YA Librarian Reviews

Not Sew Wicked Stepmom – book review

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Not Sew Wicked Stepmom by Mo9Rang (original story by Iru) Fantasy Manga * * * Stars (Pretty good) Baekhap Lee used to design children’s clothing in her previous life. When she dies, she is reincarnated/transported into the body of Snow White’s evil stepmother (Abigail Freidkin). She finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage – something the body’s previous spirit cared about – to King Sabrian Freidkin – but Baekhap only cares about her stepdaughter, Blanche, … Read more

Refugee High – book review

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Refugee High: Coming of Age in America by Elly Fishman Nonfiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) A reporter spends a year (2017-2018) following the lives of students at the Roger C. Sullivan High School. The students are all refugees whose families have fled bad situations in their homelands. They all come from different nations and cultures, and they speak different languages, but they share a common experience of being in a foreign place where … Read more

Pearl of the Sea – book review

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Pearl of the Sea by Anthony Silverston, Raffaella Delle Donna, and Willem Samuel Graphic Novel Realistic Fiction Tween * * * * Stars (Great!) Pearl lives in a small seaside town that’s experiencing an economic downturn. Everyone is looking for work, and Pearl’s dad is trying to make ends meet working in restaurants, which just aren’t making a profit. He’s about to throw in the towel and move them out to the city, but Pearl … Read more

Duel – book review

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Duel by Jessixa Bagley Illustrated by Aaron Bagley Graphic Novel Realistic Fiction Tween * * * Stars (Pretty good) Lucy (6th grader) and Gigi (older sis) are now going to the same middle school and it’s not ideal. The sisters have been fighting nonstop since their father passed away, and their quarrels carry over into their school lives, where, on their first day, Gigi trips Lucy in the cafeteria and Lucy challenges Gigi to a … Read more

Dark Lord’s Daughter – book review

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The Dark Lord’s Daughter by Patricia Wrede Fantasy Tween * * * Stars (Pretty good) Kayla learns that she’s from another world and that she’s REALLY the daughter of the Dark Lord Xavriel of Zaradwin, and her given name is Xavrielina (lame). She and her adoptive family (mom & brother) are whisked (by magic) back to Zaradwin where Kayla is to become the new Dark Lady. Her mom gets EXTREMELY upset and protective and keeps … Read more

Curlfriends – book review

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Curlfriends: New in Town by Sharee Miller Graphic novel Realistic Fiction Tween * * * Stars (Pretty good) Charlie has lived all over the world as a military brat, but now that her dad is changing careers, the family has settled down in the same town where her folks grew up, and Charlie is looking forward to starting over at her new middle school. She studies fashion magazines for ideas and puts together a new … Read more

Whole Heart Whole Horse – book review

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Whole Heart, Whole Horse: Building Trust Between Horse and Rider by Mark Rashid Nonfiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Mark Rashid is world renowned horse trainer who is gifted in understanding the “horse’s point of view.” Whole Heart, Whole Horse collects some of his anecdotes about the horses and humans who have passed through his life, as well as some of his early experiences with “the old man,” whom he credits with teaching … Read more

How to Love – book review

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How to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for Everyone by Alex Norris Graphic Nonfiction Nonfiction Self-help * * * * Stars (Great!) If you’re not sure how to relationship (or if you even want to), this book is a good place to start your inquiries. It busts a lot of pre-conceptions/myths/expectations folks hold about relationships and gives readers space to think about how they feel about things and what matters to them. The … Read more

Project Hail Mary – book review

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Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir Science Fiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) When Ryland Grace awakes from an induced coma, he finds himself aboard a spaceship, hurtling towards who knows where, on a mission to do who knows what. His two crewmates are dead, and as he recuperates from his long sleep, he slowly regains his memories. Earth is in great peril from an organism that is draining the sun’s energy, and … Read more

She Is a Haunting – book review

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She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran Horror Supernatural Suspense Thriller * * * Stars (Pretty good) Jade is coerced into staying with her father in Vietnam for 5 weeks to receive money for her college tuition from him. Her sister, brother and mother will also be traveling to Vietnam but since her parents are separated her mother and brother, who has chosen not to spend time with his father, will be staying with … Read more

The Huntley Area Public Library will be closed on Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24, 2024) and Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25, 2024). The exterior book drop will close on Monday, December 23, at 8 p.m. The library and exterior book drop will reopen Thursday, December 26, at 9 a.m. All of our online resources will be available at this time. Have a Merry Christmas!