About Stacy Udo

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.

When You Call My Name by: Tucker Shaw

This is an LGBTQ+ Romance set in the early 90s. Usually, I love books set within this time period because I was a teen during that era; however, this one falls short for me. The pop culture references sprinkled within the book are pretty obscure; I worry today’s teens will not have enough knowledge to understand the reference and grow bored of it, unable to relate.

I appreciated the way the author told of society’s attitude toward the LGBTQ+ community during that time period; however, I feel as though parts were very trite and predictable.

I also dislike the title – it feels like it’s trying to allude to Call Me by Your Name by Aciman (which it does not compare).

I do think that our high school libraries will have an audience for this title. I am curious to hear what today’s teens say about it it.

When You Call My Name

See You Yesterday by: Rachel Lynn Solomon

Author, Rachel Lynn Solomon, is a fellow Washingtonian – and her books are set in Washington State. See You Tomorrow is set on the University of Washington campus, with a ton of local references. It made the book more enjoyable for me because I could picture the places she describes.

This story isn’t a new idea – it’s very much like the movie Groundhog Day, in that the two main characters are caught within a time loop, doomed to live one single day over and over. In the process of discovering that they are in it together, Miles and Barrett begin to work together to figure out what, if anything, can break the loop. The two begin as strangers, who irritate each other. We see their relationship begin to morph into something more as they spend more time together and learn about each other. Half way through the book, the romantic tension is palpable.

Readers will enjoy the comedic elements, as well as the slow burn love story. There are a couple of spicy love scenes within, so readers should be aware of this going into it. There is also swearing throughout.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Readers who are fans of Solomon’s other books, or Again But Better by Riccio will enjoy this one as well.

See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon

The Other Talk by Brendan Kiely

This book has an introduction by Jason Reynolds.

The book is definitely written at teens – the casual language and clearly defined vocabulary and anecdotes will hold the attention of teen readers. The thing I liked most about the language in this book was the use of “Global Majority” as the descriptor for BIPOC folks in the United States. This puts a constant reminder in the reader’s mind that the BIPOC population is NOT the minority – and even in the US this population will outnumber the White population within the next couple of years.

This book explains why it’s important to speak of and acknowledge white priviledge within our society. It’s main message is to listen.

The book is accessible and appropriate for grades 6-12. It’s a quick read; the audio version is read by the author, so it’s equally as good.

All My Rage; by Sabaa Tahir

All My Rage follows Misbah’s journey in the United States as she struggles with opening a motel and her husband’s alcoholism. Years later, her son Salahudin and his best friend Noor face the challenges of Misbah’s poor health, the failing motel, and the racism of their town.

The reality of the “American Dream” is portrayed by the lives of Pakistani immigrants in a rural California town.

I loved that All My Rage was so brutally honest and that the author did not sugarcoat anything. She dismantled the flawed ideology that one must simply work hard for the american dream. The novel was a personal and raw look at the lives of immigrants and the struggles they face. The relationships between the characters was also well done. I especially liked Salahudin’s relationship with his father because it was complex and imperfect. I loved the poetic language in Misbah’s chapters and they were always beautiful to read. Also, I cried for the last twenty pages of the book and I really like sad and emotional books.

Realistic Fiction, Multiple POV, Diverse Characters, Religion, Trauma, Friendship, Romance, Social Commentary, Parental relationships.

Reviewed by OHS Student, Mia W.

The Prison Healer; by Lynette Noni

Growing up in the kingdoms of Wenderall, Kiva Meridan has known political disrest her entire life. The only way she has survived ten years in Zalindov, a brutal prison camp, is the job of Prison Healer, which her father trained her in before he died. When Tilda Corentine, the leader of the rebellion, is captured and brought to Kiva’s infirmary, she faces a sentence worse than death: four trials which have never been survived, and are only achievable by those born with elemental magic. The only problem? Tilda is sick, barely able to move or open her eyes, let alone face four grueling Ordeals. Surprising everyone, even herself, Kiva volunteers in Tilda’s place. If she can survive, she has the chance of freedom for herself and for the Rebel Queen, but that chance is slim for a girl with no power over the elements. Kiva finds unlikely friends, mysterious love interests, and is deceived by false identities. Lynnette Noni’s writing is riveting, full of twists and turns and coded messages, and will have you at the edge of your seat. Her use of colloquial speech characterizes each personality in an engaging and unique way, and elements of magical realism are integrated with ease, creating a fantasy world that is relatively uncomplicated and easy for the reader to step into. If you are a lover of suspense, slow burn romance, and fantasy, this book is for you!

Reviewed by: OHS Student Scarleht

Layoverland by: Gabby Noone

Bea dies in a car accident and wakes up in “purgatory,” an airport called Layoverland.  To move on to Heaven, she must help 5000 people move on themselves! However, her first real assignment is the one who killed her. Can she help her killer? You should read this book because: It’s moving and thought-provoking while being funny and real. Bea is a fun, relatable character that you can hang out with. Genre: Realistic Fiction/ Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review by OSD Sub. Angela

How it Feels to Float by: Helena Fox

Riz the main character experiences dissociative experiences, memories of her father who passed away years ago. We watch as she holds on to the grief of her father’s death- almost a metaphor for keeping going and holding on to life and love.

If you enjoy books that are filled with emotion this book is perfect for you!  I loved this book and could not stop

Reading it because it’s so easy to connect your own emotions with the characters.

The genre is Realistic Fiction.

Reviewed by OSD Sub: Maxine

Right Where I Left You by: Julian Winters

Reviewer: OHS Student, Ffiona
Right Where I Left You is a fantastic book by Julian Winters (Who is a WONDERFUL LGBTQIA+ author.) It shows a great bond between an introverted gay boy, and his outgoing bisexual best friend. It emphasizes the vast difference between expectation versus reality in a friendship. And shows the difficulties of the next finding your path in life, and the people you want to share it with. Right Where I Left You is 5 stars and a 10/10 in my book. 

Right Where I Left You by Julian Winters

Kiss & Tell by: Adib Khorram

Reviewer: OHS Student, Ffiona
Kiss & Tell was a cute book but could be a bit cliche at times. It highlights the struggles of being out of the closet, but staying true to yourself. It shows the difficulty of being seen for more than your sexuality, and skin color. Kiss & Tell shows examples of a healthy, and unhealthy relationship between two boys, and the importance of having friends and family to support you.

Kiss & Tell is a boy band on its first major tour. The main character, Hunter, goes through his first breakup with a boyfriend. The details of Hunter’s personal life are leaked and put in the lime-light.

Amazon.com: Kiss & Tell eBook : Khorram, Adib: Kindle Store

Bend in the Road by: Sara Biren

This is a sweet romance set on a small town farm, between a home-town farm girl and long-lost Rockstar friend. The story is a pretty typical enemies to lovers tale – boy comes “home” to recover from one of many fame scandals; he’s in dire need of money, so selling the farm seems like the best option. Girl makes it her mission to treat the boy with “honey” in order to keep him from selling her home. There are many familial ties between the two, making the situation more complicated. Along the way the characters bicker, disagree, form a true friendship and an eventually romantic love. This story is very sweet – appropriate for ages 12+. Anyone looking for a warm, feel good read will enjoy this.

Bend in the Road by Sara Biren