Awards


What If It's Us
Albertalli, Becky and Silvera, Adam
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

“What If It’s Us?” is a LGBTQIA+ romance book involving two teens in New York. The two main characters, Ben and Arthur, meet in a post office. Ben, 17 years old and a New York resident, is there to mail his ex-boyfriend’s stuff back to him. Arthur, 16 years old and staying for the summer because of an internship, held the door open for Ben and became interested in him. The two hit it off, but they end up getting separated by a flash mob proposal. The two keep thinking of each other and how they want to meet again, but they have a hard time finding each other. Arthur finally figures out a way to get Ben’s email, and the two reconnect. Their whole summer together is filled with ups and downs, laughter, and drama.

“What If It’s Us?” is a sweet, well-written book. The characters are very likable and diverse. Arthur and Ben have a realistic relationship, with the two having their ups and downs since they come from different backgrounds. Arthur, coming from a well-off white family, and Ben, coming from a lower-class Puerto Rican family. The two also have some very sweet romantic moments that touched my heart. The plot has a nice climax, and the ending makes sense for the characters and the story. Overall, I would recommend this book to people who are fans of LGBTQIA+ romance.

Reviewer's Name: Madison
What If It's Us
Albertalli, Becky and Silvera, Adam
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

“What If It’s Us?” is a LGBTQIA+ romance book involving two teens in New York. The two main characters, Ben and Arthur, meet in a post office. Ben, 17 years old and a New York resident, is there to mail his ex-boyfriend’s stuff back to him. Arthur, 16 years old and staying for the summer because of an internship, held the door open for Ben and became interested in him. The two hit it off, but they end up getting separated by a flash mob proposal. The two keep thinking of each other and how they want to meet again, but they have a hard time finding each other. Arthur finally figures out a way to get Ben’s email, and the two reconnect. Their whole summer together is filled with ups and downs, laughter, and drama.

“What If It’s Us?” is a sweet, well-written book. The characters are very likable and diverse. Arthur and Ben have a realistic relationship, with the two having their ups and downs since they come from different backgrounds. Arthur, coming from a well-off white family, and Ben, coming from a lower-class Puerto Rican family. The two also have some very sweet romantic moments that touched my heart. The plot has a nice climax, and the ending makes sense for the characters and the story. Overall, I would recommend this book to people who are fans of LGBTQIA+ romance.

Reviewer's Name: Madison
The Candy Shop War Book Jacket
Mull, Brandon
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

This book has all the makings of a great book--a sweet plot, magic, and of course, candy. The storyline follows Nate, who moves to a new town and joins a club with three other kids: daredevil Summer, steadfast Trevor, and brainy Pigeon. When the new sweet shop shows up in town, they have no idea how good-or dangerous-the candy could be. Mrs. White, the owner, is the sweet old lady who owns the shop, but is that all she is? Can normal people make candy that lets you leap twelve times as high as you could? Soon, she has recruited the four kids. They do special missions in return for magic candy, but something doesn't feel right. Soon, the kids begin to suspect Mrs. White. However, they might be too late, and how can they expect to fight against magic? This book is full of unexpected twists and is an enjoyable read. The combination of candy and magic is too good to resist. Definitely check it out!

Reviewer's Name: Lucy, Grade 8
Lockwood and Co: The Hollow Boy Book Jacket
Stroud, Jonathan
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

When my mom recommended this book to me, I was skeptical, because I don't read a lot of ghost/horror stories. However, though there are some eerie specters and situations, the overall feel of the book is dry comments and tea parties. This book takes place in an alternate London, where an epidemic has broke out. It's called The Problem, and it is ghosts returning from beyond the grave. There are many agencies that people hire to fight against ghosts using salt and iron. Only children and teenagers can see and hear ghosts, but everyone can die from ghost touch. Some children are born with psychic talents that allow for easier recognition of ghosts, and so can defeat them easier. The series follows Lucy Joan Carlyle, an agent who joins a small company, the smallest in the city, and the ghosts they find, but in the third one, an especially large outbreak plagues London. Every agency is out every night (ghosts don't come out during the day) fighting ghosts and searching for the source of the outbreak. Lucy and her team, charming and fearless Lockwood, the leader of the group, George, a crusty intellectual, and Holly, perfection personified and a new addition to the team, need to find the source. They need to find it quickly, before there are more casualties. Overall, I loved the writing style, as the characters seem real though the circumstances are outlandish and the whole series is definitely worth reading. I personally have read all the books at least twice, and some parts still surprise me!

Reviewer's Name: Lucy, Grade 8
Okay for Now
Schmidt, Gary D.
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

This book is in my top five of all time. I really enjoyed the writing style as it makes the characters easier to relate to. Every time I reread it, I noticed something new, a detail here and there. The plot seems sad in the beginning, and sad things happen, but the end puts the sweet in bittersweet. It follows the main character, Doug Sweiteck and his transition to Marysville as he struggles with two big secrets that Schmidt reveals through the actions of the characters--so read carefully, you don't want to miss anything. When Doug sees James John Audubon's paintings of a variety of birds, they change his life. The character growth between all the characters is astonishing and it shocked me. Definitely check it out!

Reviewer's Name: Lucy
Okay for Now
Schmidt, Gary D.
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

This book is in my top five of all time. I really enjoyed the writing style as it makes the characters easier to relate to. Every time I reread it, I noticed something new, a detail here and there. The plot seems sad in the beginning, and sad things happen, but the end puts the sweet in bittersweet. It follows the main character, Doug Sweiteck and his transition to Marysville as he struggles with two big secrets that Schmidt reveals through the actions of the characters--so read carefully, you don't want to miss anything. When Doug sees James John Audubon's paintings of a variety of birds, they change his life. The character growth between all the characters is astonishing and it shocked me. Definitely check it out!

Reviewer's Name: Lucy
Okay for Now
Schmidt, Gary D.
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

This book is in my top five of all time. I really enjoyed the writing style as it makes the characters easier to relate to. Every time I reread it, I noticed something new, a detail here and there. The plot seems sad in the beginning, and sad things happen, but the end puts the sweet in bittersweet. It follows the main character, Doug Sweiteck and his transition to Marysville as he struggles with two big secrets that Schmidt reveals through the actions of the characters--so read carefully, you don't want to miss anything. When Doug sees James John Audubon's paintings of a variety of birds, they change his life. The character growth between all the characters is astonishing and it shocked me. Definitely check it out!

Reviewer's Name: Lucy
I Love You So Mochi
Kuhn, Sarah
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

"I Love You So Mochi" is a book about a Japanese American girl named Kimi who visits Japan on a journey of self-discovery. Her mother is a famous painter who wants her to follow in her footsteps. However, Kimi doesn't feel like painting suits her as a career. After an argument with her mom about her career, she gets a letter from her estranged grandpa, inviting her to visit Japan for spring break. Kimi takes up her grandpa's offer, later meeting a cute boy who offers to be her tour guide for Japan. For just a week, Kimi has the chance to discover herself, connect with family, and fall in love.

This book was really touching. The author does a great job characterizing the characters and making them feel human. The moments when Kimi emails her mom and describes her original designs are also awesome. I really enjoyed reading about the main character and learning about her style of clothing. The romance between the two main characters is so adorable, and I was definitely feeling sad when I came to the last day of Kimi's trip. All in all, this is a wonderful, sweet read that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a delightful book.

Reviewer's Name: Madison
Awards:
Genres:
The Sun and the Star
Riordan, Rick
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

"The Sun and the Star" is a book in the Percy Jackson universe that is set after "Trials of Apollo" and before "Magnus Chase". Nico keeps having weird dreams where a disembodied voice calls out to him, asking for help. When the Oracle of Delphi sends Nico on a quest to the Underworld, Will, his boyfriend, goes with him. The two go on a journey in the Underworld, and they have to face many hardships. It may seem like the world is against them, but with their love, they can get through anything.

This book is amazing. As always, Rick Riordan manages to move me to tears. Throughout the book, there are little excerpts from later on that make you want to read more. It's very captivating and I could not stop reading it. I would 100% recommend you read this book if you've finished the Trials of Apollo series!

Reviewer's Name: Madison
Genres:
The Tenant Book Jacket
McFadden, Freida
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

"The Tenant" is a chilling thriller that will you leave you questioning if you should ever open your home to strangers...
Things are not going well for Blake. Having just lost his job (and dignity) Blake faces intense stress over how he's going to pay off his house and make a living for him and his fiancé. Felling incredibly grateful to his fiancé, Krista, for still sticking around, he continues to search for ways to make money. When Krista suggest they rent out a room in the house, Blake is hesitant, but not for long when he realizes this might give him the break he needs. Whitney is a perfect candidate to be a tenant and everything goes perfectly at first. That is, until Blake becomes convinced Whitney is becoming vindictive and malicious towards him. With no one believing him, Blake is determined to figure out who Whitney really is and to stop her from tormenting his life. Except what he finds is far from what he expected...
"The Tenant" was a really interesting read and definitely kept me on my toes and needing to know what happens next.

Reviewer's Name: Ann, Grade 12
Unwind Book Jacket
Shusterman, Neal
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

"Unwind" is a sci-fi dystopian masterpiece that everyone should read. "Unwind" follows Connor, Lev, and Risa, each with a very different life and story. Despite their differences there is one thing they all have in common; they have been scheduled to be unwound. Being unwound is every teenager's worst nightmare, unless that is you're a tithe. After a war that happened long before Connor, Lev, and Risa's time, a decision was made that any child between the ages of 13 and 18 can be unwound, aka have their body harvested to be used for others who need transplants, if their parents so decided. Despite societies persistence that being unwound is a way for the kids to live on forever, Connor, Lev, and Risa have other plans for their future...

Reviewer's Name: Ann, Grade 12
Unwind Book Jacket
Shusterman, Neal
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

"Unwind" is a sci-fi dystopian masterpiece that everyone should read. "Unwind" follows Connor, Lev, and Risa, each with a very different life and story. Despite their differences there is one thing they all have in common; they have been scheduled to be unwound. Being unwound is every teenager's worst nightmare, unless that is you're a tithe. After a war that happened long before Connor, Lev, and Risa's time, a decision was made that any child between the ages of 13 and 18 can be unwound, aka have their body harvested to be used for others who need transplants, if their parents so decided. Despite societies persistence that being unwound is a way for the kids to live on forever, Connor, Lev, and Risa have other plans for their future...

Reviewer's Name: Ann, Grade 12
Gathering Blue Book Jacket
Lowry, Lois
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

Another one of Lois Lowry's inspirational books, "Gathering Blue" tells a powerful story. The book follows Kira, a girl with a disability living in a society where disabilities and weakness is frowned upon and cast out. After her mother's death, Kira fears what will become of her future, only to learn she has been chosen to repair a sacred item that is of the utmost important in her societies traditions. Being chosen to do this task offers Kira a place to live, eat, and cease worrying about her future. With a new and much more luxurious life, all seems well to Kira at first. However as she meets more people with unique talents like her, she begins to question her work and everything she's been taught, especially when she discovers a shocking secret she never could have thought to have been true...

Reviewer's Name: Ann, Grade 12
Shut Up, This Is Serious Book Jacket
Ixta, Carolina
1 star = Yuck!
Review:

"Shut Up, This Is Serious" follows Belen as she struggles to come to terms with her father's abandonment and her current mental health struggles. Attempting to help her best friend, Leti, as she as she manages her teen pregnancy, Belen struggles to find herself at the same time. "Shut Up, This Is Serious" is a realistic fiction story detailing the challenges young Latina girls face through a fictional plot with dynamic and diverse characters.

Before reading "Shut Up, This Is Serious", I was looking forward to an interesting YA novel that was full of high school drama and heartwarming moments as Belen grows and changes throughout the plot. However, I ended up not enjoying this book, and having to finish it felt like a chore. Even though I liked the idea and some aspects of the plot, the execution and Ixta's writing style made this book less engaging and was oftentimes confusing. The characters were not relatable and seemed distant, while the plot was chaotic and seemed to skip around a lot. Overall, I would not recommend this book, because the execution of the story line was uninteresting and pretty disappointing.

Reviewer's Name: Addelyn
Project Hail Mary
Weir, Andy
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

This book was absolutely amaze! It's a thought-provoking science fiction novel in which the protagonist has to find a solution to the world-ending microorganisms, Astrophage. It just so happens that this book was a required reading in one of my classes. The protagonist has a fantastic sense of humor and chemistry with the other character, Rocky. I loved how there were two timelines that progressively revealed more information about how our protagonist ended up in their current position, as the protagonist figures that out himself. All of the science in this book was well thought out and was explained in a mostly easy-to-understand way. It felt like every chapter was a cliffhanger, and every plot twist was surprising in a way that, when looking back, seems obvious. My one and only critique of the story is that the ending felt a bit rushed, and it seemed like the roadblocks during the end were solved without going into depth about the solutions. I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy science fiction; it was my all-time favorite.

Reviewer's Name: Chase
Nothing But the Truth
Avi
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

Initially, this book was handed out as an assignment for ELA, but after being quizzed and thoroughly reading through the book, I can positively say that the topic explored throughout this story is probably one of the most intriguing ones I've read this year, as it takes inspiration from events that have happened and continue to happen to this day. The central conflict of this story stems from the protagonist, Phillip, who gets into trouble for repeatedly humming the national anthem during homeroom. What makes me love this story, however, is the use of media to further the plot. Many small events that occur daily are often blown out of proportion due to social media platforms like TikTok or YouTube. This is a significant theme in the plot, and one I'm a big fan of. Phillip is an interesting character as the protagonist; he is inherently selfish and avoids responsibility while somewhat twisting the truth about events. However, I think these traits are very relatable to teenagers, who would most likely react similarly if put in that position. My only issue with the book is the pacing, as it sometimes feels like the plot isn't progressing.

Reviewer's Name: Chase
Educated: A Memoir
Westover, Tara
3 stars = Pretty Good
Review:

"Educated: A Memoir" by Tara Westover is a breathtaking story. Westover writes about her childhood growing up in an extreme survivalist family surrounded by impossibilities and abusive relationships. She heartbreakingly explains every unbelievable detail of her life, and each twist makes it impossible for the reader to put this book down as betrayals, miracles, and tragedies occur. As you watch Westover go from not attending elementary, middle, or high school, to graduating from Harvard and Cambridge, this book will bring tears to your eyes with each page.

This book is one of the most impactful books I have ever read. Learning about Westover's life and the struggles she went through educating herself and forging her own path was both eye-opening and inspiring. The determination and courage that Westover develops as she describes the challenges and self-discovery she experiences is incredibly inspiring. This book is a heavy and heartbreaking read, but I highly recommend it and it truly deserves its title as a bestseller.

Reviewer's Name: Addelyn
Restart
Korman, Gordon
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

Chase Ambrose was the most popular football jock and the “big man on campus.” But when he falls off a roof and suffers a serious concussion, he has to relearn everything - from his friends to his personality to even his own name.

When he returns to school, he is greeted with a wide variety of reactions. His best friends, Aaron and Bear, and the rest of the football team treat him like a hero, while others openly dislike him - or even fear him! One girl even dumps frozen yogurt on him at the fro-yo place after school.

Chase struggles to remember who the old Chase Ambrose was, but after multiple experiences, he realizes the old Chase may not even be worth remembering. Restricted from playing football, Chase joins the video club and makes meaningful friendships with kids he used to bully. Now Chase has to decide whether to stick to his old self or to build a new and completely different version of himself. He has to remember: not everyone gets a chance to “Restart” their life, but the question is, will he take his?

Restart covers themes of identity, redemption, and the importance of second chances. Chase is a relatable character going through a journey to find his true self while also facing the consequences of the actions of the old Chase Ambrose. Restart shows change isn’t easy, but it’s still possible if you try hard enough.

Whether you like sports, school drama, or a heartfelt story about second chances, Restart has something to offer for you.

Reviewer's Name: Alaina
The Crash Book Jacket
McFadden, Freida
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

Life has been rocky for Tegan ever since the night she got pregnant. Alone, close to her due date, and desperately wanting a better life for her baby, Tegan has a plan to make sure this happens. When that plan goes south, Tegan decides to take a road trip to stay with her brother for the extra support. On her way there a snow storm hits and Tegan's car runs off the road, ending in a broken ankle and totaled car. Panic lessens when Tegan notices a man coming her way and helps her out of the car, taking her back to his house. There is something about this man that unsettles Tegan, but she's glad he has a wife who happens to be a nurse. The first night seemed to go so well, with Tegan being cared for by the wife. Yet, when she's told the next day it's impossible to leave Tegan begins noticing things that make her suspicious of this couple's true motive...
"The Crash" was a great book about a young women simply trying to navigate motherhood. The plot twists of this book were intriguing and kept you rooting for Tegan the whole time. The book also does a great job at showing the complexities of grief, and the things it will drive people to do.

Reviewer's Name: Ann, Grade 12
Home Before Dark Book Jacket
Sager, Riley
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

Imagine growing up in a haunted house your family fled after barely living there for three weeks... or, at least, that's what Maggie Holt's father claimed in his book that made his family famous. Except Maggie doesn't believe one word of the book even more so due to the fact her parents never spoke about the events that happened there. Hoping Baneberry Hall is something of her past, Maggie is more than shocked to hear she has inherited it since her father's passing. With big plans to renovate and sell for a big sum, Maggie makes her way back to her short-lived childhood home. Yet the longer she stays the more odd occurrences that happen, making her question the reality of events described by her father. As the truth begins to unravel, Maggie realizes that what happened in Baneberry Hall is much more complicated than her father's famous book lets on...
"Home Before Dark" was a good read that definitely had a surprising ending. I do wish the ending had been more climactic but overall the plot is engaging.

Reviewer's Name: Ann, Grade 12
Sharp Objects Book Jacket
Flynn, Gillian
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

"Sharp Objects" is a riveting story about uncovering the dark secrets of a dysfunctional family.
Camille is a struggling journalist trying to forget her dark childhood with one thing she hopes to never do again; return to her hometown. Yet when murders of young girls begin happening in her hometown, she must go back to create a story that will help her career. Upon her arrival she comes face to face with her mother and their rocky relationship. She also meets her much younger sister, who's behavior is far out of the ordinary for a young girl. As Camille tries to begin her story, she struggles with herself and the memories she must face. Soon Camille begins piecing together parts of her past and the current events, leading her to a shocking discovery.
"Sharp Objects" was a deeply engaging book that kept me on the edge of my seat! Each chapter brings you closer to what Camille thinks has happened, but the end reveals something much more shocking. This is a book I would put on my read again list!

Reviewer's Name: Ann, Grade 12
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Book Jacket
Reid, Taylor Jenkins
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a FANTASTIC read. It traces the life story of movie star, Evelyn Hugo, as told by underground reporter Monique Grant. The plot development throughout this novel is spectacular, and is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. It is not quite a romance, not quite a mystery, but somewhere in between. The reader is led to ponder the value of love, marriage, and storytelling as they discover the hidden connection between Evelyn and Monique.

Reviewer's Name: Addison
The Lying Game
Shepard, Sara
2 stars = Meh
Review:

Emma Paxton has never had a family. So when her long-lost identical twin, Sutton Mercer, messages her and asks to meet in Arizona, she is overjoyed. However, things are not as they seem. Emma soon discovers that Sutton was murdered - and she must take Sutton's place in her twin's lavish (albeit complicated) life. With Sutton's murderer watching her every move, Emma must work to find the killer and avenge her sister, diving deeper into her twin's dark past and her twisted involvement in The Lying Game, uncovering secret after secret.

I really liked reading Shepard's more famous series, "Pretty Little Liars," so I picked up "The Lying Game" in the hopes that it would be the same page-turning mystery filled with high school drama. However, although some plot points and revelations were interesting, I was largely disappointed by this book. It is told in first perspective by Sutton from beyond the grave, following Emma's current activities in third person, and the idea of Sutton telling the story (although essential, as it gave context clues that Emma had not figured out yet) was a little awkward. Honestly, the whole book felt a little unbelievable and the characters were all stereotypical and flat, making it hard for me to enjoy. If you are looking for a Shepard's style of YA mystery, I would recommend reading "Pretty Little Liars" or "The Perfectionists" instead.

Reviewer's Name: Addelyn
Awards:
Listen for the Lie Book Jacket
Tintera, Amy
3 stars = Pretty Good
Review:

"Listen for the Lie" by Amy Tintera follows Lucy Chase as she returns to Texas five years after she was found in the woods, covered in her best friend, Savvy's, blood. Claiming to have no memory of the murder, Lucy is suspect number one - and now a podcast is being made by Ben Owens, following the case. With Lucy back at the scene of the crime, she has no choice but to face her past, even if it means suspecting everyone around her. As secret after secret is revealed, Lucy realizes that she can trust no one, as her memory of that night is the only thing that can clear her name and reveal the killer.

"Listen for the Lie" is an absolutely captivating book. Each chapter reveals another secret, and each plot twist makes the book impossible to put down. With alternating perspectives between Lucy's perspective and the episodes of the podcast, this tale weaves an intriguing story that leaves you guessing from beginning to end. Tintera does a great job with making Lucy's amnesia believable (even though her delusions about killing those around her and hallucinations can feel awkward at times), while also shifting the reader's perception of her as more clues are revealed. "Listen for the Lie" is a great mystery full of hilarious moments, captivating romance, and a gut-wrenching ending.

Reviewer's Name: Addelyn
Reputation Book Jacket
Shepard, Sara
2 stars = Meh
Review:

"Reputation" follows the students and faculty members of Aldrich University, who will do anything to protect their reputations - even if it means committing murder. After the most prestigious universities in the United States suffer a serious hack, exposing juicy secrets and scandalous cover-ups, everyone is panicking with the sudden influx of exposed lies and deception. Soon after, Kit Manning-Strauser's husband is mysteriously murdered, suddenly, everyone is a suspect. Willa, her sister, begins to investigate, and as lie after lie is uncovered, no one in Aldrich is safe. How far will the murderer go to protect their reputation?

I read a lot of Sara Shepard's books, and I really love the plot lines she comes up with and her writing style. However, I was honestly a little disappointed with this book. Compared to her other books, which largely center around high school girls, it was evident that Shepard was trying for a more "mature" theme and that really fell flat and didn't add to the story. The plot twists just weren't as exciting as in her other works, and it was hard to follow each character, because there were so many different, unrelated, viewpoints. Although some aspects of the conclusion were interesting, "Reputation" was altogether not that exciting. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this Sara Shepard book to anyone looking for her style of murder mystery, and I would stick to series like "Pretty Little Liars" and "The Perfectionists."

Reviewer's Name: Addelyn, Grade 10
Holly Book Jacket
King, Stephen
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

"Holly" by Stephen King follows Holly Gibney, a middle-aged woman employed at a detective agency. In the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic, a young woman goes missing, and in the wake of her mother's death, Holly is desperate to help. However, when one disappearance leads to another, Holly finds herself in over her head. With alternating perspectives between Holly, others in the detective agency, and even the killer themselves, suspense runs high as the culprit turns their attention to Holly herself to silence her once and for all.

I really love reading mystery books (especially ones about serial killers) and this book really was perfect to me. I haven't read any other of King's books, but this one was a great place to start, as his writing style, organization, and plot points were spot-on. Additionally, the fact that this book is set during the coronavirus pandemic makes it relatable for readers, drawing them in and adding a lot to the story. Overall, the intriguing concepts, haunting ending, and intricate clues linger with the reader long after the book has been finished. Although it may seem like a difficult read (the book is over 400 pages), "Holly" is absolutely worth it, and each page-turning chapter makes it nearly impossible to put the book down.

Reviewer's Name: Addelyn, Grade 10
The Narrow
Marshall, Kate Alice
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

Everybody at Atwood boarding school knows about the Narrow, the seemingly peaceful river that runs behind the school building. They also know that behind its serene appearance hides its deadly currents, sweeping anyone who falls in to a fatal ride crashing into the sharp rocks below. Nonetheless, every year when school begins, it is tradition for the students of Atwood to leap across the river. No consequences or anything from the administrators, just make sure to not fall in the river. Because they say the Narrow drowns all it takes.

But that's not entirely true. Eden White had seen Delphine Fournier fall in the Narrow and live. Not unscathed, because Delphine had developed a severe allergic reaction to impure water afterwards. And now she's confined in a nearby school-owned building, Abigail House, strictly conditioned to preserve her health. No one has talked to her for years. But when Eden's negligent parents fail to pay her tuition for her last year at Atwood, she has no choice but to live with Delphine on the account that Delphine's mother pays her tuition in return. As the days roll by, Eden finds herself uncontrollably drawn to the enigmatic Delphine - and haunted by the strange incidents that happen to her during her time in Abigail House. Wet footsteps follow her to her bedroom, and her dreams are plagued by a girl, soaked to the bone, constantly choking from the water that fills her lungs. The legends behind Atwood speak of a ghost, and Eden doesn't believe it at first. But then she sees her. Talks to her. And slowly realizes the truth behind Delphine's sickness.

I had recently found interest in stories involving ghosts, and this book was one of the first I had read to indulge in it. It is not as creepy as I thought it would be, judging from the book description, but I enjoyed it anyway. Marshall's writing is very immersive, and every chapter I finished had me wanting to read more. The beginning of the book really sets up the tone for the rest of the story, and the plot is well paced despite some parts being a bit too lengthy. The creepy atmosphere the story aims for sometimes falls flat, but the darker tone does eventually return, especially at the climax, which culminates into a bittersweet ending. The author also does a good job of taking an old-fashioned concept, such a ghost story, and blending it in with a modern day setting. Perhaps the most enjoyable part in my opinion was Eden's journey to self-love and properly coping with her mental health issues. Marshall tackles some heavier topics I don't normally see represented in other novels with sensitivity, and I respect that greatly. Overall, reading this novel was a pleasant experience, and I will also be willing to check out some of the author's other works: it seems like creepier content is her focus.

Reviewer's Name: Joyce
The Summer I Turned Pretty Book Jacket
Han, Jenny
2 stars = Meh
Review:

Isabel "Belly" Conklin has always loved summer, because every summer, she gets to spend time at her favorite place in the world - Cousins. There, she is able to escape from all her worries at her mother's friend, Susannah's, luxurious beach house. But this summer is different. Belly finds herself conflicted as she experiences feelings for Susannah's two sons, Jeremiah and Conrad. Exploring this conflict leads Belly to take a deeper look at herself as she transitions into adulthood, filling her summer with countless adventures and drama.

I read "The Summer I Turned Pretty" by Jenny Han after reading "To All the Boys I Have Loved Before," which is by the same author, and I didn't enjoy this series as much as the "To All the Boys" series. Han's books are always good choices for someone looking for a light read filled with drama and romance (and both series have TV adaptations that are fun to watch!). However, the idea that Belly has to "choose" between two brothers took a lot away from the plot for me (as it seems that she has no consideration for either of them and only thinks of herself and her rapidly changing emotions), as it made Belly a very unlovable character. To me, she was portrayed as selfish and naive, focusing only on herself as she chooses between Jeremiah and Conrad, paying no attention to the impact of her actions on the brothers. Because of this, the reader cannot become attached to Belly as the main character, as well as the book itself and the heartbreaking and intriguing story that Han presents.

Reviewer's Name: Addelyn, Grade 10
Awards:
The Martian
Weir, Andy
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

The Martian follows the captivating story of Mark Watney, an astronaut left stranded on Mars. In the story, Watney has to figure out how to survive in the hostile environment of Mars with only a limited amount of supplies. All the while, NASA is working diligently to bring him back home.

I chose to read this book because I love science fiction and was intrigued by the position that Watney is placed in. I loved it because it shows the extent of human ingenuity and the things that one is able to do in extreme circumstances. The book also switches between the things that Watney is doing on Mars to try and stay alive and the things that NASA is doing to try and bring him back home safely, making the book hard to put down.

The only thing that I didn't like about the book is that there is a little bit of a lack of emotional depth in the book. Watney rarely shows signs of fear or despair despite being stranded on Mars for a long period of time, which is a bit unrealistic.

The Martian explores a possible future regarding space travel and exploration, and delves into some of the problems humanity may face while exploring. The book is very scientifically accurate and describes some processes in great detail, so if you're into STEM and are looking for a new book, you should definitely check out The Martian.

Reviewer's Name: Aaron
The Martian
Weir, Andy
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

The Martian follows the captivating story of Mark Watney, an astronaut left stranded on Mars. In the story, Watney has to figure out how to survive in the hostile environment of Mars with only a limited amount of supplies. All the while, NASA is working diligently to bring him back home.

I chose to read this book because I love science fiction and was intrigued by the position that Watney is placed in. I loved it because it shows the extent of human ingenuity and the things that one is able to do in extreme circumstances. The book also switches between the things that Watney is doing on Mars to try and stay alive and the things that NASA is doing to try and bring him back home safely, making the book hard to put down.

The only thing that I didn't like about the book is that there is a little bit of a lack of emotional depth in the book. Watney rarely shows signs of fear or despair despite being stranded on Mars for a long period of time, which is a bit unrealistic.

The Martian explores a possible future regarding space travel and exploration, and delves into some of the problems humanity may face while exploring. The book is very scientifically accurate and describes some processes in great detail, so if you're into STEM and are looking for a new book, you should definitely check out The Martian.

Reviewer's Name: Aaron