Paper Lanterns, Issue #2

by Grace Kelley (editor), Ruth Ennis (editor), Amy O'Sullivan (editor)

Paper Lanterns is a new literary journal, founded in 2020 by Grace Kelley, Ruth Ennis, and Amy O’Sullivan, to be published four times a year. Acting as a platform to promote the voices of young people in Ireland and across the world, this journal provides new and exciting content for a teen and young adult audience. It is also perfect for enthusiasts of teen and YA literature, from teachers and librarians, to parents and youth workers.

The journal is divided into three sections. Our Creative Writing section showcases work from talented teens, as well as work from adult writers of teen and YA literature, tied in with beautiful artwork and photography. The Features and Articles section includes unique essays on trends in the YA literary scene and inspiring observations from our younger contributors on the world around them. You can also expect some exciting interviews from authors and literature enthusiasts. Our Reviews sections offers an insight into the latest books for teens and young adults, from readers younger and older, with a helpful guide to aid in navigating suitable content. You will also find details of our seasonal book club, with Flying Tips for Flightless Birds for younger teens and Queen of Coin and Whispers for older teens.

What to expect from Issue Two:
- Interviews with Helen Corcoran, Tanya Landman, Claire Hennessy, and Leah Phillips
- Artwork and photography from Agata Tryhubczak and Shona Ellen Photography
- New writing from Nkemdilim Okonjo, Bea Rae, Daniel Fergus Tamulonis, and Sadbh Kellett
- Book reviews of Toffee, Midnight’s Twins, Shakespeare’s Ghost, and more

60 pages, Paperback

Published July 23, 2020

Reviews

[Gabbie Pop · Rating 5 out of 5]

review originally posted on my blog: http://gabbiesbookishthoughts.blogspo...

All the pieces in this issue were spectacular, especially the creative writing ones — evocative & emotionally charged throughout, there is clearly so much potential within these young writers and their work; many of these texts play with expectations and ease you into something you think you'll know, only to pull it from underneath you at the end and surprise you with their reveals. I loved seeing the way they all explored such different themes, approached their pieces with very different tones and voices, as well as the way they played with form (I thought Evangeline Henry's Pink Rink was a standout at this). Some of the creative writing felt so new and unique, while other pieces were reminiscent of more well established writers, breathing new life into familiar stories (Daniel Fergus Tamulonis's Verona ... After in particular was a fascinating take on the Shakespearean classic, while Sadbh Kellett's Deirdre felt like a legend of a time long gone brought into the modern world), each voice so unique to the writer.
I loved the way these authors' stories walked that unclear line between our known reality and something outside of it, often leaving you quite uncertain where one ended and the other began. This featured such an ecclectic, yet organic mix of stories and it truly speaks to the way Paper Lanterns aim to highlight the different types of talent young creatives may posses.

[Niamh Ennis]

Some fantastic young talent on show and tips on what to read in this genre. I particularly enjoyed 'The Red Thread of Fate' by Hanna-Rose Sullivan for Plot idea, 'The Polar Bear Painting' by Lauren Simone Blanchard for tension building and 'What Do You See' by Bea Rae for style.

[Emma Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely can't fault Paper Lanterns. They've been a fantastic amplifier for young voices. Well done and I wish ye the best in the future