures was in the name of his pub - The South Pole Inn.
Read more about the book on RTÉ Culture here!
Matched Up - Age 12+
Author Jenny Ireland
Published by Penguin
The third book from Branford Boase award nominated author, Jenny Ireland. This YA sport romance is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Emily Henry!
When Lexie sees Shane for the first time, she’s blown away. Not only by the way he plays football (although that is great), but by his looks, and how he’s not like the other boys. Best of all, he feels the same way about her. Electricity at first sight.
But there's a problem.
New in town, Shane has taken the position in Westing FC's starting 11 that Lexie’s brother, Niall, has also set his sights on. Now, they must be each other's biggest secret. Shane's family situation is complicated, so there isn't much space for a girlfriend... or is there?
At first, the sneaking around is exciting: after practice, meeting on the beach, hiding from Niall. But things are about to get complicated...
Solo - Age 14+
Author Gráinne O’Brien
Published by Little Island Books
A novel in verse about teenage love and friendships, lost and found.
Daisy can feel like a solo act at home. On the outside of her twin brothers’ intense relationship, she leans towards her parents, particularly her father, for support. As a passionate classical musician, she is not wildly popular at school, but she has one close friend and a life filled with musical performance. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend suddenly breaks up with her, and Daisy is left disconnected from her one true love, music.
When she makes a new friend at school, mysterious Flora, Daisy finds a glimmer of peace in her chaotic life. Just as everything seems to be getting better, they all fall apart. Family tensions heighten as Daisy’s dad falls ill and Daisy needs to decide should she find her way back to who she was or look towards who she is going to become. A stunning debut.
And that’s it for new releases this April now available in local libraries and bookstores throughout the country.
For more book recommendations check out Discover Irish Kids Books (or give them a follow on Instagram or X)
Discover Irish Kids Books round-up graphic by Bex Sheridan.
Triona Campbell is the Author of ‘A Game of Life Or Death’ and ‘The Traitor in the Game’ and part of the team at #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks – a campaign to highlight and celebrate Irish kids and teen books.
