September Girls

September Girls is a stunning supernatural coming-of-age novel about first loves, oblivious parents, sibling rivalries—and mermaids. This imaginative and painfully honest book garnered five starred reviews, including one from ALA Booklist that proclaimed it "a rare and lovely novel, deserving of attention from discriminating readers."

In this captivating YA fantasy, Sam is whisked away by his father to an unusual beach town in the Outer Banks and finds himself having the summer vacation most guys dream of. He’s surrounded by beautiful blonde girls, and, better yet, they all seem inexplicably attracted to him. But there’s definitely something strange about the Girls. They only wear flats because heels make their feet bleed. They never go swimming in the water. And they all want something from him.

Sam falls for one of the Girls, DeeDee, and begins an unexpected summer romance. But as they get closer, she pulls away without explanation. Sam knows that if he is going to win her back, he’ll have to learn the Girls’ secret.

Bennett Madison, critically acclaimed author of The Blonde of the Joke, brings a mix of lyrical writing, psychologically complex characters, and sardonic humor to this supernatural young adult romance. September Girls is perfect for fans of the irreverent wit of Ned Vizzini and the seductive magic of fairy tales retold.

• A Modern Mermaid Myth: In the salt-sprayed Outer Banks, Sam discovers the beautiful girls everyone is drawn to are part of an ancient, dangerous legend that rises with the tide.
• Sardonic Humor: Narrated by the painfully honest Sam, whose biting wit and keen observations cut through the magical haze of his strange and unforgettable summer.
• Secrets of the Sirens: They don’t swim, their feet bleed in heels, and they all want something from him. To win DeeDee’s heart, Sam must uncover the truth about who—and what—they really are.
• Atmospheric Beach Town: Welcome to a strange corner of the Outer Banks, where the sun is hot, the secrets are deep, and a surreal, magical energy hangs in the salty air.