Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy

Written by Tui T. Sutherland

A book for readers in grades 4 and up reviewed by Carlos

    

Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy takes place in a fantasy kingdom called Pyrrhia. The land has seven dragon tribes: MudWings, SandWings, IceWings, RainWings, SeaWings, SkyWings, and NightWings. Each dragon tribe is ruled by a queen.

 

When a human murders the SandWing queen, her three daughters go to war fighting to become queen. This war involves five dragon tribes. But, according to a prophecy, five dragonets from different tribes are destined to stop the war.

 

Clay is one of the five dragonets destined to stop the war. However, he doesn’t feel like a hero and has doubts, especially considering he and the other dragonets mentioned in the prophecy have lived underground their entire lives. 

 

Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy is special to me because it led me to develop a reading hobby. I liked the book’s characters and their different personalities. It was refreshing to have a story where all of the characters are dragons. I found the book’s message about choosing your own destiny to be unique and special.

Truly Devious

Written by Maureen Johnson

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Caitlin

    

Truly Devious follows Stevie Bell, who is about to attend the infamous Ellingham Academy to pursue her passion for true crime. For her final project, she decides to solve the crime that was committed at Ellingham Academy years ago. However, as Stevie gets closer to solving the crime, she begins to feel that the killer may have returned!

I finished Truly Devious in one sitting because every chapter made me want to read more. Maureen Johnson’s page-turning writing absolutely captivated me. There have even been sequels to this book, since it was so popular.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Written by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A book for adult readers reviewed by Caitlin

    

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo tells the story of Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo. Until now, no one has ever seen inside Evelyn’s glamorous and intriguing life. But, when she chooses reporter Monique Grant to write her biography, we see how their lives have become entangled. 

I have such a strong love for The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. It has its funny moments, yet can also make you cry. The way it depicts Evelyn’s life and shows how it was behind the curtains can make you view Hollywood differently. This book is extremely well written and made me feel for the characters.

The Honest Truth

Written by Dan Gemeinhart

A book for readers in grades 3 and up reviewed by Caitlin

    

The Honest Truth is about twelve-year-old Mark, who is fed up with being kept in a hospital due to cancer. After he finds out his cancer has returned, Mark sets out for an adventure to climb to the top of Mount Rainier with his dog, Beau. Without leaving any trace, Mark sets off on his journey and begins to explore new experiences while learning valuable life lessons. 

The Honest Truth has a beautiful story that taught me the importance of love in friendships and family. It is a moving piece that will leave you with many valuable life lessons that anyone can relate to. This book also gave me insight into the lives of people who have gone through the same challenges as Mark.

The Kite Runner

Written by Khaled Hosseini

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Joseph

    

The Kite Runner begins in post-war Afghanistan with a wealthy boy named Amir, his father, and their servants. Although the servants are looked down upon in society, they are family to Amir and his father. Eventually, personal tragedy and a war separate the two families, leading to regret and guilt. In adulthood, Amir must face his demons in order to preserve the honor of his childhood friend and former servant, Hassan.

The Kite Runner is an exploration of friendship and the bonds of brotherhood. The concept of family being connected by more than just blood can be understood in the modern era, where people fear loneliness. Understanding how to forgive after trauma, such as the betrayal Hassan faced through Amir, can help everyone become more united and compassionate. This is a great story and a must read.

Speak

Written by Laurie Halse Anderson

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Joseph

    

Speak is a story of high school trauma. While at a party, Melinda had to call the police in order to protect herself, but is left speechless when asked why. She is then ostracized for her actions because no one knows the truth. Melinda must work up the courage to speak out against what happened and save herself from solitude.

Speak is an incredible book that tackles tough topics, such as sexual abuse, depression, and anxiety. Although touchy subjects, they are necessary to discuss, and this book has helped many teenagers who suffer from trauma or mental illness. Speak goes into the psyche of a teenager and helps the reader better understand the struggles of high school.

The Beekeeper of Aleppo: A Novel

Written by Christy Lefteri

A book for adult readers reviewed by Joseph

    

The Beekeeper of Aleppo follows the journey of Nuri and his wife Afra as they attempt to find refuge during the Syrian war. As Nuri struggles to keep both himself and Afra alive, he also struggles with his own mental decay, Afra’s loss of sight, and much more. Not only do Nuri and Afra have to travel to safety, but they also must navigate a path back to each other, as their losses have created a chasm between them despite their geographical proximity. 

This was not my favorite book. Its message of hope resonates strongly, but I do not think it has the most captivating story. Although there are many plot details, they are thinly spread throughout and leave the reader wanting more.

The Hunger Games

Written by Suzanne Collins

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Carlos

    

The Hunger Games is set in Panem, which has a Capitol surrounded by twelve districts. Every year, an event called the Hunger Games takes place. During the Hunger Games, children from the twelve districts are forced to kill each other.

The book's main character is Katniss Everdeen. Her little sister, Prim, is chosen to fight in the Hunger Games. Scared for her sister, Katniss takes her place. To win the Hunger Games' death challenge, Katniss knows she has to be smart, fast, strong, and fearless.

I liked this book because the scenes and plot were very interesting. The characters were well written, and the pacing of the story was well done. Overall, it was very interesting to see how the characters felt and acted during the Hunger Games.

Salt to the Sea

Written by Ruta Sepetys

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Emily

    

Salt to the Sea is a story following four young narrators, who share their experiences fleeing from their home countries due to the terrors of World War II. The narrators include Joana, a Lithuanian nurse, Florian, an East Prussian restoration artist, Emilia, a fifteen-year-old girl from Poland, and Alfred, a German sailor assigned to the port of Gotenhafen.

On their journey to West Germany, Joana, Florian, and Emilia make their way to the port of Gotenhafen, where Alfred prepares a ship for evacuation. They reveal secrets and find love along the way, all the while experiencing various trials and tribulations.

I truly enjoyed Salt to the Sea and would recommend it to all. It opened my eyes to the horrors that hundreds of thousands of people had to face to escape violence during World War II. Through unique narrators who share their personal journeys, this book informs readers about the history of World War II.

One of Us is Lying

Written by Karen M. McManus

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Emily

    

One of Us is Lying follows a group of four high school students, who are being investigated after the recent, seemingly orchestrated death of their classmate. The four students, who are named Addy, Bronwyn, Nate, and Cooper, were all in detention at the same time as Simon, who suddenly died after drinking a cup of water with traces of peanut oil. To discover who premeditated Simon’s death, they are questioned by authorities and each other. They are also worried that their secrets will be uncovered after a post on Simon’s social media app insinuates that they each have something to hide. 

One of Us Is Lying is one of my favorite books that I have read in the past year. From the unique characters to the suspenseful plotline and dramatic plot twists, I enjoyed every aspect of it. This novel had me on the edge of my seat, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a mystery.

The Beekeeper of Aleppo

Written by Christy Lefteri

A book for adult readers reviewed by Emily

    

In The Beekeeper of Aleppo, Christy Lefteri encapsulates a message of hope and new beginnings through bees and beekeeping. This novel follows beekeeper Nuri and his blind wife Afra as they are forced to leave their home in Aleppo, Syria when it is ravished by war. They must navigate a strenuous journey through several countries to reach Britain, where Nuri’s cousin Mustafa is waiting. The couple endure seemingly insurmountable events, such as the loss of their young son, but they remain hopeful that they will be able to experience the beauty of bees again. 

Personally, I truly enjoyed this novel for its sympathetic characters and fascinating plot. Although its story is very tragic, it teaches many useful lessons, such as the importance of holding out hope despite horrifying circumstances. I would recommend The Beekeeper of Aleppo to anyone who enjoys novels with compelling yet heartbreaking storylines.

Blended

Written by Sharon M. Draper

A book for readers in grades 4 and up reviewed by Alexa

    

Blended is a book about an eleven-year-old girl named Isabella, who is biracial. Because her parents are divorced, she has to switch houses, nicknames, backpacks, and identities every week. Not only does Isabella have to experience her parents fighting, but she is also bullied at school because of her race.

Isabella loves to play the piano. She soon realizes that she is kind of like a piano. When the black and white keys mix together, they make a beautiful harmony.

I would give Blended 5 stars because of its very special meaning. It encourages readers not to bully people for how they look. There are also many unexpected plot twists that make the book so interesting. I would definitely recommend it.

Bleach Volume 40: The Lust

Written and Illustrated by Tite Kubo

A manga for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Melissa

    

This book takes place during Bleach's Arrancar Arc, during which the main villain, Aizen, is planning on destroying Karakura Town. The squad captains of the Soul Society try to stop Aizen’s plan.

 

While the captains handle Aizen, Ichigo goes up against one of the strongest Espada, one of Aizen's strongest Arrancars (or Hollows who gained "soul reaper" like powers by ripping off their masks). Ichigo will have to defeat the Espada to protect those he cares for, as well as to leave Hueco Mundo and go back to save Karakura Town.

 

I picked this book up because I watched the Bleach anime adaptation and wanted to see how the story is depicted in the original manga. This book was very hard to put down due to the very intense and shocking fight between Ichigo and Ulquiorra, which was both emotional and jaw-dropping. I felt the manga made me emotional in all aspects because it shows the determination of the characters. It also shows Ichigo's morals, as well as his reason for fighting (which is to protect those he cares for the most).

 

I would highly recommend this book to those who watch the Bleach anime and/or are interested in reading the Bleach manga before watching the anime. I would also recommend this book to those who like more intense, emotional, and action filled manga.

Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History

Written and Illustrated by Art Spiegelman

A graphic novel for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Hugo

    

Maus I is the first half of a hand drawn comic book based on the true story of a man named Vladek Spiegelman, the father of the book's author, Art Spiegelman. The book beautifully captures Vladek’s story, which is about how he, as a Jewish man, survived the tragic events of the Holocaust and World War II.

 

The way in which the author tells his father's story is very unique. He portrays humans as different animals. For example, he draws Jewish people as mice, the Polish as pigs, and Nazis as cats.

 

As one might imagine, some scenes described in Maus I are very disturbing. But, the book also succeeds in shocking readers with terrifyingly realistic depictions of its events, even though one might expect the story to be much more subtle due to the comic's subject matter. However, with Spiegelman’s incredible ability to perfectly recreate the tales of his father, the reader is left perplexed and wanting to read more.

 

Chapter one begins with Art Spiegelman meeting up with Vladek in Rego Park before returning to his father’s home to discuss how he wants to learn about and record his story. Vladek's story begins with him meeting Art's mother, Anja. There is some drama surrounding this. Eventually, Vladek moves to Sosnowiec, the city where Anja lives.

 

In the next chapter, the tone of the story begins to shift into something a bit more grave with the discovery of Anja having severe depression, as well as the signs of the beginning of the Holocaust and the mention of war.

 

In the third chapter, and the majority of those that follow, the story takes a turn for the worse. After enlisting himself to go to the frontlines of the war, Vladek is taken as a prisoner of war, and Anja is captured by the Gestapo. At the end of the book, they both end up in the same concentration camp in Auschwitz.

 

Both the details of reality that are embedded into Maus I and its awe-striking plot will certainly leave you amazed.

Death Note Volume 1: Boredom

Written by Tsugami Ohba and Illustrated by Takeshi Obata

A manga for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Melissa

    

This book is about a boy named Light Yagami, a very nice, smart, and caring student whose life changes when he finds a notebook. This notebook is known as the Death Note, and anyone whose name is written in it dies.

Light tests the boundaries and extent of the Death Note among individuals by writing their names inside it. Although he tries to stay undercover, the police begin an investigation to uncover his identity. But, due to his father being the chief of the Japanese National Police Agency, Light has access to the information that the police have obtained on the Death Note holder, who the public have named Kira.

I read this book because I was interested in its story, as well as how it has an anime adaptation. It was very interesting in that it showed how individuals may seem nice and caring on the outside but are actually far from it on the inside. Throughout the book, characters carry out sinister and inhuman acts, and the plot has many twists and turns.

I would highly recommend this book to those who watch anime (specifically teens) or those who are interested in reading manga before watching an anime like Death Note. I would also recommend this book to those who like more sinister and unpredictable manga.

Since the book reads from right to left rather than left to right, it might be confusing to read at first. However, over time, it becomes easier to follow.

Divergent

Written by Veronica Roth

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Adanya

    

Divergent is the first book in a dystopian trilogy set in a society that is organized into five factions: Amity, Erudite, Candor, Dauntless, and Abnegation. When Tris takes her aptitude test, she gets surprising results: she’s Divergent.

Tris transfers to the Dauntless faction, where she meets another Divergent named Four. Together, Tris and Four try to keep their secret while keeping the balance between the factions.

I would recommend reading Divergent because it has many lessons, such as that it’s okay to be different, that the decisions you make have big consequences, and that only you can choose to be who you are.

The Personal Librarian

Written by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

A book for adult readers reviewed by Stefanie

    

In The Personal Librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, who was hired by J.P. Morgan to curate manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built library, has a secret. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, a civil rights activist who was Harvard University’s first black graduate. However, his wife claimed their family was white. This tore their family apart, so Richard eventually left his wife and children, who changed their surname to “Greene.” To pass as white, Belle, who added “da Costa” to her last name, claimed to have Portuguese ancestors as a way of explaining her complexion.

I picked this book because I wanted to read something different. It’s not usually the kind of book I read, but it was interesting. This story was really different and offered an interesting perspective.

Animal Farm

Written by George Orwell

A book for readers in grades 8 and up reviewed by Olivia

    

George Orwell's Animal Farm captures the themes of tyranny, revolt, and the repetition of history. The book starts as an ambitious children's tale. When Mr. Jones, the owner of Manor Farm, falls asleep in a drunken stupor, all of his animals meet in the main barn at the behest of Old Major, a twelve-year-old pig. Major makes a rousing political speech about the horrors imposed on the animals by their human guardians and their desire to rebel against man's oppression. Shortly after Jones forgets to feed the cattle, a revolt takes place, and Jones and his men are chased off the farm.

Manor Farm is renamed Livestock Farm, and the Seven Commandments of Animalism are written on the barn wall, the most important being, "All animals are made equal." This is then changed to, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." Via the reform of the commandments, Orwell shows how political dogma can be transformed into malleable propaganda.

Animal Farm does not have children's book content! It has a lot of heavy things. According to Orwell, the novel represents the developments leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and then to the Stalinist period of the Soviet Union. He claimed that the Soviet Union had been a ruthless monarchy founded on a cult of personality and implemented by a reign of terror. In his 1946 essay "Why I Write," Orwell wrote that Animal Farm was the first book he attempted with complete awareness of what he was doing, which was to "mix political intent and creative purpose into one whole." In my humble opinion, he mastered that with flying colors.

I am not a history buff, and I am not familiar with all of the historical developments reflected in Animal Farm, but Orwell's narrative can be applied not only to the Russian Revolution, but to revolutions and changes of leadership in general. The animal protest against Farmer Jones is Orwell's comparison with the Bolshevik Revolution of October 1917. The Battle of the Cowshed was meant to reflect the Allied invasion of Soviet Russia in 1918. The rise of the pigs to preeminence represents the rise of the Stalinist bureaucracy in the Soviet Union, and the rise of Napoleon as the supreme head of the farm reflects the rise of Stalin. The pigs' appropriation of milk and apples for their own consumption is analogous to the suppression of the left-wing Kronstadt uprising against the Bolsheviks in 1921, and the complicated actions of the animals to create the windmill suggest the numerous Five-Year Plans.

Another subject of George Orwell's Animal Farm, which often strikes a satirical tone, is the notion that religion is the "opium of the people" (as Karl Marx famously wrote). Moses the Raven's talk of the Sugarcandy Mountain originally annoyed many of the creatures, since Moses, who is regarded as the "teller of stories," appears to be an inaccurate source. At this point, the animals are still optimistic for a better future, and thus discard Moses' paradise stories. But, as their lives worsen, the animals begin to believe him. Here, Orwell mocks the vain idea of a better place that simply does not exist. The pigs want Moses to remain on the farm—and even welcome his participation by rewarding him with beer—because they realize that his Sugarcandy Mountain tales can hold the animals docile. As long as they believe there is a better life after death, the animals can trudge through their current ones. Thus, Orwell suggests that religious devotion—considered by many as a noble character trait—can genuinely distort the manner in which one thinks about one's existence on Earth.

In the end, Animal Farm is a book that absolutely rocked me. It will torment and accompany me for the remainder of my life, and I will continue to fear and look forward to picking it up again and again.

Shutter

Written by Laurie Faria Stolarz

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Stefanie

    

This book is about how Day Connor, the main character, views her life through the lens of her camera. Thinking the perspective of her camera lens is everything, she views her camera differently than everyone else. She believes that photographs never tell a whole story, and I agree with that. Pictures just show where people are and might show them being happy, but we don't really know what they're actually going through.

When Day crosses paths with Julian, the world she observes and the truths she believes completely change. Julian is not armed and dangerous, but he has escaped from the police. They are searching for him, but his alibis don't add up. So, they believe he's guilty.

Day wants to find out if Julian is innocent or guilty. Later on, she develops feelings for Julian, which confuse her. This leads to things beginning to change.

I read Shutter because I like how it describes how the main character views things. I usually don’t read books or like reading, but this book just kept me hooked. I like mystery and romance, so reading Shutter was so amazing. From Shutter, I learned we can't judge someone if we don't know their entire story. This is shown with Julian, who was being chased by the police and felt like the entire world was against him while he was going through some things.

I would recommend this book to everyone, especially teens.

"The President Has Been Shot!": The Assassination of John F. Kennedy

Written by James L. Swanson

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Melissa 

    

In this book, James L. Swanson discusses how John F. Kennedy was assassinated while on a trip to Dallas, Texas. Swanson gives insight into the events during John F. Kennedy’s presidency, including both its successes and failures. He also explores how John F. Kennedy's murder was planned and set into motion by Lee Harvey Oswald, as well as how it was seen by millions nationwide.

I read this book because we learned about United States presidents in my Advanced Placement United States History class, and I wanted to learn more about John F. Kennedy’s presidency and how it ended. I liked how this book not only discussed his tragic death, but also gave readers insight into his early life. In the book, readers learn about John F. Kennedy's family and military background. I also like how the book gave very detailed insight into the events leading up to and after John F. Kennedy's death, as well as how it showed the national and international impact his death had on the world. Another feature of the book that I found interesting was that it gave insight into the life of Lee Harvey Oswald.

I would definitely recommend this book to individuals who are interested in more historical books, as well as those who are interested in learning more about historical figures and events for better insight in a history class.

Wonder

Written by R.J. Palacio

A book for readers in grades 3 and up reviewed by Aidan

    

This book is about a kid named Auggie Pullman, a ten-year-old who was born with facial differences. Because of his surgeries, he was homeschooled most of his life, but he is now finally going to go to a public school with other kids. Auggie's parents are nervous about him starting public school, and so is he. He's never experienced bullying, but understands he's different.

At his new school, Auggie makes two friends named Jack Will and Summer Dawson. His bully is Julian. At first, others join Julian in saying hurtful things to Auggie and giving him a hard time. As time passes, the other kids grow tired of Julian and his bullying, and everyone becomes friends with and helps defend Auggie.

I recommend Wonder because bullying is a serious issue. All people look different and should be treated as people no matter what. The book shows how bullying can affect a person's behavior and why bullies act the way they do. It also shows how bullying can be overcome with support from family and friends.

Milk and Honey

Written by Rupi Kaur

A book for adult readers reviewed by Nataly

    

Milk and Honey is a collection of poetry written by Rupi Kaur, whose childhood was not the best. She was raped by one of her family members, which traumatized her. In the book, Rupi goes through many things that not everyone has experienced. However, those who have may not feel alone.

I recommend Milk and Honey to those who are mature and love deep, meaningful poetry. The book shows what broke its author and made her vulnerable, as well as how she learned and (most importantly) healed.

Though I have never experienced what Rupi Kaur went through, some parts of Milk and Honey were super relatable. Overall, this is a book that taps into your emotions and makes you think.

Animal Farm

Written by George Orwell

A book for readers in grades 8 and up reviewed by Molly

    

A classical political satire, Animal Farm tells the story of personified animals rebelling against their human farmer. Tired of their constant mistreatment, the animals turn to the ideas of Animalism to take down Farmer Jones once and for all. They succeed in their revolution, but all is not well. Peace and harmony is only secured for a moment, then other animals begin to seek power.

I actually really enjoyed Animal Farm. It's a classic for a reason, but I expected to feel pretty neutral towards it. I loved the satirical aspects of the book, and the overall message was really well elaborated through the plot. It was a pretty easy read, and I'd definitely recommend it beyond just reading it as a school assignment.

The Misfits

Written by James Howe

A book for readers in grades 5 and up reviewed by Aaron

    

The Misfits by James Howe tells the story of four kids in middle school. They are not your ordinary group of kids, though: they describe themselves as outspoken misfits. These “misfits” live in a small rural town called Paintbrush Falls. Together, they all fight for justice, freedom, and liberty for all. When the student council election comes up, they must struggle for their voices to be heard.

I would definitely recommend The Misfits to anyone. I think this book would be very beneficial in helping someone see things from an unpopular person’s point of view. Many kids can relate to this point of view, and other kids can learn from it, too.

Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Sea of Monsters

Written by Rick Riordan

A book for readers in grades 4 and up reviewed by Aaron

    

The Sea of Monsters is the second book in the Percy Jackson series. It is a story about Percy Jackson going through a very normal high school year until monsters confront him during an innocent game of PE dodgeball.

When Percy finds out from his friend, Annabeth, that the tree protecting his fellow demigods at Camp Half-Blood has been poisoned, he must go on a quest to save the tree. The only thing that can save the tree is the Golden Fleece, a relic of Greek history that can heal anything. When Percy finds out that his best friend, Grover, is missing, he must go and fight the giant Polyphemus to save him.

In my opinion, everybody should read The Sea of Monsters. Friendship is a very important theme in the book, and it teaches you that you may have to work with your enemies for the greater good. This is a lesson that many people can use. It can apply to one's personal life or professional life, as well as in school for kids who don't have jobs yet.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Volume 1

Written and Illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto

A manga for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Melissa

    

This manga is set many years after Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. Naruto Uzumaki, the main character of Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, was a young shinobi who dreamt of one day becoming the Hokage of Hidden Leaf Village. Naruto became Hidden Leaf Village's Hokage, but this series follows Boruto Uzumaki, who is Naruto's son.

Boruto depicts the lives of a new generation of future shinobi, as well as the hardships they must face to achieve their goals. Volume 1 introduces Boruto, who is perceived as a spoiled troublemaker. But, although he is seen negatively, Boruto is loyal. He is willing to do whatever it takes to keep people safe and stop them from being treated unfairly. In particular, he is willing to sacrifice a very important milestone in his life to keep his friend protected from harm.

I read this book because I was interested to see how the characters from Naruto and Naruto Shippuden changed years later. I also wanted to know how the Boruto manga differs from the anime. I liked how Boruto was written with similar characteristics to his father. Although Boruto is angered by his absence, he seems to have the same morals and values as Naruto when it comes to protecting people. I would highly recommend this manga to individuals who have watched the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden anime series, as well as those who have read the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden manga.

The Maze Runner

Written by James Dashner

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Andielynn

    

The Maze Runner is a dystopian novel where a group of individuals are locked inside the Glade, a prison with four high concrete walls. Outside of the Glade is a giant labyrinth known as the Maze.

When the Glade's walls open up, the people inside, who are known as Gladers, run out to try and escape the Maze. However, there are creatures within the Maze's walls that could attack and instantly kill them. After trial and error from each of the Gladers, they finally sprint to the Maze's exit only to realize they were all just test subjects for an organization.

I really liked reading The Maze Runner because its action and suspense kept me on my toes. I also like that the book has a movie adaptation. The film makes it easier for readers to visualize the book's events. However, I liked the book better because I felt that the movie did not really capture some of the things that the author wrote.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Written by Becky Albertalli

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Molly

    

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda follows Simon Spier, a closeted high schooler whose interests lie in musical theater and eating Oreos. Using a secret email address, Simon chats with an anonymous user named Blue, who he ends up falling for. When one of his emails finds its way into the wrong hands, Simon must navigate out of his comfort zone and authentically be himself without losing his friends, distancing his family members, and missing his chance at happiness with Blue.

I really enjoyed Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. I expected to find the book entertaining, but it’s really much more than that. While the movie was pure entertainment, I felt the book was pretty realistic in depicting what Simon faced. Simon is portrayed as very earnest, which is pretty admirable. However, this can sometimes be what gets him into situations that he finds difficult to navigate. I really liked how all of the characters were three-dimensional. No one was flawless or without reaction to Simon’s truth.

We Were Liars

Written by E. Lockhart

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Molly

    

We Were Liars tells the story of Cadence Sinclair, a teenager from a rich family who's suffering from countless illnesses. Every summer, Cadence and her extended family spend their time in one of their lavish mansions on an island off the coast of Martha's Vineyard. They paint the picture-perfect image of a beautiful family. They seem authentic until Cadence retells her stories of each summer.

Cadence's cousin, Johnny, brings along his friend Gat, who will continue to return for countless summers. Eventually, Cadence falls in love with Gat. Not only does he provide a stark contrast to what Cadence may view as “normal,” but he also becomes part of a decision that will change both of their lives forever.

Of all the books I've ever read, We Were Liars is easily my favorite. Lockhart’s writing kept me hooked from the beginning. Not only was the plot interesting, but the imagery was engaging and attention-grabbing. Since my first time reading this book, I’ve definitely returned to re-read it at least four times.

We Were Liars

Written by E. Lockhart

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Rida

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart is a suspenseful Young Adult novel. Johnny, Mirren, and Cadence are part of the rich Sinclair family. Their grandfather bought an island, where he made a house for each of his daughters. Johnny, Mirren, and Cadence, along with an outsider named Gat, are the liars mentioned in the book's title. They have a very close friendship, but a big tragedy happens out of nowhere.

I enjoyed the book's plot and thought it ended with a real twist, but I found myself bored during some parts. I wish its plot had a few more exciting events to grab the reader's attention a little more.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Written by Stephen Chbosky

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Rida

    

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chbosky is an excellent coming-of-age story. The main character is an introverted high school freshman named Charlie. He is nervous about high school, but thankfully gets rescued by his friendships with two siblings named Sam and Patrick. Their friendship lasts throughout the book. Charlie, Sam, and Patrick hang out often. When graduation comes, everyone in Charlie's new friend group realizes that he is a wallflower.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a great book covering teen topics that are often seen in movies. I liked this book because it was a mix of several genres, such as realistic fiction, romance, and comedy. I would recommend this book to people who love any of those genres.

Elena Vanishing

Written by Elena Dunkle and Clare B. Dunkle

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Nataly

    

Elena Vanishing is an amazing book! It really gave me a look into what those who struggle with eating go through. Elena has a constant battle in her head, which causes her to think badly about herself and not want to take a bite of her food.

Elena Vanishing is very raw. It shows strength, beauty, and struggles. I highly recommend this book not only to those with eating disorders, but also to those who don't live with them. It’s very eye-opening and shows how you can come out stronger through pain.

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

Written by Evelyn Hardcastle

A book for adult readers reviewed by Sarah

    

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton presents an entirely new spin on the murder mystery genre. The story is set in Blackheath House during a masquerade party hosted by the illustrious Hardcastle family. However, Aiden Bishop, the story’s protagonist, is unaware that someone is out to kill Evelyn Hardcastle, and he is the special someone responsible for finding her killer. Until Aiden is successful in his task, he must relive the day from within the body of another guest at the party. He will have to use that guest’s unique attributes and connections to solve the mystery. He has eight days - and eight bodies - to save Evelyn from her inevitable death. As he struggles with his own identity, Aiden must be perseverant, clever, and (above all) quick.

I personally thought this novel was one of the most creative, unpredictable books I have ever read. Turton incorporates classic murder mystery and whodunnit tropes, as well as time-loop tropes akin to the movie Groundhog Day, into his story. By smashing these genres together, as well as adding his own sprinkle of whimsy and stunning plot twists, Turton has created a truly captivating novel for all ages to enjoy.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Written by Jamie Ford

A book for adult readers reviewed by Sarah

    

In Jamie Ford's immersive novel Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, a Chinese man named Henry Lee reflects on his childhood growing up during World War II. During this time, Japanese people in America were being sent to internment camps across the country. Henry's memories are sparked by the uncovering of hundreds of items hidden in the basement of the Panama Hotel that belonged to Japanese families. Not only do we fully experience America's racial climate and the treatment of minorities during the 1940s, but we are able to reflect on how our country has drastically improved throughout the decades. The novel also deeply explores Henry's relationships with his stoic, nationalistic parents, his childhood love Keiko (whose family was sent to an internment camp), and his future son Marty, who just wants to understand his father and his past.

I personally love this book for its realistic and relatable portrayal of the interpersonal relationships we maintain in our everyday lives, especially our familial ties. This book teaches us that family is not limited to the people connected to us by blood. Regardless of social upbringing, family, or race, family can be found in anyone who helps us understand that we are not alone in the world.

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie

Written by Marie Benedict

A book for adult readers reviewed by Stefanie

    

The main character of The Mystery of Mrs. Christie is Agatha Christie, but she’s missing. No one knows where was she is. Investigators search through all of her belongings. They also check her car, which they find on an edge near a pond. The investigators start to form ideas, but the only clue they can find is a fur coat left in her car. Mrs. Christie’s husband and daughter don’t know what she does on a regular basis or her current whereabouts, which makes you curious about and suspicious of them. Eventually, Agatha reappears out of nowhere with amnesia, so she can’t explain how and why she disappeared.

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie caught my attention from the beginning. It makes you curious about what happened to Agatha Christie. I really recommend this book because it will make you want to continue reading to learn what happened to her.

Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen

Written by Serena Valentino

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Jivan

    

I enjoyed this book. It was about Queen Grimhilde, the Evil Queen, and gave her more depth and backstory. It was interesting how the Odd Sisters tried to kill Snow White. But, I disliked Queen Grimhilde's father, and I didn't like the fact that he was also The Magic Mirror too much. However, I liked how Snow White was given more depth.

Overall, I found it interesting how each character was logically expanded in this book, as well as liked how their personalities were written.

Of Mice And Men

Written by John Steinbeck

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Sarah

    

Of Mice and Men tells the tale of George and Lenny, two lifelong friends trying to make a living in Salinas, California during the Great Depression. Together, they face many obstacles while working as farmhands at a ranch where everyone seems to only fend for themselves. From a short but passionate fighter who has always had it out for the big guy to a crippled black man who has isolated himself after years of being tormented on the ranch, everyone has a story to tell. Lenny and George hang on to their dream of living carefree lives on a small farm of their own as the characters get wound up in conflicts of pride, women, and truths that are hard to bare.

Although this novel was hard to swallow at first, I found myself strongly attached to its characters, the problems that they faced, and how they all contribute to a larger message about our society. The people of the ranch were plagued by racial, gender-based, and socioeconomic problems that ruled over their lives. Many of the characters succumbed to their problems and did horrible things because of them. Yet, in the chaos, George and Lenny maintained a beautiful friendship until the end, as they always looked out for one another through thick and thin.

The Joy Luck Club

Written by Amy Tan

A book for adult readers reviewed by Rida

    

The Joy Luck Club focuses on eight characters: four daughters and four mothers. All four mothers immigrated from China to the United States, and the story soon follows their four daughters. However, the mothers and daughters all tell their own life stories, such as how the mothers immigrated to America and the daughters’ experiences growing up in America as the children of Chinese immigrants.

I liked reading this book because I could relate to the experiences of the American-raised daughters. It was easy to understand why they felt certain emotions, such as anger and sadness. I also liked the fact that the author wrote the book in a way that some moments in the story were flashbacks, which gave the reader some context to the characters’ lives. However, at the beginning of the book, I did not realize that the author had incorporated some flashbacks of different characters throughout the chapters, so it was pretty confusing until I re-read certain chapters and came to fully understand what was happening.

The Giver

Written by Lois Lowry

A book for readers in grades 6 and up reviewed by Jose

    

The Giver is about Jonas, an eleven-year-old boy living in a dystopian world where everyone is assigned a role for the rest of their lives. Everyone seemingly lives a life devoid of pain and suffering, as well as individuality.

When he becomes twelve years old, Jonas is assigned to be the Receiver of Memory. He receives training from The Giver, who gives him new emotions and memories. Jonas has to deal with these emotions and memories, which are both positive and negative.

This book was compelling to read. I liked how it illustrated the society Jonas lived in and how life typically goes for its inhabitants. Overall, I enjoyed immersing myself in Jonas' world.

Local Woman Missing

Written by Mary Kubica

A book for adult readers reviewed by Stefanie

    

In Local Woman Missing, people have gone missing. A mother and her six-year-old daughter are the first to go missing, then another woman goes missing nearby. Like in every missing person case, a search is done. Years later, the six-year-old returns. Everybody wants to know what happened to her, and they don’t leave her alone. Without giving away spoilers, what they find out is something really big and shocking.

I had Local Woman Missing for a while and never got the chance to actually read it. However, when I started reading it, I was hooked. I would really recommend this book to someone who’s into mystery.

Night

Written by Elie Wiesel

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Grace

    

When I read Night, it made me realize the heartache and pain that Elie Wiesel and other people who lived in Nazi concentration camps went through. The book informed me of different things that happened back then, which I did not know about before.

Overall, this book was great. I had a lot of interest and couldn’t stop reading. I would truly recommend it.

Long Way Down

Written by Jason Reynolds

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Jose   

    

Jason Reynolds’ Long Way Down is about Will, a fifteen-year-old teen who lives in a rough neighborhood dealing with gun violence. He became distraught after Shawn, his older brother who he looked up to, was shot and killed. Now, Will wants to avenge his brother by killing his murderer. However, he will soon realize that may not be the best option.

I liked Long Way Down because it is written in free-verse poetry. I have never read a book like this before. Each page has a different format that emphasizes the setting, dialogue, and emotions present in the story. Each of the book's pages is short, which makes you want to continue reading it.