The library has compiled a large variety of Book Reviews from staff and through programs such as Read It & Rate It. These reviews are available to you to help you make an educated decision on titles you’d like to read.
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Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate Novel in Verse Realistic Fiction Tween (grades 4-8) * * * * Stars (Great!) Kek is young boy who comes to America from a refugee camp in Africa to stay with relatives. His father and older brother were shot by men who came to their village. He ran when they came, and was separated from his mother. Now he doesn’t where she is or if she even survived, … Read more
Twins by Varian Johnson Illustrated by Shannon Wright Graphic Novel Realistic Fiction Tween * * * * Stars (Great!) Maureen and Francine are identical twins who are starting 6th grade. Although they’ve spent all of their lives together up until now, on the first day of school it becomes clear that Francine wants to reinvent and distance herself from Maureen and their group of friends, which really hurts Maureen’s feelings. Francine has always been more … Read more
Toilet-bound Hanako-kun (series) by Aidairo Adventure Fantasy Manga Mystery/Thriller Supernatural Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) OKAY. The name is weird, but the story is hilarious and interesting. I will promise you now that it won’t be about random bathroom jokes. The story has a main character of Hanako as the series implies. He is one of 7 ghosts in a school (as they are known, The 7 Mysteries). A girl named … Read more
Sunny Song Will Never Be Famous by Suzanne Park Funny Realistic Fiction Romance Teens * * * Stars (Pretty good) Sunny Song, also known as “Goggle Girl” from her social media minute of fame, has been trying to increase her audience/views and monetize her virtual presence – possibly to the detriment of everything else (academics, activities, family, friendships). After her brownie baking video goes viral and almost gets her expelled from school, Sunny is forced … Read more
The Lion of Mars Science Fiction Survival Tween * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Bell lives in a small compound on Mars along with a group of other Americans – scientists, researchers, etc. – who all contribute to their community to keep things running, growing, working. He and some of the older kids are curious about the other settlements on Mars (France, Germany, etc.), but their interest is firmly rebuffed by their Commander who … Read more
Aster and the Accidental Magic book #1 by Thom Pico and Karensac Adventure Fantasy Graphic Novel Tween * * * * Stars (Great!) Aster is not super thrilled when her parents move them from the city to a small mountain town so Aster’s mother can continue work on her robo-birds (that will save them all from the enormous crow migration that’s about to take place). After she meets a mysterious old lady shepherd who gives … Read more
Oh, Theodore By Susan Katz Illustrated by Stacey Schuett Picture book Poetry * * * Stars (Pretty good) This book of connected poems tells the story of a boy and his guinea pig, Theodore, incorporating really well the guinea pig nature (all their noises and behaviors), Theodore’s unique personality, the care he requires, and the friendship/love that develops between the boy and his peeg. Gets my Wheek! of approval! Reviewed by YA Librarian
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez Mystery Realistic Fiction (older teens) * * * Stars (Pretty good) When Julia’s (pronounced the Mexican/Spanish way – Who-lee-uh) older sister Olga is killed in a terrible accident, her whole family falls apart, becoming more dysfunctional (is that even possible?) than it was before. Julia, already suffering from depression and anxiety, and her mother deal with their individual pain by lashing out at one … Read more
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Kit (Katherine) Tyler’s grandfather has died. So she packs her bags, and heads off to join her aunt and uncle. But when she gets there, the customs are too strict, her dresses are considered “frivolous,” and her uncle is less than welcoming. Also, a certain boy named William is courting her, but does her heart … Read more
Full Out by Monica Aldama Nonfiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) This book gives the background of Monica Aldama’s life leading up to her career coaching the Navarro College cheerleading team and its popularity after the Netflix original, “Cheer,” was released. She includes tips and tricks she picked up on throughout life that influenced her decisions and leadership. I really enjoyed how she explained the things she learned and experienced, and connected … Read more