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.

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 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.

The Outsiders

Written by S.E. Hinton

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

        

In The Outsiders, there are two main opposing groups, the Greasers and the Socs. The Greasers are a group that are considered dangerous and menacing. The Socs are wealthy boys who have good backgrounds because of their parents. Unlike most of the Greasers, the Socs actually intend to hurt people. The book’s main characters, Ponyboy and Johnny, run away from town after Johnny kills a Soc named Bob to stop him from drowning Ponyboy.  

I personally liked The Outsiders a lot because it tells the story of a group of friends who hang out on a daily basis. I myself like to hang out very often with my friends. The Greasers are also a very cool group of guys.

Unfriended

Written by Rachel Vail

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

        

Unfriended by Rachel Vail is about a girl in eighth grade named Hazel being left by her best friend, Truly. After Truly is invited to join the Popular Table, she leaves Hazel confused and heartbroken. Truly believes that she is now part of the popular group, but it turns out that she is being fooled.

I liked Unfriended because it was accurate in its portrayal of middle school drama. I found the book relatable and fun to read. It kept me wondering what was going to happen next and never grew boring.

Hedge Over Heels

Written by Elise McMullen-Ciotti

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

        

In Hedge Over Heels, a girl named Rayna really wants a dog. However, her mom works for the army, which would make it hard to look after a dog given that they need a lot of time and attention. 

When Rayna's mom decides that it's time to get her a pet, Rayna is excited. She thinks that it’s time for her to get the dog of her dreams. However, Rayna's pet is revealed to her, and it's a hedgehog. Initially, Rayna isn’t happy with her new pet, but when she goes to the pet store to buy supplies, she learns that hedgehogs can be cool.

One of Rayna’s goals in her new home is to not make any friends because it would hurt too much when it’s time to finally say goodbye. Her mom wants to have a barbeque, although Rayna is opposed to it. At the barbeque, she meets some new friends who also own pets. Like her, they will be competing in a pet talent show. Later at school, she is tutored by a boy named Nick, and they eventually become great friends.

I enjoyed Hedge Over Heels. First and foremost, it is about pets, and I enjoy books similar to this. Secondly, I have read a few other books where a girl gets a pet that she initially doesn't want and ends up loving it. I enjoy books similar to these, and I would definitely recommend this one to any pet lovers.

The Catcher in the Rye

Written by J.D. Salinger

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

    

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is a classic to die for. Out of the majority of J.D. Salinger’s body of work, it’s the one novel that has garnered great recognition (which shouldn't be the case, since some of his other stories are classics).

The book is a coming-of-age drama about 16-year-old Holden Caulfield, who is expelled from his prep school. We follow him as he goes to New York City to avoid his parents (who would be furious with him). Holden rents a room at the Edmont Hotel and goes through one of the most seemingly insignificant yet highly notable ventures in literary history.

Content-wise, the events of The Catcher in the Rye aren't necessarily feats in wordplay or innovative themes. However, the way it was written and Holden’s counter-culture interactions with others really allowed the book to shoot ahead of others in terms of detailing teenage angst. The experiences of modern youth in American classics are usually not emphasized as much.

Intended for adults, The Catcher in the Rye spoke to so many teens that it became a classic, even being offered in some high school English courses on American literature. The book truly spoke to me in a way that other novels (albeit classics) could not do as well. Yes, it is overrated, and I don’t believe it is the greatest book of the 20^th century, but it is a staple of literary history that many modern Young Adult books have been modeled from. Its influence alone has made this book worthy of the title “classic,” but it is only helped by its symbolism.

Although simple, The Catcher in the Rye accomplishes what it’s meant to do very strongly. The book’s “Catcher in the Rye” is Holden, who wishes to protect younger kids (like his little sister) from falling into the depths of the corrupt and “phony” adult world. Alas, it is a vain hope that can’t be singlehandedly accomplished by Holden. In reality, such an issue was brought to light as a result of this book, which further marks its importance.

As the years go on, The Catcher in the Rye doesn’t cease being relevant. The angst of teenagers only grows as Holden’s image becomes more typical, which is a feat that many books cannot claim.

Anne of Green Gables

Adapted by Crystal S. Chan with art by Kuma Chan

A manga for readers in grades 4 and up reviewed by Kalyna

        

This manga adaptation of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables follows an orphaned girl named Anne, who has fiery red locks and a beautiful imagination. Anne is sent to the Cuthbert’s family home, but there has been a terrible mistake: the Cuthberts wanted a boy, not a girl. But, the Cuthberts find a way to love Anne's charmingly annoying personality and keep her. Anne experiences the troubles of going to school, making friends, and so much more. 

I believe this manga was the perfect adaptation of the real book. I loved the art and how the characters were drawn in such perfectly fitting ways.

Bad Best Friend

Written by Rachel Vail

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

        

Bad Best Friend is about Niki and her friend, Ava. While in gym class, the teacher asks the students to get into pairs, but Ava chooses Britney, a popular girl, instead of Niki. As a result, Niki is lost trying to figure out why Ava is acting this way, since they have always been best friends.

I love Bad Best Friend because I can relate to it, since I have had this happen to me. The book is very interesting and relatable for people who are in middle school. I find myself rereading it because it is so interesting. 

The Outsiders

Written by S.E. Hinton

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

      

The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton is a novel about a 14-year-old Greaser named Ponyboy. The book revolves around both Ponyboy's life and the quarrels between the Greasers and the Socs.

One day, Ponyboy and his 16-year-old friend, Johnny, run away from their homes, resulting in them having an encounter with the Socs. One of the Socs, Bob, tries to drown Ponyboy. This results in Johnny killing Bob to rescue Ponyboy. As a result, both Ponyboy and Johnny now have to hide so they don't get caught by the police.

I enjoyed The Outsiders because you have no idea what will happen next. This encouraged me to read so I could find out what would happen to Ponyboy and Johnny. Something else I liked about this book was that it never got boring and each chapter had a new plot twist.

The Outsiders

Written by S.E. Hinton

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

        

In a town in Oklahoma, the Socs and the Greasers are divided by class and style. The Socs are wealthier than the Greasers and don’t always respect them. Though the Greasers are not the most respected nor the richest in society, they always stick together.

After a drive-in movie, the Socs go after two Greasers, Ponyboy and Johnny. This leads to a trail of horrible bloody events. Ponyboy and Johnny seek the help of Dally, one of their friends, after a terrible fight between them and the Socs. They then have to go on an adventure, which soon leads to a death of their own.

This book is a classic that most will probably read once in their lifetime. It has an interesting, heartfelt, and attention-grabbing story. If you like crime with a mix of drama, The Outsiders is the book for you.

The Outsiders

Written by S.E. Hinton

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

     

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a wonderful book about friendship and not judging people before getting to know them. I really loved this book because it seemed so realistic. Even though the author wrote it in 1967, the problems in the book are ones that we still face today. No matter where we go, people will always be broken into groups based on what they wear, where they come from, and what they like to do.

This book taught me that all people are basically the same, no matter where they come from. We can find similarities in each other just as easily as we can find differences. The Outsiders’ main characters struggle because they’ve been taught all their lives to hate other people who are not like them. They also have a problem with judging other people, even though they don’t want to be judged themselves. After a while, the characters begin to wonder what is truly right and wrong. 

The Outsiders also includes a poem by Robert Frost called “Nothing Gold Can Stay.” This poem is so meaningful because it talks about savoring each moment of life and not forgetting that things always change - sometimes for the better and sometimes not. 

As The Outsiders’ characters begin to grow up and change, they experience many sad things, but the book’s final message is about hope. The Outsiders made me think about things that I sometimes take for granted. It also taught me that everyone deserves a chance. 

Additionally, the fact that S.E. Hinton wrote The Outsiders when she was sixteen years old is inspiring. This showed me that, regardless of how old we are, what we look like, or where we come from, we are all capable of so much.

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.

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.

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.

American Street

Written by Ibi Zoboi

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

    

American Street is centered around a Haitian teenager named Fabiola, who moves back to the United States with her mother. But, Fabiola's mother is detained by United States immigration. Fabiola is then sent to live with her cousins and Aunt Jo. Fabiola tries to adjust to American culture and faces some obstacles.

American Street is a unique book and dives very deep, which is why I fell in love with it.

Little Women

Written by Louisa May Alcott

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

    

This is a story of a family of four sisters who have a really strong bond. Their names are Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy. Their father is off in the Civil War, and they are trying to be happy and hard working young ladies. The girls spend time having adventures with their next door neighbor, Teddy. Each girl faces her own highs and lows as the family tries to stay strong during the war.

I loved the bond between the sisters and how family came first.