What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum Realistic Fiction Young Adult * * * * Stars (Great!) Kit Lowell and David Drucker don’t really move in the same social circles, but when Kit’s father dies in a car accident she finds herself sitting with David at lunch one day, and that one conversation leads to another, and soon they are…friends? Up until now David hasn’t had many friends – his quirks sometimes make people uncomfortable … Read more
Sadie by Courtney Summers Mystery Suspense Thriller * * * Stars (Pretty good) Sadie has always looked after her little sister Mattie, but when their mother leaves them on their own, Mattie falls into a deep depression that only lifts when she finds out where their mother went. She becomes obsessed with finding her and going to her and it causes a lot of friction between her and Sadie. When Mattie attempts to hitchhike after … Read more
The Hawthorne Legacy Inheritance Games, book #2 by Jennifer Lynne Barnes Mystery Romance Suspense Thriller * * * * Stars (Great!) In her search to discover why billionaire Tobias Hawthorne left his entire fortune to her, Avery Grambs uncovers a number of interesting leads and family secrets that put her in danger. She may have discovered a link between herself and the Hawthorne family that actually makes sense, but confirming it involves tracking down a … Read more
Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses by Kristen O’Neal Fiction Funny Supernatural * * * Stars (Pretty good) Priya has to take a medical leave of absence from college (pre-med, Stanford) when she is diagnosed with Lyme disease. On some days she can barely function due to pain and brain fog. While she is recuperating she meets new friends through her blog and they form a chronic illness support group. Priya is closest to Brigid (both … Read more
Gender Queer: A Memoir By Maia Kobabe LGBTQ+ Autobiography Graphic Novel Nonfiction * * * * Stars (Great!) This is Maia Kobabe’s graphical memoir of eir (e uses e/em/eir pronouns) journey to self-discovery as a nonbinary, asexual person. It took some time for em to find the language to describe what e felt/was experiencing, and how to explain it to others (this book is part of that process), as well as a supportive community and … Read more
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro Science Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Klara is an AF (Artificial Friend) who spends her days observing humans from the window of her shop and dreaming of the day when she will be purchased and matched with a child. Josie, who eventually chooses her, is a sickly, uplifted child whose illness often prevents her from enjoying normal things. Part of Klara’s job as Josie’s friend is … Read more
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder book #1 by Holly Jackson Mystery Suspense Thriller * * * * Stars (Great!) Pippa Fitz-Amobi (Pip) decides to reopen a local murder/suicide case for her high school senior capstone project. Her teachers allow her to proceed with the warning that she is not to cross any ethical lines – something she does pretty much immediately when she reaches out to the alleged murderer’s brother Ravi to tell him … Read more
Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks Graphic Novel Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) No one is more curious about the newest rider (she’s really good!) at Edgewood Stables than Norrie. But when the new girl gives her a serious brush off, Norrie vows to SHUN her. Her friends Sam and Hazel go along with her, until new girl (Victoria) decides she wants to make amends. She apologizes and gradually shares some of … Read more
The Hike to Home by Jess Rinker Adventure Mystery Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Lin Moser is having the worst summer of her life. She’s used to traveling around the world with her famous parents (her dad renovates houses and her mom films him, and in their spare time they go on all kinds of adventures), and now she’s stuck in a tiny town in New Jersey with nothing interesting to do. … Read more
The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James by Ashley Herring Blake LGBTQ+ Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Sunny St. James is ready to start her life as the New Sunny after receiving a heart transplant and meeting her estranged birth mother after 8 years of separation. She’s also on a mission to find a new best friend and a boy (definitely a boy) to kiss. It’s a lot for one girl over … Read more