Book Review

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.

You may search reviews by title using the search function, browse via genre using the category list provided or look for random reviews in the list below that are sorted by newest to oldest.

Would you like to submit a review? Use the Read It & Rate It form on the right side of the page.

Sunshine – book review

by

Sunshine by Jarrett J. Krosoczka Biography Graphic Novel Memoir Nonfiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) While in high school Jarrett Krosoczka volunteers at Camp Sunshine, a summer camp for children with life-threatening illnesses. He is assigned to be a one-on-one companion to thirteen-year-old Diego who has brain cancer and uses a wheelchair. It’s an intense assignment for a new volunteer and Jarrett takes his new responsibilities seriously. He also interacts with other teen … Read more

In Limbo – book review

by

In Limbo by Deb JJ Lee Biography Graphic Novel Memoir Nonfiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Deborah is Korean American (she came to the US with her family when she was 3) and she’s struggling to find a path for herself. Her mother has Great Expectations for her future and becomes angry and physically violent with Deb when she fails to get perfect grades, speak Korean fluently, and become a musical virtuoso. Deb wants … Read more

Spy Camp – book review

by

Spy Camp Spy School, book #2 Graphic Novel Mystery Suspense Thriller * * * * Stars (Great!) Ben Ripley started spy school in the first installment of this graphic novel series based on the books. Now he’s just been informed that ALL students are required to attend summer school, actually summer camp for prospective spies. Ben’s getting himself resigned to MORE school when he discovers that the evil spy organization, SPYDER is STILL after him … Read more

Out of My Heart – book review

by

Out of My Heart sequel to “Out of My Mind” by Sharon Draper Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Melody has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair because she has trouble controlling how her body moves. She also has difficulty speaking, but has an assistive device that she calls “Elvira” that allows her to type out what she wants to say. In “Out of My Mind” Melody found her voice through Elvira and … Read more

Hollow Fires – Read It and Rate It

by

Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed Mystery Racism Realistic Fiction Supernatural Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Safiya Mirza dreams of someday being a journalist. In order to achieve this dream, Safiya becomes the editor of her school’s newspaper. As editor, she learns something; it’s her job to find the facts in Jawad’s case and not let personal bias overcome her when she finds Jawad. You may be wondering, “Who is Jawad?” Jawad … Read more

Hattie Big Sky – Read It and Rate It

by

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson Adventure Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) It’s the first World war. Hattie Inez Brooks lives with her rather harsh and VERY opinionated aunt, and her passive and a bit kinder uncle. She’s living a humdrum life, nowhere close to where she wants to be, when she gets a letter from her Uncle Chester. In it, he deeds his homestead in Montana … Read more

Nature’s Best Hope – book review

by

Nature’s Best Hope: How You Can Save the World in Your Own Yard by Douglas W. Tallamy, adapted by Sarah L. Thomson Nature Nonfiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Douglas Tallamy presents some compelling evidence that the world is struggling because of human overpopulation and its sprawling, destructive consequences. He makes the case that things could be improved for all species if we were all to convert at least some of our lawns … Read more

Castaways of the Flying Dutchman – Read It and Rate It

by

Castaways of the Flying Dutchman Castaways of the Flying Dutchman series, book #1 by Brian Jacques Adventure Historical Fiction Mystery Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Ye all have heard of the Flying Dutchman, that cursed ship that has been cursed to sail the seas forever… Woe to the sailor who sees Captain Vanderdecken and his ghostly crew… Sometime in the near future, those who see this ship shall be cursed to … Read more

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe – Read It and Rate It

by

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz Historical Fiction LGBTQ+ Romance Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Aristotle Mendoza is angry. At 15 years old, his older brother’s in prison, his father seems a million miles away, and he wakes up every morning hoping the world will be different. Then one day he meets Dante. In Ari’s head, Dante’s a kid who’s his exact opposite. Ari … Read more

Aru Shah and the End of Time – Read It and Rate It

by

Aru Shah and the End of Time Aru Shah series, book #1 by Roshani Chokshi Adventure Fantasy Hinduism Supernatural Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) One day three of her classmates show up at Aru’s doorstep to catch her lying. They don’t believe the “Diya of Bharata” in the museum is cursed, so they dare Aru to prove it. Overwhelmed, Aru lights the Diya with dire consequences, as she unwittingly frees the Sleeper, … Read more

CLOSING NOTICE: We will be closed Monday, September 2, 2024 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. The exterior book drop will close the night before, September 1st, at 5 p.m. We will reopen Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024.