I am the current teacher-librarian at Olympia High School. I have worked as a teacher-librarian since 2013; prior to that I taught high school English for 11 years.
For readers who equate “corn maze” with dread, this is your book. This perfect Halloween season story is narrated by Claire, a teenager who is about to testify in her sister’s murder trial. She’s a horror movie fanatic, but a total scaredy-cat of anything that moves in real life. The plot twists in cryptic ways and I certainly couldn’t have predicted the conclusion. It’s a real nail-biter and readers will have a hard time putting it down …to go to sleep (!?).
I read this book in record time. The author has a highly emotional, gripping writing style that made it hard to put down. There’s lots of internal struggle that Isaac is processing, having never had a dad in his life. He has always felt like half of himself is missing. The quest for his father and his slow breakup with his boyfriend have him on the edge of a breakdown, but surprising events (no spoiler!) change that trajectory. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy realistic fiction and stories about mental health.
Does the intrigue into the lives of kings and religious temple life from distant tropical islands interest you? How about gifted women who possess spiritual powers, enabling them to gain knowledge and secrets of the unseen world make for an interesting read? Lizz Huertauses flowery, descriptive words to bring you into the hearts and minds of her characters as they interact with Indir, the Dreamer, the seer.
Royalty passes the throne of power from the father to the son and song with this succession, comes change. Immediately, the new king tells his audience of the old traditions that, “I am here to usher in a new age.” The tradition of Dreamers is now threatened. What does Alcan, the new king want? Power. He believes power means having control over others.
But Alcan is also an angry person. Indir escapes from Alcan’s threats. Not until three quarters into our story is Indir told the source of this anger, the secret brother of Alcan. Even kings are not spared from the consequences of unfaithfulness in a family. You’ll just need to read for yourselves how Indir’s lost Dreamer is found.
Attention all superhero fans! Award winner, writer of a New York Times Bestseller edits this story of heroes and superheroes in an anthology format with popular and diverse YA writers. If you want to fly, figuratively, this is the book to read. When is the last time you deliberately made mistakes or performed poorly to avoid the suspicion that would inevitably follow a perfect performance. It’s here in the book for you! Compelling graphics begin each new chapter. If you are looking for an exciting “can’t put it down” book, this one’s for you.
The author, Jessica Goodman, is a New York Times best selling writer – and like her other titles, this book does not disappoint.
Have you ever been sent to summer camp for 8 weeks? Our main character, Goldie, in this book has, but for the first time she returns to camp as a counselor. You will learn the secrets that haunt Camp Alpine Lake, previously a very safe place. She has had a very hard year and her reputation has followed her to camp. The real mystery and thrill ride begins when Goldie’s ex, who broker her heart, turns up dead in the lake. Put yourself in her shoes and try to get used to being hated by some, loved by others. An exciting read.
Interweaving Arthurian legend with the harsh realities of slavery and its modern affects, Bloodmarked will be a compelling and educational read for people of all ages, but primarily the YA audience, as it has a young female lead on the path of discovering more about her heritage and newfound powers. This retelling of Arthurian legend will engage readers who enjoy books with themes involving confronting racial prejudice and discovering oneself and abilities.
Soon after the events of the previous book Legendborn, Bree Matthews is learning to control her powers as a medium and the Scion of Arthur in order to rescue fellow scion Nicholas, a quest on which her right to rule is questioned by the Order of the Round Table, and her relationship with the Kingsmage Selwyn Kane develops.
I liked that it had a strong female protagonist whose struggles included people challenging her right to rule and discovering the implications of her new status as a medium, which includes obtaining the powers, skills, and qualities of her ancestors, such as Arthur.
Personally, I didn’t feel that there was much development with her relationship with Sel or Nick. Nothing substantial happened because Nick was kidnapped throughout the entirety of the book, leaving Sel to remain his Kingsmage. There was some discussion about whether Sel would be able to be Kingsmage to the both of them, but this was an unresolved point in Bloodmarked.
Readers who like Karen McManus will love this new book by Rebecca Barrow. Set on an old-money island, Luca and her peers believe the place to be cursed. Too many of Parris Island’s young girls have gone missing and turned up dead; including Luca’s best friend and sister. As Luca pursues the clues surrounding the disappearance of the girls, she quickly becomes surrounded by her own dangers. This is a thrill ride from the start; lots of clues to be had in this fast paced mystery. Just when we think things are working themselves out; there’s always more to uncover. Highly Recommend.
Arden Grey is a coming of age story through a female protagonist who is struggling to make sense of her parent’s recent divorce and incessant harassment from her peers at school. Arden has fell in love with film photography, she carries her camera around everywhere, capturing the little things in life; one of her prints becomes featured in a local art show – giving her the credibility for her art that she’s longed for. This book has a very diverse cast of characters; Arden is wondering if she may be Aromantic/Asexual, and is definitely attracted to girls (hence being a target at school); and her best friend is a trans boy experience his first romantic relationship with a girl; and Arden’s father newly out status allows him to date an old acquaintance.
This book deals with some heavy topics – and Arden’s struggle is clear. Fortunately through the heavy, there are true moments of light and acceptance. I think many kids will relate to Arden’s experience – there’s so much goin on in her life that it’s easy to connect to something; however, this is also what makes the story a bit less believable. I do recommend this for high school libraries.
Does the intrigue into the lives of kings and religious temple life from distant tropical islands interest you? How about gifted women who possess spiritual powers, enabling them to gain knowledge and secrets of the unseen world make for an interesting read? Lizz Huertauses flowery, descriptive words to bring you into the hearts and minds of her characters as they interact with Indir, the Dreamer, the seer.
Royalty passes the throne of power from the father to the son and song with this succession, comes change. Immediately, the new king tells his audience of the old traditions that, “I am here to usher in a new age.” The tradition of Dreamers is now threatened. What does Alcan, the new king want? Power. He believes power means having control over others.
But Alcan is also an angry person. Indir escapes from Alcan’s threats. Not until three quarters into our story is Indir told the source of this anger, the secret brother of Alcan. Even kings are not spared from the consequences of unfaithfulness in a family. You’ll just need to read for yourselves how Indir’s lost Dreamer is found.
For readers who equate “corn maze” with dread, this is your book. This perfect Halloween season story is narrated by Claire, a teenager who is about to testify in her sister’s murder trial. She’s a horror movie fanatic, but a total scaredy-cat of anything that moves in real life. The plot twists in cryptic ways and I certainly couldn’t have predicted the conclusion. It’s a real nail-biter and readers will have a hard time putting it down …to go to sleep (!?).
