Sanity & Tallulah

Written and illustrated by Molly Brooks

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

    

Sanity and Tallulah is a book about two friends, Sanity Jones and Tallulah Vega. They both live in a space station, but find that living there can be pretty dull. As a result, they conduct fun science experiments to help keep them from being bored. When their new experiment escapes from the station, they need to find it before it causes mayhem.

I like Sanity and Tallulah because it was written and illustrated in a comic book format, which is fun to look at while you are reading. This book is interesting and makes you want to continue reading to see what will happen next. Overall, I would recommend it to other kids.

The Kite Runner

Written by Khaled Hosseini

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

        

The Kite Runner, written and published by Khaled Hosseini in 2003, tells the story of Amir from his time as a young boy living in Kabul, Afghanistan to when he is forced to leave his country and immigrate to the United States when Afghanistan is no longer safe. The second half of the novel centers on Amir returning to Afghanistan and helping his childhood friend’s son escape from the country.

The Kite Runner does not pull any punches with its gritty, depressingly realistic portrayal of Kabul and the Taliban’s control over it. It showcases themes such as racism, the search for redemption, and the effects of childhood sexual assault with the seriousness and nuance that they deserve. This is a worthy read for anyone who believes they can handle it.

The Bronze Bow

Written by Elizabeth George Speare

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

        

The Bronze Bow is set in first century Galilee, Israel. The main character is Daniel Bar Jamin, who lives in the same time as Jesus. Daniel learns how to forgive the Romans after they kill his father.

Overall, The Bronze Bow is great in teaching people how we should always forgive. However, it’s very wordy and quite hard to understand at times.

Night

Written by Elie Wiesel

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

        

Night is a memoir written by Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. He recalls the horrible time when his family was separated during World War II. He writes about the hardships and horrors of living in and out of concentration camps.

Night is one of my favorite books that I have recently read. It is a powerful and raw story revealing the true atrocities that were committed during the Holocaust. Elie lives on to tell his story and represents all of the lives lost in World War II.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Written by Harper Lee

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

        

To Kill a Mockingbird is the story of a young girl’s coming-of-age story during the 1930s. The novel dives into the darker sides of America, including the consequences of racism. The plot shows how good and evil can coexist within one person, as well as society itself.

I liked reading To Kill a Mockingbird very much. It is one of the most famous and influential novels of its time. It can help give readers a real perspective of prejudice.

The Great Gatsby

Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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

        

 

The Great Gatsby takes place during the Roaring 20s.The story follows a man named Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, and his pursuit of his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby flashes around his wealth and throws extravagant parties at his mansion in hopes that Daisy will find her way back to him.

I personally loved reading The Great Gatsby. The book’s many uses of symbolism gave it an overall deeper meaning. It greatly defines and represents the Roaring 20s.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection Volume 2

Written and illustrated by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird

A graphic novel for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Donte

        

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection Volume 2, which was originally published by Mirage Studios in the 1990s, continues the adventures of the four Turtles and their rat sensei, Splinter, as they battle new enemies and face old foes. This volume features a more complex storyline and character development, with the Turtles questioning their purpose and struggling with their identities. The art style continues to be simple yet effective, with detailed illustrations that showcase the action scenes and emotional moments. The introduction of new characters, such as Casey Jones and the vigilante Nobody, adds depth to the story and creates new dynamics in the group.

Overall, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection Volume 2 is a great continuation of the series’ first volume. It builds upon the foundations laid in the first volume while exploring new themes and introducing new elements to the TMNT universe. As a fan of the Turtles and a comic book enthusiast, I enjoyed this compelling and entertaining volume. I particularly liked how it developed the Turtles and progressed the story.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection Volume 1

Written and illustrated by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird

A graphic novel for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Donte

        

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection Volume 1 is the original comic book series created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird that launched the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise. Published by Mirage Studios in the 1980s, the series follows the adventures of four mutated turtles named after Renaissance artists - Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael - who are trained by their rat sensei, Splinter, to fight crime on the streets of New York City.

The first volume of TMNT is a gritty and violent comic that takes a darker approach to the characters compared to the more kid-friendly adaptations that would follow. The art style is simple yet effective, with black-and-white illustrations that capture the raw energy of the action scenes. Despite its initial cult following, the series would go on to become a massive cultural phenomenon, spawning countless adaptations in film, television, and merchandise.

The original TMNT comics remain a beloved part of the franchise's history and are a must-read for fans of the Turtles and comic book enthusiasts alike. I loved reading this book for its action and story. It was fun, and the dark and comedic scenes kept me engaged.

Tuesdays with Morrie

Written by Mitch Albom

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

        

Tuesdays with Morrie is a true story about a man reconnecting with his old professor, who is currently dying. The old professor and the student were very close in college, but sadly began to drift apart until the student saw the professor on television talking about his disease. The student began to reunite with his professor every Tuesday to be taught life lessons.

I personally enjoyed Tuesdays with Morrie because it is very educational and easy to read. The lessons taught by the professor are very simple but meaningful. The book was also interesting because it showed the process of ALS and how it affects even healthy people.

The Other Wes Moore

Written by Wes Moore

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

    

 

The Other Wes Moore is a story about two boys who grew up in a similar neighborhood with similar situations and the same name, but had different outcomes in life. Both boys grew up in a single parent household, were consistently misbehaving, and got into trouble with the law. They were both in similar situations until one went to military school and wrote a book while the other robbed a jewelry store and went to prison.

While some parts of The Other Wes Moore were confusing due to both main characters having the same exact name, I enjoyed it. This book was fairly simple to read and was very interesting. The development for both characters was very interesting in that it showed what each character felt when they were doing both good and bad things, as well as how their actions affected them emotionally.

The Crucible

Written by Arthur Miller

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

    

The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a story that takes place during the Salem Witch Trials. It is about a girl who falsely accuses a woman of being a witch for her own benefit. She uses the religious biases of the courts and others' fear of witches to her advantage in ruining a couple's lives.

I personally enjoyed this book because of how it can relate to people now. It shows that everyone can lie and manipulate others in order to get what they want. I also liked how it showed the community’s panic and fear, as well as how their fear caused them to make radical decisions.

The Lost Boy

Written by David Pelzer

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

        

In The Lost Boy, the main character is a small boy named David Pelzer, who was emotionally, mentally, and physically abused by his mother. His mom mad him eat the scraps from what was left over from what his sibling had eaten, and his dad didn't do much as he should have. But, if he had done something, this would make the situation worse and David would get into more trouble. Another way his mom had abused him was when she had him go into the garage in the midst of winter and made him stay there until she said otherwise. That's when David decides he has had enough and leaves home.

I like The Lost Boy because it was written very well. The book didn't lose focus on its plot and was very entertaining. It kept me hooked because of how real it felt. I would recommend it to people who like books about true events and people who like sad stories.

Classroom of the Elite Volume 1

Written by Syougo Kinugasa

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

        

Classroom of the Elite Volume 1 is a light novel about a guy named Ayanokoji, who was scientifically made superhuman. Ayanokoji was trained to have immense strength, speed, and knowledge. He wanted to have a normal life like everyone else, but was forbidden from doing so by his father. Ayanokoji escapes from his father and goes to school, where his dad can't forcibly take him. Ayanokoji gets the social experience that he was previously denied by his father.

One reason I liked Classroom of the Elite, Volume 1 is because I think the story is well written. The plot doesn’t have holes, and it shows that no human can be perfect. Even though one may be physically stronger and more intelligent than most, they could be weaker in their social interactions. I would recommend this book to people who like action, psychology, and drama.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows

Written by J.K. Rowling

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

        

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows follows Harry and his friends during their final year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They struggle to defeat Voldemort, the wizard who turned bad and uses his magic for evil instead of good. Harry, Hermione, and Ron have to figure out a way to save Hogwarts and themselves from Voldemort and the Death Eaters. Unfortunately, they lose the lives of ones they love.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the last book out of the seven-year book series. Even though it is the last, I love this book. It makes you feel for the characters. As sad as it is, I think that it perfectly closes the Harry Potter book series.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Written by J.K. Rowling

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

        

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince details Harry Potter’s sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry finds a book in his Potions class owned by the “Half-Blood Prince,” which leads him to try to solve the mystery of who this person could be. It turns out the Half-Blood Prince isn’t who you would expect it to be. Harry and his friends have to also figure out what dangerous scheme their childhood enemy, Draco Malfoy, is up to. Meanwhile, Harry teams up with Professor Dumbledore to prepare for the danger that’s to come from Voldemort and the Death Eaters.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is one of my favorite books from the series. It leads up to the last book and prepares you for what is to come in the final battle against the Death Eaters at Hogwarts.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Written by J.K. Rowling

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

        

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix follows Harry, Hermione, and Ron in their fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. With a new mean teacher ruling the school, Harry and his friends aren’t being taught the proper magic to defend themselves from a possible war against the Death Eaters. Harry, Hermione, and Ron gather other Hogwarts students who are willing to learn more advanced magic to fight against Voldemort. They begin to teach themselves the magic they have been denied to protect themselves and the ones they love.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is actually not one of my favorite Harry Potter books, but I still enjoyed reading about what happened next to Harry and his friends.

Ban This Book

Written by Alan Gratz

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

        

In Ban This Book, Amy Anne Ollinger loves checking out her favorite book at the school library. This book is From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. But, when she goes to the library, she realizes that it's not there! Amy Anne goes to the librarian (who she knows really well) to see if someone else took the book out, which never happens. Next, Amy Anne finds out that it was banned because someone thought it encouraged kids to run away from home. Afterwards, Amy Anne starts a secret library in her locker containing banned books.

Ban This Book is my absolute favorite book. First and foremost, I love how Amy Anne was determined to allow everyone to read whatever they wanted. I also love how Amy Anne loves reading. I like reading books where the main character loves to read just like me.

An Elephant in the Garden

Written by Michael Morpurgo

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

        

An Elephant in the Garden is told from the perspective of Elizabeth, an elderly woman who looks back on her experiences as a young girl living in Dresden during World War II. Elizabeth's mother works at the local zoo, and when the city is bombed, she is tasked with caring for Marlene, the zoo's beloved elephant. Together, Elizabeth, her mother, and Marlene embark on a perilous journey across war-torn Germany, encountering many challenges and dangers along the way.

Overall, An Elephant in the Garden is a touching and emotional story that explores themes of courage, resilience, and compassion in the face of adversity. The novel is well-written and engaging, and its historical setting adds an important dimension to the story. For anyone interested in World War II history, animal stories, or heartwarming tales of survival and friendship, it is a great read.

The Outsiders

Written by S.E. Hinton

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

        

The Outsiders is a coming-of-age novel written by S.E. Hinton and published in 1967. The story is told from the perspective of Ponyboy Curtis, a teenage boy from a lower-class background who is part of a gang of “Greasers” fighting against the wealthier “Socs.” As Ponyboy tries to make sense of the world around him, he learns important lessons about friendship and loyalty. The story ultimately culminates in a tragic event that forces Ponyboy to reexamine his place in the world and the value of human life.

One of the strengths of The Outsiders is its realistic portrayal of teenage life, particularly in the way it depicts the struggles and conflicts faced by its characters. The novel also effectively conveys a sense of empathy and understanding for both the Greasers and the Socs, highlighting the complexities of their relationships and the societal forces that shape them. However, some readers have criticized the novel for being too simplistic in its portrayal of social class and for perpetuating stereotypes about Greasers and Socs. Additionally, some have pointed out that the characters are somewhat one-dimensional and that the plot can be predictable at times.

Wonder

Written by R.J. Palacio

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

        

Wonder is about a boy with a lot of deformities, but he is really smart. He has pretty much been at home with his mom, but he is going to start going to school. He wants to be just like the other kids, even though he does not look like them. He faces many challenges, but grows through them all.

Wonder was very good. August is just like every other boy his age in his thoughts and dreams. All that sets him apart are his looks. He is very hurt by people at first, but he seems to understand. In the end, we see who his true friends are. I would recommend this book. After finishing it, you should watch the movie.

Dear Martin

Written by Nic Stone

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

        

Dear Martin is a story about a really good kid from a tough neighborhood. He always tries to do what is right and be kind. With the many people in his neighborhood trying to get him to be bad, this is not easy. The police also do not care that he is a good kid doing the right thing.

My aunt recommended this book to me, and I loved it.  I was very upset by much of what happened to the main character just because of the color of his skin. This is something that we lately see all the time on the news.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Written by John Boyne

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

        

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a story about two young boys. One is the son of a high-ranking Nazi soldier and the other is a boy of the same age in a concentration camp. We learn about the Holocaust in this book, but in a very different way. The paths of these two boys cross, and what happens opens your eyes to how awful the Holocaust was. The book also shows how many people really didn’t know what was going on.

I read The Boy in the Striped Pajamas in school, and it really affected me. It was very good and very sad. What’s weird is that I was glad the Nazi soldier got to see what it was like to lose a child, but I was very sad to see what happened. I know the story is fictional, but it brought you right to where this was all happening. If you want to not only learn about the Holocaust but really feel it, this is a book for you.

Restart

Written by Gordon Korman

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

    

Restart by Gordon Korman is about a boy in high school. He was a great football player and a terrible bully. He did things to the other kids in school that made them fear him. One boy even had to leave that school. The bully falls off a roof and gets amnesia. He does not understand why everyone, with the exception of his few friends, are terrified of him. We watch him struggle with what he was like and how he now wants to be. 

Restart was excellent. So many kids are bullied in school, and this book shows them that they are not alone. It also shows bullies how their actions and words terribly affect other kids. I would recommend this book to all middle school students.

Animal Farm

Written by George Orwell

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

    

Animal Farm by George Orwell is a seemingly simplistic tale of a group of farm animals who revolt against their owner, Farmer Jones. After the animals take control of the farm through inspiration by the teachings of an elder pig named Old Major (who dies before their revolt), they establish order amongst themselves under the self-proclaimed rule of two pigs, Napoleon and Snowball. When conflict between the two leaders breaks out (as their leadership priorities are different from one another), Napoleon's right-hand man, Squealer, banishes Snowball and leaves the animals to suffer under Napoleon’s pure dictatorial rule.

Animal Farm is such an amazing piece of literary history with powers of allegory on full display. It illustrates a representation of Communism in Russia. Old Major represents Karl Marx, Napolean represents Joseph Stalin, and Snowball represents Leon Trotsky. The rest of the pigs represent the bourgeois while the horses and other hardworking animal represent the laboring class.

The book is a full-circle story of irony in the sense that Napoleon begins dressing as Jones and essentially makes the farm what it initially was at the beginning of the story. This can be similarly said about Russia's stagnation, since they transformed into a Communist society with one, all-powerful dictator to “rule them all.” This was at the expense of all the human effort it took to “change” the system for the betterment of the people.

Anyone who has an interest in politics, history, Russia, political systems, or even the “classics” should read Animal Farm. It is a relatively short read for such an impactful and masterfully written story.

The Screwtape Letters

Written by C.S. Lewis

A book for adult readers reviewed by Amin

        

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is a satirical compilation of “letters” with the intention of tempting a “median” soul towards the side of Hell. The main character is Wormwood, a devil who went to a college in Hell. Before and during the events of World War II in Europe, he attempts to win over the soul of an undecided and wavering man who is simply called “The Patient.” Using his uncle Screwtape's advice in the form of letters (Screwtape is a very experienced devil who has caught many souls of his own for the Underworld to enjoy), Wormwood attempts but fails to successfully capture the soul of The Patient. He goes on to learn to repent, enhance his experience with love, and grow closer to his faith.

As a Buddhist, I thoroughly enjoyed this read (which is obviously intended for Christians) thanks to the great writing and storytelling offered by masterclass writer C.S. Lewis. If you are willing to lower boundary-creating differences (ideologically, religiously, philosophically, and what have you), you will be able to reap the most food for thought and knowledge from this book, as well as enjoy it as a cleverly written story. As a tribute to the late J.R.R. Tolkien (one of my favorite authors), it stands the test of time as a worthy homage to the relationship the two authors shared (especially spiritually).