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: 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.