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Right Back at You
Right Back at You
By: Carolyn Mackler
By: Carolyn Mackler
I loved the concept of this book! It was nice to see how they found a connection through their similarities despite their differences, especially when they helped each other out. I think the themes in this book are woven nicely into the story, making it a fun and valuable read.-Lena
This book was a pleasure to read! The epistolary (written in letters) form was a pleasure to read. The side characters and complexities of the main characters come through clearly in Talia and Mason's letters. I really enjoyed this book, it was a excellent lesson on bravery. The issues with time travel were explored enough that a reader can be satisfied despite no real conclusions being reached.-Norah
Summary from Amazon:
Mason lives in 2023. His parents have just split up, and there's a guy at school who won't get off his case. As part of an assignment, he writes a letter to Albert Einstein and it ends up getting a little too personal. He throws the letter into his closet...
...and the next day he gets a letter back from a girl named Talia, who lives in 1987. She has problems of her own, including classmates who make jokes because she's Jewish. She thought her friends would have her back. But it ends up the only person she really has to talk to is... a random boy from the future?
In the tradition of such beloved novels as When You Reach Me and Save Me a Seat, Carolyn Mackler has written a funny, all-too-relatable story about finding the friend you need... even if that friends happens to live in another year.
Greetings From Witness Protection!
Greetings From Witness Protection!
Even if I've only read it now, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I could definitely see my younger self liking this book. I love how alive the characters feel, I especially like the main character Nikki. It is so engaging and I could not put it down once I started reading. I loved how the ending was wrapped up nicely despite all the plot twists. Highly recommend! -Lena
I loved this book and have read it multible times. It is a very engaging story with multible well developed subplots. The pace of the book is perfect and I love the emotional connection between characters. Would highly recommend this book for upper elementary and middle schoolers. It's a unique blend of realistic fiction and thriller. I still remember the ending almost 6 years later!-Norah
Summary from Amazon:
Nicki Demere is an orphan and a pickpocket. She also happens to be the U.S. Marshals’ best bet to keep a family alive. . . .
The marshals are looking for the perfect girl to join a mother, father, and son on the run from the nation’s most notorious criminals. After all, the bad guys are searching for a family with one kid, not two, and adding a streetwise girl who knows a little something about hiding things may be just what the marshals need.
Nicki swears she can keep the Trevor family safe, but to do so she’ll have to dodge hitmen, cyberbullies, and the specter of standardized testing, all while maintaining her marshal-mandated B-minus average. As she barely balances the responsibilities of her new identity, Nicki learns that the biggest threats to her family’s security might not lurk on the road from New York to North Carolina, but rather in her own past.
By: Jordan Steven Sher
By: Jordan Steven Sher
Through Dark Shadows Hover, the story of Moris Albahari shines a light on a piece of history overshadowed by WWII. His life shows the horrors of war and how it affects people, especially as a child. I found it to be impactful and a great learning experience despite its perfunctory dialogue. Anyone can appreciate the effort and research that Sher has put into Moris's story. I highly recommend this WWII story of a brave young boy.-Lena
This book is so timely and informative. Mr. Sher utilizes a impactful narrative to retain the readers attention while writing about a relatively unknown piece of history. It's a wonderful, if at times heavy, book for strong YA readers. I learned so much reading this book. The dialogue between characters is at times stilted but the message, clear research, and care that went into the book more than make up for it. Everyone should read the story of Moris Albahari.-Norah
Summary from Amazon:
A young Bosnian-Jewish boy escapes transport to a WWII death camp, joining Tito’s Partisans to fight the Nazi and Axis powers, and faces what no child should ever have to. This biographical fiction based on the early adolescence of Moris Albahari dives into the little-known events in the former Yugoslavia during World War II. Moris’s harrowing story takes him from the small city of Drvar, Bosnia, escaping transport to a Croatian death camp, and eventually joining Tito’s Partisans. Now, he must face the onslaught of the Nazis and their collaborators. As a Partisan, Moris hides his Jewish identity fearing reprisals. This adds a layer to the hardships he endures as a liberation fighter in a country that has many factions fighting each other, while trying to defeat the fascist invaders. All the while, he doesn’t know if his family is alive. He feels alone within his fighting unit, except for a few trusted friends. His is a story of loneliness, grief, heartache, inner conflict, and ultimately the jagged edges of resilience. Moris’s traumatic wartime experience will touch you with its heart-wrenching saga during the most heinous event in human history in a region steeped in its own long-standing history of conflict.
A special thank you to Mr. Sher for providing us with copies of his book!
My Fairy Godfather
My Fairy Godfather
By: Robert Mailer Anderson
By: Robert Mailer Anderson
Although it's a short book, the message jumps out of its pages. I found Billie's journey profound and impactful as she navigated her new life. I loved seeing the relationship between Billie, her godfather, and Steven. Their ups and downs showed how dynamic any family can be (I found their banter especially humorous). While exploring this story, I see the complexity of people and their identities. Being your true self can't always fit easily in a box.-Lena
This was a joy to read. I loved the changing perspectives and the complex family dynamics. The illustrations were beautiful and the organization of the page was easy to follow. I would highly recommend this book with it's clear message of self acceptance and standing up for yourself.-Norah
Summary from Fantagraphics:
Set in Liberal, Kansas, a teenager moves in with her gay, film geek Godfather and his partner who run the Starlite movie theater, a safe haven for their eccentricities and artistic yearnings. My Fairy Godfather tells a story about how music and film connect us to who we’ve loved, who we’ve been, and who we are becoming — and that lying beneath the façade of teenage cynicism is the profound desire to be understood and loved.
A special thank you to Mr. Anderson for providing us with copies of his book!
Not With the Band
Not With the Band
By: Kelli Warner
By: Kelli Warner
I definitely would recommend anyone looking for a solid YA romance book. This book just makes you feel good and you get hooked by the plot. Many unanticipated events happened that kept me wanting to read more. I like the coming of age feeling it gives you, it was a very enjoyable read.-Lena
Not With the Band was a very well done, classic, ya romance with a couple twists I did not see coming. It was impossible to read this book without a smile on your face. The main plot was engaging and the side lots were equally well though out. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a good ya romance.-Norah
Summary from Amazon:
Drama. Jerks. Another new school. Those are three things Kassidy Perry vows to avoid her senior year of high school. Unfortunately, it looks like the Universe didn’t get the memo. When her mom marries the football coach from a rival high school, Kassidy’s forced to move (again), enroll in a new school (again) and adapt to life with three stepbrothers, including the school’s star quarterback who’s barely said two words to her. And what’s up with her incredibly hot-yet-cocky neighbor who’s developed a weird habit of climbing the trellis to her bedroom’s balcony? Nothing about her senior year is turning out the way Kassidy planned—and that’s before a revealed family secret drops the biggest bombshell yet. Jordan Lawson could care less about football, even though he’s starting his senior year on the radar of college recruiters. He just wants to play music with his band, win a national contest with a record label and pursue his dream of being a musician. When those plans are threatened, his saving grace lies in the hands of his new stepsister. But how can he ask Kassidy for a monumental favor, when he’s partly to blame for derailing her life? And what if getting what he wants puts her dreams in jeopardy? In her debut YA novel, Kelli Warner weaves a humorous and relatable story about finding your way in a world you can’t control—and what happens when the people you least expect turn out to be the ones you need the most.
A special thank you to Ms. Warner for providing us with copies of her book!
The Rain Falls For You
The Rain Falls For You
I love this collection of poems by Claire. I found myself enjoying the thoughts and emotions portrayed in this book, a lot of them were relatable. This book and Growing Pains made me really think. The depth in Claire's writing can make you really introspective. -Lena
This collection of poetry was astounding and so relatable. I loved how the poems were organized into the 4 sections and there were also smaller themes and ideas through out. I would highly recommend this and Claire's second book to anyone. Both were amazingly well done.-Norah
Summary from Amazon:
The Rain Falls For You is a collection of poetry and prose split into four sections; The Storm, The Rain, The Clouds, and The Sun. This is a coming-of-age story tackling the struggles of life, love, expectations, femininity, and ambition. The Storm portrays powerful emotions and the raging typhoon that comes with it. The Rain symbolizes the tears of love and losing the younger version of yourself. The Clouds show numbness and the stillness in the weather when waiting for the sun to reveal its true identity. Lastly, The Sun depicts the warmth of the sun and the feeling of finally being whole. After nearly a year of working tirelessly, sixteen-year-old Claire Wagner is proud to publish The Rain Falls For You.
A special thank you to Claire for providing us with copies of her book!
Bentley's Fantabulous Idea
Bentley's Fantabulous Idea
By: Miki Taylor
By: Miki Taylor
Bentley's Fantabulous Idea is an engaging story full of color. I loved the illustrations and the different characters that appeared. It showcases short educational messages in Betty and Bentley's adventure. I would definitely recommend this book to a younger audience because it inspires friendship and unity.-Lena
This book is adorable and absolutely ripe with messages and interactive details sure to keep any young reader engaged. I really enjoyed reading this picture book and would absolutely recommend it to any young reader. Although, a truly good book doesn't have an age limit and you're never too old to get joy out of a picture book. And joy, as well as teamwork, is exactly what this book is all about. -Norah
Summary from Amazon:
When Betty faces a school assignment dilemma, it's not just a problem-it's an invitation to embark on a quest, guided by the boundless creativity of Bentley with the help of "The Crew," an exuberant ensemble of twenty-one unforgettable characters. Their story unfolds through a tapestry of interactive activities, riddles, and vibrant illustrations that do more than entertain; they make learning an irresistible dance of curiosity and joy.
A special thank you to Ms. Taylor for reaching out and providing us with copies of her book!
Winterset Hollow
Winterset Hollow
This was honestly one of the best books I've read in ages. The story and premise was incredibly original and unusual. I never knew anything like this could exist. It was both exhilarating and thought-provoking, with a smart and sophisticated writing style. Reading Winterset Hollow was like quenching a thirst I didn't even know I had. It is a genre blender that includes elements of horror/thriller, fantasy, and fairy-tale. I loved how there were so many invigorating twists and turns- I felt caught off guard half the time, in a great way. This book forced me to reflect on many things because it was so nuanced. It really makes you think about human nature, how we justify right and wrong, and how our history and personal trauma impacts us and our lives. The themes explored in this book were approached in a thoughtful way that gave them an even more meaningful effect. The characters and plotline had so much depth, and as I got into the backstories and started learning more, my head was spinning out of control. The entire time I kept asking, why, why, WHY? I needed answers! I couldn't have put this book down even if I wanted to- it was beyond enchanting I was ecstatic because this book was a relatively challenging read and a fantastic story at the same time, which can be hard to find. I ADORED this book, and I hope you do too!-Gea
Summary from Amazon:
Everyone has wanted their favorite book to be real, if only for a moment. Everyone has wished to meet their favorite characters, if only for a day. But be careful in that wish, for even a history laid in ink can be repaid in flesh and blood, and reality is far deadlier than fiction . . . especially on Addington Isle.Winterset Hollow follows a group of friends to the place that inspired their favorite book—a timeless tale about a tribe of animals preparing for their yearly end-of-summer festival. But after a series of shocking discoveries, they find that much of what the world believes to be fiction is actually fact, and that the truth behind their beloved story is darker and more dangerous than they ever imagined. It’s Barley Day . . . and you’re invited to the hunt.Winterset Hollow is as thrilling as it is terrifying and as smart as it is surprising. A uniquely original story filled with properly unexpected twists and turns, Winterset Hollow delivers complex, indelible characters and pulse- pounding action as it storms toward an unforgettable climax that will leave you reeling. How do you celebrate Barley Day? You run, friend. You run.
I loved reading this book! It is one of the most thoughtfully worded books I've ever read. The overall vocabulary used is unlike anything I've ever encountered. The plot retains your attention the entire time and is delightfully twisted! While you would think this book would be boring because of how complex the writing I'm happy to report it's the opposite! Jonathan Durham does a fantastic job of pacing the story and the world building is truly astounding to witness. Also, a small portion of this book is told in poetry which was beautiful to read. I'm genuinely flabbergasted by how different the poetry versus the actual book was and yet Jonathan Durham executed both of them skillfully and will have you desperate to read more. This book fills a gap in the literary world I wasn't aware existed. It hits all the sweet spots, creepy, intelligent, and uniquely human (which is odd considering a lot of the main characters are animals). It makes you reflect on where you come from and how you interact with your world. It made me think about the complexity of human nature and just how much we can justify peoples actions. There are no true bad guys in this book, just a lot of broken beings. This honestly might be one of the first books to actually challenge me while still retaining my interest. I implore you to take a chance on this book! -Norah
This was such a refined piece of literature. The word choice and imagery, was incredible. I was astounded by level of depth in this book. There was so much to unravel and you could dissect for hours. The book in general was utterly mind blowing. The first page that your read is poetry. Then the next was a completely different writing style. The transition between the do was done so well, that I was honestly shocked that this was all one author. I've read a lot of books and when you include poetry and do it in a way that creates two different writing styles it can either complement the book or make it confusing. This was done marvelously, and was flawlessly integrated into the book. The poetry also added such different dynamic to the book that you didn't even realize was necessary until you realize you can't imagine the this book without it. I feel I also need to touch on the ideas present in this selection that were so though-provoking. Human nature was defiantly shown in this novel. More specifically the intricacy of right from wrong and we decide what is right or wrong. This book was a challenge, but so well rounded. You MUST read this novel.-Annabelle
A special thank you to Mr. Durham for reaching out and providing us with copies of his book!
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