The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner follows the story of Amir, a boy born into privilege in Afghanistan. As a child, he spends a lot of time playing with his servant, Hassan, who is only a few years younger. However, because he feels that Hassan is below him, Amir never sees Hassan as a real friend and does nothing when he witnesses Hassan getting hurt. Feeling guilty, he pushes Hassan away in an attempt to forget what he did. As Afghanistan’s political system falls into turmoil, Amir and his father leave the country. When Amir finally returns, decades later, he learns a shocking truth and vows to redeem himself for his selfish childhood decisions. 

 Although I enjoyed the beautiful descriptive passages, I thought that the plot was unrealistic because there were far too many coincidences. I also disliked Amir as a character. His spitefulness towards Hassan at the beginning made it difficult to empathize with him since Hassan had a much better moral character and many more struggles. Additionally, When Amir decided to try to redeem himself, I felt like he was doing it to relieve his own guilt instead of because he wanted to help someone he had wronged. All things considered, I wouldn’t recommend this book, but someone who enjoys dramatic stories with a lot of plot twists might like it.

Review written by Jacqueline, 10th Grade

The Wind Rises Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

As a child, Jiro Horikoshi has always been fascinated by airplanes and their beauty. But because of his poor eyesight Jiro couldn’t pursue his dreams of becoming a pilot; instead pursuing a career as an aeronautical engineer. In the time of World War II, Jiro is on a train ride to Tokyo where a devastating earthquake hits, destroying the town he was passing through. Jiro is then hired to design battle war-crafts for Japan. 

This Japanese-animation is beautifully drawn and landscaped to fit its fascinating storyline. Personally, I found it very interesting to see this tale from the perspective of someone who experienced war from a different point of view. Conceptually, this film was memorable for a variety of reasons. I would recommend this watch to people who are looking for a historical fiction narrative that includes romance, adventure, and moral.

Rated PG-13

Review Written by Isole, 8th Grade

Little Woman Directed by Greta Gerwig

Based on the adored classic novel written by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women retells the story of Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth March. Meg, beautiful and charming, is the eldest of the four followed by Jo, a talented, rather “boyish” writer and storyteller. Beth is a quiet young lady who is a gifted pianist. Amy, the youngest of the March sisters, is an aspiring artist and painter. With their father serving as a soldier in war, the household is left with not much money to rely on despite their generosity and kindness towards those in need. In a society where women are expected to marry, the girls embark on a journey to discover their own path in life. 

Little Women is a wonderfully adapted fictional story that is warm and uplifting. Each characters’ interests and ambitions reflect their personalities, which was delightful even from the start. You grow to love the story and await what direction it takes. In conclusion, I enjoyed this film and would recommend this watch to anyone who is looking for a narrative with romance, moral, and humor. 

Rated PG 

Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott

Review Written by Isole, 8th Grade

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Murder on the Orient Express is a mystery novel takes place aboard the Simplon-route Orient Express. One of the passengers, named Ratchett, is murdered during the first night aboard the train. Hercule Poirot, a famous detective aboard the train, proceeds to solve the case behind the murder. 

I loved this book because of how thrilling and suspenseful it was. There was no obvious or clear answer until the murderer was revealed. I really liked the ending because it was so unpredictable. I also enjoyed the ending because it was really creative and unique to me; I had never read any mystery novel that ended like this one did. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in reading anything from the mystery genre.

Review Written by Victoria, 9th Grade

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Every morning, Theodore Finch wakes up wondering if today is the right day to die. Still finding himself awake by the sixth day, Finch has always managed to find a reason to keep living. To finally end his life, once and for all, Finch proudly stands on the school’s six-story bell tower to say goodbye to the world. Violet Markey must have thought the same as the two meet each other on the highest ledge. Although they eventually make it down safely, Violet and Finch are soon introduced into each other's worlds. With their past following closely behind them, they discover what it really means to live. 

All The Bright Places is a charmingly written teen romance novel that explores a serious and heartbreaking topic with complexity and emotion. The protagonists themselves are quirky or engaging, which makes the story seem personal and believable. Personally I was not expecting to feel such a wide variety of emotions; despite judging the narrative to look rather humorous and heartfelt. Overall, this novel is one that I would definitely recommend to teen readers who are interested in romance genres.

Review Written by Isole, 8th Grade

Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan

Echo isn’t just one story, but many, all interwoven throughout a novel that seemed to go by in a flash. The setting differs from story to story, however from pre-holocaust Germany to post-pear harbor California, the locations mirror the loss and suffering attributed to the historical period. Viewing these characters hardships and their determination to see the light in things made me feel grateful for all I have. 

Echo beautifully twists a historical setting with fantasy elements of magical realism in the shape of a harmonica that ties the three young people together. As heart wrenching as the subject matter can get, the characters are lovable and memorable, just like the narrative. 

I just couldn’t put the book down, constantly wanting to know “what happens next” as I dived further into Muñoz’s rich, emotional writing. The best part of Echo is how blatantly raw and real it is, and though the situation is far from relatable, it is immersive, informative, and nearly stole my breath away. 

 Review Written by Emily, 11th Grade

The Hate U Give

Written by Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give is a novel starring Starr Carter, a sixteen year old African-American girl who attends a primarily white school. This novel explores both the black and white communities from the perspective of a black girl, providing insight and allowing the readers to understand how Starr’s identity as a black girl at a white school determines her status.

Through themes of identity, race, and stereotypes, Thomas creates a story that is riveting and strongly needed in today’s climate, as it details the growth and journey of a young woman standing up against many of the issues that our communities still deal with.

Review Written by Elizabeth, 12th Grade

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid's Tale is a dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood, where the United States has been replaced by the Republic of Gilead, and women called Handmaids are used to help the elite bear children, as the Republic suffers from low reproduction rates. The book is very interesting and is told from the protagonist, Offred’s (the Handmaid of the Commander of the Republic) perspective. A good portion of the story is told through flashbacks, and the ending is rather cryptic, but the overall novel explores themes such as women and their rights, freedom, and power in an interesting manner. This novel helps people educate themselves on these themes and relate them to issues today (women’s rights), which I thought was very fascinating, as well as important.

Review Written By Elizabeth, 12th Grade

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan is a novel set in a land of luxury with all the drama of the crazy rich and the exorbitant spending that accompanies it. Far away from all this in New York, Rachel is an economics professor who’s dating a fellow teacher named Nick. Other than his British accent and nice manners, Nick doesn’t seem that fancy. But when Nick goes to his cousin’s wedding in Singapore and brings Rachel along to meet his family, Rachel is transported into a land of class and wealth beyond her imagination. In this society where people spend 40 million on a wedding, Rachel is seen as a gold digger who’s taking away their richest bachelor and immediately gets a target on her back. As Rachel tries to make it through the wedding, her relationship with Nick is tested along with her personal resilience to being the object of hatred among the people around her.

I really liked this book. With its constant name-dropping and high fashion, I felt like I was part of this crazy rich world. The way that the novel changed perspective every chapter helped me understand the full scope of the events in the book and helped me get to know all the characters really well. My favorite character was Astrid, the modest yet extremely fashionable cousin of Nick who’s dealing with a failing marriage. Astrid’s character helps the reader see how hard it is to deal with the press and family pressures in this society and how it makes it almost impossible to do what you really want. While this novel is filled with drama and fluff, it also has some deeper meanings as characters discover how much their money is really worth to them and try to escape the requirements that their families have presented. I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars because of how page-turning and encompassing the story is. For fans of books about romance and wealth or wannabe billionaires, I highly recommend you read Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan.

Review Written by Ada, 9th Grade

Checked, by Cynthia Kadohata

Checked is a robust and compelling story of Conor MacRae, a wise boy beyond his years, who lives with his dad, Keith, a cop, and his dog, Sinbad. After he turns 12, he graduates from the Peewee AA team to the legendary AAA team and experiences what it is like going from the best hockey player to the worst on the team. Conor's mom died many years ago, and when Sinbad is diagnosed with cancer, the treatments are so costly that Conor cuts back on hockey time to help save money. Team practices and games are expensive, and Connor also has to cut back to his private coaching to lessen the financial strain on his father, who strives for a professional carer from his son. The money that is being saved by Connor and his father is going towards Sinbad's chemo that costs more than 7,000 dollars. The list of responsibilities that Conor manages is fantastic, and the more time he spends off the ice, the more he notices how tough life is. Conor suffers from a concussion and a dog functioning at less than 100 percent. He struggles with multiple real-world issues while sidelined from pursuing his dream of playing in the NHL. Conor is forced to deal with his feelings about his grandparents, who moved away after his mom died and want to be back in his life. By the end of the book, Connor has developed a greater understanding of those around him and leaps forward in the process of growing up.

I believe the book's most appealing aspect is how hard Conor MacRae works to take care of Sinbad. He washes cars and cleans nasty kitchens to get a pill for Sinbad that has a chance it won't cure his cancer. Not only does Connor work day and night trying to make money, but he also puts his favorite sport on hold. In the end, his hard work and perseverance help Sinbad stay in good health. Checked is a compelling story that provides examples of independence and perseverance. Cynthia Kadohata delivers a beautiful story that I would definitely recommend.

Review Written by Anya, 7th Grade

We Should All Be Feminist by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

We Should All Be Feminist is an extraordinary collection of essay by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, rallying everybody, men and women, to fix the present issue of gender. Through personal experiences she emphasizes how stereotypes are able to limit and shape our thinking, specifically focusing on the injustices women face. Rather than recognizing how we are, gender prescribed how we should be, setting huge expectations that do a disservice to the entire population. 

She highlights how despite being biologically different, society exaggerates these differences. However, we don’t have to be confined to a system because our ideas are able to evolve. Through expressing our feelings and anger, we will be able to collectively bring about positive change. 

I highly recommend checking out this book. It’s a short read but full of inspiration. Additionally, you can also check out Adichie’s Ted Talk which this book is adapted from. I especially enjoyed this read because of the message to be unapologetic for who you are and gender should not be the weight pulling you down in life. 

Review Written by Jessica, 11th Grade

Little Women Louisa May Alcott

Little Women is a tale of 4 young women who are sisters: Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth. Their father is serving as a chaplain for the North during the American Civil War and so the four sisters live with their mother. The story is about the stories of all four girls as they all learn to love and accept one another, as their personalities are wildly different.

One sister falls in love with the boy next door, while another travels to France. One gets married, and the other goes through hard times. However, the four sisters overcome these differences together and demonstrate amazing growth in character throughout the novel, as they strive to support and help their family.

This is an amazing tale of personal growth with many interesting stories of the girls woven throughout, making for a book that is rarely dull. With themes such as struggle, growth, and familial duty, I believe that this is a book that makes for a very worthwhile read. I particularly enjoyed this book because of such themes, as the story of personal growth as well as watching the familial bond between the four sisters strengthen, was very touching.

Review Written by Elizabeth, 12th Grade

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

This historical fiction novel is about a black girl named Cora who is a slave on a plantation in Georgia. It depicts the harshness of slave life, and all the consequences of disobeying your master or attempting to run away. Cora always thinks about her mother who she thinks ran away and abandoned Cora as a little girl. 

One day a fellow slave named Caesar tells her to run away with him. They find what was known as the Underground Railroad that leads them to several places. Cora meets several good and bad people along the way in her adventures in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, all the while being chased by a slave bounty hunter named Ridgeway. It's a very harsh life on the run for Cora, and the brutality described is very graphic--sometimes hard to read or imagine. But in the end, it's definitely worth the read. 

 Review Written by Malia, 12th Grade

The Tale of Princess Kaguya Directed by Isao Takahata

Based on the original narrative The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,  The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a gorgeously made Japanese-animation that retells an old folklore. The story takes place in Japan where an old couple, a bamboo cutter and his wife, live humble lives in the countryside. When the old bamboo cutter ventures into the forest, he encounters a mysterious, glowing bamboo shoot. To his surprise, an infant was inside. Considering the child as a gift from the heavens, the old couple happily take the girl and raise her as their own. As the young girl matures, she embarks on a journey to discover her destiny and to find happiness in her life.

Overall, this film is wonderful, and it would appeal to people of all ages. The visual execution of this animation is stunning; it explores a style of art that is simple yet unique. Personally, I enjoyed this film since the narrative was engaging throughout.

Rated PG

Review Written by Isole, 8th Grade

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill A Mockingbird is a fictitious tale that revolves around the story of a young girl by the name of Scout Finch. She lives in Maycomb with her father, Atticus Finch, as well as her brother, Jem, as her mother had passed away earlier. 

The main conflict of the story revolves around a rape accusation, where a young white woman accused a black man, Tom Robinson, of raping her. However, this accusation is proven to be false rather quickly due to the evidence not aligning with the woman’s claim. Due to the rather racist nature of the community, however, the community is inclined to believe the woman regardless. Scout and Jem explore the community amidst such a controversial issue, and bear the consequences of Atticus’s just decision. 

Additionally, Harper Lee accomplishes this by exploring themes such as good vs evil, racial prejudice, as well as moral education, all of which are packed into a rather short book, leading to a very interesting read. 

 Review Written by Elizabeth, 12th Grade

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

(Trigger Warning: rape)

Speak was one of the most formative books that I read at school. It relayed the horrifying crimes that rapists incur toward their victims — both mental and physical — and the resulting spells of trauma that survivors have to overcome in order to heal. Author Laurie Halse Anderson hadn’t publicized her own story when I read the book in freshman year, but she revealed a year later that she had also been raped when she was young, thus basing her own experiences for "Speak".

 Published in 2019, Shout is Anderson’s “a memoir in poetry.” My spotty recollection of Speak’s plot outside of the central storyline and general inexperience in the realm of poetry became irrelevant as I read Shout; the latter was just as powerful as the first, and I was once again immersed into a dark world that women have to reconcile with. A world where one finds themselves slotting keys between their fingers in the night, or obeying absolute cardinal rules like never running alone then either.

But Shout was innumerably powerful in the way that Anderson chronicled her life, weaving together extensive imagery with clever wordplay, metaphors, and allegories so complex that I had to read a stanza multiple times in order to fully comprehend. I think that my youth and generation gap from Anderson’s own youth prevents me from fully understanding a lot of the references and allusions in the lines; I want to return to Shout a few years into the future and see how much more I can glean from the text.

One of my takeaways is that this book is a testament to how much society has progressed from the past, but there is a need for continuous surveillance and accountability. There will always be more unfair and cruel barriers to break down, and the strides made toward progress may be rescinded if nobody is on guard. There are so many other formidable messages imparted as well, and I truly believe that Shout is a worthy read for anybody.

Review Written by Haelee, 12th Grade

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

A thrilling tale of mystery, The Da Vinci Code follows Harvard professor of symbology, Robert Langdon, in solving the mystery behind the curious murder of Jacques Saunière, the curator of the Louvre. 

Saunière had left behind clues of where the Holy Grail is located directly before his death for Professor Langdon to decipher. The professor, who is one of the main suspects for the death, ends up going on the run with Saunière’s granddaughter, Sophie Neveau, as they attempt to track down the Holy Grail and solve the mystery together. 

Saunière's murderer, a Opus Dei monk named Silas, also searches for the grail, which leads to a race of sorts between the two, Langdon and the Teacher, with the Holy Grail being the prize at the end of the journey. 

Full of clues that reference both historical and modern times, although not always historically accurate, The Da Vinci Code is a story that combines elements of thriller, mystery, as well as history, to create a compelling story with many interesting twists throughout. 

Review Written by Elizabeth, 12th Grade

The Great Brain by John D. Fitzgerald

John D. Fitzgerald’s The Great Brain tells the story of ten-year-old Tom’s genius through the eyes of his admiring younger brother J.D. A funny and rambunctious tale of boys in the early 1900’s, The Great Brain is a fast moving tale that will keep readers of all ages hooked until the end. Not only was the portrayal of historical setting in Utah incredibly immersive, the well-written characters hold a special place in my heart to date. Tom, the greatest trickster there is, is an engaging character whom the reader can’t help but root for as he bests his classmates, helps save the jerkin brothers, or pranks the adults, always earning money in the process. 

One of the best features of The Great Brain is that it is engaging for all ages. My dad used to read the book aloud to my younger brothers and I in an act of family bonding time, and it did work. Discussing the events and the characters who make The Great Brain shine while giggling over funny scene or line, this book was a true masterpiece meant to be shared with the family. 

 Review Written by Emily, 11th Grade

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

In a future where the world has become a toxic ecosystem unsuited for humans, young princess Nausicaa is one of the few survivors in the Valley of the Wind. Despite being in the age of developed technology, the Sea of Decay, a fatal place with harmful air and forest poisons, has become a source of war, hunger, and death on Earth, continuously spreading into each human society. In this land, giant and hostile insect creatures are found. Nausicaa, however, can miraculously understand these insects and has the ability to direct them away from harming the townspeople. Nausicaa embarks on a journey to bring peace back to planet Earth and to save her people.

This science fiction Japanese-animation overall was a pleasure to watch, but what I enjoyed most about this film was the music. There were times where scenes that I’d expected to simulate fear or tension were instead accompanied by upbeat music. Along with the imaginative visual execution, this compelling storyline was paired with a subtle but powerful message. In all, I would recommend this animation to anyone looking for something with adventure, mystery, or science fiction.

Rated PG

Review Written by Isole, 8th Grade

Castle in the Sky Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

In search of a powerful magical stone, a group of criminal pirates attack a passenger airship flying high above ground. Sheeta, a young orphaned girl, is one of the people on board. The precious stone however, is attached to a necklace that has been with Sheeta’s family for generations. In the midst of the attack and in hopes to escape with the stone, Sheeta falls off the airship. Miraculously, she wakes up, safe and alive. A boy named Pazu had cared for her in his house. Pazu shares his father’s dream of seeing Laputa, a floating castle in the sky. The two children embark on a journey of adventure, magic, and mystery, revealing the secrets of their world for the first time.

Castle in the Sky is a wonderfully animated fantasy narrative that was heartfelt and exciting to watch. I would recommend this film to people of all ages. The art concepts were drawn with a familiar style and were met with an engaging storyline. I particularly enjoyed how the characters were portrayed with key personalities or quirks, which made this animation memorable and entertaining.

Rated PG

Review Written by Isole, 8th Grade

Savvy by Ingrid Law

What is a savvy? In the Beaumont family, a savvy is the special ability one gets when they turn thirteen. It could be the ability to control electricity, or to move the earth, or perhaps the ability to bottle up music in a jar. Mississippi Beaumont, or Mibs as she’s known, is about to turn thirteen. But right before her birthday, her father gets into a car accident, forcing her mother and older brother to leave home and go visit him in the hospital. With her parents away, the town’s preacher and his family members host her birthday party, which is a disaster. Amidst the chaos, Mibs discovers that one of her brother’s pet turtles, previously assumed dead, was awake and alive. Thinking that she might have the ability to wake people up, she decides to go to Salinas, where her father is staying to cure him herself.

Mibs brings along her two brothers, Fish, who can control the weather, and Samson, who can seem to disappear at will, along with the preacher’s two children, Bobbi and Will Junior. They hitchhike in the back of a pink bible salesman’s truck, getting to know Lester, the kind hearted man who owned the truck, and picking up other travelers along the way, such as Lilli, a waitress headed out to start a new life. Throughout the book, Mibs discovers her true savvy as well as some surprising truths about the preacher’s kids. Savvy is a beautiful book about friendship, family, and finding your true self.

Savvy is beautifully written, with well crafted alliterations and descriptive sentences, while also containing hilarious gibberish such as, “razzmatazz radio” and “oom-pah-pah polka music.” In this interesting world, the author spins a touching narrative on the topics of family, friendship, and self discovery. While admittedly a bit unevenly paced, Savvy makes up for that with it’s memorable and lovable characters. Each character is very well written, fleshed out, and receives a lot of character growth, which I loved to see. Additionally, Ingrid Law does an amazing job of writing descriptive visuals of the world, as well as going into depth with each character’s savvy. With it’s well written characters, beautifully crafted world, and touching plot, Savvy is a book you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

 Review Written by Lindsey, 9th Grade

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon is a novel about life and love with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, also known as bubble baby disease. What this means is that Maddy is allergic to the world and anything could trigger a reaction so she lives inside a sterile house with a nurse and her mom and never can go outside. Maddy can’t see friends (other than her nurse), she can’t go to school, and she can’t even do the most simple thing of breathing unfiltered air, but she’s accepted it. That is, she’s accepted it until a new family moves in next door with a boy her age named Ollie. Wearing all black with a great sense of humor, Ollie is now tempting her more than ever to go outside and live life. Now she’s debating this question, is it worth really living her life in the world, even if it’s only for a few minutes or days? As the novel goes on the answer seems more and more clear to her, but can she risk it all?

This novel is great, it’s unpredictable, romantic, and emotional. The use of multiple platforms like letters, texts, schedules, and sketches keeps the book interesting. Additionally, Maddy’s voice is written really well so that you feel like you’ve met her already and could anticipate her choices, yet she keeps surprising the reader. If you like books with movies, that’s also another reason to read this book as it has been adapted into a wonderful movie with great casting, filming, and overall quality. The novel also does a great job of staying fast-paced even through the fact that Maddy is stuck in the same house all day and can’t do many different activities.

I would give this novel 4 out of 5 stars because it isn’t the best book ever, but it’s great for when you just want to read a sweet book. If you are a fan of Five Feet Apart, are looking for a new YA romance, or want to read about a character who gets how hard quarantine is, pick up Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon.

Review Written by Ada, 9th Grade

Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) - Volume One by Hajime Isayama

In a cruel world full of fear and horror, the majority of the human race is devoured by a mysterious species like none other: an abnormal race of mindless giants called Titans. The sudden and unknown appearance of these creatures introduce the greatest challenge mankind has faced in the last century. The fortunate survivors retreat and resort to living humble, peaceful lives behind city walls; even if it means never seeing the outside world. In present time, Eren Yeager is a reckless young boy who dreams of venturing outside the walls and is overly determined to lead mankind to victory in this battle of survival.

Attack on Titan is a well-known horror and action manga series that was created by Hajime Isayama. Volume One quickly introduces the main theme and is extremely eye-catching even within its first few pages. The theme is not something that is completely unheard of, but it presents a new way of approaching it. The fantastical world itself is complex, telling a story with an origin that is both believable and entertaining.

 I enjoyed how both the manga plot and illustrations were unique as well as enjoyable. Overall, the first impressions were positive. I would recommend this manga series to readers who are looking for a modern epic written with a twist of thriller and adventure.

Review Written by Isole, 8th Grade

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Santiago is a young and rather ordinary shepherd boy who comes from the fields of Andalusia. His life was simple, until he met an old Gypsy woman who supposedly could interpret dreams. Santiago’s dream would always be the same: he would be sent to the Egyptian pyramids. The old Gypsy, astonished, claimed that he would find a hidden treasure and become a rich man. As any other, Santiago doubted that this foretelling was really true. However, this was only the start of his memorable journey. Santiago learns to discover his personal legend.

The Alchemist is a beautifully narrated novel written by Paulo Coelho. This classic novel is brilliantly filled with inspirational wisdom and phrases that leave readers in a sense of deep thought. The story itself is wonderful and filled with imagination. I especially enjoyed how the novel was somewhat philosophical, exploring the views of a diverse group of people, from a king to a humble townsperson, who are looking to fulfill their dreams and ambitions. I would recommend this to all readers who are looking for a heartfelt story.

Review Written by Isole, 8th Grade

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

And Then There Were None is a mystery novel about a group of strangers who get invited to a house on a mysterious island. Tensions rise when phonograph in the living room turns on and accuses each individual of committing murder. After that, each person starts to die, the method of death matching that of a poem titled “Ten Little Indians”.

I loved this book because of how creative it was. I had never read a mystery book before this one that had based the storyline around a children’s nursery rhyme. I also enjoyed how the book maintained a nice level of suspense and kept me on my toes until the very end. The big reveal of the murderer was one of the most shocking reveals I had ever read. I was not able to predict how it would end, and the answer was one that had not even crossed my mind as a possibility. I really enjoyed this book and it is one of my favorite mystery books of all time.

Review Written by Victoria, 9th Grade

Legend by Marie Lu

In a dystopian universe where a deadly virus plagues the earth, children are tested at age thirteen on intelligence and physique. Day is a criminal. He failed his test, but somehow survived the execution process. So now he steals what he can for his family, quickly becoming one of the Republic of America’s most wanted criminals. After hearing that one of his family members got infected with the virus, Day steals a cure from a nearby hospital, killing a high ranking officer in the process. 

Meanwhile, on the other side of the social pyramid, June is the republic’s prodigy, the only child in the entire country to earn a perfect score on her test. Being trained to become a military star, she is aware of the threat that Day poses on the nation. After losing her brother in a conflict with Day, she swears that she will hunt him down and serve vengeance for her brother.

In an epic chase between the hunter and the hunted, Day and June learn more about the world that they live in, discovering hidden truths about the government. Ultimately, they team up to fight back against the government they once thought was on their side.

Legend is fast paced and full of action packed scenes that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The author does an amazing job of worldbuilding, writing beautifully descriptive visuals of the world that quite literally allow you to imagine the world it’s set in. Additionally, Lu does an amazing job of balancing out the different points of view, as the book is told through the eyes of both Day and June. The characters are all unique and are complex and you get to watch them make decisions as they struggle to do the “right” thing. Many of the side characters also have these moments of uncertainty, so it’s interesting to also see their mindset, coming from different backgrounds than our main characters.

The one thing that stood out to me were the action scenes. Marie Lu is an amazingly gifted action writer, with fluid fighting sequences that leave you wanting more. Her pacing is spot on, giving us some slower moments, before hitting you again with a beautifully written action scene. Although following a pretty popular dystopian story line, Marie Lu manages to make Legend stand out with her stunning world build, well written characters, and overall, beautiful writing.

Review Written by Lindsey, 9th Grade

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

This book investigates the countless murders of the Osage tribe in Oklahoma in the 1920's. The Osage members became rich for the oil discovered beneath their land, and they were very rich. It focuses on the family of Mollie Burkhart, as she watched several family members die mysteriously before their time. The case was taken up by the FBI and its young first director, J. Edgar Hoover. He hired a former Texas Ranger named Tom White to solve the crimes and make the newly formed FBI look good.

This is a true story, and it is scary to see how many murders and heinous crimes are committed in order to steal the Osage's money.

Review Written by Malia, 12th Grade

Little White Lies by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Little White Lies by Jennifer Lynn Barnes follows Sawyer Taft, a girl supporting herself through a job as an auto mechanic who’s been raised by a single mother when suddenly her life dramatically changes. Her grandmother shows up one day unannounced and offers her five hundred thousand dollars if she’ll live with her for the summer and go through all the activities and traditions of being a debutante. To Sawyer Taft, this is the most horrendous thing she could imagine as her mom ran away from that life and kind of scared her away from it too, but she needs the money for college, so she agrees. This brings on a life of drama, designer clothes, and rich kids who she cannot stand. She does find two friends in this messed up world though, Lily and Sadie-Grace, and when a mystery starts taking over their lives, they decide to solve it. Now she has to balance this investigation and pretend to be a pretentious and rule-following debutante to get her six figures. Will she make it to the debutante ball without being caught?

I loved this book for many reasons. It takes place in a hilarious and frivolous world of debutantes and ball gowns where drama and scandal are everywhere. The main characters were far from perfect and super relatable which made them really interesting to read about. The mystery of the novel is fun to try and solve and trying to figure out who Sawyer Taft’s biological dad is is also enjoyable, but shocking once it’s revealed. The comical things, like sabotaging a fancy sports car or trying to reason with the police officer holding them in a cell, that all the girls do just in solving the mystery are extremely fun to read and the ease at which they do them is priceless. I would give this novel a rating of 4 out of 5 stars because it’s hilarious and entertaining. If you like funny mysteries, stories about rich people, or novels about friends, pick up Little White Lies by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

Review Written by Ada, 9th Grade

Girls Like Us by Randi Pink

Set in the backdrop of the year 1972, Girls Like Us tells the story of four girls, three of them pregnant in an America before Roe v. Wade. On the contrary to most things in the world, unplanned pregnancies do not discriminate in their choice of “victims”: Ola, Izella, and Missippi are Black and POC while Sue is the daughter of a white, pro-life Republican senator.

This book is very much the story of its four protagonists, but there is also a spotlight on their mothers. Ola and Izella are sisters, raised by a no-nonsense, pragmatic mother. On the other hand, Missippi’s mother died young, and the silent and meek exterior of Sue’s poised mother belies many hidden secrets inside of her.

In the throes of a polarized world, both then and now, it is important to remember the people who are affected by the often out-of-touch, removed policymaking of above. Girls Like Us highlights this and some more with the impactful characterization of the girls and their mothers. Ultimately, no matter what one believes about abortion, I think it is crucial to acknowledge and remember these historical narratives. There are human faces behind every movement, but sometimes, their voices are lost in the cacophony that roars after.

 Review Written by Haelee, 12th Grade

The Martian by Andy Weir

Imagine being stuck on Mars by yourself. This is what Andy Weir wrote about. This novel is about NASA astronaut Mark Watney who was left on Mars by his crew. He has to live on Mars in harsh conditions and has to create food and water on a different planet. This is extremely dangerous and hard. Back on Earth, NASA thinks that Mark is dead but the changes to the living space on Mars says differently. They soon learn that he is still alive and question what to do. They start to communicate with Watney and tells the crew that left him behind. The crew heads back to Mars but was it too late? 

I really liked this book because it made it sound like a non-fiction novel because it is in a journal form and is very personal and has funny lines. I also liked this book because it included how he learned skills to make water, because he is a botanist and mechanical engineer. I also liked how we did not know his past because this book is all about the present and to look forward not look back. I really liked the suspense of it because you would not know if he would make it out or not.

 Review Written by Twyla, 9th Grade

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous was on my list for quite some time, and when I finally got my hands on a copy, I could not put it down. Written in prose as a series of letters to the protagonist’s illiterate mother, Little Dog (the protagonist’s nickname), chronicles his life in tandem with those of his mother, Rose, and grandmother, Lan. They are all survivors of the Vietnam War and the culminating Fall of Saigon.

I think this book leaves a different impact on everyone who has read it. Resilient women raised Little Dog, but they were riddled with PTSD. This resounding effect of pain and trauma left Little Dog sometimes subject to abuse from his mother. The family — Little Dog, Rose, and Lan — arrived in the United States as refugees; with little English and money, they had to endure the often cruel and exclusionist tendencies of the American immigrant experience. And finally, Little Dog was gay, being “other” in a world that already marginalized people who didn't conform.

There are a variety of other elements and themes to this book, and I think there will be at least one thing that speaks to a reader in the profound manner that is author Ocean Vuong’s writing. For me, this book gave me a nuanced perspective of immigration, and I often thought of my own parents while reading. Although their circumstances were completely different from that of Little Dog’s family, I couldn’t help but develop an understanding to — albeit in a one-sided way — some of the experiences my parents may have gone through. That some of their characteristics and reactions that I find foreign are the direct products of assimilation and letting go of all familiarity.

It may not be guaranteed to discover these small revelations and subtle paradigm shifts like I was able to, but in my humble opinion, there is something about On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous that leaves one slightly changed after reading.

Review Written by Haelee, 12th Grade

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

The Unwanteds is the first book of a 7-part series called the Unwanteds. This book is about a dystopian society where creativity is viewed as a crime. Every year, 13-year old kids are gathered to be evaluated. Those who show no signs of creativity and are “normal” get sent to university, while those who do, get sent to execution. However, it is revealed that for many years, the kids who were sent to die were saved by a man named Mr. Today, who created a secret haven for them to live in and safely hide from the government.

I really enjoyed this book because of how creative the idea of it was. I typically enjoy reading books about various dystopian societies, and this one is no different. Many of the characters were so likable, and the overall plot was very intriguing as well. I would recommend this book to those who really enjoy fantasy novels.

Review Written by Victoria, 9th Grade

Grave of the Fireflies Directed by Isao Takahata

During the Second World War, the citizens of Kobe, Japan are left in the midst of foreign air raids and fire bombings. Only a teenager, Seita is left to take care of his younger sister, Setsuko after being separated from their parents shortly after their hometown is destroyed. The two siblings are sent away to live with their aunt in a tragic struggle to survive.

Grave of the Fireflies is a breathtaking Japanese-animation that illustrates a devastating and sadly realistic take on the effects of war. Each scene of this film is tear-jerking and makes you deeply sympathize with every character facing desperate misery, greed, or guilt. Therefore, this film may not be appealing to all people. There are depictions of violence and injury which are all included to support the message the film is trying to portray. Overall, this animation is truly unforgettable and I would recommend this watch to those who are interested.

Not Rated

Review Written by Isole, 8th Grade

Love a la Mode by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Love a la Mode by Stephanie Kate Strohm is a romance novel that follows Rosie Radeke and Henry Yi’s growing connection once being accepted to a prestigious cooking program in Paris. Both characters fight to prove their position in the challenging program with fear of getting cut, while embracing their passion for the culinary arts. This novel contains a story of food, friendships, and love.

I really liked this book because the characters are all very unique and diverse. The romance isn’t too forced and the descriptions in the book are fabulous, with the feeling of actually being in Paris.

Review Written by Jessica, 11th Grade

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

A story set during the Roaring 20s of America, Fitzgerald tells the story of Jay Gatsby through the narration of Nick Carraway, a Yale graduate. Gatsby, an inhabitant of the “West Egg”, a district of Long Island, is known for his extravagant Saturday night parties, which he throws to impress Daisy Buchanan, a woman with whom Gatsby is in love with since his youth. In The Great Gatsby, Carraway narrates the tragic tale of Jay Gatsby as he attempts to win the heart of Daisy Buchanan, an already married woman.

Considered to be one of the greatest novels of American literature, The Great Gatsby is a worthwhile read, as it covers many interesting themes and topics such as the American Dream through an interesting and straightforward plot.

Review Written by Elizabeth, 12th Grade

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is a spin-off novella of the book Eclipse, from the Twilight Saga. It is necessary to read the books from the Twilight Saga (at least up to Eclipse) before reading this novella. This spin-off has the same story as Eclipse, just told from a different perspective. This book is about a vampire named Bree Tanner, who was very recently turned into a vampire. Bree talks about her experiences as a vampire and describes the vampire world as she sees it.

Overall, I really liked this book, and I was very glad that the author decided to write this spin-off. Bree was one of my favorite characters from Eclipse, but she was only in the book for a short amount of time. That’s why I liked this book so much; it allowed me to read more about one of my favorite characters from her own perspective.

Review Written by Victoria, 9th Grade

The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston

I find Maxine Hong Kingston’s The Woman Warrior such a fascinating read because it blends fiction and nonfiction almost seamlessly, mixing legends of myth and fantasy with real world issues many immigrants struggle with today. Not only does Kingston allow the reader a glimpse as life as an Asian-American immigrant, but as a woman in the past and the present as well.

In accordance with the title, The Woman Warrior depicts the ever present sexism in society and unfortunately the home, all the while showcasing what women really do have to offer. This empowerment is portrayed equally through elements of fantasy, family responsibilities, and Kingston’s personal relationship with her mother. Though it is listed as a memoir, The Woman Warrior is far from just that, offering a touch of folklore and legend weaved between stories from Kingston and her mother’s lives. Character shaping events lie next to daily occurrences in this cultural experience of a book, one I am truly glad to have learned from a nuanced and realistic angle. 

Review Written by Emily, 11th Grade

The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Scarlet Letter is a historical fiction novel set in the mid 1600s, set in a Puritan colony in Massachusetts. The novel follows the story of Hester Prynne, a woman who must wear a scarlet “A” on her breast as a punishment for committing adultery, as she had ended up giving birth to an infant as a result of an affair, her husband not in the country at the time she had conceived the child. The novel follows Prynne as she is shamed by her community as she nurtures and cares for her growing daughter, and also explores the stories of Chillingworth and Dimmesdale, two men who play a significant role in Prynne’s story.

With themes such as society, sin, guilt, and even female independence explored in a mid 1600 setting, Hawthorne crafts a story that is as eloquent as it is riveting. The Scarlet Letter especially makes an interesting read for those who enjoy more complex and allegorical messages.

Review Written by Elizabeth, 12th Grade

Hidden Figures Directed by Theodore Melfi

Three highly capable and gifted African American women are hired to be part of NASA's space program during the Race to Space operation in 1961. Despite their continuous efforts, Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary live in a society of discrimination toward women and people of color. As a single mother working a full time job, Katherine is promoted to perform crucial calculations with her intelligence specializing in mathematics. However, she faces frequent prejudice, both unintentional and intentional because of her gender and the color of her skin. All three women working at NASA are determined to be seen as equals and to finally receive the opportunities they deserve.

Based on a true story, Hidden Figures is an extremely inspirational and informative film that presents a realistic issue in detail. It explores the importance of equality; to people of all color and gender. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for something educational and heartwarming with a touch of enjoyable humor.

Based on the novel by Margot Lee Shetterly
Rated PG

Review Written by Isole, 8th Grade

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

One of Us is Lying is a murder mystery book. It features five characters: Bronwyn, Simon, Nate, Cooper, and Adelaid (Addy). In the book, these five students are sent to detention, and while there, Simon suffers a fatal allergy and dies. However, it is announced the next day via a tumblr post that Simon’s death was not an accident and that he was murdered by one of the 4 students who were in detention with him.

I really liked this book because throughout the story, it was very hard to predict who the murderer was. The author did a very good job of making the clues confusing, but also making sure they made sense. The story had a bunch of twists and turns, so when the big reveal at the end happened, I was very unprepared. The ending was very shocking, and although it seemed like an obvious answer, I wasn’t able to predict it. Overall, this story was very captivating and was very difficult to put down.

Review Written by Victoria, 9th Grade

Night Witches by Kathryn Lasky

Night Witches is about a 16 year old girl who is in Stanlingrad when the Germans are surrounding her city. When the war begins her sister goes to fight and joins an all women bombing squad, the night witches. But she stays behind with her grandma and mother. Once they both die she sets out to join the night witches like her sister. She meets a soldier who helps her get past the Germans. Will she ever find her sister and the night witches?

This book is exciting and will make your heart race, but will also make you cry and learn about how cruel the Germans were in World War II. I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes to learn about history and what mistakes humanity has made.

Review Written by Lucy, 7th Grade

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi is a devastating yet moving memoir. After years of relentless studying and changes in passion, Paul finally reaches the peak of his career training as a neurosurgeon. However, the accumulation of hard work suddenly vanishes with a heart breaking diagnosis: stage 4 lung cancer. Knowing his fate, Paul chooses to confront his own morality with grace and acceptance while reflecting on the meaning of life.

I highly recommend reading this book. I liked how the powerful writing was able to make me appreciate the little things I take for granted while sending the message to always keep striving through the good and bad.

Review Written by Alina, 10th Grade

Fountain of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys is a novel that sheds light on the dark time of post-civil-war Spain. Ana is an impoverished girl who works for a hotel where she sees rich tourists and diplomats constantly that make many times more money in a day than her family could in a year. Her family suffers from the oppression under the dictator General Franco. Daniel is an American tourist from an extremely wealthy family who’s trying to capture photos of Spain that will get him into photography school, a future that isn’t supported by his parents. As their two stories collide and love starts to blossom, Ana shows Daniel the harsh reality of Spain’s dictatorship and Daniel starts to realize just how terrible things are. Through the many perspectives that the novel follows, the little-known horrors of this time are revealed as seen by different kinds of people. Even now, information about this time period is being uncovered despite it not being long ago because of how well it was covered up and forgotten. By the end of the book, you’ll know the true dangers of silence.

This book is extremely heart-wrenching and sad but opened my eyes to a historical period that I had never read about. A lot of the issues that this book addresses are still relevant today which makes it a really good educational read while also telling a beautiful and page-turning story. The relationship between Ana and Daniel is powerful but not overwhelming to the other important parts of the story and their romance is a great thing to root for. Just like Ruta Sepetys’s other novels, the characters are complex and very intricately written, making the book very realistic and vivid. I liked that this book was attention-grabbing and fast-paced because it heightened the interest of the story and allowed for the book to keep surprising the reader. Almost every chapter something new and shocking was introduced which kept the story fresh and captivating. I would give this book a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars because it’s honestly one of the best books I have ever read in almost all aspects. For mature fans of Ruta Sepetys, fans of historical fiction with romance, or just people looking for a fun way to learn more about historical events I highly recommend that you read The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys.

Review Written by Ada, 9th Grade

Spearhead: An American Tank Gunner, His Enemy, and a Collision of Lives in World War II by Adam Makos

This book is about a man named Clarence Smoyer and his tank crew and friends in his division, the 3rd Armored Division of the United States. The book also has the view of a man named Gustav Schaefer who was in a tank against Clarence in the city of Cologne. There Clarence in his T-26 Pershing had a duel with Gustav in his Panzer IV and a German Panther tank. Years after this Clarence returns to Cologne to meet with Gustav to get rid of his PTSD.

I liked this book because it shows the two reactions to the new American T-26, the people that drove it and the people that fought it. This book is good for people who are interested in the topic of WWII.

Review Written by Tidlen, 10th Grade

Everland by Wendy Spinale

London has been bombed. With it, a deadly new virus: the Horologia Virus, was released, killing those who survived the initial destruction. Gwen Darling and her two younger siblings, Joanna and Mikey must find a way to scavenge and stay alive, all while evading the nefarious Captain Herman Otto Oswald Kretschmer, or Captain Hook, and his band of Marauders. Searching for a cure, Hook and his group spend their days searching the cities for survivors to experiment on. When Joanna is snatched by the Marauders, Gwen reaches out to Pete, the leader of a group of survivors living in an underground city nicknamed Everland, and his second in command, Bella, a pixie like girl who flits through the city as though she has wings, for help. Gwen and Pete must find a way to rescue her sister before they all perish from the virus. As the cover well states, the only way to grow up is to survive. 

Taking a steampunk twist on the classic tale of Peter Pan, Wendy Spinale keeps the same storyline we all know and throws it into a dark, dystopian world. Everland is a beautiful retelling of an age old story, with amazing plot twists, beautiful visuals, and a unique take on each character.

Review Written by Lindsey, 9th Grade

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night by Mark Haddon

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon tells the story of Christopher, a boy who has a mental disability but is extremely intelligent. His mother died of a heart attack, leaving his abusive and alcoholic father to care for him. When Christopher finds a dead dog impaled on a pitchfork, he launches his own investigation throughout the neighborhood to find the murderer. He goes to whatever lengths necessary to uncover the truth behind this mysterious death‒and his parents.

This is an intriguing and eccentric novel that shed light on mental disabilities. A person like Christopher would not normally be portrayed in a book, so it was heartening to see him get his own spotlight. There were also occasional diagrams and drawings in the book that helped break up the text and make it more enjoyable to read. Each chapter was unique and refreshing; I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. However, unlike a real page turner, this book is thoughtful and contains substance. I am hopeful that this book‒and many others‒will help pave the way for more new, diverse characters.​

Review Written by Eliana, 10th Grade

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

Written by lawyer and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy is a memoir recounting various cases that Stevenson took involving the wrongly condemned and the poor. Throughout the novel, he particularly places a very strong emphasis on how racial inequality and bias plays a large part in the sentencing and incarceration of many of the African-Americans who he had helped fight for, and how both he and his readers could help stand up and fight against such bias. Through these cases, Stevenson also delivers a strong message of mercy and justice to his audience, as many of his clients were either wrongly condemned or accused.

I enjoyed reading this book especially because of how it relates to the current state of the world today, with Black Lives Matter steadily gaining support and people seeking justice for the wrongly accused and wrongly killed members of our society. I thought that the messages and themes of this book strongly resonated with what many people in the world are fighting and standing up for at this time.

Review Written by Elizabeth, 12th Grade

The Girl from Berlin by Ronald H. Balson

The Girl from Berlin by Ronald H. Balson is a heart-wrenching novel about a Jewish violinist named Ada who lives in Berlin during World War II. In a time where women aren’t given places in professional orchestras, Ada intends to be the first, and with her extremely advanced musical ability, it’s not too far-fetched of a dream. As Ada is progressing in the Berlin Youth Orchestra, Nazis are taking over Berlin, and Ada and her family are targeted as high ranking Jewish people. Ada’s amazing talent will help her survive, but will it be enough? Fast forward to modern-day, two lawyers, Catherine Lockhart and Liam Taggart go to Italy to help their friend’s aunt who’s being evicted from her villa. The aunt, Gabi, is scarred by her past, and to make up for the fact that she can’t talk about her past or how she got the property, she gives them the manuscript of Ada Baumgarten, telling them it’ll explain everything. How can Ada’s story save Gabi’s villa and why can’t Gabi talk about her past? Will Ada make it through the war? Read The Girl from Berlin to find out.

 I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in a matter of hours. I read a lot of World War II novels but almost none have been as emotionally touching as this. Through tears, laughter, shock, and internal pleading with the book, I couldn’t put it down. The integration of the modern-day storyline with Ada’s story is seamless and adds so many layers to both. Ada’s determination to break through the gender barrier in the music industry even while the war is inspiring and her devotion to her family through her chances to progress and get out of Berlin is a true testament of love. While this story does have its triumphs and happiness it’s also brutal and sad at points. Ada performs in grand theaters and experiences first love but also goes to places such as concentration camps and a terrible prison cell. If you are a mature reader who’s looking for an inspiring, rollercoaster-of-emotions book, or if you’ve read books like The Book Thief and The Librarian of Auschwitz, I highly recommend that you read The Girl from Berlin by Ronald H. Balson.

Review Written by Ada, 9th Grade

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

After Thomas wakes up in the Glade without his memories, he finds that the Glade is located within a maze in which the boys who populate the Glade must escape. However, one day the first girl appears in the Glade and throws the order of society out of place. Slowly, things out of the ordinary start happening, the boys stop receiving supplies and food and the doors that protect them from the Grievers stop closing at night. The Glade is thrown in chaos as the cyborg Grievers invade at night, killing one person at a time. Thomas and the Gladers must survive and escape the maze. This book include dystopian themes such as environmental destruction and survival.

James Dashner captures the highlights of these themes and manifests a thrilling story of survival and companionship. The Maze Runner is a captivating and exhilarating book that exhibits the loyalty and sacrifice of young children as they struggle to survive.

Review Written by Danielle, 7th Grade

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars is a romance book about a 16 year old girl named Hazel Grace Lancaster. Hazel is diagnosed with thyroid cancer in her lungs. She joins a cancer support group under her mother’s request and meets a 17 year old boy named Augustus Waters, who is an amputee. They fall in love, and this book follows their relationship.

I enjoyed this book because it showed how people who are ill or disabled can still live normal lives. The book was very emotional and touching, especially at the end, and teaches the reader a lesson about being happy with their life. To me, this book was very inspirational, and I really enjoyed it.

Review Written by Victoria, 9th Grade

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

We Were Liars is an exciting tale about a group of friends, known as the Liars, and their summer adventures over the years. It starts with the main character Cadence (or Cady), and we learn that she had an accident that caused her to lose her memory of what she calls, "Summer 15". Ever since she was young, Cady had spent the summer on her family's private island with her grandparents, aunts, and cousins and the island is where we meet the 3 other liars: her cousins Johnny, Mirren, and Gat. As the book continues, readers learn more about that mysterious summer as Cady regains her memory and tries to piece together what had happened.

I enjoyed this book because it was mysterious, but not scary, so I could read it at night without getting scared. One of the main themes in this book was family and Lockhart did a great job going into depth on their various family relationships and conflicts. I highly recommend it!

Review Written by Maddie, 10th Grade

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Maddy, diagnosed with a severe immunodeficiency illness, has never stepped outside of her home in eighteen years. Maddy lives alone with her protective mother and their hired supervisor, Carla. However, Maddy’s life completely changes once Olly and his family move into the house next door. Maddy begins to fall for Olly and as the two grow close, communicating through a window by text or phone call just isn’t enough. Maddy’s one wish is to be close to Olly, even if it means risking everything.

  Everything, Everything is a dynamically written romance novel that is both entertaining and emotionally connecting. By personal experience, I doubted that I would enjoy this particular genre. However, the story-line was compelling and explored something that I wasn’t quite familiar with. The novel was truly an unexpected page-turner. The book interprets the characters’ personalities well and illustrates each experience with imagination.

 Overall, I enjoyed this read and would recommend this book to teen readers who are looking for a novel that is moving and inspirational.

Review Written by Isole, 8th Grade

A Fierce and Subtle Poison by Samantha Mabury

When girls on the island of San Juan start to appear on the beach, drowned, 17 year old Lucas Knight finds himself being blamed by the people of the island, who are desperate to point the finger at someone. After his latest girlfriend winds up dead, Lucas panics. Frantic, he makes an unlikely friend out of Isabel, a girl cursed with poison, who can kill anything with just a touch. Isabel, who has been confined to the safety of a greenhouse filled with poisonous plants agrees to help him and the two embark on a journey to clear Lucas’ name and uncover the real killer.

A Fierce and Subtle Poison was written by Samantha Mabury, diving into the rich culture and lore of Puerto Rico. It is filled with beautiful description and entices it’s readers into wanting more. That being said, the book is very slow and unevenly paced, and finishes with an ending that is perhaps more annoying than mysterious. By the end of the book, I found myself confused, but happy, as the writing served the story justice, but the plot wasn’t as well thought out as I anticipated. Overall, this book gave a lot of mixed feelings, as it provided memorable, but not fleshed out characters, beautiful descriptions, but a weak plot, and a frustrating ending.

One thing that deserves more praise in this book, is the beautiful cover design, which drew me, and likely many others, to read it. The cover reflects the overall theme of the book exceptionally, and really is just stunning.

Review Written by Lindsey, 9th Grade

A Field Guide To Lies by Daniel Levitin

An informational book filled with interesting information, A Field Guide to Lies, as its title implies, teaches you how to identify the lies within what may seem to be statistical information, or in other words, “fact”. Although the topic may seem dull to some, the information covered within the book is interesting, and the language that Levitin uses creates a witty and amusing tone during his delivery. Most interestingly, or most importantly, Levitin covers an important source that many people automatically believe as reliable: the news.

Due to the TV as well as the internet, people have access to news as well as articles 24/7, and due to the news being considered a reliable third party source most of the time, people are inclined to believe what they see or read. However, Levitin covers small differences within wording or delivery that either misleads people or completely fooled. Levitin especially emphasizes the fact that “statistics are not facts”, which I found to be very interesting, as we are taught from a young age to believe that statistics are, in fact, “fact”, as they are numbers, or “cold and hard data”, as people like to say.

In this book, Levitin opens up a whole new way to see and interpret data, as well as bring up some very nuanced and open ended questions and analysis, which all comes together to create an informative yet very thought provoking book that is worth a read.

Review Written by Elizabeth Lee

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

In the second installment of the Lunar Chronicles, Cinder the cyborg, the Eastern Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive, is attempting to break out of prison. At the same time, in a different country, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother goes missing. While trying to find leads on her grandmother’s disappearance, Scarlet is introduced to Wolf: a street fighter who may have important information. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel their mystery, their paths cross with Cinder and Carswell Thorne, a pilot who escaped prison with her. All four of them will need to come together to stop the evil Lunar queen Levana, who will do anything and everything to make planet Earth her own.

I enjoyed the second book in the Lunar Chronicles almost as much as the first. All of the new characters were extremely intriguing, and the way their stories intertwine is brilliant. The numerous plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The book had just enough suspense to keep me wondering while it built up wonderful relationships between the characters. I would recommend this book to kids and teens that enjoy stories filled with action, suspense, and a little bit of romance.

Review Written by Asha, 9th Grade

The Whole Art of Detection: Lost Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes By: Lyndsay Faye

The Whole Art of Detection is a mixture of fifteen different stories that tell the life of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. Lyndsay Faye, the author, was inspired to write this book because of the original Sherlock Holmes mysteries written by Arthur Conan Doyle and it is considered to be one of the many canons out in the world. This book spans the entire career of Sherlock Holmes and brings the reader along with the duo as they solve various crime mysteries that take them traveling around Europe. The Whole Art of Detection is divided into four parts, “Before Baker Street, The Early Years, The Return, and the Later Years.” The reader is able to see when Holmes and Dr. Watson first meet each other as new roommates and further on as they progress into crime solving partners. In "The Return," Faye goes further to describe the detective’s life, after he fakes his death at the Swiss waterfall, when he is forced to come out of hiding in order to attend his politician brother’s garden party. The book continues on until his last case called "The Adventure of the Mad Baritone." This case describes a former opera singer, Horatio Falconer, as he rushes into Holmes apartment pleading for help because he claims that he has been kidnapped multiple times, but the police just will not believe him. Everyone believes that Falconer is a madman and just an alcoholic, but Holmes suspects foul play and goes in and out of the house dressed as different disguises to observe Falconer's surroundings. Indeed Holmes catches the culprit behind Falconer's kidnapping cases and the book ends with the final crime mystery case.

I enjoyed this book because of the multiple mystery cases that Lyndsay Faye included. It was interesting to see the Sherlock Holmes series written in the perspective from a different author in a different time period. I also found it interesting how Faye was able to incorporate Holmes' entire career into one book and watch how he improved over the years.

 I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys the Sherlock Holmes series, or anyone who is just looking for a good crime mystery book to read. The various crime mysteries really do capture the reader’s attention and make the reader not want to put down the book.

Review Written by Cindy, 10th Grade

Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Trevor Mkinney is just a normal kid in a normal school, when he gets a new Social Studies teacher: Reuben St. Clair. Reuben is a normal person, if one were to ignore the fact that his left eye is gone, as well as many other disabilities to his body and thin skin in multiple places near his face. Trevor’s world-changing idea started with a simple extra credit assignment, which led to the “Pay it Forward” act, created just by Trevor himself. The idea was to do something good for three people, and instead of getting rewarded, tell them to “pay it forward” by doing something good to three other people. Trevor’s plan was to start it off, and have it spread around the world. Although Trevor had a good idea, twists and turns, and many let-downs in the plot prohibit the reader from being able to tell if he succeeds or not. Through ups and downs, Trevor sticks to his morals, and his mom and teacher always stay on his side.

Pay It Forward is an amazing book, which not only hooks you right from the beginning, but also will teach you about persistence and perseverance. The genre of this book is historical fiction, but the well detailed events will surely keep you reading. The events in this amazing story will not make you disappointed, and this book is very well written and structured. Pay it Forward is such a great story, and I would really recommend you to read this amazing book.

Review Written by Victoria, 9th Grade

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

The sudden deaths of thousands of innocent children all over America had startled everyone in the nation. The government responded with news broadcasts and parental guides with a list of symptoms that depicted the children who were potentially at risk. Children with these symptoms were immediately labeled as threats, sent to government camps in hopes to solve the issue. Ruby finds herself sitting on one of these bus rides after half of her classmates were found dead. Violence, tension, and fear erupts among the children as the bus reaches Thurmond, one of the government rehabilitation camps. At Thurmond, each incoming child is categorized into one of the five classifications: Greens, Blues, Yellows, Reds, or Oranges. Each classification describes children with a power such as specialized intelligence, telekinesis, or other supernatural abilities. However, Yellows, Reds, and Oranges were labeled more dangerous than others. Although she was evidently an Orange who is capable of mind control, Ruby manipulates her inspector to believe that she was actually a Green. Relieved, Ruby remains with her secret at Thurmond for five treacherous years. But how long can she truly last?

The Darkest Minds, a novel written by Alexandra Bracken, is an action-packed dystopian novel that I would recommend to all readers. The believable world and character narrative makes this book incredibly entertaining. Scheming, conspiracy, and discovery are all part of the events that occur.

Review Written by Isole, 8th Grade

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

The Westing Game is a mystery book about the murder of a millionaire named Sam Westing. In his will, he names multiple people living in a nearby apartment building, named Sunset Towers, as his heirs. Through his will and the game he has created with it, the heirs attempt to solve the murder of Sam Westing and win the game prize of $200 million dollars along with control of Westing’s company.

I really enjoyed this book because of the suspense and uncertainty that unfolds until the very end, when the answer is revealed. As clue after clue about the murder is revealed, questions keep multiplying inside the reader’s head. This made it almost impossible to put the book down after I started reading it. The ending of the book was very clever and took me by surprise, as I was not expecting it to end that way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery novel.

Review Written by Victoria, 9th Grade

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Marissa Meyer’s Cinder was the perfect sci-fi retelling of the age-old tale of Cinderella. Instead of strictly imitating, Cinder takes on a life of its own with its vague references to the classic. The characters don’t strictly adhere to the original, possessing realistic motives and flaws that even if they are a cyborg or robot, are astoundingly human. New Beijing shines as an interesting and engaging city that along with the deadly plague screams engaging world building.

At first, I was hesitant to read sci-fi as I usually don’t understand the technical terms and futuristic devices, however my initial doubts with Cinder were doused quickly. Meyer explains the scientific concepts efficiently and effectively, and I understood and found myself enjoying the depictions. Although Cinder can be slightly predictable at times, the engaging rhythm from chapter to chapter makes up for it in full with a fantastic fairy tale mashup unlike any I’ve seen before.

Review Written by Emily, 11th Grade

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

How to Train Your Dragon is a fiction book by Cressida Cowell set in Viking times. The main protagonist, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, is the opposite of a Viking hero. He’s smallish and not muscular, even as the son of the chief. He has a secret: from observing dragons for so long, he can speak their language called Dragonese. He and nine other boys must complete the Dragon Initiation Program, where they must each catch and train a dragon. The boys go into the cave, where they have to each grab a sleeping baby dragon. Hiccup manages to grab one, but Fishlegs accidentally makes an entire stack of dragons topple down. Fishlegs hasn’t gotten a dragon, which means exile, so while they run out of the cave, Hiccup gives his dragon to Fishlegs. At the last second he manages to grab one. He didn’t get a good look at it, so he’s excited to see which one he got. However, when they reach their home in Berk, Hiccup sees that his dragon is an extraordinarily small Common or Garden dragon. Not only that, but he is also extraordinarily naughty and entirely toothless. In fact, his name becomes Toothless because of this. In Professor Yobbish’s book, How to Train Your Dragon, the only thing it says to do is to yell at it. Unfortunately, Hiccup is particularly bad at yelling, and his other attempts at training him with gratitude, greed, vanity, and revenge don’t work out. How will Hiccup be able to train Toothless? And when a giant mountain of a dragon comes, will Professor Yobbish’s method of yelling work?

This was a terrific book. I would rate it nine and a half out of ten. I liked how the Hiccup is an underdog and an unexpected hero, which made him very likable. If you like fantasy books and action books, this is the series for you. This is a must read for kids ages eight and up.

Review Written by Silas, 6th Grade

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Born A Crime is a memoir written by comedian Trevor Noah, who was born to a Xhosa mother and Swiss father, effectively making his birth illegal within the Apartheid government that his family had lived under during their time in South Africa. In his memoir, Trevor Noah recounts his experiences during school, as well as detail his journey to becoming a comedian later on in his life.

This memoir is a worthwhile read because it is amusing while emphasizing different themes such as race, identity, community, and personal growth.

Review Written by Elizabeth, 12th Grade

Deep Water by Watt Key

The book Deep Water is a suspenseful action book. It is about a girl named Julie who is visiting her dad for the summer and helping him with his dive shop. They take their clients, Mr. Jordan and his son, out to the Malzon tanks. Julie’s dad isn’t feeling well enough to dive, so Julie will lead the Jordans down. Once they get down there and Julie sees that the anchor won’t hold for long, she tried to get the Jordan’s to surface, but they were too far ahead. When they were about to surface they realize the anchor is gone. When they do surface they can’t see anything except for the dee blue Atlantic Ocean.

This book is suspenseful and intriguing. It leaves you on the edge of your seat every time you turn a page. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to experience the world right from their very own couch.

Review Written by Lucy, 7th Grade

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware is a haunting story following a young woman named Nora. After a traumatic event happened when she was in her apartment alone one night, she is invited to a bachelorette party for an old classmate. Nora had not spoken to this woman for many years, but was looking forward to a weekend in a beautiful cabin in the woods. She is greeted with warm smiles and a promising weekend. Then, she wakes up, injured and in the hospital, wondering what happened over the weekend. Ruth Ware writes this chilling tale to keep you on your feet and haunt your dreams. Although scary and frightening, this story analyzes the secrets of our past, and reminds us why we bury parts of our past so deeply.

Review Written by Katherine, 11th Grade

To All the Boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han

To All the Boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han is a novel that follows a high school Junior named Lara Jean. Lara Jean is quite a romantic through her constant daydreams, her love of romance novels, and the love letters she writes to get over her crushes, but she doesn’t actually want to act on these dreams of fairy tale romances. One day, her love letters get out and her five past crushes learn all of her deepest feelings, including the ex-boyfriends of her sister and her rival. In the frenzy of making sure her sister won’t find out, she and Peter Kavinsky, her rival’s ex, agree to fake a relationship and Lara Jean’s life dramatically changes. Suddenly she’s going to parties and lacrosse games and hanging out with a huge group of friends. Despite what she would’ve thought before the letters, she actually enjoys it and is starting to get really close to Peter. But it’s all fake, right?

This is one of my favorite books and has merited many rereads with its page-turning drama and relatable people. The characters that the author creates are extremely detailed to the point that I feel I know them as close friends. One of my favorite characters is Kitty, the mischievous younger sister that causes trouble and tries to act like an adult in the most hilarious ways. This novel is romantic, light, and the perfect book for anything from a cozy day inside to a day at the beach. Another great thing about this book is that they made an awesome movie that is almost as good as the actual novel. I would give this book four and a half stars out of five because it has a great plot, complex emotional events, and is an excellent feel-good novel. If you like books with film adaptations, characters who are super close with their siblings, YA romance novels, or books about high school, pick up To All the Boys I Loved Before and follow Lara Jean’s story.

Review Written by Ada, 9th Grade

This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a book about the successes and failures that a person must go through to finally feel fulfilled and satisfied with their life. Amory, the main character, experiences love and heartbreak as he grows up. His complicated relationship with his mother drives his desire to be admired and loved by his classmates, throughout prep school and college. Amory's successes in college are followed by many failures, and his love life seems to be constantly changing. This book shows the lows and highs of a person's life, highlighting people's insecurities and desires. This Side of Paradise shows how failures and successes build up your life. If you are interested in classics, this is definitely a book that you should read.

Review Written by Katherine, 11th Grade

Posted by John David Anderson

At Branton Middle School, and in middle school in general, words are powerful. They are enemy-inducing weapons, and friend-building gifts. When cell phones are banned at BMS, Frost and his friends Deedee, Wolf, and Bench create a new system of communication: sticky notes. They leave them for each other all around the school. Before long, their sticky note trend catches on, and everyone at BMS begins to communicate that way. As the year progresses, the post-it war escalates, and Frost, with the help of some new friends, must stop the battle before their middle school devolves into chaos.

 I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a great take on the middle school experience, and I loved its light-hearted humor. The plot is extremely creative, and the characters were extremely entertaining. This story held my attention from cover to cover. I will definitely read it again. I would recommend this book to middle schoolers, and students entering middle school. It offers great perspective, and I think it’s a wonderful light summer read.

Review Written by Asha, 9th Grade

Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford

Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford follows the story of a young boy living in a brothel. While the setting does sound raunchy, the story, in reality, is a beautiful love story taking place both during the World Fair in the 1900s and years later after the young boy has grown up. The young boy, Ernest, is raffled off at the World Fair to find a new family, after being taken from China to Seattle. He is won by a woman who runs a brothel and becomes a butler for the girls living in the house. He becomes good friends with many of the young maids and the prostitutes, and those friendships cause many hardships throughout his life that cultivate in one dramatic end scene. The contrast in time periods keeps you on your feet and allows you to notice similarities between the young boy and his adult self. If you want a light read that will stay with you for a long time, this is definitely the book for you.

Review Written by Katherine, 11th Grade

Five Feet Apart - Directed by Justin Baldoni

Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, Stella has spent her entire life inside hospital rooms. Every day feels the same; the same routine with multiple pills, tubes, and procedures. Will is another cystic fibrosis patient who needs hospital treatment for his lung infections. The general rule is to be six feet apart, which is all it takes for a fatal cross-infection to spread between two patients. Eventually, Stella and Will grow to have feelings for each other despite the circumstances they’re in. Each patient struggles to cope with their restricted lives. However, is stepping just one foot closer to each other all that bad? 
Five Feet Apart is an extremely heartbreaking film that illustrates the story of two cystic fibrosis patients who wish to lead a normal life. The film communicates sentiment, romance, and compassion through each scene as the characters learn to grow through their experiences. I would recommend this movie, or even the original novel, to those who are looking for a memorable story.

Based on a novel by Mikki Daughtry, Racheal Lippincott, and Tobias Iaconis
Rated PG-13

Review Written by Isole, 8th Grade

Renegades by Marissa Meyer

Renegades by Marissa Meyer is a novel about a world in which select people have superpowers and the rivalry between good and evil is nowhere near black and white. Nova works for a rebel group, the Anarchists, who oppose the rule of the Renegades, a group of the most powerful people who saved the world from villainy and collapse. Nova wants revenge upon the Renegades and after a failed assassination attempt on one of the heads of the Renegades, she gets pulled into a scheme to take them down from the inside. Her mission as a double agent leads her to meet a boy named Adrian who will do anything for justice even if it means breaking a few rules himself. Her attachment to Adrian and her slowly changing views of her world try her loyalty to the Anarchists but also cause her to realize the true flaws in the Renegade system. When the time comes for her to make her move and take down the ‘heroes’ of society, will she be able to do it even if it means betraying new friends?

 I really enjoyed this book, especially because of its complex take on the society run by superheroes angle. The idea of having the main character be on the ‘villainous’ side helps the reader realize that even the ‘heroes’ aren’t perfect, in fact, they’re quite far from it. I also liked how the author used the relationship between Nova and Adrian to both give Nova a lot of internal conflict and lighten up the novel. Another thing the author did really well is how she built the characters. Each person has such an intricate personality, it feels like you know them. Additionally, the writing style makes the book seem to fly by so you won’t be able to put it down. I would give this book a solid four out of five stars because it’s written really well and is very encapsulating with turns and twists everywhere. For fans of the Lunar Chronicles, the Marvel Universe, and other Sci-Fi and YA novels, I highly recommend you pick up Renegades by Marissa Meyer.

Review Written by Ada, 9th Grade

The Maze Runner Directed by Wes Ball

A teenage boy gains consciousness in an unknown world unable to remember his own name, failing to recognize how, where, and why he was there. He is welcomed into a civilization that seems to be in the same situation, with no memory of identity or origin. The landscape is encased around a towering wall, strictly forbidden to go beyond. The boy learns that behind the walls lies a complex maze filled with dangerous obstacles, which nobody has survived a night inside to tell the tale. To decipher possible escape routes, runners venture into the maze to memorize pathways. Despite this, three years have passed with no true success. Disaster emerges as the truths of this world are revealed for the first time.

The Maze Runner is a highly entertaining dystopian film that I would recommend to people who enjoy adventure or action-packed thrillers. The storyline is well executed with enjoyable suspense and anticipation. Each character is presented with a specific personality or trait, which makes them memorable throughout the film. The protagonist may be considered typical, but the role is well-played to fit the narrative. The film overall has some violence or intensity that may not appeal to everyone. In all, I enjoyed this watch and would continue to follow along this movie trilogy.

Based on the novel by James Dashner
Rated PG-13

Review Written by Isole, 8th Grade

The Young Elites by Marie Lu

The Young Elites, written by Marie Lu, tells the thrilling tale of a young girl, scarred from a deadly blood fever that swept through her nation of Kenettra. Thousands perished, but a few survivors are left with mysterious abilities. Those were known as the Young Elites, praised by common folk, hunted down by the Inquisition Axis that ruled the nation. When Adelina Amourteru accidentally kills her father, in a struggle to control her newfound abilities, she finds herself in a deadly battle between the Inquisition Axis and a group of Young Elites known as the Dagger Society. Adelina must find a way to control her powers before it rips both her and her fellow Daggers apart.

 This book was an amazing read, containing beautiful descriptions and memorable characters. It contains a dark, morally grey, and damaged main character, a diverse cast of supporting characters, and a complex, layered antagonist. Taking a unique twist on a common plot, this book is absolutely gorgeous and I would one hundred percent recommend it.

Review Written by Lindsey, 9th Grade

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

 At ten years old and with a crippled foot, Ada has never left her small London apartment. Her abusive mother, disgusted by her daughter’s “ugly foot”, forcefully keeps Ada locked inside and away from the outside world. Left in isolation and often beaten or harshly punished, Ada feels her life couldn't get any worse. Shortly in the year 1939, World War II erupts in Europe and children are sent away to be taken to the safer countryside. Bombs or no, Ada’s mother refuses to send her away with her six-year-old brother, Jamie. Determined to escape, Ada embarks on a journey of courage with plans to leave London against her mother’s consent.

The War That Saved My Life is an emotionally powerful novel that I would recommend to readers who enjoy historical fiction genres. Along the story, I begin to unknowingly sympathize with Ada’s hardships and cheer for her victories. Personally, at first glance, the novel was a little difficult to interpret. However, I found myself enjoying it as the book progressed.

Review Written by Isole, 8th Grade

Blended by Sharon Draper

Sharon Draper's intense novel, Blended, is an honest, warm story of a family that shows both sides of racism, from a young mixed-girl perspective, Isabella, called Izzy. Izzy's father is black, and her mother is white, so she regularly feels like she doesn't fit in with society. When her parents abruptly get divorced after not getting along and fighting about silly, irrelevant topics, she blames the divorce and the brokenness of her family on herself. Throughout the process, she begins to lose the strong, young woman she is. Izzy and her brother Devin start to live a double life; two houses, two families, two wardrobes, and they eventually begin to feel like two different kids. After suffering for a while, Izzy's friend faces racism and becomes targeted and placed in danger. In history, classmates talked about lynching, and Izzy witnessed her black friend ending her day by being surprised with a noose in her. Isabella realizes that racism is a real event that takes place in the world and realizes that it does not need to define the person she is. Still, Izzy physically suffers from police brutality while being innocent and ends up with a gruesome bullet wound in a hospital. The event became overlooked, and people reacted as it was normal to act in society, so it did not receive the attention it deserved.

 This novel contains serious topics such as identity development, family dynamics, and police brutality, but is the perfect mixture of all of them. Author Sharon Draper captures the feelings of her readers and the characters in a serious, and humorous way. She is unafraid to introduce mature topics in a sophisticated manner but easy to comprehend. Blended is a compelling, exciting story that showcases how a kid is trying to learn who they are, and figure out where they belong in the world.

Review Written by Anya, 7th Grade

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Many centuries in the future, after the Fourth World War, humans and technology alike rule the world. A deadly plague called Letumosis is destroying populations across the planet, and a kingdom of Lunars - humans from the moon - are eager to invade Earth. Sixteen year old Cinder is a talented mechanic from New Beijing, who also happens to be a cyborg. Her metallic extremities make her a second-class citizen, and an embarrassment to her evil stepmother and sisters. As the Letumosis plague continues to ravage the country, Cinder’s life suddenly becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s. Cinder must uncover secrets about her mysterious past while balancing her interesting new friendship, all while keeping a dangerous secret that could put everyone she knows in danger.

I really enjoyed this book. On a scale from 1 to 10, I would give it an 8.4. The author went into great detail about how the world looked and operated during Cinder’s time, and I was incredibly fascinated by all of the intricate descriptions of androids and hover cars. It was really interesting to read about a time in the future where people were experiencing a pandemic, much as we are now. Although our current pandemic is nowhere near the severity of Letumosis, the way it was approached was somewhat similar. One of my favorite aspects of this story was how it branched out from the Cinderella story, while still staying true to some of the traditional elements. The fact that Cinder was a strong, independent girl with a talent made her really likeable. The story definitely kept me on my toes, and it was impossible to put down. I would recommend this book to pre-teens and up. It is a really interesting story with some great elements of sci-fi. The cliffhangers are super unexpected, and although the story can be a bit slow, the action scenes and climaxes are 100% worth it.

 Review Written by Asha, 9th Grade

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is a dystopian novel about a harrowing near future. In this world, pollution and contamination have caused birth rates to plummet which prompted the rise of Gilead, a totalitarian regime. In Gilead, fertile women who haven’t conformed to the strict biblical rules of the society have their children taken away from them and are forced to become child-bearers for infertile high-class couples. This story follows a handmaid who has been renamed Offred, a name noting the Commander who she’s in service to, Fred. Over the course of the book, Offred examines the society of Gilead while looking back on her life before. In a society where not even high-class women have any rights and experience brutality such as daily occurring hangings and stonings, Offred must persevere and try to stay alive without losing herself.

This book was both frightening and thought-provoking as it highlighted things that seem insane in a way that’s eerily close to reality. For example, the way of life in Gilead is extremely misogynistic with women being denied the right to read, have a job, or speak freely, which seems very alienated from us today. But when the novel revealed how Gilead came to be, you realize that the society isn’t as unrealistic as it first seemed. In The Handmaid’s Tale, I really liked how the complex character relationships were written in a very genuine way, especially between people like Offred and the Commander because Atwood explored so far past the surface. Additionally, Offred’s emotions and her slightly unstable mental state are written so immersively that you feel them yourself as you follow her story. If you are a mature reader who has enjoyed books like Fahrenheit 451 and Hunger Games or you’re looking to explore a new carefully crafted fictional universe, I highly recommend that you read The Handmaid’s Tale.

Review Written by Ada, 9th Grade

Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan

The novel, Echo, by Pam Muñoz Ryan, is a compelling story that connects three different accounts of children that come face to face with injustices joined by a magical, stunning harmonica.

In Nazi Germany in the 1930s, Friedrich's father is innocently arrested for inviting his Jewish friend to gather and play music. Friedrich can not enjoy playing music because he is occupied by the fear of being sterilized because of the ugly birthmark on his face.

In the Great Depression, Mike and his younger brother are suffering in an unloving orphanage, and are mistreated. A strange rich woman adopts them, but they learn they are in jeopardy of being sent back and plan to escape so they can be independent and stay together.

In the 1940s, Ivy and her Hispanic family move to Southern California, where she learns she must attend the inferior school for Mexicans rather than the school for white children. She educates herself on the injustices Japanese families are suffering at internment camps and uses her voice to speak up to give equality to all.

Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy all have a unique musical ability, use their magical harmonica to make people feel better, and bring beauty and fun to their lives. They inspire others to settle for nothing less than what they deserve, and their stories are cleverly interwoven at the end.

This lengthy book is intimidating from the looks, but the audience may be surprised to finish it in a few days. The lesson is essential for all readers to learn about the importance of hope and music, even in dark times. For instance, when Friedrich and his sister Elisabeth can't sleep, their father brings out his old cello to bring some happiness to the broken family, which is one of the many small, tender moments in the book. Readers will instantly fall in love with the three strong protagonists and even the framing fairytale story that sets the book in motion. At the same time, they will be amazed by the clever ending.

Review Written by Anya, 7th Grade