Teen Reviews

Before the Coffee Gets Cold – Read It and Rate It

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Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi Fantasy Psychological Science Fiction Supernatural Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) The café Funiculi Funicula allows its patrons to travel back in time. By sitting in a particular seat in the café, you follow the stories of “The Lovers, “Husband and Wife,” “The Sisters,” or “Mother and Child.” Whether they travel back to convince their husband or try to reconnect with their lover with … Read more

Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – Read It and Rate It

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The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab Fantasy Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Adeline “Addie” LaRue makes a deal with a god to live forever, but she is forgotten by everyone she meets. Here begins her 300-year journey from France to several continents, history, and art, despite never physically making a mark. In 2014 she meets a man in a bookstore who can remember her name. (Published for … Read more

Westing Game – Read It and Rate It

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The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin Mystery Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) “The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin, revolves around the death of millionaire Samuel W. Westing and the unusual circumstances that follow. Sixteen heirs, who are all unconnected, are gathered to solve the mystery of Westing’s death to inherit his vast fortune. They are divided into pairs and given clues to unravel the mystery. Throughout the book, secrets are revealed, alliances … Read more

Out of the Dust – Read It and Rate It

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Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse Historical Fiction Novel in Verse Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) “Out of the Dust” by Karen Hesse tells the story of Billie Jo, a young girl growing up in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl. Through a series of free-verse poems, Billie Jo narrates her struggles with the harsh environment, the death of her mother, her physical and emotional scars, and rebuilding her life and family back … Read more

Nothing Else But Miracles – Read It and Rate It

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Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Named for the sea, since, after all, both of their parents are. Fish (Fisher) Byrne, Dory (Doris) Byrne, and Pike Byrne are siblings living in Manhattan at the time of World War II. This is nothing new, yet there is something very distinct about these siblings. 1) Their father is away, fighting in the war. 2) They are … Read more

Emily of Deep Valley – Read It and Rate It

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Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) It’s at the end of the school year, and all of the exciting events are occurring. There’s the Junior-Senior dance, dresses to be made, the parade, and of course, Commencement day in which orations are given, and the seniors are officially graduated. Emily Webster is a quiet, shy, and socially awkward girl who … Read more

Very Large Expanse of Sea – Read It and Rate It

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A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) “A Very Large Expanse of Sea” tells the story of a teenage Muslim American girl dealing with racism and Islamophobia after 9/11. The story follows the protagonist, Shirin, and takes place in 2002. Shirin is tired of being stereotyped and is never surprised by how horrible people can be. She endures many comments … Read more

Go Set a Watchman – Read It and Rate It

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Go Set a Watchman sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Historical Fiction Review #1 * Star (A Waste of time) “Go Set a Watchman” is the sequel to the iconic novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee. Featuring many of the same characters from TKaM, this book follows Scout Finch, who is now grown up. It is set in the mid-1950s in Maycomb, Alabama. Jean Louise Finch returns home to Maycomb … Read more

Ranger’s Apprentice (series) – Read It and Rate It

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Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan Adventure Fantasy Mystery Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This series follows the adventures of Will, an orphan who is chosen as an apprentice Ranger, one of the skilled archers, trackers, and warriors of the King of Araluen. Will strives to keep the Kingdom safe from intruders. This book is an exceptional start to a thrilling series with vivid imagery, compelling character development, and impressive storytelling. … Read more

Pie in the Sky – Read It and Rate It

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Pie in the Sky by Remi Lai Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) An adjusting eleven-year-old boy, Jingwen struggles to get used to his new home in Australia and deal with his annoying little brother Yanghao. Still trying to deal with the loss of his dad, Jingwen finds a way to cope by baking cakes with his father, just like his father used to make with him. With a heartfelt … Read more