Panel: Tor Teen Presents Own Your Magic

Ismery Pavon is a book blogger, book reviewer, and a former bookseller. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University in Mass Communications and Journalism, with a minor in English. When she’s not reading and drafting up a book review, you can find her working at Miami Book Fair.

Mark Oshiro writes the online Mark Does Stuff universe (Mark Reads and Mark Watches), where they analyze book and TV series. Their debut novel was Anger Is a Gift. In Each of Us a Desert (Tor Teen) we meet Xochitl, destined to wander the desert alone, speaking her troubled village’s stories into its arid winds. Her only companions are the stars above and enigmatic lines of poetry magically strewn across dusty dunes. Her one desire is to share her heart with a kindred spirit. One night, Xo’s wish is granted—in the form of Emilia, the cold and beautiful daughter of the town’s murderous conqueror. But when the two set out on a magical journey across the desert, they find their hearts could be a match — if only they can survive the nightmare-like terrors that arise when the sun goes down. Booklist noted that “The writing, akin to an atmospheric, novel-length poem, seamlessly weaving in Spanish and matter of- fact queer representation, is beautiful to read. [It’s] a meaningful story about human existence.”

Lauren Shippen is the author of The Infinite Noise, but she’s best known for her work in fiction podcasts. She is the creator and sole writer of the popular audio drama, The Bright Sessions. She has executive produced The AM Archives, co-produced Passenger List and founded Atypical Artists, a company dedicated to audio storytelling. She also wrote Marvels, an audio adaptation of the popular comic. In A Neon Darkness (Tor Teen) we meet Robert Gorham. Robert can get anything he wants just by desiring it, which is both a blessing and a curse. Robert is alone until a group of strangers, the Unusuals, welcome him. They can do impossible things—produce flames without flint, conduct electricity with their hands, and see visions of the past. They give Robert a new name too: Damien. Finally, he belongs. As long as he can keep his power under control. But control is a sacrifice he might not be willing to make. Kirkus Reviews noted that “Shippen combines an exciting plot with diverse characters…This may be the best Bright Sessions content yet as well as an excellent starting point for those unfamiliar with this world. A creative and compelling read.”

Bethany C. Morrow is the author of the adult novel Mem and the editor of the young adult anthology Take the Mic. In her debut standalone young adult novel, A Song Below Water (tor Teen) Morrow introduce us to Tavia and Effie. In a society determined to keep her under lock and key, Tavia must hide her siren powers. Meanwhile, Effie is fighting her own family struggles, pitted against literal demons from her past. Together, these best friends must navigate through the perils of high school’s junior year. But everything changes in the aftermath of a siren murder trial that rocks the nation, and Tavia accidentally lets out her magical voice at the worst possible moment. Soon, nothing in Portland, Oregon, seems safe. To save themselves from drowning, it’s only Tavia and Effie’s unbreakable sisterhood that proves to be the strongest magic of all. Booklist, in a starred review, noted that “Morrow expertly and smartly explores race, bigotry, oppression, and injustice against a backdrop of ordinary life with a dose of the supernatural added to the mix.”

TJ Klune is a best selling author and an ex-claims examiner for an insurance company. His novels include The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Extraordinaries. Being queer himself, TJ believes it’s important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories. Some people are extraordinary. Some are just extra. TJ Klune’s YA debut, The Extraordinaries (Tor Teen) is a queer coming-of-age story about a fanboy with ADHD and the heroes he loves. Nick Bell? Not extraordinary. But being the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom is a superpower, right? After a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City’s mightiest hero (and Nick’s biggest crush), Nick sets out to make himself extraordinary. And he’ll do it with or without the reluctant help of Seth Gray, Nick’s best friend (and maybe the love of his life). Publishers Weekly celebrated how “Nick’s ADHD and almost comical optimism combine to make a charming and entertaining hero[…] There’s plenty in this lighthearted, superhero-interested teen dramedy for kids who feel like they’re sometimes on the outside, including the positive representation of a teen with ADHD.”