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