Posts from the Young Adult department.
Monster by Walter Dean Myers Mystery Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) “Monster” by Walter Dean Myers tells the story of Steve Harmon, a 16-year-old Black teenager from Harlem on trial for felony murder as an accomplice in a robbery that resulted in a store owner’s death. The novel is uniquely presented as a screenplay Steve is writing in his jail cell, interspersed with his personal journal entries. “Monster” is highly … Read more
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 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 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
Confessions of a Murder Suspect Confessions #1 by James Patterson Mystery Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) In this book the main characters parents die and they go through interviews and conduct an investigation of their own to figure out who did it. For middle and high school teens.
A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by Lady Trent Lady Trent Memoirs #1 by Marie Brennan Adventure Fantasy Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Growing up in a Victorian-esque era, Isabella Hendemore has a problem. She likes dragons—, no, she loves dragons. However, this is not very ladylike. And, when an incident with a dragon who is most definitely not dead leaves Isabella with several scars across her shoulder, … Read more
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
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
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 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