The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester

Maya Macgregor

$35

Hardback

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QTY:

English

Astra Young Readers
17 May 2022

General fiction (Children's&YA)

"In this queer contemporary YA mystery, a nonbinary teen with autism realizes they must not only solve a 30-year-old mystery but also face the demons lurking in their past in order to live a satisfying life.

An Andre Norton Nebula Award for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction Nominee

""Look no further for your next favorite read, because The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester has it all- a gripping murder mystery that will keep you turning pages, ghosts, romance, and a treasure trove of queer characters with depth and heart. Here's something rare-a suspenseful story that also feels like a hug."" -Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of the Reign of the Fallen series

In this queer contemporary YA mystery, a nonbinary autistic teen realizes they must not only solve a 30-year-old mystery but also face the demons lurking in their past in order to live a satisfying life.

Sam Sylvester has long collected stories of half-lived lives-of kids who died before they turned nineteen. Sam was almost one of those kids. Now, as Sam's own nineteenth birthday approaches, their recent near-death experience haunts them. They're certain they don't have much time left. . . .

But Sam's life seems to be on the upswing after meeting several new friends and a potential love interest in Shep, their next-door neighbor. Yet the past keeps roaring back-in Sam's memories and in the form of a thirty-year-old suspicious death that took place in Sam's new home. Sam can't resist trying to find out more about the kid who died and who now seems to guide their investigation. When Sam starts receiving threatening notes, they know they're on the path to uncovering a murderer.

But are they digging through thepast or digging their own future grave?

The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester explores healing in the aftermath of trauma and the fullness of queer joy."

By: Maya Macgregor
Imprint: Astra Young Readers
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 33mm
Weight: 595g
ISBN: 9781635923599
ISBN 10: 163592359X
Pages: 360
Publication Date: 17 May 2022
Recommended Age: From 12 years
Audience: Young adult , Preschool (0-5)
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Maya MacGregor is a writer, singer, and artist. They sing and write in G idhlig and in English. You can find their bilingual work on tor.com, in Steall magazine (summer 2020), and Uncanny magazine, with poetry in Poets' Republic and elsewhere. They sing with the Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association, the Alba Choir, and Fuaran. The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester,their first young adult novel, is aAndre Norton Nebula Award for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction Nominee.

Reviews for The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester

A top-notch blend of contemporary fiction and mystery with a satisfying conclusion...Blending and transcending genres, the book's beautiful storytelling and the rich voice of the prose at times evoke poetry. This captivating story centers a memorable, relatable protagonist surrounded by a lovable ensemble cast. The central mystery is gripping and fast-paced, but the book never fails to give all the characters motivations and backstories, making even the tertiary characters feel lived-in enough to be believable...A thrilling debut featuring lovable and well-developed characters. -Kirkus Reviews, starred review