Fade Into You by Amber Smith & Sam Gellar

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This book is set in the 1990s and presents an accurate portrayal of the times, especially in regard to societal treatment of lgbtq communities. This story begins by showcasing two best friend relationships: Bird and Kayla; Jessa and Dade. When Kayla and Dade begin dating their best friends don’t like it and feel like neither is good for the other; because of this, Jessa and Bird team up to try and split up Kayla and Dade. Jessa and Bird start out as reluctant partners that have little trust for one another. Not long after they partner up with a common goal, the combative nature of their interactions begins to shift; the two realize they have a lot in common and sparks of interest begin to ignite. In addition to this storyline, we also gather insight into the families of Jessa and Bird; both are dealing with heavy family responsibilities.

If you like books by John Green or Becky Albertalli, you will like this book. I really like the 90s music references that were sprinkled in throughout. There is good character development, making readers want to root for main the characters – and really dislike those who get in their way.

The Secret Astronomers

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The Secret Astronomers is a gift to the curious mind and the reluctant reader. Jessica Walker’s creativity will intrigue anyone who opens to the first page, a note: “Find the oldest book in the Green Bank High School Library. Hidden inside are the secrets that are being left behind forever. If you’re smart enough to figure out the message, then you have a right to know why a small town in the middle-of-nowhere West Virginia is the center of intelligent life in the known universe.” A mystery?, a science reference book?, a challenging puzzle?, extraterrestrials? crop circles? pages missing from the old book? page to discover sticky notes, 3×5 note cards, and scraps of paper taped on EVERY page. The adventure begins.

Two teenagers attending a high school in rural West Virginia carry on written conversations that are tucked into the yellowed pages of a book published in 1888, and identified as ‘the oldest book in the school library’. One has lived in Green Bank since birth, the other, new in town, having moved from San Francisco, to live with grandparents after a parent’s death.

The two writers are at the library at different times. They both have found the old book. They never divulge their real names. They share details of their lives sparingly. They try to solve the challenge taped to the first page inside the cover. They discover much about themselves and each other by writing the notes that they tuck into the pages of the old astronomy book.

Walker’s artwork, and possibly the publisher’s creative team, make this look like a very old textbook from a back shelf in the school library, complete with doodles on the page edges and notes tucked into random pages. But wait, the title on the cover has been blacked out and changed. Hmm, we wonder what it was before.

The story emerges slowly and comfortably, then, all of a sudden, the direction changes. Something unexpected. Soon after, something else is discovered that changes the trajectory several times, revealing different clues. 

Walker creates this feeling of eavesdropping on the lives of the two teens. Teen slang, witty drawings and doodles, and enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged through to the end make this “novel in notes” an entertainingly good read.

Body Systems Need to Know Series by D. R. Faust

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Reviewed by Annette Wells, teacher librarian

Included in series: The Circulatory System, The Digestive System, The Muscular System, The Nervous System, The Respiratory System, The Skeletal System

This high interest series, easily accessible for elementary readers (target age is 3rd grade), is visually appealing with simple and engaging images that feature diversity in ethnicity and age. Every book in the series is 32 pages, making it easily digestible (pun intended) for those exploring nonfiction for the first time, or wanting to review body systems. At the end of each book, you’ll find tips for success, a glossary, a list of “read more” suggestions, “learn more online” links, and an index. Teachers and librarians will love this series if they’re teaching nonfiction text structures. Also, a HUGE bonus: ALL books in the series use OpenDyslexic font, ideal for readers with dyslexia. As an introductory series, I recommend this for all elementary school libraries and even middle grade libraries if you serve emerging readers.

This Way to Happy by Alison Green Myers

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Reviewed by Aspen, a high school student

Reilly Rhoades is not looking forward to the opening of her family’s amusement park since it will be the first year without her grandfather. When her grandmother lands in the hospital, her mom and her aunt have a huge fight and her aunt takes Reilly’s best friend and cousin Nic to visit Nic’s father. Now Reilly has no grandfather, no grandmother, and no Nic to help her get through the summer. While walking her dog by the creek that separates the amusement park from the adjacent campground, she meets Alex, who is staying in the campground. With Alex’s help, Reilly takes on her grandfather’s last unfinished project.

This book is not just a story about an amusement park, it is about friendships, learning to let go, and taking things one step at a time.

The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze by Derrick Barnes

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Reviewed by Aspen, a high school student

Henson Blayze is a 13 year old teen entering 8th grade. He’s looking forward to the new school year and playing football. The small, mostly-white town of Great Mountain, Mississippi sees Henson as their star and ticket to a varsity football championship. They make shirts, give him special privileges, and he even has an agent, a friend named Flowell. Some of the Black people in town warn Henson that most people don’t see him for who he really is, and to be careful. Henson brushes that off, especially after the beginning of his first game, where he helps his team score over 30 points. At halftime, however, he learned that his close friend, 10 year old Menkah Jupiter, was beaten by two white police officers. Henson goes to him, which infuriates most of the townspeople, and their adoration for him turns to anger. Soon, Henson must decide if football is more important than supporting Menkah. The more Henson learns from his father, a local vineyard owner, the more he realizes what he must do.

The author tells a story that isn’t easily forgettable. This is a powerful book about injustice, being true to yourself, and calling out racial injustice. Henson is both exceptional and incredibly human, and this book delivers the message that it is those two aspects that make Henson, and all of us, worthy of value and love.

Free Piano (Not Haunted) by Whitney Gardner

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Reviewed by Aspen, a high school student

Free Piano (Not Haunted) is about an aspiring teen singer/songwriter, Margot, who stumbles upon a synthesizer piano from the ’80s. Struggling with her relationship with her parents, she feels like she’s not seen. Her dad continuously blows her off and her mom is always working. Her two best friends have their own social media that often leaves her feeling like a third wheel. When Margot finds an abandoned synthesizer that says it’s free, and not at all haunted, she takes it home with the hopes of learning to play so she can follow her dad to California and be famous. As it turns out, the piano is haunted by former 80’s pop star, Vision, and her evil manager, Marty. Vision tries to protect and guide Margot to follow her own creative spirit even if it doesn’t gain her social media followers.

In a world surrounded by social media, this graphic novel shares a message about doing things for yourself and not for the audience. This is a great book about doing what you love because you love it, and it seamlessly integrates supernatural elements.

Open Wide by I. M. Eerie

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Reviewed by Aspen, a high school student

This book follows a young boy, Eddie, who is reluctant to return to the dentist after a bad experience at his last appointment. Eddie visits Dr. Yankum, a new dentist in town who seemed to appear overnight. The new dentist pulls two of Eddie’s teeth, teeth he could’ve sworn were healthy. When he discovers that he was not the only kid with unnecessary extractions, he begins to suspect something sinister. To make matters worse, Eddie’s mom begins to date Dr. Yankum. With the help of his best friend, Darryl, Eddie creates a plan to find out what is really going on. The ending is unexpected, and contributes to the horror and mystery of the book.

Overall, this book is fast paced, and mixes funny and spooky perfectly. It will make you shiver and grin at the same time! This book gives off the same eerie vibe and would be perfect for readers who like Goosebumps.

Candace, The Universe, and Everything by Sherri L. Smith

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Reviewed by Michelle, a high school student

This is a book about heritage, perseverance, and coming of age. Candace, the Universe, and Everything tells of a girl named Candace struggling with the shifts involved with growing up as she discovers a fantastical world inside of her locker, where she meets two women researching and experimenting on portals. The tale explores Black heritage, women in STEM, and difficulties of growing up with friends with the use of humor and inventive language. The connections she makes with the women in the locker prompts her to consider her place in the universe as she transitions to a difficult period in her life. Candace, the Universe, and Everything is a remarkable story about intergenerational struggles and development. This is highly recommended to young adults grappling with identity and self-doubt.

The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham by Ryan James Black

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Reviewed by Michelle, a high school student

The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham is an excellent book exploring themes of teamwork and friendship. The book is about a young, independent boy who accidentally releases a monster onto the streets of London. He begrudgingly teams up with two other teens to diffuse the problem. Black explores companionship, altruism, and magic as Nimble Nottingham learns to work with other people to save his city and dog. The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham is a fantastic story about learning to trust others and ourselves. This is highly recommended to elementary and middle school readers who are also fans of Rick Riordan’s books.

Lost on Doll Island by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez

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Reviewed by Michelle, a high school student

Lost on Doll Island is a story that explores Mexican culture and familial issues. The story is about a young boy named Diego who travels to the Isla de Muñecas (Doll Island) with two new friends, hoping to make a magical wish to fix his parents’ divorce. As they arrive on the island, however, they begin experiencing scary phenomena, and must work together to escape the island. Ramos-Gomez weaves complicated emotions of divorce together with a scary tale of Mexican legend to combat difficult experiences teens may be facing. This is recommended to readers who love scary stories like “Goosebumps” and struggle with similar experiences to Diego’s.