The Disasters
by M. K. England
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: December 18, 2018
THE DISASTERS by M.K. England is most definitely described perfectly by its summary; “The Breakfast Club meets Guardians of the Galaxy.”Jam packed with enough action and awkwardness to put a high school to shame, THE DISASTERS is a fast-paced science fiction adventure that follows the story of four Ellis Space Station Academy “rejects,” Nax, Zee, Rion and Case. Many years in the future, Earth has colonized countless planets within and without its solar system, and getting into Ellis Academy is a one-way ticket to reaching them all. However, when the Academy is suddenly taken over by mysterious terrorists and wiped of all life, Nax and his fellow misfits are lucky enough to escape. But are they lucky enough to outrun the countless dangers coming their way?
With its hilariously engaging characters and well-written plot, THE DISASTERS is definitely worth the read; England does a fantastic job keeping the anticipation going, and I especially like how the characters are written and how they interact with each other. Each character is different in their own way, ranging from polished diplomat, to hotshot pilot, to witty genius. Rion, Nax, Case, and Zee get along in ways that just feel so human; their healthy and supportive friendship deserves appreciation.
All in all, if you are looking for an exciting winter read to enjoy by a hot fireplace, M.K. England’s THE DISASTERS would go perfectly with fuzzy socks and some hot cocoa!
Watch You Burn
by Amanda Searcy
Publisher: Delacorte
Publication Date: October 23, 2018
WATCH YOU BURN by Amanda Searcy is about a girl named Jenny who experienced a traumatic childhood event which sparked her obsession with fire. She moves to New Mexico to live with her dad and to get away from the fire investigation happening in her home town. A series of wildfires in the nearby forest and the tingling feeling that someone is watching her have Jenny on edge. I had a fun time reading this book. It was fast paced and filled with unexpected turns. One thing I liked in particular was the characters. They were developed nicely throughout the novel and the back stories came together well.
Hey Kiddo
by Jarrett Krosoczka
Publisher: Scholastic/Graphix
Publication Date: November 13, 2018
HEY, KIDDO is the true story of one family’s struggle with addiction. Jarret Krosoczka’s mother is a heroin addict who signed away her parental rights when her son was a toddler. He’s been raised by his grandparents—tough-talking, whiskey-drinking, no-nonsense people who grew up during the Great Depression. He’s never known his father and he thinks he never will, until one day he gets a letter in the mail…
HEY, KIDDO is a courageous and honest memoir of Krosoczka’s childhood. It’s definitely not a light-hearted read, but it’s no depressing slog, either. The author injects humor, sweetness, love, and passion, and brings it all to life through his gorgeous sepia-toned illustrations. HEY, KIDDO is a triumph. It will probably also leave you on the ground, sobbing incoherently, slightly broken. But it will be worth it.
