Cranston High School West Library: Falcon Book Reviews

The Handmaid's tale is a horrifying dystopian novel where women all oppressed and their actions are constantly monitored. Women's identities and freedoms are suppressed and they can only act how their new government, the Republic of Gilead forces them to act. Handmaids aren't allowed to read or write and are forced to bear children with the Commanders. The story shows the struggles of the handmaids as they tragically slowly succumb to the horrors of their new life. The main character, Offred, is a handmaid and we experience the story from her point of view. Offred is unique as she is not a "hero" or "chosen one" she is simply a normal woman thrust into an extraordinary situation. She represents how any person would act. In contrast, her best friend Moira is rebellious and wants to fight back, but we see through her actions just how powerless the handmaids are. This is a must read especially for upperclassman. The Handmaid's Tale is beautifully written and its themes are still prevalent today. It is a dark tale, but an extremely important one to read. - JM

The Marrow Thieves takes place in the future where America is destroyed by global warming. People have lost the ability to dream, and therefore have gone into hysteria. The only way to cure people of this is to take the marrow of Native Americans, who still have the ability to dream. However they will not survive the process. We read through as our Native American protagonist, Frenchie, fights for survival as he is being hunted. Frenchie is the main protagonist who is scarred and traumatized from his struggle for survival. Miig is the father figure of the survival group. Wab is an eighteen year old girl and does many things such as cook and sew for the group. RiRi is a little girl who has a sweet relationship with Frenchie. Rose is Frenchie's love interest who has a fiery personality. Minerva is the Elder of the group who may be the most important of them all in order for survival. It is recommended for upperclassman as it is a tough read and can be confusing sometimes so you'll need to pay attention. The book makes more sense if you have prior knowledge of Native American history that underclassman may not know about yet. It is a slow read but the imagery and writing is beautiful. The themes are important, and it was interesting to read a story about Native Americans. Most dystopian books don't have a native american cast. - JM

Beginning where the first book "It Ends With Us" ends off with Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan running into each other on the street, Lily informs him that her and Ryle are now divorced. This novel follows Lily and Ryle in their split narrations deal with this rekindling of their innocent love, along with Lily being a single mother, and Atlas finding out surprising news about his family. The young adult book is light and hilarious, yet deep with the realistic storyline of domestic abuse and the struggles that come with escaping it. The story alternates between the two perspectives of Lily Bloom (formerly Kincaid) and Atlas Corrigan. Lily, a lively young woman who owns a flower shop and divorced Ryle Kincaid because of suffering abuse from him, rekindles her relationship with Atlas, her childhood and one true love. Atlas, a renowned chef, being smitten for Lily enjoys reconnecting with her, while also dealing with finding out he has a brother named Josh. Yes, I would definitely recommend this book to others if they have read the first novel, "It Ends With Us". If you enjoyed the childhood romance of main characters Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan, then this is the book for you. As adults and Lily having gotten out of her relationship with Ryle Kincaid, they rekindle their romance. It is a very funny and light romance, yet also has the realistic twist of Lily dealing with abusive Ryle and creating boundaries. It is a popular young adult novel for a reason because it is an easy and quick read. Once I started reading it I could not put it down! - MC

A YA novel about a cult, named the Unity Project. After her parents died in a car accident and leaving her scarred, main character Lo Denham, is left alone as her older sister decides to join the mysterious Unity Project. Determined to find and connect with her sister, Lo gets herself tangled up in a world of cults. Lo Denham is the main character who is strong and determined to find her sister. She'll do whatever it takes to find her. Lo gets caught up with the dangerous and charismatic leader of the Unity Project, Lev Warren. It is interesting to see their relationship develops, and how ordinary people can get caught up in cults without even realizing it. Yes it is a fast paced read, however I would recommend it for upperclassmen because it goes into heavy and deep topics that may be too mature for underclassmen. It is fascinating to see the mentality and humanity of cult victims, as many people dehumanize them and often think how could you join a cult? This book gives you insight to this answer, and that this concept is much more complicated than it seems. - JM

The book follows the scientist, Victor Frankenstein, as he created life itself in the form of the Creature. However, he disowns this Creature and doesn't show him any love or care at all. The Creature is cast out by society for being ugly and an abomination. Because of his mistreatment, the Creature decides to take revenge on Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein is a young scientist obsessed by playing God, and tried to create life itself. This manifested into the Creature, who just wants to be loved and appreciated by his creator. Frankenstein thinks he has created a monster and shunned his own creature, which the Creature takes very personally. Their relationship is one of the most prominent and interesting aspects of the book. Yes, it is a classic so it may be more difficult to read than most books. However, this is a great starting book to read if you want to get into classics. It is easier to follow and understand than most classics. The themes are great and the writing is very descriptive and fluid. It dives into themes of revenge and humanity, and is one of those books that you must read in your lifetime. - JM

If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin follows the high school lives of Autumn and Finn, two next-door neighbors who used to be best friends. This novel follows them through their experiences with love, self-growth, relationships, and heartbreak. The main character of the novel, Autumn is an average teenage girl, surrounded by her boyfriend and group of friends. Finn, her next-door neighbor, and former best friend since birth, is your typical popular guy. They had drifted apart, but Autumn has underlying feelings that things should have gone differently. Yes, I would for sure recommend this young adult novel to others. It is one of my favorites I have read as of late! If you are into romance novels that have an unexpected ending, this one will be for you. Just be aware that if you don't enjoy anything sad, then it may not be for you. If you have read any Colleen Hoover books, then you will like this because it has a similar feel to it. - MC

The book is about a high school student named Sky who lives with his best friend. However, somebody outed him to the school and it is up to Sky and his best friend to figure out who it was who outed him. Along the way, Sky falls in love and tries to juggle the weight of school and love at the same time. Sky is a fem-boy who usually keeps to himself and values his friendships more than anything. I would recommend this book to anyone who ever feels that they may have been outed, or are struggling with at-home life. This book was an easy read, but it really made you feel for the characters. - BO

It follows the journey of Marty, a musician who decides to leave his small town and move to London to pursue his dreams. As Marty navigates the alien and diverse city, he not only discovers new friendships and love but also embarks on a deeply personal journey of self-discovery. The book explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the courage to embrace one's true self. Marty, the main character is a talented musician with a passion for playing the trumpet. He's brave and determined, leaving his small town behind to pursue his dreams in London. Pierce is one of Marty's friends. He's a fun and outgoing character who adds a lot of excitement to the story. Pierce is always up for new adventures and loves exploring the vibrant city of London with Marty. I would recommend this book because I think this a great book for anyone who is striggling with their identity and want to find their true self. It is inpiring and relatable which allows the reader to really walk in the shoes of the character. Phil Stamper also write, "The Gravity of Us." - BO

It tells the story of two strangers, Mateo and Rufus, who receive a call from an organization called Death-Cast, informing them that they have less than 24 hours to live. The book follows their journey as they decide to spend their last day together, forming a deep connection and experiencing a range of emotions. Mateo and Rufus are the main characters in "They Both Die at the End." Mateo is a shy and introspective student who lives with his father in NYC while Rufus is more outgoing and has experienced his fair share of hardships. Yes, I would recommend this book because it's a powerful and emotional story that will make you reflect on life and the importance of living in the present moment. This book was incredibly popular and became a trend to read on TikTok. - BO

It is about a high school boy named Simon Spier who is navigating the ups and downs of adolescence while keeping the secret of being gay. The book follows Simon as he develops an anonymous online relationship with another closeted boy from his school, known as "Blue." As Simon tries to uncover Blue's true identity, he also juggles coming out to his friends and family. Simon is a relatable and lovable high school student who is smart, funny, and has a great group of friends. Blue is the anonymous love interest who is kind, thoughtful, and has a great sense of humor. As Simon tries to uncover Blue's true identity, readers are kept guessing along with him. I would recommend this book because it's a coming-of-age story that explores self-discovery, identity, and the ups and downs of relationships and friendships. This book was made into a movie called "Love Simon." - BO

It is a novel that explores the journey of Jay, a gay teenager, as he navigates high school, friendships, and his own self-discovery. The book dives into Jay's experiences, challenges, and triumphs as he embraces his identity and strives to live authentically. In school, however, he develops a crush on one of his classmates, Nathan. Jay is not only relatable and funny, but he's also outgoing. He has a vibrant personality that shines through in his interactions with others. Jay isn't afraid to put himself out there and make new connections. Nathan, his crush, is a compassionate and fun character who quickly adapts to Jay and his group of friends. Yes, I would recommend this book because the diverse and relatable characters will tug at your heartstrings, and the story will inspire you to be true to yourself. - BO

It is an enchanting and heartwarming romance novel. It follows the story of Alex, the First Son of the United States, and Henry, the Prince of Wales. When a mishap at a royal wedding brings them closer, they embark on a secret romance that challenges their personal and public lives. Alex is a charming and witty character. His journey of self-discovery and navigating his feelings for Henry is both relatable and heartwarming. Henry, on the other hand, is the Prince of Wales, and he is more well-mannered and educated. He's thoughtful, reserved, and carries the weight of his royal responsibilities. Yes, I would recommend this book because it's a captivating and heartwarming romance novel. The characters of Alex and Henry are incredibly relatable and their love story is beautifully written. This book was recently made into a movie on Amazon Prime called "Red, White, & Royal Blue." - BO

The story is set in a near-future version of the Bronx, New York, and follows the protagonist, Aaron Soto, a teenage boy grappling with the recent suicide of his father. Aaron is dealing with his own struggles, including his growing realization that he is gay, in a community that may not be entirely accepting. Aaron is a young teenager dealing with significant emotional and identity struggles. He is trying to come to terms with his sexual orientation and facing the realization that he is gay. His journey is one of self-discovery, understanding his feelings, and learning to accept and embrace his true identity, despite the societal and personal challenges he encounters. Aaron's mother is a significant figure in his life. She is a caring and supportive mother who loves Aaron deeply. Throughout the story, she serves as a source of love and strength for Aaron, trying her best to understand and support him through his struggles, although she may not always fully grasp the depth of his emotional turmoil. Yes, I would recommend this book because "More Happy Than Not" is for readers who appreciate emotionally charged stories that grapple with important themes (like suicide) and provide a platform for self-reflection and empathy. This is written by the same author who wrote "They Both Die at the End." - BO

Every Last Word explores the complicated life of Samatha McAllister, a high school teenage girl dealing with severe mental illness. We follow her through her struggles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), her bad friendships, and a new romance in her life. Samantha McAllister, the main character of this novel, and a part of the popular cliche at school, deals with dark thoughts, obsession, and worries. She feels as if her friends are not her friends and begins to venture out of the group. This leads to even more uncertainty in her life and new people, including AJ, her romantic interest. Yes, I would recommend "Every Last Word" to others. If you enjoy young adult novels that focus on mental illness and the character's journey with dealing it, then this will be a great story to read. It is a quick, but good read. You won't be able to put the book down once you start it! - MC

My Dark Vanessa addresses and brings awareness to teenage grooming. In the story, 15 year old Vanessa, becomes involved in a relationship initiated by her 40 year old teacher Jacob Strane. The novel goes back and forth from this past to present Vanessa who is now all grown up. With the passing of her former teacher in present time, Vanessa finally has to come to terms with how and why this relationship was wrong and how deeply this actually affected her. How she was taken advantage of. Vanessa Wye, a lonely and insecure girl gets tangled up with her teacher because she enjoys his attention. He takes advantage of that and as a young naive girl she goes along with it. She severely gets groomed and believes she is in love with the man and that there is nothing wrong with what's occurring. It isn't until later as an adult that she realizes the actual truth of what happened to her. Yes, yes yes! It is a book that every woman needs to read. My favorite quote from this book is, “Vanessa,” she says gently, “you didn’t ask for that. You were just trying to go to school.” - MC

When Rune moved from Norway to Blossom Grove, Georgia, at seven years old, Poppy and Rune become best friends. When Poppy's grandma passes away she gives Poppy the task of receiving a thousand boy kisses that will make her heart swell. Rune makes it his goal to be the one to do that for her. Poppy and Rune take up a romantic relationship, but their love gets put to the test when Rune is compelled to return to Norway and Poppy has her own secrets to maintain. A Thousand Boy Kisses focuses on the first and young love of Poppy and Rune. They are completed in love and devoted to each other, but complications arise like Rune moving back to Norway. When he comes back things are still messed up because Poppy holds a secret. When the secret is told to Rune they have to deal with the consequences of it. Yes, it is an amazing young adult romance book that will bring tears to your eyes. This is one of my all time favorite books. - MC

In Pride and Prejudice, the character of Fitzwilliam Darcy, an aristocratic landowner who is wealthy, and Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, have a contentious relationship. To fall in love and get married, they must conquer the  faults of pride and prejudice. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are the two primary characters. Elizabeth Bennet, the family's second-eldest daughter, is outgoing, sharp, and independent. She doesn't first fall in love with Darcy, the class-conscious landowner, but she does, and they get married. Yes, I would recommend this piece of literature to others because it is a great classic. It serves as an inspiration for many many romance books and still does to this day. The story line has truly withstood the test of time. It is a great classic to read! - MC

This story is about main character, Edna Pontellier's struggles from feeling trapped in the role of being a housewife. The plot centers around her finding her freedom for her true self, but this is not seen as proper as those were the societal standards at that time. Edna is a strong and confident woman who wants to live for herself. She wants to have true love, and be a painter. Edna does not want to live her life controlled by others; she wants to follow her passions and ambitions. Despite being married, she falls in love with another man, Robert Lebrun who is dreamy and flirty. The conflict centers around their relationship and the main driving point is whether or not they will be together. Yes, I would recommend this book to others especially for those who plan to take the AP Literature & Composition exam. This book will greatly prepare you for the exam and it is a short read. This book is also great for those who enjoy feminism, and you get to see a view of femininity from the late 1800s. It is a classic so it is tougher to read. It starts off slow, but quickly begins to pick up where it becomes harder to put the book down. Chopin's writing style is descriptive and you really get a good insight into Edna's mindset. - JM

"Monday's Not Coming" follows 13-year-old Claudia's mission to find her missing friend, Monday Charles, after Mondays stops showing up to school one day. As Claudia tries to figure out why her best friend had disappeared without a trace, she is greeted with the reality that no one else seems to care. The school, the police, and even Mrs. Charles, Mondays mother, is doing nothing about a young girl going missing. This leads Claudia to start attempting to find Monday by herself, slowly piecing together the horrific story behind Monday's disappearance. Both Claudia and Monday are 8th Graders who live in Washington D.C. They have been best friends for years and were practically inseparable until Monday's sudden disappearance. They are both very smart and kind girls, but unfortunately faced a horrific amount of bullying at their school. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers, mystery, and suspense filled novels. Jackson crafts such an interesting story line with twists and turns throughout the pages that keep you reading until the very end. MR

This book is about a women named Alina. Since she was young her and her close friend Mal knew that there was something different about her. Both being in the army, they have to enter the mysterious dark fold where beast who eat anything that moves lives. While on the trip Alina discovers what was so different about her and a new life is presented to her. Alina has to decide why they need her and why she is so important, if she doesn't figure it out lots of trouble will await her. Alina is small but brave and stronger than she looks. Mal is loved by everyone and a real charmer. I would recommend this book for many reasons. I personally like stories about new worlds and this was a very interesting and intriguing book. - HC

Holes is about a character named Stanley Yelnats who has terrible luck. One day a pair of stolen shoes fell on his head from an overpass. He was arrested and given the choice of going to a disciplinary camp or to jail. He chose the camp. When he gets there he meets a character named Zero, who was the youngest one there. They become friends at this camp. However it’s not a normal camp, it’s a camp where they are forced to dig holes in the hot sun, 5ft deep and 5ft wide, the work from early morning to late afternoon. What they are digging for is revealed at the end. This isn’t any ordinary story, it has 2 different timelines going on. You have the present, with Stanley, and the past with other characters such as Zeros great grandmother, Stanley Yelnats the first and Kate Barlow. The story in the past explains the events of what’s going on in the present story. There are many connections between the past and present, which are revealed at the end. Stanley Yelnats the third is the main character who believes his life is cursed, nothing good ever comes his way. He was sent to jail for allegedly stealing a pair of shoes from a famous basketball person. Those shoes were going to be sold and the money was going to be donated. Zero, is the character Stanley meets at the camp. Zero stole the shoes and threw them over the overpass and they hit Stanley. Zero is the reason Stanley is at the camp. His name isn’t actually Zero, his name is Hector, but at camp green lake the boys call each other nicknames. Zero got his nickname because he has said zero words since coming to camp, the only time he spoke was when he asked Stanley about the shoes he stole. Zero runs away and Stanley goes to find him, the rest of the main story is the adventure of Zero and Stanley. I won’t go into detail about the second part of the story, because of spoilers, but I promise it gets even better. Would I recommend this book? Yes, absolutely yes! It’s my favorite book of all time. It has a captivating adventure and a touch of romance. It’s a complex and detailed book, even though it has a 5th grade reading level. It’s easy to understand. Every time I read it again, I discover more connections between the past and present stories. This was written as a children’s book but I believe it’s universal. I love it, even though I’m not a child anymore. I would like to say that I wish I could erase my memory of the book and read it again. It was that good. - LV

American Royals is the first book in its sequel which is about the Washington family this America is not a democracy it's a monarchy. The Washington family are descendants of George Washington many years ago when America won the Revolutionary War Washington did not become President instead he became King of America and now flash forward two centuries later a Washington will soon take to the throne once again but she doesn't know it yet. Princess Beatrice the first born heir to the throne child of King George IV and Queen Adelaide has been preparing her whole life of becoming the first Queen of America she has been brought up always having to measure up to the highest standards because one she would become queen and everyones eyes would always be on her. Beatrice struggles through story when she realizes how surreal it's actually becoming and she begins to let her feelings get in the way. We can not forget that Beatrice has two siblings a set of twins Princess Samantha who is only seen as the spare to the thrown she has no cares in the world and Prince Jefferson goes with the flow of his life unsure of whats to come for himself. As the whole country is unprepared for the shocking events that are about to occur the only question they all may be thinking is if Princess Beatrice is ready for the job of Queen of America? Princess Beatrice is a hard working, caring and generous person. She has lived her whole life through the eyes of her parents but not only them the eyes of the nation as well. Princess Beatrice is willing to sacrifice everything so she can be the leader her country deserves even if it means the sacrifice of love. Princess Samantha aka Sam has held the title as party princess for as long as she can remember because to her she is seen as just the spare who doesn't matter. Princess Sam is stubborn, careless, and sensitive. Prince Jefferson is a kind loving young man unsure of what his future will hold for him but he's enjoying the ride so far. I absolutely recommend this book to others if your looking for romance, drama, and secrets this book is definitely for you! - AS

Clary Fray is introduced to demon-hunting warriors that protect humankind. She gets wrapped into their adventures and solves family mysteries along the way. Clary Fray is a curious and stubborn 16 year old girl. Jace Herondale is a courageous, cocky instigator and amazing Shadowhunter. Simon Lewis is Clary’s best human friend and extremely nerdy. I definitely recommend this book. It is very interesting and I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down and I finished it extremely fast. This book has the perfect amount of adventure, romance, and mystery. - SP

It is about a girl that moves to a new town and find interest for this guy named Marcus She is very sweet, smart,a hard worker and has a positive attitude. I would recommend this book to others because it tells us that you do not give up and it tells us how life can be fun but overall hard , like moving to a new country or state and we just have to adjust to it and keep on moving on with our lives The other reason why I like the book is because it tells us that even though you move to a new town or city you can still can have fun even though your friends from your school are not there with you. - LC

"My Sister's Keeper" is about a family who does all they can to manage a normal life while trying to keep their daughter alive. The eldest daughter's name is Kate. As a child, Kate was diagnosed with leukemia and has managed to fight it and stay alive. However, a lot of this is from the help she gets from her younger sister, Anna. After Kate's parents found out that their daughter needed an identical bone marrow match to save their daughter, they created Anna. Since Anna was born, she has provided Kate with almost everything she has needed to stay alive. As Anna grows she begins to feel as though she cannot be her own person, because to be fair, she was made so that her sister could live. Because of this realization, Anna makes a decision that could tear the family apart. Kate has been a fighter since she was a child. She was diagnosed with leukemia completely out of the blue and has been through several hospitalizations and close-calls. Anna is the sweet youngest daughter who although hesitant at first, knows how to defend herself and will do so if she feels the need. I would recommend this book to others. It was an emotional roller coaster and the plot twist was fairly unexpected. The characters are written so deeply and we get every one of their perspectives. - DD

"One of Us is Lying" by Karen M. McManus is about five students that are held in detention, but were somehow all framed into being there. The students are Bronwyn Rojas, Addy Prentiss, Cooper Clay, Nate Macauley, and Simon Kelleher. By the end of the detention, Simon ends up dead. It is revealed that Simon had gossip on every other person that he was in detention with. This spirals into a murder investigation -and everyone had a motive. I definitely recommend this book. The plot twists are never ending and guaranteed to leave jaws on the ground. This mystery is incredibly well-written, with an ending that is surely unexpected. Bronwyn Rojas is the brain of the bunch. She is incredibly focused on her studies and has incredible grades. Addy Prentiss is the most popular girl in school. She is either envied or adored by her peers. Cooper Clay is the school jock. Sports are the most important thing to this character. Nate Macauley is the stereotypical 'bad boy'. Infamous for being rebellious and feared due to his own fearlessness. Lastly, Simon Kelleher was the school gossip. He had dirt on several people. Simon could also find anything out about a person if he set his mind to it. I would absolutely recommend this book to others. Anyone who likes mystery and using clues to solve things would love to read this book. All the information you need is right in front of you, yet I still had no idea who the culprit could have been. Although it did all make sense by the end of the story. The characters and their stories were very well written, especially due to all the little details that needed to be included for the story line to make sense. All five students also have traits that several young adults may be able to relate to. - DD

Some Kind of Courage is about a brave boy named Joseph who has lost almost everything he cares about. All he has left is his horse, Sarah until she is taken too. Throughout the book, he goes on a journey to get back the only thing he has left and goes through good and bad experiences to find her. He meets new friends, faces many dangers, and keeps you reading. Every page is a new adventure for him. Joseph is very determined, loyal, brave and caring. He is willing to do anything for the ones he loves even if it means risking his own safety. I would definitely recommend this book to others. It has such a moving message about dedication and love. It proves then even when you have nothing left but hope, you have everything you need. Hope can get you through the roughest experiences life can throw at you. This book is very moving and I think it has such a wonderful message behind it. - AW

"A few months after Shadow World's Dark War, Simon Lewis heads to Shadowhunter Academy to learn how to become a Shadowhunter and hoping to Ascend. Over the next few years, Simon struggles with finding his purpose, where he belongs and fits in, and creating stable friendships and relationships. " Simon Lewis starts as scrawny, nerdy 16 year old boy with demon amnesia. His girlfriend, Isabelle Lightwood, is a demon-fighting, warrior princess. George Lovelace is Simon's handsome, Scottish roommate and "brother" who also came to the academy to learn how to become a Shadowhunter. Jace Herondale and Clary Fairchild are official Shadowhunters and are best friends of Simon; they knew him before his demon amnesia erased them from his mind. Julie Beauvale, Beatriz Mendoza, Jonathan Cartwright, and Marisol Garza are all friends of Simon and are introduced as students of the Shadowhunter Academy in this book. I totally recommend this book to others to read after reading the Mortal Instruments series. It is a wonderful sequel and the difference of the point of view is quite amusing. This is a great short story collection if you are looking for something that will give you an emotional rollercoaster. "Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy" also gives glimpses into some of the other trilogies in the Shadowhunter Chronicles. 10/10- this book was awesome. - SP

"Not only is this story told through a book, but there has also been a movie made based on it. “Everything Everything” by Nicola Yoon is about Madeline, a teenage girl, who does not get to take part in the everyday things we do. She is stuck inside, not able to have any contact with the outside world because of an illness that forces her and her mother to take all the precautions they can. That is until a new neighbor moves in across the street.
On many pages, there are different sketches to go along with what is happening throughout the book as well. Madeline is stubborn, even with her disease she still wants to see the world and take risks. Olly is very humorous, making jokes during even the worse and inappropriate times, but he is also very caring towards those he loves. Yes, I would recommend this book a swell as the movie because they both take you on a journey and teach you life lessons throughout. - KF

This book is about a boy, Harry Potter, who lost his parents at a young age in a very tragic way. After, he was sent to live with his uncle and aunt who absolutely despised Harry Potter and treated him terrible up until the age of eleven. At this age he was sent many letters, and his uncle not liking this, did everything in his power to stop Harry from getting them, but they mysteriously kept coming. Finally his uncle dragged them to a house in the middle of the ocean during a storm to make sure Harry wouldn't get any letters. Thankfully the next day a huge man named Hagrid found his way into the house and told Harry that he was a wizard and that he had been accepted to the best wizard school, Hogwarts. There he made two friends Hermione and Ron. Throughout the school days they learned all sorts of wizardly things and went through lots of adventures. The main character is Harry Potter. He is brave and goes through tremendous lengths to solve a mystery and get justice. He has long black hair and a scar from the incident that killed his parents. He is also very famous in the wizard world. I would recommend this book for other. You feel as though your going on adventures with the three friend and this books takes you into a new and exciting world. - HC

This mystery book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. When a teenager and her five friends take a trip to a cabin, it is anything but fun and partying. Mackenzie wakes up to find two of her friends dead, but rather than finding the killers, she starts to dig up secrets of the past. Creating countless twists, ending in nobody being innocent. The main character Mackenzie is very trusting of her friends. Even when two of them are murdered. This is not always a good thing in the story, since she will do anything to prove their innocence even when she does not know truly if they are. She is almost naive in a way. Getting herself into finding the murderer, but not truly believing it could be her peers. I would definitely recommend this book to others. It is the “classic” mystery book, though the ending will certainly leave you in shock. If you are a fan of thrillers it is certainly for you, and is a quick read. - KF

Upon relocating to boarding school, Miles realizes there is more to the world. Meeting Alaska, he is greeted by a whole new world… a world that involves other interests besides a creepy fascination with celebrities last words. Alaska is the opposite of Miles. Though she is intellectual, she prefers to go out and is extroverted. Truly loving the partying life style. Miles is a natural shy person. Though incredibly smart, not mention his fascination with finals words of famous people. He prefers to spend his time alone. That is until moving to the boarding school, where he starts to get involved in new things after meeting Alaska. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a fast read, as well as John Green books. The story has an incredibly sad ending, keep that in mind. Though, it has life lessons that are a key reason for it being a “coming of age” book. - KF

This classic John Green novel follows the story of Hazel, a girl diagnosed with cancer, where she finds love in a support group. Though reluctant to join, she soon realizes that being a member of the cancer support group may not be such a bad idea, especially because Augustus Waters is also a part of it. The book follows not only their love story, but also their journey having cancer, and the heartbreaking ending. The main characters, (Hazel and Augustus) have completely different personalities.Hazel is rather introverted, not wanting to form any relationships due to her having a terminal illness. Augustus seems to be the opposite, immediately wanting to form a relationship with Hazel, and never turning down an opportunity to crack a joke. The "opposites attract" theory certainly comes into play in this novel. Though I would recommend this book to others, it is definitely not a story to read if you are looking for a happy ending. "The Fault In Our Stars" is an award winning book for a reason, it tells an emotional story. Yes I would recommend this book, as long as a happy ending is not what the reader is looking for. - KF

The Summer I Turned Pretty is a classic (maybe even cliche) young adult novel. Belly is a teenager excited for the Summer. Every year since she was younger Summers were filled with staying at Susannah's beach house, who is her mothers best friend. Along with Susannah's children, her brother, and mother. This year is no different, except she is even more eager to see her childhood crush: Jermiah, one of Susannah's sons, and her longtime best friend. Though she soon finds herself stuck in a "love triangle", wishing the Summer would end. The main character Belly is the youngest in the book. That being said, she is also the most naive. Though, that does not stop her from also being headstrong and one of best athletes of the bunch. In a way she is a mix of multiple characteristics, even those that are nothing like each other, as she continues to find who she truly is over Summer vacation. Conrad, the childhood crush of Belly, is the rebellious one of the bunch. After quitting football and starting some rather negative habits, nobody seems to recognize the boy they once knew. Finally, Jermiah, the other love interest of the story, is the complete opposite of his brother. Not athletic, but also focused on the future, and almost never taking part in anything close to rebellious. I would recommend this book, especially to those who have watched the TV series. Though it might seem cheesy, like many other YA books, it definitely is a good and light read. - KF

Lily Bloom, the main character, who is a young woman from an abusive home that fights to navigate the world without repeating the violent behaviors she witnessed as a child. The novel examines the intricate relationship between love and abuse by switching back and forth between Lily's current life and diary entries from her adolescence. "Lily Bloom: main character, owns a floral shop, has romantic interest in Atlas and Rylee
Atlas Corrigan: Lily's first love, owns two restaurants, wants lily back
Rylee: Lilys current love interest, doctor, " yes I would recommend this book to others, but only if you like cheesy romance novels. this book is a big emotional rollercoaster. - AB

Two teenagers with cystic fibrosis fall in love in Rachael Lippincott's moving young adult novel "Five Foot Apart." However, they are forced to keep a six-foot distance between them in order to prevent cross-infection. The characters well-developed and the plot is heartbreaking and exquisitely written. It  is made deeper and more intricate by the author's use of alternate perspectives. Overall, "Five Foot Apart" is a touching, fascinating book that will leave you wanting to read more. "-Will Newman is a charismatic and disobedient teenager with cystic fibrosis who has to spend a lot of time in the hospital because of his declining health.
-Stella Grant has had cystic fibrosis since she was a young child and is an ambitious and well-organized teen.
these two fall in love" I would to people who love romance novels but this ones more sad so only if they are looking for that. - SB

The wealthy reside in a city built atop a huge ship and the rest of humanity tries to survive on the lower decks. The narrative centers on Joel, a teenage smuggler who is forced to take a task that will forever alter his life. He encounters a fascinating woman named Paz along the way, who must work together. The conflict between the individuals, each of whom has their own secrets and goals, propels the story forward. In conclusion, this book is a compelling and fascinating read that poses significant concerns about money, power, and the state of the human race. Joel is a young boy who is thrown into a dangerous game of power and wealth, and must go through dangerous situations in order to survive. Along the way he meets Paz who is very mysterious and seems like she always has a secret. I personally found this book pretty interesting and would recommend it. - SB

"The Shining" is a book that's about a family who goes to stay in a hotel in the mountains as the main character and father, Jack, gets a job as the hotel's caretaker and hopes to use the time cure his writer block. The hotel is really old and big, and it's also really isolated - the family is basically snowed in with no one else around for miles.

As the days go by, Jack starts to act really weird. He gets really angry and starts to drink a lot, and the hotel seems to be affecting him in a strange way. Meanwhile, the little boy, Danny, starts to have really scary dreams and sees things that aren't there. The hotel has a really creepy past, and it seems like the spirits of the people who died there are coming back to haunt the family as Jack begins to act possessed." Jack is an author who is trying to write a story as he is on a mini vacation caretaking hotel with his son and wife. Son is Danny and wife is Wendy. Yes! Its even better than the movie and i'm a Stephen King fan. - SB

Pride is a "pride and prejudice" remix in a more modern form that depicts gentrification and classism through the eyes of 17-year old Zuri Benitez. When the new wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street she begins to notice how her neighborhood Bushwick in Brooklyn begins to rapidly change into a place that she barely recognizes. The culture that she had grown up starts to slips between her fingers. Meeting the Darcy brothers she gets off on the wrong foot with the youngest brother and starts to dislike the family. While Zuri and Darius, (the youngest Darcy brother) get off on the wrong foot, Zuri's older sister, Janae and the oldest Darcy brother hit it off. After Zuri and Darius see each other at a poetry event, they realize that they have more in common than they think. The main character is Zuri Benitez who is a Haitian and Dominican and almost a senior, she has three younger sisters and one older sister who are all very different. She is very stubborn who has a lot of pride for her community. I would recommend this book because it is a very interesting twist to the classic "Pride and prejudice", that handles many current issues that are being dealt with today. It also brings more awareness on gentrification and how it affects the people that are living in these neighborhoods that are being gentrified. It has a good plot with interesting characters and it is interesting to see people of color in more books. - AB

The main focus of Outliers is to rethink the way we view success. Each chapter explores a different success story and examines what factors played into the person's success. The author uses a compilation of examples to show that our backgrounds play a vital role into our ability to succeed. These stories ranged from how Chris Langan, a man with an incredibly high IQ, struggled to find success to how hockey players born in January get on the best teams as opposed to players born at the end of the year. One of the most interesting ideas explored in the book is how mitigated speech can limit our success because of failures in communication. In this chapter, the author talked about various plane crashes in regards to the communication methods between the pilot and first officer to see how mitigated speech affected their success in flying the plane. The book even explored how different cultural backgrounds played a role into this communication. Because this book is not really a story but rather an exploration of a variety of scenarios, the main characters change every chapter. One of these characters that stuck out to me was Joe Flom. Joe Flom was a lawyer who struggled to find opportunity despite his intelligence because he was a Jewish immigrant who grew up in poverty. Through Flom's hard work, perseverance, and impeccable timing, he was able to build experience in the field of company takeovers, and eventually rose to the top. I would recommend this book to others because it made me rethink the way I view success. It showed me how many different factors play a role into our success; some are out of our control such as when we are born or if we by chance find a lucky opportunity, and some our in our control such as the amount of time we spend practicing something. - JS

This book is written in the format of a letter to the author's son advising him on how to go through life as a black man in America. It describes the many struggles Coates, the author, has faced throughout his life and how he has dealt with the constant fear of losing his body, a fear that many African Americans experience. Coates grew up in Baltimore, where he felt in constant danger of losing his body, and even had a gun pulled on him. Coates explains to his son that the people around him were acting to assert their power because they felt vulnerable because of their race. Coates describes his time at Howard University where he felt like he belonged and where he met his son's mother with whom he moved to NYC with. Throughout his life, Coates witnesses many acts of racism, from the death of his friend as a result of police brutality to his son being pushed by a white woman. Coates' goal is to explain to his son not to ignore these things, but how to deal with them. The main character of this book is the author, Ta-Nehisi Coates, because the story is written in first person about his own life. Coates does not sugar coat any of the obstacles he has dealt with, and this serious tone reflects his style of fatherhood. He wants his son to be aware of the fear, but not crippled by it. I would recommend this book to others because it allows the reader to gain insight into social issues through seeing them from another perspective. However, because it is not in the format of a story and is more a description of lessons learned from life experience, I did find it boring at times. - JS

"The field guide to the American Teenager" is a book about a French Canadian teenager who moves to Austin Texas. After his whole life turns upside-down because he has to move to a different country he has to adjust to the different social norms of living in Texas. When his mom landed a new job he told her he would try living in this new environment for a year and if that didn't pan out he would move back to Canada to live with his dad. Although he did not want to get used to the Texas life he slowly began to adjust to this new life. The main character Noris is a sarcastic, funny but also dark person. One of his best friends, Maddy is a smiley, happy cheerleader who is almost the opposite of him which his why they get along well together. I would recommend this book because it has a good story line that incorporated many issues of being a Black teen in America and living in a more predominately white area. - AB

Hundreds of years ago, the earth was deemed uninhabitable due to the bombs that made the planet radioactive. The people that made it off of the earth on time, now live in space on a giant space ship called the Arc. On the Arc, due to limited supplies and resources, every crime, no matter how small, results in the death penalty... unless you are under 18. Then you get locked up and are put on trial for your 18th birthday. Clarke Griffin, a 17 year old who was locked away for treason, wakes up one day to find out that she is being taken from her cell. Convinced that her life was soon coming to an end, Clarke learns some news that will change her life forever. She learns herself, along with 99 other "delinquents" will be the first people almost a millennium to step foot on the ground. At least, that's what she was told... "Clarke Griffin is a 17 year old girl who has always been on the luckier side of life. She is trained in the basics of the medical field, and is a very determined person. She just wants the best for everyone, unless they've done something to wrong her. Wells Jaha is the son of Chancellor Jaha, and the ex-best friend/lover of Clarke Griffin. He is willing to do anything for the people he loves, even if it results in his own demise. Bellamy Blake is a man who would do anything for his sister. He loves his sister, Octavia more than anything else in the world. There was something special about her, and that was that her existence was illegal. (only one child is allowed to every family) He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Glass Sorenson is someone who has always known the better side of life on the arc. She's a 17 year old who's life was perfect, until everything went wrong. She was arrested, taken away from her boyfriend, mother, and best friend, the three people that meant the most to her. The only thing keeping her sane in her confinement is the thought of seeing them again. " I would recommend this book to others! This book was amazing! The storyline was easy to follow, the characters are lovable, and the book is an easy read. It was very addictive and hard to put down! - KD

The Devil in the White City is about an architect who led the construction of the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 and a serial killer named Holmes who used the fair as a lure. "Mr. Burnham, a kind businessman that takes his work very seriously. H.H Holmes started a pharmacy across from the World's fair, used the fair to lure victims in." Yes, it is a book that's a bit wordy but is extremely interesting and easy to get into. - SB

One day in Elena Rudina's poor and starving village in Russia, a train arrives. On this train is a girl named Ekaternia, whose family is extremely wealthy. Over the weeks that the train is paused, due to construction on a bridge, the two girls become friends. Things are going well, until the train is ready to leave. On accident, Elena boards the train instead of Ekaternia, leaving Ekaternia stranded and Elena in a panic to disguise who she really is. Ekaternia decides to walk to St. Petersburg by herself, where she meets Baba Yaga, a witch with a house on chicken feet. Ekaternia is a sheltered girl who knows nothing about playing with other children and is a people pleaser. Elena is a kind girl who longs for her brother to come home from the war and for her situation to get better. I would definitely recommend this book to those who like fantasy and adventure books. It has many twists and turns that keep you turning the pages, always wanting to know where their adventure leads them next. - MR

Samantha McAllister is your average popular teenage girl, except she is hiding the fact that she has Purely-Obsessional OCD. Everyday, she is overtaken by dark thoughts and worries that never seem to leave her. Although toxic, her popular girl friend group provides a type of safety and comfort that she would be stripped of without them. But one day, she meets a misfit named Caroline. Samantha keeps Caroline a secret from everyone, just as she does her psychiatrist visits. As Samantha and Caroline grow closer, Caroline introduces her to Poet's Corner. Poet's Corner is a secret room in the school where other high school misfits hang out and share interests, stories, etc. among themselves. As Samantha begins to learn more of these students, she begins to learn more about herself and become comfortable in a crowd. However, she is forced to question her sanity after a shocking discovery. Samantha McAllister is one of the popular girls in school. She has Purely-Obsessional OCD and hides her mental illness in fear of not being 'normal'. Caroline is a stereotypical high school misfit. She tends not to care what people think of her which seems to be what draws Samantha towards her in the first place. I would definitely recommend this book to others. Samantha's character was very well written and the plot twist is completely unexpected. - DD

This book is about a girl who is so sick that she cant even leave her home. He has SCID, which is a very rare disease that makes it so you have an extremely weak immune system and so that your body can barley even handle the smallest cold. Her name is Madeline and for the longest time she was perfectly happy with her life. One day a boy and his family move in next door, and all the sudden she want to do more with her life. He gets her thinking about if shes really sick or not. The main character is Madeline. Shes extremely sick and love to read. She want s to be an architect and take online classes. She has many friends but there all online. I would really recommend this book. It makes you think about how lucky we are and how not everyone has the same opportunities as me. This book made me happy, sad, and angry all at the same time. - HC

"”The Girl I Used To Be” is a book I would recommend to those who like mystery and thrillers. After her mother was killed, Olivia assumes her father was the one who murdered her, since he went missing for many months. At least that's what she thought until his body was found as well. She then decides to go looking for their killer, which proves to be a dangerous mission with many obstacles. A pretty quick read, especially due to it being so suspenseful and drawing you in more and more after each chapter and page. Olivia is determined, tough, and definitely brave. Yes, I would recommend this book to others because there are many plot twists, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat. - KF

This book is about a boy who grows up on his grandfathers stories. His stories are about these peculiar children. He believes the stories told to him, but as he got older they started to seem weird and fake. When something tragic happens to his grandfather, he starts to realize that his grandfathers stories might be more then they seem. The main characters name is Jacob. There is a lot he doesn't know about himself and hes braver then he thinks and seems. He is also a loner and only has one forced friend. I would definitely recommend this book it was really good it full of surprises. - HC

"The Sun is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon is about two teenagers that stumble upon each other and are polar opposites. The girl, Natasha, believes they met by coincidence, people meet other people all the time, how is this time any different? The boy, Daniel, believes in things such as fate and that everything happens for a reason. He knows they met, and although they may not know why they did, there was definitely a purpose for the two to cross paths. They meet and click instantly, however while Daniel is all in and yearning to learn more about Natasha, Natasha is dreading the idea. She figures that she should not start to get more attached to the city than she already is, considering she and her family are being deported to Jamaica in 12 hours and there is nothing she can do to stop it. Natasha is a girl who believes in science and facts. She is not the type who believes in dreams that seem to be impossible. In fact, she actually feels as though love is simply just science. Chemicals in the body creating reactions. Daniel on the other hand, is a complete believer in fate and dreams. He believes in love and will overlook science if he feels that something has a deeper meaning. Philosophically, they are opposites. I would recommend this book to others, especially for those who are hopeless romantics. The way these two characters begin to learn about the other and click so quick is mesmerizing. The relationship they form so quickly will surely be an invitation to consistently turn the page. The ending was adorable, and also unexpected! - DD

This is the second book in the the series of America Royals. This story is a continuation of the first story. Majesty picks up right where it left off but instead of being Princess Beatrice she is now Queen Beatrice and is over whelmed by the responsibility that comes along with being Queen. Although the big question is still looming will Beatrice go through with her Royal Wedding even though she does not have the same feelings for her fiance? Beatrice has shut everyone out of her life as she adapts to the role of Queen unlike her siblings especially Princess Samantha who goes back to being the party girl and Prince Jefferson who is trapped back into his relationship with Daphne. This story is all about how each royal will navigate their lives after their sudden lose of their father. For Beatrice she needs to decide weather she will go through with her marriage. Queen Beatrice is in sudden shock of the loose of her father and now having the responsibility of her whole country and if she needs to sacrifice her love for her country. Princess Samantha is upset over her sisters idea of waiting to decide if she will marry her fiance so she goes back to her Princess party life. Prince Jefferson is now broken up with Nina and has now allowed Daphne back into his life but that might not be such a good idea. Daphne is realizing her mother wants her to become a Princess more than she does. She is then under lots of stress when her best friend Himari wakes up from her coma and knows one of Daphnes darkest secrets. I would recommend this book to anyone who has read the first book an enjoyed it because it is a continuation of the first story. If you enjoy romance and drama this book is right for you! - AS

A futuristic United States banned Muslim religion and forced Muslim Americans into interment camps. Camp Mobius is run by Exclusion Guards and the tyrannical Director. The people wrongly-oppressed in the camps alongside the people fighting against Muslim hatred band together and attempt to release the internees and stop the government from permitting religious discrimination. Layla Amin, a stubborn seventeen-year-old who is a Muslim American, is whisked away from her home and sent to Camp Mobius. All she wants to do is escape from the prison and return to her loyal boyfriend David and have a normal life again. In the camp, she meets Ayesha and Soheil, her new friends and they attempt to create escape plans. Layla meets an unexpected ally as well: Corporal Jake Reynolds, an Exclusion guard who wants to help. I recommend this book 100%. It is a very interesting and depressing issue, but discrimination happens everywhere everyday. The more we learn about it, the more we can learn from others' mistakes and prevent it from continuing. This book taught me to be brave even when your scared and to fight for what is right. It was a very entertaining book and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. - SP