Award Books by Genre: Other Award(s)

This book was an absolute page-turner. It hardly mattered that it’s written for kids and preteens. It was still very interesting at an older age. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover on a quest to get a lightning bolt back from Hades and get it back to Zeus. All the while, monsters hunt them down and they try to rescue Percy’s mom from the underworld. The characters are very likeable and relatable and this was a nice, quick read that was very enjoyable.

This story was just as amazing as the first book of the series. There were so many interweaving stories as different sides fight to put a new king on the throne after the last one died with arguments over who the heir is and whether a section should secede. It’s very complex but has nuance that was interesting and didn’t confuse me despite its complexity. It’s a long book but it feels like it goes but in a flash with how captivating and entertaining it is. This is a book I wish I could read for the first time again.

When Meddelin Chan accidentally kills her blind date, the last thing she needs is to add a 2,000 guest Chinese-Indonesian wedding to the mix. Luckily, her immigrant mother and three meddling aunties are prepared to do whatever it takes to hide the body and successfully cater the wedding. With the aunties dealing with a wedding, a body, and Meddy’s unexpected college sweetheart, nothing could possibly go wrong, right?

I thought this book was really cute! I wasn’t exactly sure what premise I was expecting due to the many different conflicts, but I thought the aunties were hilarious and the plot was executed well. This book was very fast paced and not at all hard to read, and I especially liked the author’s note of how this book was a love letter to her culture and her family. I feel like it made the cultural elements of the novel much more compelling. Overall, the book was very simple and shockingly kept me in suspense the whole time just because I had no idea which way the story was going to go. “Dial A for Aunties” was definitely a fun and easy read.

"Project Hail Mary" is a science fiction adventure telling the story of Ryland Grace, a man who wakes up with amnesia in a sterile room with no other human besides two corpses. Confused and terrified, Grace slowly pieces together the gravity of his situation: The world is ending, and he might be the only man capable of saving it.

This book was so good! I was nervous when starting the novel, as I did not enjoy Wier's previous books such as "The Martian," but I was surprised at how much better "Project Hail Mary" was! While it can be heavy on the scientific elements, Wier never strays from the plot, and I found the story was pretty easy to understand despite the science. Also, I really enjoyed how we, as the readers, work with Ryland Grace to learn the mission at the same pace he is. Since he starts the book with total amnesia, he gradually learns along the way of his purpose and the true motivation of his mission, and as such, the readers do as well. I feel like if I were more interested in science this book could've been even more amazing, but I just don't have the same understanding as I'm sure others do. So, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves or is interested in science, even if they do not like to read. I feel like it captures the elements of a standard novel and the science influence very well.

This book absolutely changed everything about how I read. Any time I tried to pick up any other book before finishing this one, all I could feel was a distinct desire to be reading this instead. Ned Stark tries to navigate politics as the Hand of the King, Bran recovers from a traumatic injury and begins discovering capabilities he never knew he had, Jon works his way up the ladder as a recruit at the Wall, Arya tries to live in King’s Landing while still pursuing her passions, and Sansa is stuck between love, hurt, and loyalty between her betrothed and her family. The storylines were complex and nuanced but understandable and the writing style was so good it made many other books after it feel like children’s books in comparison. Truly an incredible read.

This book was pretty good and really funny. It is a graphic novel, so it is a pretty fast read. Plain Jane and the Mermaid is about a girl with deceased parents in the 1800s who can't inherit her own house due to the fact that she is a woman. So, she goes to find a man to marry. Naturally, she chooses Peter, whom she has loved for a long time and he would gladly say yes, if only to get away from his father. This was a great plan... up until Peter was kidnapped by a mermaid. This book balances humor and sadness all while keeping the reader captivated. Although some places were a little less exciting and slow. Overall, this is a great book for graphic novel and mythical creature lovers.

“Of Mice and Men” tells the story of the duo George and Lennie, two laborers searching for work in California in the 1930s. Both increasingly different, with Lennie being large but having the mind of a child, and George being small and quick, the two navigate a world of tyranny and hardships, and find their friendship challenged as well.

This was an unexpected surprise to read in my English class, and I was delighted at how enjoyable it was. For a relatively simple storyline, Steinbeck didn’t hesitate to implement heavy topics and emotional themes. It was a very short and fast read, and the ending absolutely broke me! I was not at all prepared for how heartbreaking and eye-opening this story was. It felt like I was getting an unfiltered glimpse into America’s past, and I was not at all prepared for how brutal a relatively simple life in the 1930s could be. Lennie and George’s friendship was so pure, but the unfortunate reality of their situation was so depressing and it amazed me how Steinbeck was able to portray it in so few pages.

What happens to the world if a deadly pandemic were to rush through the world? What happens when the world and civilization as we know it collapses? Station 11 attempts to answer that question by following the lives of many characters through the past and present. Arthur is a celebrity who can't seem to keep a marriage. Kirsten was only a child when the flu hit but now she is traveling in a traveling symphony sharing their love for the arts with the few towns that exist. The Prophet, obsessed with airplanes, wants to make the world normal again in... interesting ways.

The idea and the events behind Station 11 are amazing and the pandemic made me very interested in what this book could be. I find the characters to be interesting to learn about and see how they grow and change overtime. The themes of relationships, family, civilization, memory and reminiscing are powerful and make you think. Unfortunately I find that the plot of the book is nonexistent at times and can sometimes drag on. It also can feel very confusing at times as almost everything in the book is connected to every other thing making it hard to keep tract of the plentiful amount of characters and objects on top of the non linear format . Overall I would say that this novel is overall a good read with very captivating stories and themes but with some issues with plot.

Poppy and Alex have been best friends for years. Despite being polar opposites, they’ve always bonded over one thing: traveling. After ten summer vacations, something disastrous happens to potentially split them up forever. But Poppy has one last vacation planned, and one last chance to prove that they may be more perfect for each other than originally thought. This book was an unfortunate disappointment for me. I was very excited to read it due to the movie releasing and my previous enjoyment of Henry’s other novels, but her story just fell flat in this one. Neither of the main characters were very likable to me, and the conflicts felt very predictable and boring. It wasn’t all terrible, and there were some parts that made me smile, but compared to her other works where I was laughing out loud and giggling about it to my friends, I couldn’t help but be a little let down by the execution of the storyline. If you’re an avid romance or Emily Henry reader there may be more enjoyment to find within this book, but unfortunately it wasn’t it for me.

The Glass Castle is an amazing memoir that follows the life of a young Jeannette. Jeannette grows up in a very poor and dysfunctional household that lives a nomadic live. She moves from place to place making it hard for her to make friends other than her older sister and younger brother. Her parents often argue and find themselves living in places that could barely pass as a home. During the course of her life, she experiences many difficult events that make her even more resilient. Throughout the book there are also flash forwards which take place in New York City once Jeannette has gotten older and shows the dynamic of her family many years later.

This book is an excellent read! The storylines, plots and relationships between characters are very interesting to read. Coming from someone who is not very similar to Jeannette, Jeannette Walls has done an amazing job putting me in the shoes of someone like herself and opened my eyes to the life and struggles of people who are not like me and who struggle to afford basic necessities. This book will teach you a lot about how other people live, resilience, the strong bond of family and making anywhere a home. I would recommend anyone read this book!

If you have read any of Schmidt's books before, you can probably see what this book is kind of about. A lot of his books are focused around similar themes, though they are unique and all very good. This book focuses on a very small kid named Hercules, whose parents die in a car crash and now runs the family business with his brother, Achilles. When he goes to a new school, he gets a horrible teacher with an impossible task--or so it seems. He must complete the 12 labors of the mythical Hercules, which includes going to Hell and back again. Throughout the book, you can see the growth of the characters which makes it a very entertaining read.

Five Feet Apart is an emotional and engaging novel that balances romance with the realities of battling cystic fibrosis. What makes this book stand out is how it explores the themes of control, risk, and what it means to truly live when your time and health is limited. The dual perspectives help readers understand both character's motivations and fears. This book is a captivating read which I finished in one sitting because of how enthralling it was. I picked this book because I had seen the movie before and enjoyed it and reading the book really just added to the emotional depth of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and how it wasn’t just a happy go lucky book but brings you into this world which not many people experience and makes you connect to these characters whom you might not usually have related to. Overall, it’s a touching, thought provoking novel that delivers both romance and reflection.

Dr. Anna Fox hasn't left her house in almost a year; unable to face the outside world after a tragic incident. With so much time on her hands she spends her days drinking, counseling strangers online, and watching old movies. Anna also has one other habit... she watches her neighbors, trying to pick at and understand their lives. So, when the Russell's move in she watches carefully, surprised when the enigmatic Jane Russell comes knocking on her door. After an intriguing few hours with Jane, Anna feels better than she has in a long time. However, when she watches the Russell's house again, she sees something no one was supposed to witness. All of a sudden Anna is up against multiple strangers who will do anything to keep a secret...
"The Woman in the Window" had an interesting plot twist one wouldn't see coming. However, it took quite a long time to cover some important themes and ideas in the book, making the first half slightly harder to read. The ending did make it worth reading, though this would likely stay as a onetime read.

I can see why this book became such a huge phenomenon in the 2000's, but it wasn’t really for me. The atmosphere is moody and memorable, which I did appreciate. However, the relationship between Bella and Edward felt unhealthy at times, and that made it hard for me to enjoy the romance. The pacing was slow in the middle, and I found myself wanting more plot progression. It’s iconic and influential, but personally, I didn’t connect with it as much as I hoped. I do think the movies are quite better!

When I first read this book, I was really intrigued by the faction system and the idea of sorting people by personality. The beginning felt strong and made me want to keep reading, especially as the main character Tris started her training. However, as the story went on, some of the characters felt underdeveloped, and the romance didn’t fully work for me. A lot of the conflict seemed to rely on predictable choices rather than surprising ones. I still think it’s entertaining and easy to read, but it didn’t leave a lasting emotional impact on me.

This book took me a little time to get into, but once it did, I was obsessed. The characters are easily the strongest part for me, each one felt distinct, flawed, and deeply layered, especially two characters named Kaz and Inej. I loved how the story trusted the reader to keep up instead of over explaining everything. The heist plot kept me on edge, and I genuinely didn’t know how things would turn out. While it can feel dense at times, the payoff is absolutely worth it, and I found myself really attached to this group by the end.

This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter, and I remember feeling tense the entire time I was reading it. Being inside Katniss’s head made everything feel urgent and real, especially the fear and pressure she feels just trying to survive. What I loved most was how the book isn’t just about the Games themselves, but about the themes of power, sacrifice, and how unfair systems hurt people who never asked to be part of them. The relationships, especially between Katniss and Peeta, felt complicated and realistic rather than overly romantic. By the end, I felt emotionally drained in the best way, and it made me think long after I closed the book!!

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld is about Tally Youngblood who lives in a futuristic dystopian society where everyone is considered an “Ugly” until they get cosmetic surgery and become a “Pretty.” Tally chooses to rebel against becoming a “Pretty” when her friends Shay and David show her that being a “Pretty” isn’t all that it is made out to be.
In my opinion, this book was nice. While the story was interesting, some parts were predictable.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian stories, adventure, and coming-of-age novels.

The Song of Achilles is a retelling of the Trojan War through the eyes of Achilles lover, Patroclus. This book has been on my reading list for a couple of years now, but I finally decided to pick it up, and I’m glad I did!
The best part of this book has to be the writing. I’m not usually a fan of the 1st person perspective, but Miller’s writing really makes it feel as though you are seeing everything through Patroclus’s eyes. It’s almost as though you are living through him at times, and it’s because of this that every one of his emotions has such an impact on the reader. Every moment feels like it matters. From the mundane beginnings in Phthia to the more intense clashes during the Trojan War, everything in this story feels like it has meaning.
Another part of this book that I love is the writing of the characters, specifically Achilles. As previously mentioned, the story is in 1st person. We never get to see what Achilles is thinking, but that’s exactly what makes him so interesting. The only things the reader knows about Achilles are through his interactions with Patroclus and other characters in the novel, and it’s through this that Achilles true nature is revealed.
While this book is a romance, I promise you will never read another like it. I have never seen a story where the main leads have such incredible chemistry, not only as lovers, but as friends. You truly get the sense that Achilles and Patroclus care so much about each other. That they know each other better than they know themselves.
Being familiar with the Iliad isn’t necessary to enjoy this book, and even though I was, the ending still shocked me. The last 50 pages or so had me on the edge of my seat, and it wasn’t exactly what happened that surprised me, but how it happened.
This is definitely the best book I have read in years. So, if you’re looking for a book that will absolutely blow you away, this is the book for you!

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is about Ally Nickerson, a sixth-grade girl who struggles in school, especially reading, and is frequently sent to the principal’s office. When her teacher goes on maternity leave, the new long-term sub Mr. Daniels is kind and patient with Ally, along with the rest of the class. Ally is able to make friends with the smart Albert and the bold Keisha, while also learning to stand up to bullies like Shay.
In my opinion, this book was amazing. Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s writing was fun, entertaining, and overall heartwarming for its relatable characters and humorous moments.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes heartwarming stories, realistic school experiences, and characters who overcome challenges.

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han is the second book in the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before series and cannot be read as a standalone.
In this sequel, Lara Jean navigates the complexities of her new relationship with Peter while dealing with the unexpected return of an old crush. As feelings become more complicated, she must figure out what love and loyalty really mean.
In my opinion, the book was entertaining and fun, but at times the story felt a bit predictable and some of the drama dragged. Jenny Han’s writing is still engaging, with humorous moments and relatable characters.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes teen romance, love triangles, and coming-of-age stories.

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han is about Lara Jean Covey who has a collection of love letters she keeps in a hat box gifted to her by her late mother. These five love letters are letters she has written for the five boys that she has ever loved. When the letters are unexpectedly delivered to the intended recipients, Lara Jean’s love life spirals out of control, and she ends up pretending to date one boy to keep up appearances in front of another.
In my opinion, the book was engaging and funny. Jenny Han’s writing is entertaining, and the story is easy to get lost in.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes feel-good romance, coming-of-age stories, or lighthearted teen drama.

What would you do if you lost all your memory? Would you be the same person you were before? What if, when you went back to school, everyone was afraid of you, except for one girl, who positively hates you? Chase fell off a roof, and his old self died. Sure, he's still athletic and has his friends, but everything seems off. What had he done to make a girl hate him so much that she dumped her frozen yogurt on his head and left without a word? Chase has to figure out who he was-and who he's going to be once he remembers. Definitely check this one out-I loved it.

Gordon Korman books are consistently good. However, this one has to be one of the ones I have read the most. It follows spoiled brat Jett Baranov, son of the creator of the biggest tech firm, well, ever, a corrupt 'wellness' camp, and... baby alligators? Anyway, all Jett knows is he hates Grace Atwater, the cheerleader for this place designed to make him suffer. I mean, no electronics, no meat, and the pool is set to boiling temperature, what else is supposed to do except steal his phone back and order a Dance Dance Revolution Machine? I should mention he is at this camp because of a little drone, and an army attack. Eventually Jett realizes there is something off about the camp, besides all the first impressions, and realizes he's the only one clear-headed enough (probably because of all the vegetables everyone else eats) to realizes exactly how crazy the camp is. However, he's up against Magnus, the most 'chill' guy, and Ivory, a woman built like a football player.

Millie needs a job, and quickly if she doesn't want to break the terms of her parole. So, when she's hired by Nina Winchester as a housemaid, she can't believe it. The Winchester's are an extremely wealthy family, and Millie can't help but notice that Nina's husband, Andrew, is particularly handsome. All seems to be going well until suddenly it's not. Nina's behaviors are sporadic and eccentric, and she often lashes out at Millie, going back on her word and constantly placing the blame on Millie. Millie's only comfort is Andrew, who, against her better judgement, she continues to get closer to. Except when the time finally comes for Millie to know the truth... nothing is as it seems.

"The Housemaid" is an interesting read, although the plot twist is definitely not as surprising as some of Freida McFadden's other work.

Paris can't believe what's happening; it just can't be real. As she awaits trial for the murder of her husband she can't help but wonder how she got here. Despite the lengths she went to escape her past, it all seems to be coming right back after her. Drew is furious Ruby Reyes is getting out of prison. He knows exactly the type of women Ruby Reyes was and the lies she's told the media. Little does Drew know Ruby Reyes and Paris are connected in a way he never expected. Ruby knows Paris' secret, and Paris is willing to do anything to ensure that secret never gets out.

"Things We Do in the Dark" was a very interesting and twisty read. The switch between two storylines was difficult to follow at first and definitely took away from the book. Overall, however the characters were relatable, and the plot twist was amazing.

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber is a fantasy novel (1st book in the trilogy) about a simple girl named Evangeline who makes a dangerous deal with a demigod called the Prince of Hearts after her life does not go the way she hoped. I picked up this book because I was drawn to the fairytale feel of the cover and the promise of magic mixed with romance. The story is set in a whimsical world where nothing is as simple as it seems, and every choice has consequences. I loved the atmosphere of the book and how it felt dreamy while still holding a sense of dark danger. The characters felt layered and emotionally real, which made me want to keep reading to understand their motivations. Some parts were slower, but the tension and mystery kept me invested. Overall, this book surprised me in the best way and made me want to immediately continue the series.

The Hunger Games is my favorite series of all time and a story about Snow? Yes please! The whole book I found myself rooting for Snow even though I knew the evil he perpetrated and that speaks volumes to Collins writing. This extra to the series was something that was not a money grab but a book that answered many questions that I had. The continued world building and easter eggs added so much to the series and I loved it so much! This book is the perfect villian original story, showing how a character you root for can turn out absolutely evil. If I could give this a million stars I would.

As book one in the six-book series, it will also read well as a standalone. I like how the world is explained throughout the book - rather than dumping me with all worldbuilding in the beginning, or especially all at once. By the end of the book, new things are still being learned about Tess (the protagonist's sidekick). But is Day really the protagonist, or is it June? Although the story is admittedly more focused on Day, June's impact on Day's life is by far the more entertaining part of the book. Every chapter alternates perspectives, like a good Red Pyramid or The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel -- appropriate, political (if you will), and disappointing when really invested in what's about to happen next.

The Republic is one of two factions the U.S. splits into after collapse -- home to elite military families like the one June comes from, but also home to beggars, drunks, homeless, and the poor like Day. June is at some point convinced that Day murdered her brother (a spoiler from page 1) and vows to hunt him down both for revenge and to prove herself to the Republic. But as she gets close with Day, she uncovers truths about the Republic causing her to question her involvement.

Happy Ending

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon follows eighteen-year-old Madeline “Maddy” Whittier, who has a rare illness that keeps her inside her home, unable to leave. Her life changes when Olly, a boy who moves in next door, enters her world. They form a friendship through emails and messages that later develops into romance. This leads Maddy to take more risks of leaving the bubble she’s been trapped in her whole life. After discovering a shocking secret, she is forced to make difficult choices about freedom, trust, and love.

In my opinion, this book was engaging and emotional. It was a unique idea, and the author did a good job at writing the story. Although the book was quite long and slow-paced at certain points, I was never bored. I finished this book in one sitting.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary romance, coming-of-age stories, or books about love and self-discovery.