Review: 19 Love Songs

19 Love Songs
by David Levithan

Publisher: Penguin Random House
Publication Date: January 7th, 2020

19 Love Songs, written by David Levithan, delivers a beautiful experience full of some good laughs, a few good cries, and a lot of love. Like most short story anthologies, 19 Love Songs is a short read with a lot of great diversity. Every story is unique and filled with fresh perspectives on what love is. Unlike a lot of love stories, 19 Love Songs focuses on all types of deep, emotional relationships; ranging from romantic to family love. For anyone who is a fan of David Levithan, who likes unconventional love stories, or who just wants a short read that involves a lot of fun, 19 Love Songs is an essential read. 

Review: Of Curses and Kisses

Of Curses and Kisses
by Sandhya Menon

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: February 18th, 2020

Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon centers around the star-crossed romance between uptight and responsible Princess Jaya Rao, and the brooding, reserved, and introverted son of aristocrats, Grey Emerson. Jaya and Grey are both really interesting and realistic characters, and there are lots of relatable and funny moments in this book where I actually found myself laughing out loud. There’s also a lot of internal character monologues, but it ends up adding a hefty portion of depth to the characters. It’s super sappy, but as long as you’re ready for that, it’s a really fun read!

Review: The Feminist Agenda of Jemima Kincaid

The Feminist Agenda of Jemima Kincaid
by Kate Hattemer

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 18th, 2020

The Feminist Agenda of Jemima Kincaid by Kate Hattemer is a funny, witty, and an all-around great read. The book centers around Jemima Kincaid, a high school senior completely centered around feminism. Following Jemima’s friends, sexist school traditions, and romances, this is a funny, eye-opening, and socially aware book. Hattemer excellently incorporates and challenges the biases that we have in our own minds and the misogyny that is perpetrated in our everyday lives. While this is a young adult novel, there is use of profanity and several sexual scenes and in light of that, I recommend this book to people 15 and older. A short and quick read, I really enjoyed The Feminist Agenda of Jemima Kincaid and recommend it.

Review: When You Know What I Know

When You Know What I Know
by Sonja K. Solter

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 24th, 2020

After school, on the couch in the basement, Tori’s uncle does something bad. Tori tells her mother, but she doesn't believe Tori. The aftermath of sexual abuse is filled with so many emotions; fear, anger, shame. Solter captures these emotions in her book When You Know What I Know.

When You Know What I Know is written from the point of view of the main character, “10-almost-11” year old Tori. The book follows her in the wake of violation. Written in verse, Solter’s book is beautifully articulated. Tori’s character is perfectly evolved throughout the novel and her conflicting sentiments are composed accurately. This book covers important but mature subject matter, I recommend it for ages 11+

Review: Shadow of the Batgirl

Shadow of the Batgirl
by Sarah Kuhn and Nicole Goux

Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date: February 4th, 2020

Shadow of the Batgirl: A Cassandra Cain Graphic Novel by Sarah Kuhn and Nicole Goux is a fun, quick read, great for people new to superhero comics. If you’re someone like me, and superhero comics feel intimidating (so many volumes, so little time!), Shadow of the Batgirl is a great, no-strings-attached read that is less about fighting crime, and more about a girl finding out who she is. The authors felt it was important to represent this often overlooked hero, Cassandra, and give her her own canon. It’s exciting and heartwarming, but most notably, the art is amazing. Goux draws with a singular vision. It is graphic novels like these that demonstrate the relationship between illustration and words and how they come together to create something new. I’m excited to see what comes next for Cassandra Cain and would recommend this book to lovers of graphic novels.

Review: Aurora Rising

Aurora Rising
by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 7th, 2019

In the year 2380, Tyler Jones, star cadet of Aurora Academy, is ready to graduate and take command of his own squad. Right before the ceremony, he rescues a teen girl from an abandoned ship in space and misses the entire thing. As a result, he gets stuck with the cadets no one else wanted: a snarky diplomat, an tough-but-kind ace pilot, a quiet scientist with no qualms about shooting her squadmates with a stun gun, a alien fighter with anger issues, and a smart aleck mechanic. Then there’s Aurora, who's been stuck in suspended animation for two centuries and is the key to uncovering a deadly conspiracy.

Aurora Rising, by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, is a whirlwind of a book. It alternates between the perspectives of each squad member, and really gives each one their moment to shine. There’s plenty of action, balanced with sweet scenes that build the relationships between characters, and of course, lots of sarcasm and banter. A lot of backstory is left unknown by the end, and the cliffhanger absolutely killed me. Still, I loved reading this book and recommend it for fans of sci-fi, motley crews, and epic quests.

Review: Yes No Maybe So

Yes No Maybe So
by Becky Albertalli & Aisha Saeed

Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: February 4th, 2020

Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed brings together cultures and traditions through love and political activism in a moving story that follows a local election in Georgia. Maya and Jamie are canvassing together, fighting to turn a solidly red district blue. From their shared love of donuts and The Office, the two become extremely close. The book is a great representation of how people’s everyday lives are affected because of the political views of people in power. I loved this book because it shows young people that our voice does matter, and we can make a difference. Albertalli and Saeed weave together words and cultures in a way that perfectly expresses what it feels like to be a teenager in today’s political climate.

Review: No True Believers

No True Believers
by Rabiah York Lumbard

Publisher: Crown Books For Young Readers
Publication Date: February 11th, 2020

Salma Bakkioui is a Muslim girl living in a predominantly white community. A terrorist bombing in Washington, D.C. and rising Islamophobia turns Salma’s life upside down when she is framed for a crime she never committed. Rabiah York Lumbard’s No True Believers is captivating from the very first page. The story is full of plot twists and fast-paced adventure. It’s the type of book that will have you promising yourself “just one more chapter” (even though you know you’ll be reading late into the night). Lumbard also manages to tackle weighty issues like bigotry and Islamophobia. No True Believers is riveting and powerful.

Review: Stars We Steal

The Stars we Steal
by Alexa Donne

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: February 4th, 2020

Alexa Donne crafts stunning, three-dimensional characters and a thrilling plot in The Stars We Steal, somehow managing to fill every chapter with charming dialogue, sweet romance, and heart wrenching anguish all at the same time. While initially appearing simple, the story quickly unravels to reveal a gripping turn of events that leave the reader starry-eyed, if you will. Even the moon’s gravitational pull cannot tear Leo and Elliot apart as they battle every challenge in their rocky relationship – but will the crater between them eventually grow too large? Those of you who can’t get enough of sci fi romances, dream about outer space, and can’t wait to watch the next season of the Bachelorette ASAP are in luck, because this book is for you.

                                                          

Review: Loveboat, Taipei

Loveboat, Taipei
by Abigail Hing Wen

Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publication Date: January 7th, 2020

Loveboat, Taipei, by Abigail Hing Wen, was such a fun read. In it, Hing Wen describes the struggle of being the only Chinese girl in her town. However, everything changes when she is sent to a summer program in Taipei. In Taipei, she has the summer she will never forget full of love, friendship, and betrayal. Although it is not my typical read, I am glad I picked it up, and thoroughly enjoyed its fast-paced, engaging plot, and characters that will leave you wanting to learn more. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a young adult book full of romance and interesting characters.

                                                          

Review: Scythe

Scythe
by Neal Shusterman

Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publication Date: November 22nd, 2016

Scythe, by Neal Shusterman is a creative and unique story about compassion. Two young teenagers, Citra and Rowan must compete to be part of an organization that maintains the population number regularly in a world where humanity is in control of everything. Neal Shusterman creates this beautiful relationship between the art of killing, Citra and Rowan. As an overall creative book, I would recommend this to anyone who likes scientific fiction and a little bit of young romance.

                                                          

Review: Lady Rogue

Lady Rogue
by Jenn Bennett

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: September 9th 2019

Jenn Bennett spins a beautiful and romantic tale filled with adventure and mystery. The tale is about an eighteen year old girl, Theodora, who is stranded in the middle of Europe with no money. Until her former "more-than-a-friend," Huck shows up from an expedition with her missing dad. Together they search for the mystery behind her dad's disappearance and Theodora learns the truth about the history of her family. Bennett writes a thrilling page-turner that will not let you put the book down.

                                                          

Review: Harley in the Sky

Harley in the Sky
by Akemi Dawn Bowman

Publisher: Ink Road
Publication Date: March 10th, 2020

Akemi Dawn Bowman’s  is an inspiring story about learning how to belong when it seems that you don't fit in.The story focuses on Harley, an eighteen year old, who's passion is the circus and in particular, flying on the trapeze. In order to pursue her dreams, Harley betrays her family and runs away to another circus. However, this new circus shows her the grace yet harshness of life itself. In conclusion, Bowman writes a stunning feel-good book.

                                                          

Review: Blood Countess

Blood Countess
by Lana Popović

Publisher: Abrams
Publication Date: January 28th, 2020

Blood Countess, by Lana Popovic, is an excellent book. Full of interesting and creative characters, this book tells the story of love and madness. Anna must provide for her family after her father dies, and when she gets an invitation from the countess to work for her, Anna jumps at the opportunity. As they get close, however, Anna starts to realize that Elizabeth Báthory might not be as perfect as she seems. Dark and fascinating, this book will draw you in and hold you tight. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction and has a stomach for a little bit of creepiness, however, for readers that are not into horror, it might be hard to read.

                                                          

Review: Furious Thing

Furious Thing
by Jenny Downham

Publisher: David Fickling Books
Publication Date: January 7th, 2020

Furious Thing by Jenny Downham is a story about growing, loving, and most of all- anger management. Fifteen-year-old Lexi has a complicated life- she’s in love with her stepbrother, not getting along with her stepfather, and not doing too well in school. But most of all- Lexi is angry- really really angry. Follow her as she navigates life and learns how to harness her anger.Through her use of vivid imagery, Downham makes the city of London appear before the reader’s eyes. Downham also conveys strong underlying themes of feminism, helping women find their inner power, and most of all, showing that humans are allowed to be angry.  I highly recommend this book to an older teen who is comfortable with curse words and scenes with sexuality.

                                                            

Review: Three Things I Know Are True

Three Things I Know Are True
by Betty Culley

Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: January 7th, 2020

In Three Things I Know Are True by Betty Culley, everything changes after Liv’s brother, Jonah, accidentally shoots himself with his friend Clay’s father’s gun. Now he requires 24/7 care to stay alive. When their mother decides to sue Clay’s family, Liv becomes torn between her love for her brother and her friendship with Clay. Written in verse, Three Things I Know Are True is a poetic gem. It grippingly displays the aftermath and misery of a gun accident. Liv’s character is beautifully developed throughout the novel, encouraging the reader to root for her through every step. Three Things I Know Are True is truly unique and highly recommended.

                                                                      

Review: Winterwood

Winterwood
by Shea Earnshaw

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: November 5th, 2019

Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw, is an intoxicating, fantastical thriller and murder mystery. This book is an absolute page turner and will entice readers from beginning to end. For people who enjoyed books such as Wildwood, the Witch’s Boy, Summer & Bird and The Apothecary, this novel is perfect for you. 

The protagonist Nora, is a young woman struggling with her identity as “normal” in a family filled with witches. Nora’s situation is further complicated when she finds a boy named Oliver, half frozen, lying in the woods. With his help, Nora begins to unravel her own past, as well as the mystery to how Oliver ended up stranded in the forest. This book thrills the reader from beginning to end; not one page is uninteresting. I highly recommend this book to readers of all different ages, genres, and authors; Winterwood is enjoyable for all.

                                                                      

Review: Not So Pure and Simple

Not So Pure And Simple
by Lamar Giles

Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: January 21th, 2020

This book is so compelling, natural, and accurate that I literally couldn’t put it down; it’s definitely a good-sized book, but it’s a quick read. The characters are so fully real and relatable that there was no question in my mind that they are real people whose world I was allowed to enter. Excellently written, extremely relevant, and non-forcibly dealing with some very important subjects, I would highly recommend this book to any teenager or young adult.

                                                                      

Review: What I Carry

What I Carry
by Jennifer Longo

Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: January 21th, 2020

Growing up in foster care, Muiriel has two unbreakable rules: 1) When packing, only bring what is absolutely necessary, and 2) avoid attachment. Unlike socks and toothpaste, the people you care about can’t be packed into a suitcase. They get left behind. Everything changes when Muiriel meets Kira, Sean, and Francine, three people who just might be worth breaking the rules for. Jennifer Longo’s What I Carry is an enduring tale of friendship and love. It’s witty, thoughtful, and tear-jerking all at once. Foster care is a topic not often addressed in young adult novels, and rarely is it addressed with such sincerity. The writing is vivid; the characters jump off the page. Ultimately, the novel speaks to the courage it takes to fall in love. Friendship, for Muriel, has always been a dangerous, delicate thing. What I Carry makes the message clear: the hairbrush and floss in your suitcase are not the true essentials. Infinitely more important are the relationships you build. 

                                                                 

Review: Almost American Girl

Almost American Girl
by Robin Ha

Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: January 28th, 2020

Are you looking for a graphic novel to read? Or perhaps, a new nonfiction story that is interesting, heartfelt, and moving? Well, I know the right book for you. Almost American Girl is an illustrated memoir by Robin Ha, who uses drawings to tell the inspiring story of her unexpected move from Korea to America. Robin’s whole life is uprooted, and she suddenly finds herself in an unfamiliar environment, where she doesn’t understand the language or customs, and struggles to make friends. I haven’t read many stories like this in the past, but I will definitely seek them out in the future. I strongly urge you to pick this up off the shelf- you won’t be disappointed!                                                                      

Review: We Are the Wildcats

We Are the Wildcats
by Siobhan Vivian

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: March 31st, 2020

For every gal out there looking for her next girl-power novel, your search is over! Everything you desire can be found in Siobhan Vivian’s We are the Wildcats. This story, told from six unique perspectives, unfolds over the course of one night, following the trials and truths of an all-girls field hockey team. Siobhan Vivian takes the best aspects of every book you’ve ever read- the drama, the friendships, the secrets, the complex backstories created for numerous interesting characters- and combines them into one amazing novel. This story proved itself incapable of ever being boring, as I was constantly flipping eagerly to the next page, dying to see what would come next. Once you start reading, you won’t regret it, I promise                                                                      

Review: Layoverland

Layoverland
by Gabby Noone

Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: January 7th, 2020

For fans of The Good Place and Everything Everything comes a story of fate and optimism set in the afterlife- Layoverland by Gabby Noone. Beatrice is dead and stuck in Purgatory. If she ever wants to make it to Heaven, she must help the boy responsible for her death to get there first. Bea struggles with her situation, and much to her annoyance, she begins to catch “feelings.” I loved this book because the characters were very relatable, which made reading the book easy and fun. Noone has a light, conversational voice that makes the story come to life. If you’re looking for a lighthearted novel with love, friendship, and self discovery- look no further! You’ll embark on a journey into the afterlife where karma is real, hearts can soften, and all the food is covered in... Jell-O?

Review: Only Love Can Break Your Heart

Only Love Can Break Your Heart
by Katherine Webber

Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: January 7th, 2020

Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Katherine Webber centers around the many relationships in protagonist Reiko Smith-Mori’s life. Webber explores the different people Reiko interacts with in great detail and dives into the reasons she keeps each relationship isolated from the others. The framework of the novel’s love story seems a bit cliché: the popular high school girl and the unknown boy. However, the story strays from cliché and gives readers only the idealized portion of high-school love. In doing so, Webber creates a novel that satisfies your cravings for good romance while writing incredible character development, giving you a first-hand look at a teenage girl struggling with loss, love, and her own self-discovery.                                                                         

Review: Salty, Bitter, Sweet

Salty, Bitter, Sweet
by Mayra Cuevas

Publisher: Blink
Publication Date: March 3rd, 2020

To call Mayra Cuevas’s Salty, Bitter, Sweet melancholy would be an understatement- it leads you through Paris from the eyes of a high school senior fighting every day for her dreams. Isabella has to decide between friendships as she fights for success and learns to accept change, even the painful kind. If you have ever imagined kissing in Parisian cherry orchards, spending a year abroad, and living your very own Masterchef Junior experience, Salty, Bitter, Sweet is your imagination personified. Decadent as rich chocolate cake, as shocking as sour lemon bars, and as cleverly crafted as a perfect apple pie, this book will zap your heart with nostalgia and your stomach with hunger with every new chapter – and yet the promise of more will keep you turning pages nonetheless.