Books

See The Cover For This Must-Read YA Novel About Consent & Sexual Assault

by Emma Oulton

There's a new YA novel coming out next spring that I guarantee you're going to want on your bookshelf, even if just for the gorgeous cover alone. Girl Made of Stars is a powerful new book by Ashley Herring Blake, the author of How to Make a Wish and Suffer Love, and now that we've had a sneak peek at the cover, we're totally in love — and I just know you will be too. And once you see what it's about, you'll be counting down the days until May 2018 when this one hits bookstores.

Ashley Herring Blake is a vocal advocate for the need for more diversity in young adult books, and her own books have always been great examples of the importance of representing different sexualities. The novel Girl Made of Stars, in which two of the main characters are bisexual and genderqueer, is no exception. But not only does Blake portray these identities in wonderfully positive ways, she also dives into more difficult areas in Girl Made of Stars, such as sexual assault, consent, and victim blaming.

The story follows twins Mara and Owen, who have always been best friends until Mara's friend Hannah accuses Owen of rape. Mara is torn between her loyalty to her family, and her own sense of right and wrong — and through this struggle, Blake confronts many of the difficult and important questions that many teens may be faced with.

The subject matter is sad, messy, and compelling — and all of that is reflected on this truly stunning cover. But don't just take my word for it; see for yourself below.

Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake, $14, Amazon

Girl Made of Stars will be out in May 2018.