Teen Reviews

Westing Game – Read It and Rate It

by

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin Mystery Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) “The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin, revolves around the death of millionaire Samuel W. Westing and the unusual circumstances that follow. Sixteen heirs, who are all unconnected, are gathered to solve the mystery of Westing’s death to inherit his vast fortune. They are divided into pairs and given clues to unravel the mystery. Throughout the book, secrets are revealed, alliances … Read more

Out of the Dust – Read It and Rate It

by

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse Historical Fiction Novel in Verse Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) “Out of the Dust” by Karen Hesse tells the story of Billie Jo, a young girl growing up in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl. Through a series of free-verse poems, Billie Jo narrates her struggles with the harsh environment, the death of her mother, her physical and emotional scars, and rebuilding her life and family back … Read more

Nothing Else But Miracles – Read It and Rate It

by

Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Named for the sea, since, after all, both of their parents are. Fish (Fisher) Byrne, Dory (Doris) Byrne, and Pike Byrne are siblings living in Manhattan at the time of World War II. This is nothing new, yet there is something very distinct about these siblings. 1) Their father is away, fighting in the war. 2) They are … Read more

Emily of Deep Valley – Read It and Rate It

by

Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) It’s at the end of the school year, and all of the exciting events are occurring. There’s the Junior-Senior dance, dresses to be made, the parade, and of course, Commencement day in which orations are given, and the seniors are officially graduated. Emily Webster is a quiet, shy, and socially awkward girl who … Read more

Very Large Expanse of Sea – Read It and Rate It

by

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) “A Very Large Expanse of Sea” tells the story of a teenage Muslim American girl dealing with racism and Islamophobia after 9/11. The story follows the protagonist, Shirin, and takes place in 2002. Shirin is tired of being stereotyped and is never surprised by how horrible people can be. She endures many comments … Read more

Go Set a Watchman – Read It and Rate It

by

Go Set a Watchman sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Historical Fiction Review #1 * Star (A Waste of time) “Go Set a Watchman” is the sequel to the iconic novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee. Featuring many of the same characters from TKaM, this book follows Scout Finch, who is now grown up. It is set in the mid-1950s in Maycomb, Alabama. Jean Louise Finch returns home to Maycomb … Read more

Ranger’s Apprentice (series) – Read It and Rate It

by

Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan Adventure Fantasy Mystery Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This series follows the adventures of Will, an orphan who is chosen as an apprentice Ranger, one of the skilled archers, trackers, and warriors of the King of Araluen. Will strives to keep the Kingdom safe from intruders. This book is an exceptional start to a thrilling series with vivid imagery, compelling character development, and impressive storytelling. … Read more

Pie in the Sky – Read It and Rate It

by

Pie in the Sky by Remi Lai Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) An adjusting eleven-year-old boy, Jingwen struggles to get used to his new home in Australia and deal with his annoying little brother Yanghao. Still trying to deal with the loss of his dad, Jingwen finds a way to cope by baking cakes with his father, just like his father used to make with him. With a heartfelt … Read more

Iron Widow – Read It and Rate It

by

Iron Widow Iron Widow #1 by Xiran Jay Zhao Dystopian Fantasy LGBTQ+ Romance Science Fiction Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) 18-year-old Zetian’s sister has just been killed during one of the fights against the plague of aliens that lurk outside the Great Wall. Her sister, like many others, was a concubine to a male mech pilot and her consciousness was sacrificed for the sake of the male pilot. Zetian vows to seek … Read more

Lock and Key – Read It and Rate It

by

Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen Romance Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) Ruby Cooper has just been hauled off to live with her sister, Cora and her husband Jamie after 10 years of not a peep from her. All she did was live in a house by herself since her mom had left her, but she was doing fine! Even though the yellow house was infested with bugs and the water didn’t … Read more