Skylarks is the thought-provoking novel young adults need to read

More and more young adult novels are featuring serious and thought provoking topics, including bullying, mental health disorders and body image issues. Authors are shining a light on issues that affect youths every single day.

In All The Bright Places, Jennifer Niven writes about a boy living with bipolar disorder.

In The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chbosky shares Charlie’s daunting, abusive past.

In Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, Becky Albertalli features the tale of a gay highschool student who is forced to come out by a blackmailer.

Karen Gregory’s debut novel Skylarks is no different. Her debut novel looks at the poverty gap, disapproving parents and human resilience.

The book follows the life of Joni, who used to dream about flying when she was a little girl. However, these days her feet are firmly on the ground- they have to be when money’s tight and her dad can’t work and the whole family has to pull together to keep afloat.

Her world turns upside down when she meets Annabel, who is everything she isn’t. Despite their differences a spark ignites between the pair.

Joni can’t believe it at the beginning but she soon realises she is falling in love, but something is standing in her way.

When Annable’s parents find out about the relationship, it’s clear they believe there are some differences that are impossible to overcome.

This book is full of meaning and hope and struggle and heartbreak. Skylarks by Karen Gregory is a must-read for youths before they head back to school in September.

Skylarks is available to buy here.