Young Adult Titles

Ground Zero – Read It and Rate It

by

Ground Zero by Alan Gratz Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) In New York City on September 11, 2001, nine-year-old Brandon is at the World Trade Center with his father when the terrorist attacks begin. He must navigate the chaos and destruction to escape the collapsing towers. Eighteen years later, on September 11, 2019, in Afghanistan, eleven-year-old Reshmina lives in a war-torn village, dreaming of a peaceful future. When a battle … Read more

Two Degrees – Read It and Rate It

by

Two Degrees by Alan Gratz Realistic Fiction Thriller Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) “Two Degrees” follows three distinct storylines of young people facing the devastating immediate effects of climate change: Akira battling a massive wildfire in California, Owen and George escaping starving polar bears on the melting Canadian tundra, and Natalie struggling to survive a catastrophic hurricane in Miami. Though separated by vast distances, their harrowing survival experiences ultimately connect them and … Read more

As Good As Dead – Read It and Rate It

by

As Good As Dead A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder #3 by Holly Jackson Mystery Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) In this book Pip looks into another case about the duct tape killer after the mom of the supposed killer calls Pip because she doesn’t believe he is the killer. Review #2 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) “As Good As Dead” by Holly Jackson, is the conclusion to … Read more

Aurora – Read It and Rate It

by

Aurora Aurora #1 by Red Adventure Fantasy Graphic Novel Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) The city of Vash has fallen to a mysterious mage known as the Collector, who has taken the soul of its god. Kendal, the city’s sole survivor, has been tasked to retrieve said god. He soon encounters Alinua, a hermit who is finally free to see the world. The two set off on an adventure neither of … Read more

Sorceress Comes to Call – book review

by

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher Fantasy * * * * Stars (Great!) Cordelia’s mother Evangeline is a sorceress who often makes her behave by taking control of her body. She’s not allowed any privacy, and if her mother disapproves of anything she does she is punished by being made to be obedient. It is the most horrible feeling/experience. When their current benefactor stops paying the bills, Evangeline decides that it’s time for … Read more

From Wonderland with Love – book review

by

From Wonderland with Love Code Name: Alice, book #1 by Jeffrey Westhoff Fantasy Funny Mystery Suspense Thriller * * * * Stars (Great!) While reminiscing about her adventures in Wonderland and Looking-Glass, Alice is once again surprised by the White Rabbit, who has come to enlist her aid in a matter of National Security! When she left Wonderland, the Knave of Hearts had been accused of stealing tarts and managed to sneak away in all … Read more

Wrong Way Home – book review

by

The Wrong Way Home By Kate O’Shaughnessy Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Frankie (Fern) and her mom (Jamie) live in an “off-the-grid, self-sustaining community” run by Dr. Ben. On the “Ranch” they eschew technology and practices that are harmful to the Earth, and chemicals that are bad for the environment. They grow their own food and make their own clothes – all under Dr. Ben’s guidance. Fern worships Dr. Ben and when … Read more

Seagarden – book review

by

Seagarden Plotting the Stars #2 by Michelle A. Barry Fantasy Mystery Science Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) Myra and her friends saw their secret moon garden destroyed when it was discovered. They’ve started another one, but it’s not ideal. What’s worse is that Myra’s Botan magic seems to be going wrong when she tries to use it (something to do with the trauma of what she experienced with the previous garden). They’re still … Read more

Bunnybirds – book review

by

Bunnybirds by Natalie Lim Fantasy Graphic Novel Mystery * * * * Stars (Great!) The Bunnybirds exist in a joyful state where nothing really seems to bother them. This isn’t really true, but that’s the facade they are supposed to project – especially their Princess. But when other members of the flock start disappearing and the Princess Aster starts having prophetic dreams about what’s happened to them, it’s hard to be joyful. When the King … Read more