Student Review: TJ Powar Has Something to Prove by Jasmeen Kaur Deo is a realistic fiction story that is unapologetically honest. The story follows high school senior TJ Powar and her relationship with her cousin Simran. The two cousins are partners on their school’s debate team. Outwardly, they seem to be similar enough, that is until there is a meme circulating their school with a picture of TJ and Simran with the caption, “Dating a Persian girl: expectation vs. reality.” It is suddenly brought to TJ’s attention that Simran is often the victim of rude jokes due to her facial hair that she doesn’t get rid of because of her religion. TJ, whose facial hair ridding process is practically a religion in and of itself, makes a resolution: “This house believes that TJ Powar can be her hairy self and still be beautiful.” Easy enough, right? Or at least that’s what TJ thought. After making the resolution, TJ finds herself struggling to believe that she can be beautiful even with facial hair. Jasmeen Kaur Deo has created a story that not only has elements of comedy, but is also very raw and truthful as it examines body image. Many brown girls will be able to see their own reflection in these pages.
He Who Breaks the Earth
Student Review: Caitlin Sangster did a phenomenal job with He Who Breaks the Earth by weaving together elements of fantasy, internal conflict, and differing perspectives. The story follows several characters’ perspectives after a terrible disaster that had occurred in the first novel: the destruction of a tomb. There’s fantasy elements, and it gives a medieval 17th century vibe. This book is slightly slow-paced, and is difficult to understand without reading the first book, and a recap would be nice to new readers. However, it’s obvious that it is an enjoyable read for those who have read the rest of the series.
Rising troublemaker: a fear-fighter manual for teens
Student Review: Rising Trouble Maker written by Luvvie Ajayi Jones is ¨A fear-fighting manual for teens.¨ This book is an amazing educational self-help book that is relatable and helpful for people of high school age. In this novel, Luvvie shares her and her grandmother, Mama Faloyin´s experiences, and passes on the wisdom and advice she wishes she had in those moments. This book contains three sections: Be, Say, and Do, which paint inspirational points of view encouraging readers to be the best version of themselves. This book’s main purpose is to show even the most insecure and timid individuals that they have the power within themselves to become confident self-assured beings that are capable of amazing things with the right mindset and certainty of who they are, who they want to be, and how to get there. This book would be an excellent piece of literature for ages 12-17. However, I believe that anyone who picks up this book would benefit from something written within its pages, regardless of what age the reader may be. Overall, I believe that this book goes over many essential topics that are the key to self-betterment, growth, and general well-being. This piece of literature, although just recently published in 2022 should be made a staple for young readers of this generation and the ones to come.
Queer History A to Z: 100 Years of LGBTQ+ Activism
by Robin Stevenson
This illustrated nonfiction alphabet book is meant for middle to upper grades. Perfectly appropriate for 6th graders and up. The author follows alphabet-book style by having 1-2 pages per letter covering famous LGBTQ+ people, events and famous locations. Each letter includes lovely stylized images and text giving a blurb about each topic. It’s highly readable, fast paced, and could be read by bouncing around or cover to cover. It also includes additional information in a more condensed form at the back of the book, a 100 year timeline, a glossary, and an index. So much of this book is positive and joyful with lots of smiling people of all diversities, while still dealing with some of the challenging times (R – raids and riots). I like that it defines topics in clear language. The F – Flag page was helpful in showing all of the iterations of flags in the LGBTQ+ community. While it shows kissing & hugging, there is nothing more salacious in the images, again, making it perfectly appropriate for middle school audiences interested in this topic.
Nothing Like the Movies by: Lynn Painter
Reviewed by OHS student, Audrey L.
This book is a cute, light contemporary romance that also covers serious topics, such as dealing with the loss of a loved one. The light, fluffy plot makes this romance an easy and enjoyable read.
After something awful happens during freshman year at college, Wes Bennet must give up his dreams, and his girlfriend, to return home to Nebraska. Flash forward 2 years later, Wes is starting fresh at college determined to win the girl of his dreams, Liz Buxbaum, back.
I enjoyed the supporting characters, and how the author added more to the plot than *just* Wes trying to win Liz back. I also liked how Lynn Painter made the story dual-POV, unlike the first book. The book felt too slow in the beginning, and it had a pretty predictable plot. I felt like the breakup was so rash, odd, and out of place. And, while I understand that Liz is a grown adult now, I kind of miss the way she was in the first book, but it does make sense for her character to change and mature. Someone might like reading this book if they enjoy reading romances. It’s also a good sequel for the first book, “Better Than the Movies,” but can be read as a standalone.
Enlightenment
Enlightenment is Sachi Ediriweera’s passion project — a vision of Prince Siddartha’s life as Ediriweera’s heart and mind piece together his lessons in the faith. First, the artwork is phenomenal. The calming watery blue and earthy tan color choices keep the tone calm and grounded, reflecting the subject matter well. Siddartha’s anguish in discovering what is necessary to “search for life’s truths”, and contemplating the necessities of life while struggling with human bodies and minds, is illustrated in facial expressions and other imagery just as powerfully as in the word choices of the author. “Desire and suffering” feed each other, but they are not the focus. Teens who ask powerful questions about the “why” of this life we live will enjoy watching Ediriweera’s vision of Siddartha bloom into the Gautama Buddha. Character development sketches at the very end are a bonus look into Ediriweera’s technical skill as an artist. It is a recommended fictionalization of what might have been back in 500 BC.
Salt the Water
Cerulean, erroneously called Sara by the English teacher Cerulean hates, is struggling with their place in the confines of high school. While they know they are smart and have strong friendships, including a doting partner, Cerulean doesn’t feel as successful because so much of what is success in young adulthood involves how well one does in school. The story told in verse jumps between present and past experiences as well as between the voices of those in Cerulean’s sphere of influence. After an explosion that nearly kills their father, Cerulean must escape, even if it means leaving behind everyone who loves and has been influenced by their spirit. Cerulean is a character you cheer for, and they will find their happiness just around the next page. When Curulean purposefully disappears, some readers could praise the character for finally putting themself first, walking away from a situation they had little control over to forge a new path. Other readers will be frustrated that they left behind so many people who love them. But just like the sourdough starter found in the very back of a forgotten refrigerator of moldy items, Cerulean is still alive, out there somewhere, for her younger sister to find.
Twenty-four Seconds from Now . . . by Jason Reynolds
I have been waiting for a book like this to be written – thank you, Jason Reynolds! Reynolds accurately portrays all the thoughts and feelings of a teenage boy who is planning to lose his virginity to his long-time girlfriend. Not only is this book insightful, its funny, touching, and real. Told in a flash-back style, we get a clear picture for the relationships between main character, Neon and his girlfriend Aria, his parents, and his siblings. All of these relationships play a pivotal role in the way that Neon thinks about sex and his readiness for it.
This sex-positive books addresses many topics including: consent, love, masturbation, pornography. All of these delicate subjects are presented in practical, safe ways that many readers, of any gender will relate to. There are no explicit scenes, nor any vulgar discussions – even though the sex definitely happens in the end.
This book is one all high school libraries should have on their shelves!
Conditions of A Heart by: Bethany Mangle
Reviewed by OHS Substitute, Sandy H.
This coming of age story will connect readers with the difficulties of being a teenager as well as showing how family struggles impact life. Brynn Kwan balances friends, family, and boys on top of struggles to let an unattainable persona go. Meanwhile pain rears its head. In this book, the protagonist (and her father) has chronic pain resulting from a health disorder which is a young adult topic not frequently encountered, for this primary reason I appreciated reading the book.
Diary of A Confused Feminist by Kate Weston
Reviewed by OHS Substitute, Sandy H.
This novel will be a hit with young adult readers who enjoy coming-of-age struggles.
Kat Evans tries to get a date, deal with friends, and manifest self-acceptance, while trying to think of everything through the lens of feminism. Meanwhile she’s also rabidly documenting everything in her diary. This young adult fiction dives deep into the anxieties, dreams, and ideals of a teenager trying to make her way through high school – so believable, the anxiety just oozed off of the pages!
Reading it as an adult, I liked being reminded of how tough it really is to be a teenager.
