Accomplished: a Georgie Darcy novel by Amanda Quain -

Accomplished: a Georgie Darcy novel by Amanda Quain, 320 pages. Wednesday Books, 2022. $19 

Language: R (100+ swears, 22 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Georgie Darcy maybe be the richest student at Pemberley Academy, but without her brother Fitz, her life is falling apart. Wickham Foster may have been kicked out of Pemberley after his drug-dealing was exposed last year, but he still has a hold on Georgie’s emotions - especially when he shows up in town. For three years Fitz has been her guardian – since their father died and their mother left them behind, but this time Georgie will need to grow a spine and save herself. But can she – or will she even ruin the new spark between her and Avery, the Pemberley drum major – with her thinking that money can fix everything. 

There were moments when I loved this and moments I wished it were not a take on Pride and Prejudice. While I like that Quain looks at the aftermath of Georgie and Wickham’s damaging relationship, I was also distracted by the other PaP references (Fitz and Lizzie, of course). I get that a PaP reader will immediately understand the background of Georgie’s past, but I think Quain could have accomplished the same dynamic with just a few more pages and not cramming the characters into the PaP framework. Bascially this is a book for adult women who love Pride and Prejudice, but disguised as a YA novel because of the age of the characters.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

No Way Home by Jody Feldman - ADVISABLE

No Way Home by Jody Feldman, 336 pages. Sourcebooks, 2022. $11 (paperback) 

Language: PG-13 (34 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (bodily harm, threats of death) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

17yo Tess is excited to be exchanging places with a student from heavenly Rome for 5 weeks – even if her Italian is almost non-existent. Unfortunately, she finds herself in hell – her guest family, the Rossi’s have some secret agenda, which is based around forcing Sophie to do break and enter people’s homes and steal from them. There doesn’t seem to be any way to escape the Rossi’s – they can hear her every word and will happily maim or kill her family back in America if she doesn’t comply. Then Tess realizes that the Rossi’s are somehow connected to her own Italian heritage and she’s stolen an important item from her own aunt’s home. If there is some way she can communicate with someone here who can help her out of this nightmare – perhaps Devin, the ultra-cute fellow exchange student? 

What starts out as a cute Roman holiday quickly takes a dark turn into the bad. And once you know how the Rossi’s are connected to Tess’s own family, then the puzzle pieaces start clicking together. I like that Feldman doesn’t keep the reader in the dark with a surprise twist ending and that the teens are very clever in getting Tess the space she needs. As it is only printed in paperback, it is an easy choice if you want thrillers. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan - HIGH

These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan, 442 pages. Clarion (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), 2021. $25

 Language: R (9 swears, 2 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (one slightly descriptive pleasuring scene); Violence: PG-13(bloody stabbing) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When Brie's younger sister Jas is sold to the Fae King, she travels through a portal pretending to be a human interested in marrying the Fae Prince Ronan. To free Jas, the Fae King wants Brie to steal artifacts from Prince Ronan's palace. Brie soon discovers that Prince Ronan is her friend from the mortal realm, Sebastian. She's surprised and angry but once she comes to terms with who Sebastian really is, Brie realizes that she can use it to her advantage in finding the relics and getting Jas back. Brie feels guilty for using Sebastian but will do anything to get her sister back. 

I loved the main character, Brie. She has tremendous strength and resilience and will do anything to save her sister. I also enjoyed the conflict between the two male main characters, vying for Brie. Brie wasn't sure if she could trust either one and this lack of trust created suspense and intrigue.

 LynnDell Watson, Delta HS Librarian

Turning Red: The Real R.P.G by Lily Quan - ADVISABLE

Turning Red/The Real R.P.G.: The Story of the Red Panda Girl by Lily Quan, 250 pages. Disney Press 2022. $11. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing drawings); Violence: PG. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

13yo Meilin is expected to be the perfect daughter. Her mother is a beloved member of the community, and her Mei-Mei must be the perfect example. And she is! She gets stellar grades, helps out at the temple her mother runs; and is in every way a model daughter. Mostly. One afternoon, her mother gets the wrong idea about some drawings in Meilin's notebook and completely overreacts. In front of Meilin's friends and other kids from school. She is so embarrassed. When she wakes up the next morning, she's turned into a giant red panda. Turns out, it's a family thing. Her friends are not going to understand. This is the worst. 

A re-telling of the Disney/Pixar movie Turning Red. While Meilin is 13, it reads younger. Content is appropriate for upper elementary, and kids who loved the movie will also like the novelization. 

Lisa Librarian

The Girl in the Castle by James Patterson and Emily Raymond - HIGH

The Girl in the Castle by James Patterson and Emily Raymond, 368 pages. Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2022. $19

Language: R (76 swears,19 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (themes of mental illness, self harm, drug and alcohol abuse, suicidal ideation); Violence: PG-13 (guns, fighting, murder, deaths) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Her name is Hannah Dory, and for most of her life she's been a time traveler, well not the one that rides in a magical car or a fantastic phone booth. She travels to the year 1347 where starvation and death are everywhere, she is a girl peasant in one of the most unsanitary eras known to mankind. But she has a mother, loving siblings and a handsome husband to be, it can't be that bad, can it? When she isn't in 1347, she is in modern times in a mental hospital and diagnosed with schizophrenia - as she bounces back and forth between time periods, she has become caught in between worlds. As Hannah becomes more and more vulnerable with a newly hired intern at the hospital, will he be able to uncover what Hannah has been hiding in her medieval castle. 

 The Girl in the Castle is a beautiful and powerful novel that really struck a cord with me. Hannah, is so complex and three dimensional- she has seen and experienced a lot of trauma and yet we see her still fighting, still trying to live her life. I love the way this book tackles mental illness and mental institutions. Often times we put labels on those who get sent into mental hospitals, but this book really opened my eyes and allowed me a little glimpse into what life with schizophrenia and other illnesses might be like. This book is definitely a tear jerker but I believe that everyone should read books to make you feel sympathy and compassion. 

Hannah is described as pale with long black hair and dark eyes. The intern, Jordan, is described as tan and with dark curly hair. Most of the side characters have either brown, blonde or red hair with white skin. 

Kenzie Hoehne Reviewer, 

I got this book from NetGalley 

City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda - ESSENTIAL

 City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda, 390 pages. Disney Hyperion. 2022. $17

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Sikander Aziz works at his parents’ deli in Manhattan with Daoud, an aspiring actor who seems to be only concerned with his looks. Sikander has an unwelcome and unexpected run in with Nergal, the ancient god of disease. Sik has to fight demons who believe he has something his late brother, Mo, stole from Iraq. Sik has to work quickly before the city is torn apart by plague. 

A Mesopotamian myth from Rick Riordan presents, this one deals with the legend of Gilgamesh. In the forward, Rick Riordan states that the book was ready to be published before the Covid-19 outbreak and in no way was meant to capitalize on the pandemic. The story does hit close to home because of the that, but is an exciting adventure as Sik makes his journey not just to find answers and save loved ones, but also to begin his own journey of growth and understanding. A great look into an overlooked mythology, this makes for an intriguing story line that the protagonist makes relatable. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Once Upon a Scream by Vera Strange - ADVISABLE

 Once Upon a Scream by Vera Strange, 252 pages. Disney Press. 2022. $7

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

13yo Dawn gets sent to live with her aunt and her aunt’s wife in Castletown, a small town in the middle of nowhere, that has spotty or no cell-phone reception. Dawn is in desperate need of friends, but when she gets snubbed by the school mean girl, she makes a deal with an evil fairy after pricking her finger on an antique spindle. Soon people are falling asleep right and left and danger to Dawn increases as the sleeping spreads. 

Standard Disney fare. Dawn is in way over her head with the mistress of evil in this modern take on Sleeping Beauty. The plot is rather simplistic, but if you like Disney villains winning the day in a modern remake, this is your series of books. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

A Seat at the Table: The Nancy Pelosi Story by Elisa Boxer and Laura Freeman - ADVISABLE

A Seat at the Table: The Nancy Pelosi Story by Elisa Boxer, illustrated by Laura Freeman PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY Crown Books (Penguin Random House), 2021. $18. 9780593372517 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Nancy Pelosi's father was the mayor of Baltimore. He would often invite the people of the community to talk with him at his dining room table. Nancy saw her mother support him, not only by continuing the conversations but by actively working in the background to help. When Nancy was an adult, she continued her mother's legacy by supporting causes and political candidates in her own town. Eventually running for office herself. Nancy Pelosi is currently the most powerful woman in politics. 

An inspirational and thoughtful biography. Freeman's illustrations are realistic and powerful. Includes an author's note, a short interview with Pelosi (with a link to the full conversation) and a great bibliography. I love these short biographies, just perfect for an elementary or middle school student getting to know or understand an important person.

Lisa Librarian

Red Scare by Liam Francis Walsh - ADVISABLE

Red Scare by Liam Francis Walsh, 240 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Scholastic. 2022. $15

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: PG (some deaths) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Set against the backdrop of the post WWII red scare, middle schooler Peggy is recovering from polio and needs crutches to get around. In addition to the taunting of school mates, Peggy is also caught up in the rumors of Communist spies threatening her way of life. She finds a mysterious artifact from a possible spy that gives her the ability to fly, but to keep it she’ll have to decide who she can trust and how to stand on her own in a scary world. 

Even though the storyline gets fantastical, the setting is real and captures the fear of the time period. Peggy’s struggles are relatable as she deals with prejudice, fear, bullying, family issues, and loss. The art is fun and colorful and reminiscent of the era. The notes from the author at the end about the atomic age were also really interesting. Fun and reflective read. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Operatic by Kyo Maclear and Byron Eggenschwiler - OPTIONAL

Operatic by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler, 160 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Groundwood Books. 2019. $20

Language: PG (5 swears, 0 “F”); Mature Content PG (same sex attraction); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Set mostly in Charlie’s middle school music class, Charlie has feelings for Emile but finds he and Luka are attracted to each other. As Charlie tries to find her perfect song for a music class assignment, she learns about the music of Maria Callas, who becomes an example to her as Charlie tries to channel her inner diva. 

The cover is gorgeous; however the graphic art is done in monochrome colors that vary throughout the book. I liked the story of Maria Callas and the relationships between the friends. However, I finished the book wanting more depth, more of a storyline, and more of a look at life than just the music focus. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat and Joanna Cacao - ESSENTIAL

 The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Joanna Cacao, 268 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Scholastic. 2022. $13

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Christina and her best friend, Megan, decide to try out for the 7th grade cheerleading squad. They are the only two kids of color in their middle school, and think that cheerleading would give them the popularity needed to be accepted by their peers. Tryouts are more difficult and terrifying than they thought and Christina becomes worried that her friendship with Megan may be on the line as they grow in different ways. 

 Soontornvat uses her real name in this story because it is highly biographical. She addresses issues of racism, identity, and community and the courage it takes to go to school and take risks. This story is so much more than just trying out for a cheer squad and captures the angst of middle school. Great read for anyone putting themselves out there to take on a difficult task. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

Amina's Song by Hena Khan - ADVISABLE

Amina's Song (Amina's Voice #2) by Hena Khan, 288 pages. Salaam Reads (Simon and Schuster), 2021. $18.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (growing friendship, talk of it being more); Violence: PG (discussion of Malala's shooting)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Amina spent her summer vacation visiting family in Pakistan. She loved her time with her cousins, she fit in there. Returning to Wisconsin, Amina is worried about starting 7th grade. She has friends, but she always feels like an outsider. When her teacher assigns a "wax museum" project, Amina chooses Malala Yousefzai, hoping to teach others about her culture, but even her friends don't seem to care. Then she meets Nico, a boy who loves music as much as she does, and a friendship grows as they work together on a musical project. 

My students liked Amina's Voice, so I'm sure Amina's song will get picked up, too. I loved Amina's pride in her culture and how she valued her family connections. The friendship with Nico is cute, too. 

Lisa Librarian

Crashing in Love by Jennifer Richard Jacobsen - ADVISABLE

Crashing in Love by Jennifer Richard Jacobsen. 272 pages. Candlewick Press, 2021. $17 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G (Boyfriend talk); Violence: PG (Peril, hit and run accident).

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

On an early morning bike ride, 12yo Peyton comes across a boy on the road. He has been hit and the driver left the scene of the accident. Peyton calls 911, and he is taken to the hospital. Peyton happens to be hoping to find a boyfriend this year, and she's looking for the perfect one. Gray - the boy involved in the accident - might be perfect - but he's unconscious. Peyton hopes that if she hangs around the hospital enough, she'll be there when he wakes up, or maybe she can figure out who hit him. Somehow, she's sure, he'll open his eyes and see her and *boyfriend*!

A cute romance (rather one-sided I guess) with a good amount of other drama as well. Her parents are divorced and she is choosing to stay in town rather than help on her grandma's farm, there are some friend issues, as well as "honesty" issues between Peyton and her mom. While the story contains a mystery, Peyton's hope for this boyfriend was the main story. A cute lite romance for 6th or 7th graders.

Lisa Librarian

New From Here by Kelly Yang - ESSENTIAL

New From Here by Kelly Yang, 361 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2022. $18 

Language: G; (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (bullying, racist language).

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

10yo Knox Wei-Evans was living in Hong Kong with his family as the novel COVID-19 virus began to spread in China. Concerned for the family's health and safety, Knox's mom decides to take the children to their home in California. Knox doesn't get along well with his older brother 12yo Bowen, and he has had to leave his dad (who is his best friend) behind. Bowen hates middle school, and their younger sister Lea is having trouble making friends. Even Knox, who has a caring teacher, and a new friend, is facing racism as kids are targeting the Evans kids because they are Asian. 

It isn't too soon for COVID-19 children's fiction.  More a story about Knox who didn't know he had ADHD until he overheard his mother enrolling him in public school, than his brother and sister. I appreciated that Kelly Yang wrote from experience, not only the COVID-19 experience but also showed how the children face racism at school. Covid Tag was horrible. I can only imagine what Bowen was subjected to, as he kept what was going on at school to himself. We only got a glimpse at his track meets.  With Knox as the central character, this is placed solidly in upper elementary, so l was a bit daunted by the page count, however, the chapters are short, making it more accessible. I believe that it would appeal to a middle school audience as well. Yang's Front Desk series is popular, I'm excited to recommend this as well. Knox's family is Asian

Lisa Librarian

The Battle of the Bards by Ben Costa and James Parks - ADVISABLE

The Battle of the Bards (Rickety Stitch and The Gelatinous Goo #3) by Ben Costa and James Parks, 256 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Alfred A. Knopf (Penguin Random House), 2021. $17 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Rickety and Goo have joined an acting troupe to compete in the Battle of the Bards, but Rickety isn't an actor and would rather sing and play his lute. The most popular bard in the land is there, too, Percival Dante. But When Rickety tries to talk to him, he's rude and conceited. The beautiful Canta catches Percival's eye, but their date ends with her carrying his cape. Maybe this is Rickety's chance to get Canta to notice him! But the tournament is only a distraction from what is really going on underneath the town. Rickety's friends are there, but so are the bad guys - it's going to be an epic battle! 

Well Done! I loved how the bits from the previous installments all came together in this one. Kids will want to check out all three together, so they won't have to wait (like I did) for the next one. The very best part - - the link at the end to hear the song! I understand this is a trilogy, a nicely wrapped up story, but there could certainly be further adventures of Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo. 

Lisa Librarian

An Advent Carols Countdown by Michael D. Young - OPTIONAL

An Advent Carols Countdown by Michael D. Young, 98 pages. NONFICTION, SHORT STORIES. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2022. $16.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL; GIFT - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Twenty-four Christmas songs – one for each day of December leading up to Christmas. Each section has the lyrics of a carol, a QR code to listen to the song, and some background information about where and when the song came from. Young has compiled some new Christmas stories to share this upcoming Christmas season – and maybe a new song, too!

I didn’t know that so many different countries, languages, writers, and composers brought my favorite Christmas songs to life. Some of the carols mentioned have roots stretching back to 129 AD and some have only been around as I know them since 1995, putting songs next to each other in a familiar way that their original creators could not have foreseen. Young talks about songs that have traveled through Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, the Holy Land, the United Kingdom, and America, which has helped me feel more united with Christmas celebrators around the world – and it’s only August!

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen 

Before the Fortress Falls by A. L. Sowards - ADVISABLE

Before the Fortress Falls by A. L. Sowards, 320 pages. Covenant Communications, 2022. $17.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

25yo Katja can’t leave her home in Vienna despite the evacuation in preparation for the impending Ottoman attack and finds ways to help away from battle. Her twin, Xavier, arrives with his regiment just in time to fight from within Vienna’s walls, and their elder brother, Wilhelm, is part of the exodus to make sure his wife and son are safe as well as to plead for help from Vienna’s allies. While their roles vary, each sibling is doing their best to save their home and keep their hope alive.

Courage comes in many forms. No matter which part of the battle you are facing, you need courage in order to stay hopeful. This battle actually happened; those fighting for Vienna actually beat the odds. While the main characters are fictional, their struggles are universal: keep fighting your battles, reach out to allies, and choose to embrace joy and hope.

Katja, Xavier, and Wilhelm are German, and Toby is implied German. Ahmed is Serbian. Most characters are either implied German or Turkish. The mature content rating is for mentions of rape. The violence rating is for gun and sword use, mentions of domestic violence, battle scenes, and death.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Twin Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber - OPTIONAL

Twin Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber, 480 pages. Balzer & Bray (HarperCollins), 2022. $18.

Language: PG13 (19 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

17yo Wren is the secret twin sister of Princess Rose, and she’s ready to take the throne in the name of their witch ancestors so that the witches who still live can return home, even if it means pretending to be Rose. Meanwhile, Rose wakes up on a horse in the desert – the farthest she’s ever been from the castle – and she worries how the kingdom is doing without her. As Wren and Rose learn about each other's lives, they uncover secrets that will change everything.

I love this unwilling-princess-and-the-pauper scenario. The set up of the story was my favorite part, as the reader acclimates to the new places from the sisters’ points of view with familiar princess and the pauper troupes. As the sisters’ plans unravel, Webber leaves readers waiting for the sequel to know if they can lead their people to the peace they’re hoping for.

Wren and Rose are both depicted on the cover and described in the book as white. Shen has “golden tan” skin, Prince Ansel has “porcelain” skin, Tor is “pale,” and Celeste has “deep brown” skin. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, innuendo, and partial nudity. The violence rating is for battle scenes, murder, and genocide.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

That’s Debatable by Jen Doll - HIGH

That’s Debatable by Jen Doll, 352 pages. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group), 2022. $19.

Language: R (86 swears, 10 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

For 17yo Millie it doesn’t really matter what she thinks, because she needs to debate and win in order to get scholarships for college. But when she debates against Tag, she discovers another side of debate: using your voice to say something that matters. Tag keeps losing because he insists on debating the right side of the argument, regardless of the rules of debate. But Millie thinks she can help them both stay true to their values and win.

Millie has always been good at debating, but her journey in this book is about finding her voice – who she wants to be and what she wants to say. Doll encourages readers to find their voices and use them in ways that matter – stand up for whichever causes and values are important to you! We can do more good in this world by speaking up and then doing something about what we’re saying. The empowerment practically jumps off these pages. I also love how Doll uses footnotes throughout the book to add to the debate preparation from facts vibe – and there are even some of Tag’s recipes in there, just for fun.

Millie, Tag, and their families are implied white, but Millie and Tag each have have an implied non-white friend. (Tag’s friend refers to himself as Southeast Asian and doesn’t get more specific.) The mature content rating is for innuendo, sexual harassment, and mentions of sex, blow jobs, nude photos, and sexual favors. The violence rating is for fist fights and discussions of school shootings.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Make Your Own Board Game by Jesse Terrance Daniels - ADVISABLE

Make Your Own Board Game by Jesse Terrance Daniels, 133 pages. NONFICTION. Storey Publishing, 2021. $19

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISALBE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

All games can be broken down into building blocks that Daniels calls mechanics. Once readers understand the basic mechanics, they can customize those building blocks to make their own board games -- or card games or pencil-and-paper games or any other kind of games!

Reading about these game mechanics was mind blowing as I realized that all my favorite board games are pretty much the same game. Daniels breaks games down in a way that is simple without becoming boring because he also talks about the creative design aspects of making games. I also appreciate the plugs for good sportsmanship, especially for the target audience.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen 

Three Kisses, One Midnight by Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon, and Evelyn Skye - OPTIONAL

Three Kisses, One Midnight by Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon, and Evelyn Skye, 288 pages. SHORT STORIES. Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2022. $19.

Language: R (55 swears, 2 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Onny’s grandmother was magical, and, when she died, she left Onny a recipe for a love potion – not the kind that compels someone to fall in love, but the kind of love potion that awakens the seeds of love already in them. Somehow, Onny convinces her two best friends, Ash and True, to try out the love potion with her at the masquerade party celebrating the 400th anniversary of their town. Though little goes according to plan, the believer, the hopeful, and the skeptic will all get their chance for a kiss before midnight.

Each of the three stories are told separately, focusing on one of the friends at a time. While each is enjoyable, they don’t mesh together as well as they should, allowing for some inconsistencies throughout the one night. Nevertheless, I liked reading all three stories – Onny is my favorite, though, with her personality, antics, and wit that kept me laughing.

Onny is Filipina, Ash is implied Asian, Cassidy is at least part Chilean, and Bradley and Orion are implied white. True is a little more complicated, described as having “rich mahogany skin” and as being an indeterminate mix of German, Indian, and American. There are a couple other important characters whose races and skin colors are undefined. The mature content rating is for mention of underage drinking, mention of sex, and innuendo.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Nora and the Sacred Stones by Laura Hatch Rupper - ESSENTIAL

Nora and the Sacred Stones by Laura Hatch Rupper, 112 pages. Eagle Gate Publishing (Covenant Communications), 2022. $8.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Nora (16yo) knows that she is an above average puller, but even she doesn’t realize how good she is until after sneaking into the palace to use the Ballutite stone there. Prince Kyn (17yo) disappointed his father by not detaining the girl who was in their kitchens in the middle of the night, but he didn’t think she was doing anything sinister. However, to prove himself to his father, Prince Kyn is determined to track her down and bring her back to the palace.

The simple magic system Nora uses is beautiful, and I love how Rupper describes it throughout the book. Nora has to make some tough decisions, and she does so with the intent – most of the time – to do what is right. The fire in her leads Nora to retaliate sometimes, but mostly she allows her fire to drive her forward even when she doesn’t know how things are going to turn out.

Nora, Limar, and Prince Kyn are all implied white. Beck is described as having “work-tanned” skin. The mature content rating is for intoxication and implied sexual harassment. The violence rating is for mention of suicide, battle scenes, and death.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen