The Time Machine

Written by H.G. Wells

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

        

In The Time Machine, a man makes an extraordinary break in science. He creates a time machine with the ability to move through the past and future. The Time Traveler travels to the year 802,701, where life is very different then where he once was. The society humans had built was destroyed and totally different from what he could have ever imagined.

The Time Traveler makes both friends and enemies. He also learns much about the people of the future while also having questions about how the human race got to this point in time.

The Time Machine has to be one of the best books that I have ever read. I enjoy futuristic movies and books, so I automatically loved this book. I also loved how different it was from typical movies and books about the future. The Time Machine leaves you with many questions, and I highly recommend it to those who like to think about what the future holds for humankind.

The Hating Game

Written by Sally Thorne

A book for adult readers reviewed by Caitlin

        

The Hating Game follows Lucy Hutton, who has always been the nice girl in her office. One day, the company she works for has a merger and becomes Bexley & Gamin. This merger brings new workers like Joshua Templeman, an intimidating and straight to the point worker, into the workplace. When Lucy and Joshua are forced to work right across from each other, a hatred forms between them. The two are constantly playing mind games with each other until their hatred turns into something else…

The Hating Game’s writing is nicely paced, and its romance made me smile the entire time I was reading it. At times, this book was extremely funny and cute, which made reading it so enjoyable. I finished this book in one sitting, which shows how much I adored it.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Written by J.K. Rowling

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

    

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone follows young Harry Potter, who one day discovers the truth about his destiny. It turns out that Harry is a wizard! However, he is still new to the magical world, which has creatures, flying books, and wands! Throughout his journey, Harry befriends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, who soon become his best friends as he uncovers the dark secrets behind Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 

I have such a strong love for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone because its writing makes me feel like I am with the characters as they go on adventures. This is the type of book that I can reread over and over again throughout my life without getting tired of it. The best part about this book is that there are more books that expand Harry Potter’s magical world.

It Ends with Us

Written by Colleen Hoover

A book for adult readers reviewed by Caitlin

        

It Ends with Us follows Lily Bloom as she unexpectedly meets Ryle Kincaid, who she soon becomes romantically involved with. This unexpected love leads Lily to relive traces of her past that she is trying to run away from. With the horrors of Lily’s past coming back to haunt her, she finds herself also meeting her first love after so many years have passed.

This book has become one of my all-time favorite reads. It has everything, from romance, drama, and heartbreak to comical moments. Colleen Hoover’s writing can suck the readers in and get them immediately hooked!

Lord of the Flies

Written by William Golding

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

        

William Golding's Lord of the Flies won him the Nobel Prize in Literature. The book follows a gang of youngsters who find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island and tragically attempt to self-govern. The tensions between groupthink and individualism, rational and emotional reactions, and morality and immorality are among the themes explored.

Lord of the Flies is a great work of literature. It shows the true nature of humankind and how people may turn into savage animals when placed in life-or-death situations. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys realistic fiction.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Written by J.K. Rowling

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

    

On his 11^th birthday, Harry receives a letter from a huge guy named Hagrid asking him to study magic at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He learns that he is not simply a wizard, but also a well-known one. Harry meets Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, who become his two best pals, and creates his first enemy, Draco Malfoy.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a famous work that has been adapted into a movie. It is world-renowned for its great in-depth story that will captivate all readers. Any reader will enjoy this book, as they will be excited to see what will happen next to our hero Harry. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys entering different worlds of magic and wonder.

The Chronicles of Narnia

Written by C.S. Lewis

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

        

The Chronicles of Narnia is a compilation of all seven books in The Chronicles of Narnia series. The series is about a mysterious kingdom where four siblings can escape reality. It takes place in Narnia, a magical land filled with fantastic beasts and talking animals. The series tells the stories of several children who play pivotal roles in Narnia’s developing history.

I feel that The Chronicles of Narnia can have a religious interpretation. The storyline finds the main godlike character killed and brought back to life. This instance could be seen as similar to the crucifixion and how Jesus rose from the dead.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys far-fetched fiction.

The Great Gatsby

Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald

A book for readers in grades 11 and up reviewed by Joseph

        

The Great Gatsby is told from the perspective of Nick Carraway as he retells his experience on Long Island with his cousin, Daisy, and his friend, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby spends the entirety of the book attempting to win Daisy’s affections. When he finally does, it leads to trouble for everyone close to them.  

 

The Great Gatsby is truly a classic. Throughout the novel, the reader is entertained by Carraway’s descriptions of parties and life as an outsider of the elite. As the story develops, the reader will be captivated by the intensity of Daisy’s and Gatsby’s relationship, as well as all the trouble that ensues because of it. This is a great book for both academic and leisurely reading.

The Scarlet Letter

Written by Nathaniel Hawthorne

A book for readers in grades 11 and up reviewed by Joseph

    

The Scarlet Letter centers around the harsh consequences of a puritan town and how breaking tradition causes Hester Prynne to have to wear a symbol of her transgressions in public. The book follows the mystery of her daughter's conception and past family relationships. Hester must learn to raise her daughter without letting her past affect her future.

 

The Scarlet Letter is written in an older style, which may cause some readers to lose the meaning of what is being said. However, the plot’s revelations about Hester Prynne’s past are captivating. Overall, this is a good book that explores the misconceptions about evil and guilt that were once held in society.

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus

Written by Mary Shelley

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

        

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus follows the moral obligations of a creator to their creation through the storyline of Frankenstein and his monster. After becoming obsessed with science and magic, Victor Frankenstein finds a way to create life through the dismembered body parts of the dead. Humanity’s disregard and neglect toward the monster causes him to lash out in gruesome ways. Frankenstein must find a way to make up for his wrongdoings or continue to face consequences for his actions.

 

This is a fantastic book that looks into many philosophical dilemmas, such as judgment based on looks, the duty of a creator, and the importance of companionship. Although the beginning of the novel seems dragged out, the plot quickly picks up speed once the monster is created. The reader will continually want to read about what Frankenstein will do to stop his monster, as well as what is causing the monster to lash out.

Ugly Love

Written by Colleen Hoover

A book for adult readers reviewed by Emma

        

Colleen Hoover is a truly phenomenal author and never fails to encapsulate a great deal of emotions in her books. Throughout Ugly Love, you experience a roller coaster of emotions, whether it be love, loss, or heartbreak. Miles and Tate have a young, blooming relationship that never fails to surprise readers and constantly leaves them on the edge of their seats. Not only will you fall in love with this book, but you will also learn valuable lessons, such as that you cannot be selfish and that you need to work through the past in order to create a beautiful future.

It Ends with Us

Written by Colleen Hoover

A book for adult readers reviewed by Emma

        

It Ends with Us is phenomenal in that it truly takes you through the experience of a domestic abuse survivor. It is one of the best books that I have ever read and has made me a huge fan of Colleen Hoover. The author truly describes the emotions and complications experienced by the main character, Lily. Readers will be tremendously engaged and feel as though they are in her shoes. Overall, this book will alter your mind about falling in love and heartbreak, as well as open a whole new world about your ideas relating to abuse.

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Written by Khaled Hosseini

A book for adult readers reviewed by Lauren

        

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a chilling story about the harsh realities of women living in Afghanistan. It is told through the alternating perspectives of Mariam and Laila, the wives of a cruel man named Rasheed who abuses them. Despite their initial dislike towards one another, they bond through their shared trauma and experiences, which allows them to build a sense of family despite their struggles and losses.

This novel is heartbreaking and emotional, as it depicts the harsh realities of living under Afghanistan's oppressive rule. Additionally, it details the realities of life during wartime through the eyes of two unassuming women and their battle for freedom. The characters and their stories are moving, and it is impossible not to emphasize with their struggles and bravery during difficult times.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

Written by Holly Jackson

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

        

Holly Jackson’s novel A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder tells the story of high school senior Pippa Fitz-Amobi. For a school project, she decides to reexamine the tragic murder of Andie Bell in their small town, which was committed by Andie’s boyfriend, Sal Singh. However, through her analysis of the case, Pippa begins to uncover the secrets of her town, putting herself in danger as she discovers that Sal was framed for the crime.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder keeps the reader guessing throughout as they uncover the mystery with Pippa. The plot is bone-chilling, as Pippa’s personal life interconnects with the case even more than she originally believed. The novel is filled with different twists and turns that are impossible to predict, as well as characters that one cannot help but love.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Written by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A book for adult readers reviewed by Lauren

        

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid tells the captivating story of Hollywood actress Evelyn Hugo and her rise to fame through ruthless ambition and unwavering talent. The book shifts between modern times and her rise to stardom in the 1950s as she details her life story to a reporter, Monique Grant. During her rise to fame, Evelyn meets another Hollywood actress, Celia St. James, who she forms a secret relationship with despite the intense bigotry of the time. To safeguard themselves, as well as their relationship during a period characterized by Hollywood splendor and blatant homophobia, Evelyn is willing to do whatever it takes, including marrying men she does not love.

This novel is an empowering story that brings light to the hardships that members of the LGBTQ community face, as well as the strength that it takes to overcome these obstacles while in the limelight. Despite the flaws that each character has, it is impossible not to grow to love and root for them.

Don't Turn Around

Written by Michelle Gagnon

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

        

Michelle Gagnon’s Don’t Turn Around is about sixteen-year-old Noa Torson, who wakes up in a warehouse with little memory of what happened to her. On the same night she escapes from the warehouse, Peter Gregory discovers the AMRF corporation’s Persephone Project when he hacks into their database.

After teaming up with Peter, Noa hacks into AMRF’s database and discovers a file with her name in it. This causes her to become further entangled with Project Persephone alongside Peter as they try to understand its purpose.

I liked Don’t Turn Around because Noa’s story of trying to understand why she was taken is compelling. In the beginning of the book, the story alternates between Noa’s and Peter’s points of view, giving a nice contrast between the two and showing how they are entangled in Project Persephone. Overall, this book is worth reading if you like stories where the protagonist is trying to solve a mystery about themselves and the situation that they’re in.

Nomad

Written by William Alexander

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

        

William Alexander’s Nomad begins in the past by introducing Nadia, who was Earth’s Ambassador. She was on the moon in the Zvezda Lunar Base to discuss the Machinae Lanes with an alien ambassador. The story then shifts to the present and introduces Gabe Fuentes, who is currently Earth’s Ambassador.

Gabe is on the abandoned Zvezda Lunar Base with Kaen, the Kaen alien fleet’s ambassador. The two travel to the Kaen fleet hidden in an asteroid, where they have to find out how the Outlast, a race that wants to dominate the universe, are traveling at an impossible rate and conquering other worlds.

I liked Nomad because it is very immersive. It describes how different alien races can coexist within the Kaen fleet and explores how Gabe adapts to staying with the fleet. Overall, this book is worth reading if you are interested in science fiction and like to ponder about the universe.

The Hate U Give

Written by Angie Thomas

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

        

The Hate U Give is a novel about Starr, who struggles keeping balance between her school life and her home life after her best friend is murdered by a police officer. Now, she must grapple with racism, police brutality, and activism while trying to figure out who she is.

I would recommend this novel because it teaches you to always stand up for what you believe in, as well as to always be true to yourself. Readers will grow attached to Starr as she goes on a self-journey to learn her wants and needs.

The Boy and Girl Who Broke the World

Written by Amy Reed

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

        

The Boy and Girl Who Broke the World is a novel about Billy, an optimist with a rough background, and Lydia, who always seems to be on the gloomy side. When their schools merge, Billy and Lydia cross paths. At first, Lydia is wary of Billy, but she begins to grow to like his optimism. They form a strong relationship that changes everything for them.

I would recommend The Boy and Girl Who Broke the World because it connects readers to its characters’ perspectives. Throughout the novel, we can easily understand Lydia and Billy’s emotions as they struggle. The story doesn’t drag on, either, since it alternates between different points of view.

All The Bright Places

Written by Jennifer Niven

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

        

All the Bright Places is a novel about mental illness, as well as its effects on those suffering from it and the people around them. Finch and Violet meet at the top of their school's bell tower. They both intend to jump off, but they instead decide to save each other.

I would recommend this book because it teaches us to always treat others with kindness, especially since we may not know what someone is going through. We can see from Violet and Finch’s points of view how it feels when you have no one to turn to.

H.I.V.E.: The Higher Institute of Villainous Education

Written by Mark Walden

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

        

Mark Walden’s H.I.V.E.: The Higher Institute of Villainous Education is about Otto Malpense, a thirteen-year-old boy who wakes up on a helicopter flying over an ocean with no recollection of how he got there. He gets taken to a school called the Higher Institute of Villainous Education (or H.I.V.E.) that is hidden in an active volcano. The school is run by Dr. Nero with the purpose of training children to become villains. Rather than remain stuck at H.I.V.E. for six years, Otto soon expresses his desire to escape from the school.

I liked reading H.I.V.E.: The Higher Institute of Villainous Education because it has really compelling characters. The book has good dialogue that perfectly captures each character’s personality. I also liked how it has a detailed plot, which kept me hooked as I continued to read.

Overall, H.I.V.E.: The Higher Institute of Villainous Education is enjoyable and worth reading.

The Angel Factory

Written by Terence Blacker

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

    

Terence Blacker’s The Angel Factory is about Thomas Wisdom, a boy who was raised in a seemingly perfect family in England. In addition to loving parents, he also has an older sister.

Thomas begins to question if his family life is too good to be true. He somewhat complains to his best friend Gip about how perfect his family is and wishes that they would berate him for doing something wrong.

After Thomas explains his parents’ strange behavior (such as how they go to the bathroom at the same time every morning), he and Gip, who suspects Thomas’ parents might be in the CIA, decide to hack into Thomas’ dad's computer. Thomas discovers that his family is not his real family. He was adopted, and he soon discovers his adoptive family’s motives.

I liked The Angel Factory because I found Thomas and the other characters compelling to read about. There are a lot of twists throughout the story that I found enjoyable and shocking. Everything that Thomas knew may not be as it seems, and I liked reading his reactions to the plot’s revelations. Overall, I would say that this book is worth reading.

The Sun Is Also a Star

Written by Nicola Yoon

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

        

The Sun Is Also a Star tells the story of Natasha, a Jamaican American who is hours away from her family being deported, and Daniel, a Korean American struggling to meet his family’s expectations. While Daniel believes in fate, Natasha believes in science. When they meet, Daniel is confident that fate brought him and Natasha together. In order to prove this to Natasha, Daniel proposes that he can make her fall in love with him scientifically.

I recommend this book because it teaches us what life is like for a modern-day immigrant. Both Natasha and Daniel struggle to stay true to their cultural roots while also maintaining an American identity. They both want to build their American identities on their own terms with their own dreams and aspirations.

Everything, Everything

Written by Nicola Yoon

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

        

Everything, Everything is the first book written by Nicola Yoon and was published in 2015. It tells the story of the day-to-day life of eighteen-year-old Maddy, who lives with severe combined immunodeficiency (or SCID). Suddenly, she meets Olly, the boy next door. Though her illness stops her from leaving her house, Olly will stop at nothing to see Maddy in person.

I recommend this book because it teaches you to take risks. Even if you’re afraid of an outcome and how it may affect you, you may find enjoyment and learn new things about yourself.

Drama

Written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier

A graphic novel for readers in grades 3 and up reviewed by Bella

        

Callie loves theater, but she unfortunately can’t sing. So, she joins the stage crew of her school’s production of Moon Over Mississippi as a set designer.

Callie underestimates the drama of her school’s drama club and finds herself struggling. The members of the drama club are not getting along, and the problems get more heated once everyone finds out who got what part in Moon Over Mississippi. Callie then has to try to make an amazing set design for the production while on a tight middle school budget.

As a former stage crew member, I find this book super fun and relatable. I loved its storyline and would definitely recommend it to anybody who has been a part of a team or club.