Summer books of 2019: Young adult

Internment , by Samira Ahmed, Atom, RRP£7.99

In a horribly plausible near-future, American Muslims have been interned as enemies of the state by a bigoted president. Spirited Layla must use all her wiles and tech-savviness to outwit the systematic oppression of the camp. Ahmed’s pacy novel is a warning, a polemic, and a plea for sanity.

Meat Market , by Juno Dawson, Quercus, RRP£7.99

Likeable Jana Novak, who at 16 has never seen her twig limbs and weird features as anything but flaws, is catapulted into a world of drugs, alienation and crippling heels as a catwalk model. Well-researched and hard-hitting, the novel doesn’t skimp on the glamour but neither does it skirt the darker side of fashion.

Galloglass , by Scarlett Thomas, Canongate, RRP£12.99

Another dazzling exploration of fictionality in the Worldquake series, where juvenile characters can fall unexpectedly into other fantasy texts. As Effie Truelove discovers her “kharacter” — Galloglass, the epitome of selfishness — she is exiled from her beloved Otherworld. Clever jokes and philosophical conundrums abound.

Paper Avalanche , by Lisa Williamson, David Fickling Books, RRP£10.99

A hoarded house and grossly incompetent mother have made Ro Snow prematurely take on an adult role. Deeply ashamed and secretive, the last thing she wants is a friend, but Tanvi, a relentlessly cheerful girl who’s survived cancer, is not so easily rebuffed. A heartwarming story about allowing the light in.

For a look at the best summer books across genres, go to ft.com/summerbooks2019

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