Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo - HIGH

Rule of Wolves (King of Scars Duology #2) by Leigh Bardugo. 608 pages. Macmillan/Imprint. 2021. $14 

Language: R (36 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (passionate kissing); Violence: PG-13 (bloody death) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

19yo Nina Danger surrounds Zoya, Nikolai and 19yo Nina as they fight to make their own paths and live with what has been dealt to them. Zoya is trying to figure out her powers and her place next to Nikolai. Nikolai is determined to conquer his beast and help his kingdom with Zoya alongside him. Nina is working to free the pregnant, enslaved, and drugged young Grisha, stop the evil ruler of Fjerda and create a new life without Matthias. Will they be able to stop war between Fjerda and Ravka or will evil conquer all? 

I love the author’s writing. The character development is impeccable. I love the perseverance of the characters. The ethnicity is mixed with the following: bronze skinned, tawny skinned, light brown skin, Zoya is Suli (similar to Indian) and Nikolai, Genya, and Nina are white. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

Guardians of Dawn: Zhara by S. Jae-Jones - OPTIONAL

Guardians of Dawn: Zhara (Guardians of Dawn #1) by S. Jae-Jones, 416 pages. Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2023. $20.

Language: PG (5 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Being discovered as a magician means death in order to prevent abominations from running rampant again—except that abominations are coming back anyway. While she is still unsure about the nature of her magic, 16yo Zhara will do what she can to help find the guardians and heal the abominations. 17yo Hans also wants to find the guardians and offers to help, all the while hiding the identities of himself and his betrothed.

Forbidden magic, unwanted arranged marriages, and a search for the heroes to save them all—fantasy troupes we all love. Zhara’s story has a lot of potential, but setup for the action was slow going. The fantasy world built by Jae-Jones could be cool, but there was too much textbook-like explaining and I skimmed a lot of it. I admit that the parts with meeting the secret society, backstabbing, and the powers were engaging; I hope this book got all the boring details out of the way for the sequels.

Zhara is described as having “brown” skin, and the majority of characters are implied non-white. The mature content rating is for mentions of alcohol and pornography, innuendo, scary images, and attempted sexual assault. The violence rating is for mentions of genocide and murder, implied physical abuse, child abuse, and fantasy violence.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

One Girl In All The World by Kendare Blake - HIGH

One Girl In All The World (Buffy: The Next Generation #2) by Kendare Blake. 342 pages Hyperion 2023 $16 

Language: PG-13 (13 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Making out briefly mentioned, a vampire biting the side of someone's neck made sexualized); Violence: PG-13 (Stabbing vampires in the heart with a stake, fighting monsters and killing them) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

"One Girl In All The World" is a deeper dive into the world of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, the hit TV series. It's full of the same characters and similar plot lines as it emphasizes the character, Frankie, and her struggle to balance being a slayer-witch but also going to school and dealing with tests, the social ladder, and teachers. 

Going into this book with no previous knowledge of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I was rather confused, but the overall world establishment and development of characters were nice. I thought that the author captured several of the high school cliches a little to perfectly and Frankie's high school life was too clique. Frankie is described as white. 

Kenzie Hoehne Reviewer

Swimming in a Sea of Stars by Julie Wright - ESSENTIAL

Swimming in a Sea of Stars by Julie Wright, 256 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2023. $20.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

After attempting suicide and surviving, Addison is headed back to high school classes, where she knows everyone else knows what went down. But Addison isn’t the only one struggling. Throughout the day, Addison interacts with others whose secrets are hidden, unknowingly making the day brighter and lending courage, as one seemingly unimportant interaction did for her.

In reading heart-warming stories like this one, I start to wonder if kindness is really so simple. Not three days after finishing Addison’s (and co’s) story, a similar little kindness was extended to me in real life. And it made a difference. Addison’s story reminds us that everyone is struggling, even if they don’t look like they are, and everyone just wants someone to be kind to them. I hope kindness will start with me and every other reader of this book.

The majority of characters are described as “pale” or are otherwise implied white, but there are also several characters that are described as “dark brown" or are otherwise implied Black, like Booker and Hazel. The mature content rating is for mentions of drugs, alcohol, and illegal activity; innuendo; and implied sexual abuse. The violence rating is for mentions of abuse, self harm, and guns as well as for discussions of suicide.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Grace Needs Space by Benjamin A. Wilgus and Rii Abrego - OPTIONAL

Grace Needs Space by Benjamin A. Wilgus, illustrated by Rii Abrego, 204 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL RH Graphic (Random House). 2023. 22. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Grace can hardly wait to fly off into space with her fun mom, Kendra, and leave her boring mom, Evelyn, behind on her home space station. Unfortunately, the trip isn't everything Grace had hoped for because Kendra is so busy with work that Grace feels lonely and left out. 

 The art is nice and the story is easy to follow. Very much a family relationship story. There were so many pages establishing the fact that Grace was lonely, there wasn't much else in the plot. The space idea is intriguing, but the storyline could have been set anywhere. No set race or culture is mentioned, but Grace and Evelyn have brown skin tones and Kendra is paler with red hair. 

Michelle in the Middle

Meesh the Bad Demon by Michelle Lam - ADVISABLE

Meesh the Bad Demon by Michelle Lam. 300 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Alfred A. Knopf (Random House). 2023. $22 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Meesh is not great at being a demon. She doesn't blow fire, and she likes watching a show about a fairy princess named Nouna. Meesh lives alone with her grandma. Life for Meesh changes when she discovers that demon-kind and her way of life is threatened. Turning to the fairy world for help, she discovers some unlikely allies. 

The art was beautifully done and helped the storyline. Meesh has to discover who she is before she can really be of help, so themes of friendship, inclusion, and self-discovery are relatable. Meesh and her friends will be going on a new adventure in a subsequent book since the ending suggests an evil mastermind. The author is Chinese American and all the different worlds have a variety of skin tones. 

 Michelle in the Middle

Trex by Christyne Morrell - ADVISABLE

Trex by Christyne Morrell. 289 pages. Delacorte Press. 2022. $9 

Language: PG (2 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G Violence: PG 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Trex is a 16yo girl living in a post-apocalyptic society. While Trex was exploring she uncovers a ancient artifact that could possibly change the lives of everyone around her. What is the artifact? And what does it do? Her family urges Trex to put the artifact back where she found it, but she feels like it belongs somewhere else... Trex begins a quest to find the "Haven", a safe place to put the artifact back. As she starts to uncover the secrets of the past, she learns about her own identity and why the "Haven" called out to her in the first place. 

Trex by Christyne Morrell is a very whimsical and cute novel, that I grew to appreciate the more I dove deeper into the chapters. It's characters are lovable and relatable. The overall world building and magic of the book could've been described and expounded upon better as it was quite vague. Trex is described as white. 

Kenzie Hoehne Reviewer

Lumara by Melissa Landers - ADVISABLE

Lumara by Melissa Landers. 278 pages. Hyperion. 2022. $19.

Language: PG-13 (37 swears 1 'f'); 37 1 PG-13 (Someone flipping another person off, brief mention of a hickie, making out and kissing briefly mentioned) Violence: PG-13 (Magic throughout the book, curses, someone getting drowned, and someone getting pushed off a cliff.) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Talia is a 12th grader in high school. All of her life, she's been told to stay away from Mystics. Mystics are people that draw power from a place, lineage, or aura, and often times they use those powers to promote privilege and elitism. But with Talia's heart condition getting worse and worse every passing day, she decides to visit a Mystic, against her father's wishes. Much to Talia's dismay, she is turned away and not healed but in fact scammed, heartbroken and devastated she soon discovers that her boyfriend is a Mystic as well. Overwhelmed with the news, she is terrified to tell her father, for fear that he will ban her from seeing her boyfriend, Nate, ever again. But when Nate invites her over for the week to visit his family, Talia agrees and now is thrust into a world of magic and Mystics. 

Lumara is a book that is heavily plot-driven. It is full of plot twists that are unexpected and can seem very sudden. I did like the overall plot and I found it to be entertaining and fun. I was entertained, but the world-building was definitely lacking, often times it led me to question what a Mystic could or couldn't do and what their limits were. Another complaint I had was that the characters were very rushed and flat and often times I would roll my eyes at bits of dialogue or choices that a character would make. The idea and plot were amazing, but the execution of it could've used a little bit more work, but overall I found it enjoyable. Talia has no description of her race, but her hair is long and black. Nate has no description of his race, but he is described as a golden child with blonde hair and perfect features. 

Kenzie Hoehne Reviewer

The Lizard Prince and other South American stories: by Kate Ashwin, Kel McDonald, and Alberto Rayo - HIGH

The Lizard Prince and other South American stories: A Cautionary Fables & Fairytales Book Edited by Kate Ashwin, Kel McDonald, and Alberto Rayo. 200 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Iron Circus Comics. 2023. $15 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (one story has violence against a child: beatings and leaving him to die) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

This book consists of twelve stories, all retold by South American illustrators. Each story has a different flair and style. Some are more childlike, and some are creepy. I loved the authentic voices the illustrators brought to their work. It is nice to see something from South America for middle-grade readers. There is some uneven storytelling as some stories were easier to follow than others, but an interesting read, especially because folklore reveals a lot about a culture. Different ethnicities within South America are represented. 

Michelle in the Middle

Pack Your Bags, Maggie Diaz by Nina Moreno and Courtney Lovett - ADVISABLE

Pack Your Bags, Maggie Diaz by Nina Moreno, illustrated by Courtney Lovett 272 pages. Scholastic Press (Scholastic). 2023 $19. 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Spring is in the air. Everything is going great for Maggie - her friends are a team once again, her grades are great, the 7th grade has planned a spring break trip to St. Augustine and Maggie is starting track. But it's Valentine's day and love is in the air. Crushes and Prom are on everyone's mind but Maggie's - well, maybe Maggie likes someone. Then Zoe fails a math test and can't come on the trip, Abuela signs up to be a chaperone and Maggie has to room with Vanessa, a new girl (who she thinks might be Julian's crush!). 

I really like Maggie Diaz - her home life is still a bit crazy. Her Abuela has moved out of her room and into the tiny house on their property, but she's still super involved, and I love it. I love that Moreno doesn't translate the Spanish (Abuela rarely speaks English) but easily incorporates context so there's no missed dialogue. Perfect middle school drama - with academic expectations mixed with who likes who. It reads a bit young for my 8th graders, but I'm still buying a copy for my library. Maggie and her family are Cuban. Maggie's sister is LGBTQ she is going to Prom with another girl, Maggie's friends are of various racies and orientations as well. 

Lisa Librarian

The Stars Did Wander Darkling by Colin Meloy - ADVISABLE

The Stars Did Wander Darkling by Colin Meloy. 329 pages. Harper Collins. 2022. $18 

Language: PG (3 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G Violence: PG 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

"The Stars Did Wander Darkling" is a novel set in the future where space travel is more accessible and easier. Traveling planet to planet is child's play. The story follows a group of astronauts who explore uncharted regions of space. As they dive deeper into the black abyss of space, they find wonders and strange civilizations, each with its own secrets and challenges. Amidst the vastness of space, the crew must learn to be resilient and be able to combat the loneliness of space. 

The Stars Did Wander Darkling by Colin Meloy is a fun enjoyable book that allows readers a classic feel without reading a book that was published a hundred years ago. I loved the angle the author took about being lonely in space, it was an interesting take that I appreciated. Sci-fi isn't really up my wheelhouse most of the time but this is a good starter for anyone wanting to jump into Sci-fi. The main characters Archie, Olive, Chris and Athena are all described as being white. 

Kenzie Hoehne Reviewer

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo - HIGH

Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows) by Leigh Bardugo. 560 pages. Henry Holt and Company BYR. 2016. $16. 

Language: R (68 swears 1 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (passionate kiss) Violence: PG-13 (bloody shot, explosion, bloody fights, fatal fall) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

17yo Kaz and his crew are working together to get Inej back after she was kidnapped to be used as a trade for the young scientist who knows how to make the drug parem that increases Grisha power. This drug has become a highly sought after commodity because of its incredible strength but it has dire consequences for severe addiction. Nina is fighting that addiction after she took parem just one time so she could save the crew. The group is staying steadfast by her side and helping her fight the need for the drug. Another problem has cropped up involving Jesper’s father; he has been used as bait to lure Jesper and the Crows out of hiding so now Kaz is taking care of him too and helping get the money to save his family farm. Wylan finds out the truth about his mom that supposedly died when he was eight and how his father placed her in an insane asylum and divorced her to claim her money. 

All these situations intertwine to create another book full of complex schemes masterminded by Kaz Brekker, leader of the Crows. I love the humor. The cleverness and complex schemes kept me on my toes. The loyalty is priceless. Jesper is brown and his Dad is Kaelish-dark red hair and salt-white skin; Kaz is white, Inej is Suli (a Grisha heritage), and Nina is white.

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

Each Night Was Illuminated by Jodi Lynn Anderson - HIGH

Each Night Was Illuminated by Jodi Lynn Anderson, 240 pages. Quill Tree Books (HarperCollins). 2022. $17. 

Language: R (26 swears, 5 F); Mature Content: PG (loss, self-questioning) Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

When Cassie is 11yo, she and Elias see a train crash off a bridge into the water. When Cassie is 17yo, Elias returns and she has to face her fears. Elias wants to look for ghosts and Cassie has a deep need to feel safe. Things come to a head when Cassie questions her faith, and their secrets, and has to survive the world around her. 

 Skillfully written, I love that Cassie's questions of faith are addressed beautifully and carefully. She and Elias make the perfect foils for each other and their adventures are intriguing and enlightening. The beginning pulled me in and intriguing enough to get me quickly to the end. A great stand alone book with plenty of life metaphors. Cassie is a good Catholic girl with a warrior zipped tight inside and Elias is from Australia with a varied cultural background. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Lying in the Deep by Diana Urban - HIGH

Lying in the Deep by Diana Urban. 384 pages. Razorbill/Penguin Group. 2023. $13 

Language: R (134 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (implied sex (no details), passionate kissing, underage drinking, drug use); Violence: PG-13 (bloody mess in room and bloody trail to ship railing, possible suicide by hanging) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

20yo Jade is taking a cruise across eleven countries in four months with the Campus on Board college program. Her ex-best friend Lainey and ex-boyfriend Silas are joining the cruise too and they’re treating Jade like she’s a toxic, horrible person. Jade can’t figure out why or what they think she’s done to be treated that way. When a blood trail is found leading from Lainey’s room to overboard the railing of the ship, many passengers believe Jade is guilty. Jade jumps into action to find evidence that will find the killer and prove her innocence.

The mystery was fun to untangle. Jade is kind and has true, sincere compassion for others. I enjoyed the college on board a cruise setting. Ethnicity is predominantly white, Divya and Navya, who are twins and Jade’s cabin mates, have golden brown skin. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

Malice House by Megan Shepherd - OPTIONAL

Malice House (The Malice Compendium) by Megan Shepherd. 373 pages. Hyperion Avenue. 2022. $14 

Language: PG-13 (14 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (Some kissing, and brief mention of someone getting laid.); Violence: PG-13 (Illustrations pop out of the book, screaming and gnashing their teeth- scary images that sometimes strangle her or try to kill her.) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

"Malice House" follows the thrilling tale of Emily, a young 20yo who inherits a magnificent Victorian mansion from a long-lost relative. The house, full of dark rumors and haunting legends, becomes both her fascination and fear. As Emily settles in, strange occurrences and unsettling visions and illusions begin to haunt her. Determined to unravel the secrets within Malice House, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and uncovers a history of tragedy, betrayal, and hidden family secrets. As Emily delves deeper into the mysteries of the mansion, she must confront her fears and uncover the truth before it consumes her sanity and possibly her life. 

"Malice House" is a haunting and suspenseful novel that skillfully weaves a chilling tapestry of psychological suspense and Gothic intrigue. Malice House by Megan Shepherd has a totally dark academic vibe to it. The Victorian mansions, the strange allure of her relatives, and not to mention the whole town itself. I loved the overall plot and structure of it and its haunting language and dictation. Although the plot was fast-paced, there were times in the novel that I was struggling to keep reading and it starts off slowly. Emily is white. 

Kenzie Hoehne Reviewer

Glitter Everywhere by Chris Burton and Chaaya Prabhat - ADVISABLE

Glitter Everywhere: Where it Came From, Where it's Found & Where it's Going by Chris Burton, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat. NON-FICTION Charlesbridge/Imagine. 2023. $20. 9781623542528 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Glitter lovers, this book is for you! Well-organized and engaging, Barton takes the reader through what makes it sparkle, and why humans might like sparkly things. We learn about iridescent beetles and ancient Egyptians, where Mica comes from, and how it was used in art and even fabrics. Barton covers the history of glitter in the US, and the factories that produced it. We learn the improvements to glitter today and even discover that there is edible glitter. There are tips for getting it out of your hair and concerns about microplastic and its effect on aquatic animals and other environmental problems. 

Full of informative text, this non-fiction dive into the world of glitter is better recommended for upper elementary. I loved the illustrations - I sort of expected the book to be very glittery, and it wasn't, and that was totally ok. I'll enjoy recommending this to my middle school readers as well as the upper elementary crowd. Everyone loves glitter! Right? 

Lisa Librarian

We'll Never Tell by Wendy Heard - HIGH

We'll Never Tell by Wendy Heard. 320 pages. Little, Brown BFYR/Christy Ottaviano Books. 2023. $17 

Language: R (61 swears 1 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (detailed kissing, implied sex with no details); Violence: PG-13 (bloody stabbing, breaking and entering, bloody deaths)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Eddie and Jacob, both 18yo, and Zoe and Casey, 17yo, have created a popular show about Los Angeles buildings that are sealed off or partly sealed off to the public. The show is called “We’ll Never Tell” and the teenagers keep their true identities secret as they investigate, search and record what they discover. One of these places is known as the Murder House where a couple died fifty years ago. After they’ve broken into the Murder House and are searching, Jacob is stabbed. The other three freak out and the mystery pulls the police into a twisted investigation that will change everything.

The mystery is interesting. I enjoyed the variety of character personalities. I like how the mystery was revealed.  Jacob is white, Eddie is Chinese American, Zoe is Philippine American and Casey is white. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli - HIGH

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli, 432 pages. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray 2023 $16 

Language: R (101 swears 58 'f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing with no details, implied sex, sexual innuendo); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

18yo Imogen is a people pleaser through and through. She goes with the flow and agrees with whatever others want. Her best friend Lily is attending college and Imogen visits her over a weekend and falls right into place with the group. She also begins to question herself and her intentions when she starts having feelings for Tessa who is part of Lily’s college friend group. 

A sweet, humorous story about accepting yourself. I like Imogen, the main character. She has true integrity and a kind soul. I appreciate the author and how she represents all people and how no one should feel like they have to label themselves or others. Imogen is white, Kayla has deep brown skin, and Lily has Brazilian relatives. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

Almost There by Farrah Rochon - OPTIONAL

Almost There (Twisted Tale) by Farrah Rochon. 464 pages. Disney Hyperion. 2022. $13. 

Language: PG (6 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (Souls traded in exchange for powers with nothing explicitly described.); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

In Disney's animated "The Princess and the Frog," 18yo Tiana successfully beats Dr. Facilier and marries Prince Naveen, but in "Almost There," Dr. Facilier manages to successfully manipulate Tiana into making a deal moments before she could ultimately vanquish him. The majority of the story continues a year following the deal. In this new ending and because of her deal with Dr. Facilier, Tiana's father is alive and runs a restaurant with her, Louis becomes human, and Naveen loses all memory of their time together. Even more, Tiana isn't allowed to fall in love with him. Naveen luckily didn't marry Charlotte and instead works for Charlotte's dad, but his constant presence keeps Tiana on edge and on the verge of constant heartache. Tiana works hard to make a name for herself, but her chances and opportunities are limited as a black woman in the 1920s. Worst of all, her deal with Dr. Facilier has welcomed a new kind of evil into New Orleans, and she must unite with her friends once more to vanquish the darkness that threatens to overtake the new life she's made for herself and the people she loves. 

Many of the "Twisted Tales" series change major plot points earlier in the story, but this one changed the ending. While that might have worked in its favor, I found that it ultimately forced the characters to regress a little or take on personality traits that weren't consistent with the beginning of the story. Most readers would need to be familiar with Disney's film "The Princess and the Frog" in order to understand what is happening in this version as there's only the briefest summation of events from the film. There are some plot holes as well, but I did enjoy how the novel tried to show the differences between Vodou as it should be used and the kind presented in pop culture. It also addresses a little more explicitly the racism Tiana would face at the time. It's a fun read, but it's a bit of a niche storyline for people who like Disney or twisted fairytales. Tiana, Naveen, and their families are black; Charlotte is white; and Louis's human form is never described.


Lisa J HS ELA Teacher

Winnie Zeng Vanquishes a King (Winnie Zen #2) by Katie Zhao - ADVISABLE

Winnie Zeng Vanquishes a King (Winnie Zen #2) by Katie Zhao. 288 page. Random House. 2023. $18.

Language: PG (5 swears - Diety 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, magical battles, evil spirits). 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

11yo Winnie Zeng (and David Zuo as well) have been accepted into the Spirit Council as Agents - with badges and an assignment. Spirits are causing trouble again in Groton, they are becoming more powerful, and Winnie and David have only until Halloween to round them up, a daunting task for 2 entry level shaman agents, so the council has assigned a mentor, but she's their same age and also a a know-it-all. 

Winnie Zeng is proving to be a fun series. I love the banter between the elderly overspirits; I love the cooking connection and the recipes included at the end of the book, although there is less cooking and cookie eating than in book one (which I missed.). The action starts right away, so when a reader picks it up, they won't want to put it back down. David and Winnie are Chinese. 

Lisa Librarian 

Love & Other Great Expectations by Becky Dean - ADVISABLE

Love & Other Great Expectations by Becky Dean. 384 pages. Delacorte Press. 2022. $14 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G PG (Bloody injury with stitches) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Brittany's senior year hasn't gone the way she hoped it would. After a soccer, season-ending knee injury, she also learns she has a rare blood disorder that prevents her body from clotting; now, she has to be safe in everything she does which means no more soccer. When her ELA British teacher invites her and three others across the pond to England on a literary scavenger hunt with a cash prize, Britta jumps at the opportunity as she's bound to lose her soccer scholarship to college. In England, she, Spence, Amberlyn, and Peter must independently solve clues that connect to British literature and travel throughout the UK to accomplish tasks. Along the way, she meets Luke, a cute British boy who seems to get her in ways other don't. As he joins her on the journey, she has to decide if the growing attraction between them is worth the complications it brings to the scavenger hunt and to her life in general. 

Britta is the most extroverted character I think I've ever read about. As someone who's introverted, she almost felt to me like a caricature of someone outgoing. I don't know if she's realistic or not, so extroverts will have to be the judge of how believable she is or not. The story is fun and though a little unrealistic, it throws together a playful view of ELA and how students can approach it more creatively. Overall, this is a light read that provides some interesting serious moments here and there. Ethnicity is never described, but most of the characters seem default white. Britta's father left when she was younger and she has some buried trauma from that. 

Lisa J HS ELA Teacher

Hidden Systems by Dan Nott - ESSENTIAL

Hidden Systems: Water, Electricity, the Internet, and the Secrets Behind the Systems We Use Every Day by Dan Nott, 272 pages. NON FICTION, GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House Graphic. 2023. $14 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

This graphic novel takes a look at the "hidden systems" that run our world: electricity, the internet, and water cycles. Describing and learning about abstract things like this should be boring, but Dan Nott uses his art to help explain how things *really* work in a way that is easy to understand and also fascinating. 

Readers will learn how the internet physically connects our world, how electricity powers everything we do, and how the water cycles of the Earth demonstrate privilege, and much much more. It addresses political and environmental debates with an open mind and factual information. This is an excellent novel if you want to understand and feel smart about the things you've never understood before. I loved this book. This is a perfect example of how drawings and art can pair perfectly with words to create something that wouldn't be as good without the other. I read it quickly and ate up the explanations of things that normally seem too abstract to fully understand. This is an excellent novel for readers who don't like fiction and want to learn about real things. It's easy to read and understand so reluctant readers can feel powerful and intelligent. One of my new favorite graphic novels.  

Lisa J HS ELA Teacher

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo - ADVISABLE

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo, 528 pages. Square Fish. 2019. $14 

Language: PG-13 (26 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (forced drug use on imprisoned young pregnant women); Violence: PG (non bloody death (bone shard, birds pecking at chained bodies), mention of scalping) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

King Nikolai is fighting the monster within him that seems to be appearing more often while he’s asleep, and it’s causing greater harm and damage at an alarming rate. Zoya is helping Nikolai hide this problem by steadfastly standing by his side as Ravka’s Commander, chaining him to his bed at night and searching for him when he escapes. 18yo Nina is traveling to Fjerda to take Matthias to his final resting place and she’s with Adrik and Leoni. They find the perfect spot for Matthias and as she’s burying him, Nina hears cries for justice from the many dead and buried women nearby and what she finds rattles her to her core. Each group is heading into danger that’s beyond anything they’ve ever seen before and it’s going to take their knowledge, loyalty, and strength to overcome what lies ahead. 

I love the humor and banter from the characters. The mystery surrounding the strange occurrences throughout the kingdom was interesting to me. I enjoyed the vastness that the characters reached in their world. King Nikolai is white, Zoya, blue eyes and is of Suli descent which is similar to Indian, and Nina is white. Leoni has dark brown skin and the twins have deep bronze skin.

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

The Area 51 Files by Julie Buxbaum and Lavanya Naidu - OPTIONAL

The Area 51 Files by Julie Buxbaum, illustrated by Lavanya Naidu, 296 pages. Delacorte (Random House). 2022. $15 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Sky Patel-Baum is sent to live with her uncle Anish in Area 51, where the first and most important rule is, "Whatever happens in Area 51 stays in Area 51." Plenty seems to be happening. Not only does Sky discover there really are aliens, but some of them are missing, which could cost her uncle his job and put her in danger as well. 

 The illustrations are fun and help readers get a visual on the aliens. Sky and her alien friend, Elvis, are likable characters and the humor is fun. Agent Fartz spawned a whole lot of fart jokes that grew tiresome for me after awhile, but may appeal to a younger crowd. At almost 300 pages, the story could have been tightened up a little. Sky and her uncle appear to be Indian and most everyone else are aliens. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

The In-Between by Katie Van Heidrich - ADVISABLE

The In-Between by Katie Van Heidrich, 283 pages. Aladdin. 2023. $19 

Language: PG (9 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG; Dealing with divorce and homelessness Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

13yo Katie's parents have been divorced since she was 5. As the oldest of three children living with their mother and visiting their dad every other weekend, Katie is the peacemaker who does all she can to keep her mother happy. However, her mother is a dreamer and a bit of a free spirit, which often means she has a difficult time keeping a job and a roof over their heads. Katie and her siblings have moved dozens of times, but this new move is about to prove one of the most difficult. The four of them have no other option than to live in a crowded hotel room for weeks on end, with no privacy, not enough beds, and often not enough food. It's especially difficult for Katie as she realizes her father and his new wife have two unused, unfurnished bedrooms in their new home, as well as cupboards and closets literally overflowing with food and necessities. How can this be fair? How will her family survive this season of being forced into the "in-between"? 

The absolutely authentic voice of Katie as a 13 yo trying to navigate school and friend drama on top of her extreme family situation is so compelling. Readers can really feel the heartache and relate to her wishes for a "normal" family and a "normal" life. Yet, Katie and her mother are survivors even when they find themselves at odds with each other. The takeaway of the memoir written in verse is one of resiliency and hope. Katie describes herself as one of only a few Black students at her school. Her mother is Black and her father is White. 

Tammie H, Librarian

The Cool Code by Deirdre Langeland and Sarah Mai - ADVISABLE

The Cool Code by Deirdre Langeland, illustrated by Sarah Mai, 222 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, Clarion (Clarion Books). 2022. $13 

Language: G (1 swear 0 'f')); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

 BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Zoey goes from being home-schooled to her first year of actual school in 8th grade. She is nervous about fitting into this new and overwhelming environment. Zoey is a coder and she is developing the Cool Code to help her fit in. It should tell her what to say and even what to wear to be cool. Unfortunately, it may have some bugs. It may be a big help or could crash her social life. 

I like that Zoey is a coder and new to the school scene. I also love that algorithms are helpful, but navigating middle school and friendships takes trial and error. There are some great lessons to be learned and the characters and storyline are relatable and timely. The illustrations add to the story and are easy to follow. If you're a fan of Raina Telgemeier, this book is definitely for you. Races are unclear, though Zoey's friend is Black. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Etta Invincible by Reese Eschmann - ESSENTIAL

Etta Invincible by Reese Eschmann, 368 pages. Aladdin. 2022. $14 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Etta has recently been diagnosed with Ménière disease which means that sometimes she has "quiet" days where she can't hear amongst other challenges. One day she meets Eleazar, a boy who lives down the street from her "Black section" of the neighborhood in the "Latino section." When his dog Louisa May Alcott jumps onto a mysterious train that has been filling Chicago with depressing and dangerous purple smoke, Etta and Eleazar team up (using Google translate to help their language and audio barrier) to save Louisa May. Once on the train, they begin a journey where each train car offers a new challenge they need to solve in order to escape. Meeting new friends along the way, they must learn to work through barriers, trust one another, and find their inner bravery - especially when Etta's very own comic villain comes to life. 

Etta Invincible is a highlight if you're looking for diversity to add to your collection. Etta's auditory disability on top of the language barriers between the two main characters was a beautiful representation. Other characters dealt with depression, anxiety, grief, etc. and I appreciated seeing real human experience in something that was still uplifting. I did find myself wishing for a little more character development both individually and with one another. It felt like the same insecurities and pep talks were on repeat in each chapter; however, they got there in the end. Etta is Black, and her friend Eleazar is Latino. 

Lisa J HS ELA Teacher

Lo & Behold by Wendy Mass, illustrated by Gabi Mendez - ESSENTIAL

Lo & Behold by Wendy Mass, illustrated by Gabi Mendez, 218 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, Random House. 2023. $21 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Middle schooler, Addie is off on a father-daughter adventure when he gets a summer job that takes them across the country. Addie isn't excited and is struggling to work through some family issues. Reluctantly she finds herself getting caught up in some projects with virtual reality and meets a new friend, Mateo, who helps her see her world differently. 

Anytime a graphic novel can move your emotions, it's a singular event. This book deals with some difficult issues but in such an enchanting way that you will be completely sucked in. Both Mateo and Addie are dealing with some private pain. Too often as both middle schoolers and adults, we tend to get consumed by our own problems and don't recognize that others are struggling. This is a great book for teaching empathy, compassion, and wonder. The illustrations add to the work and I hope to see more from this collaborative team. Mateo is Cuban and Abbie is Caucasian. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo - HIGH

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, 480 pages. Henry Holt and Co. BYR 2015. $12

Language: R (34 swears 1 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13; (implied sex); PG-13 bloody stab wounds, dead bodies impaled on pikes 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

17yo Kaz leads a group of thieves in Ketterdam. He has built himself up from solitude, poverty and despair since he was nine years old and his brother died. Kaz wants revenge on the man who took everything from him and his brother by swindling them and he’s gaining power for this purpose. Kaz and his mismatched crew are attempting the biggest and craziest heist ever to gain more leverage and to get control of the person who has created a drug to make Grisha even more powerful. Kaz is good at keeping secrets and information quiet and it just might drive his crew apart. 

I love the intensity of the characters and the story itself. The background building of each character is fantastic. The danger and suspense make it a fun read! The ethnicities included are the following: Kaz is white, Inej is bronze skinned and Suli descent, dark skin Jesper, Nina from Ravka with green eyes and white, Matthias is also white. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

Change the Game by Colin Kaepernick - OPTIONAL

Change the Game by Colin Kaepernick, 144 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Graphix (Scholastic). 2023. $15 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Colin is a senior in high school facing some difficult decisions. He is getting heavily recruited by colleges and Major League Baseball, but he feels that baseball is a white man's sport and his real love is football. Unfortunately, Colin isn't getting any offers to play football and has to decide whether to take the obvious and expected path or stay true to his dreams. 

The art is nice and well done. It was interesting to read about Colin's high school experience. I had no idea he was so good at baseball. Focusing on his high school years makes this a more identifiable read for YA and gives some background for his later decisions. Because I had an advance reader's edition, I have no idea what the nonfiction subject matter will be on the ten pages at the end of the book. Those pages may give it the extra depth that it needs. Colin Kaepernick is Black. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Dead Endia 2: The Broken Halo by Hamish Steele - OPTIONAL

The Broken Halo  (Dead India Book 2) by Hamish Steele, 236 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Union Square. 2023. $25 

Language: PG (6 swears, 0 F) Mature Content: PG-13 (implied sex between two men). Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Norma can't keep herself together. Literally. Her ghost keeps leaving her body. Even though Dead End, the haunted hotel attraction has been rebuilt following its destruction from saving the world, she is still on the outs with Barney. Meanwhile, Barney's boyfriend has urged him to get a job. Barney takes a gig in the Demon Wrestling Federation and is doing well until he discovers that there is an ancient battle between angels and demons that will require all of their combined skills to navigate. 

The art is bright and colorful. The plot was convoluted for me as it kept jumping back and forth in time, different dimensions, and from different character's perspectives. There are some intriguing elements that will keep reader's interested, but all the loose strands definitely set this up for the next book. There is a wide range of cultures. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

Guided Tarot for Teens by Stefanie Caponi - OPTIONAL

Guided Tarot for Teens: A Beginner’s Guide to Card Meanings, Spreads, and Trust in Your Intuition by Stefanie Caponi, 240 pages. NONFICTION. Zeitgeist Young Adult, 2022. $16.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Caponi’s guide explains everything from understanding tarot itself to card spreads and includes details on every card in a typical tarot deck. This is a great place for beginners of any age to start learning about tarot—and a resource list for further reading is in the back of the book.

Tarot is a niche topic, which is the only reason I rated it as “low” in audience appeal. Caponi writes in an engaging way that most nonfiction books struggle with. The second half of the book is repetitive in structure as each card is explained, but the information is still interesting.

The mature content rating is for depictions of nudity in the artwork shown on example tarot cards from the Rider Waite Smith deck, and the violence rating is for depictions of weapons as shown on example tarot cards from the same deck.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

 

Finding Us by Tracie Peterson - OPTIONAL

Finding Us (Pictures of the Heart #2) by Tracie Peterson, 320 pages. Bethany House (Baker Publishing), 2023. $30.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Eleanor went to Seattle to be a camera girl at the exposition going on there, and she has loved every minute of it. William, on the other hand, only took a job at the expo because tragedy ruined the plans he and his brother had for Seattle. Their lives intersect for a reason, and everything becomes clear after the development of one of Eleanor’s photos.

Eleanor’s story can be read independently of the prequel; characters in the first book show up in this one, but the details of their story are not necessary to read Eleanor and William’s. Peterson includes strong Christian themes and scripture quotations due to her characters’ faith being a big part of their lives. The main characters feel Mary-Sue-ish and some details are belabored, but, overall, the story is heartwarming and faith-promoting.

The majority of the characters, including Eleanor and William, are white, and May is half Japanese. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, and the violence rating is for mentions of abuse, gun use, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson - OPTIONAL

The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson, 372 pages. Dragonsteel Entertainment, 2023. $30.

Language: R (106 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

He gains consciousness alone in a place he doesn’t know without any idea of his own name. But, by instinct, he knows his outfit is strange, how to sneak around in the shadows, and that he dislikes swimming. From there, everything is guess work and trying to survive long enough to remember.

I have mixed feelings about the main character’s amnesia. On one hand, I enjoyed figuring out the world he was in with him, without any preconceived notions on the main character’s part. However, it was also easy to feel tricked because I believed what he believed, and what he believed wasn’t always the truth. That was annoying. The story was well-built, and it felt like everything was just for that one line near the end—worth it. But then the epilogue was confusing, as if I was supposed to understand what was implied without being given all the pieces. In conclusion, the book begins and ends in confusing ways, but the middle is fun.

John, Sefawynn, Ealstan, and Thokk are depicted as white in the illustrations. The majority of characters are white, though there are a couple mentions of diversity, including Yazad who looks “middle eastern” and Ryan who is Chinese. The mature content rating is for kissing and partial nudity in the cartoons in the margins that are totally not relevant to the story. The violence rating is for mentions of suicide, fantasy violence, assault, gun use, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn - ESSENTIAL

When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn, 224 pages.  Bloomsbury Children’s Books. 2023. $17. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Set on an island during a prolonged period of drought, Bex and little brother Davey spend their summer days heading out in their rowboat and enjoying their own special spot in the salt marsh. As the days without rain continue, the marsh waters lower and a mysterious statue that had previously been submerged is exposed. When Bex and Davey learn that planned development will destroy the area where they love to spend their days, they know they need to solve the mystery of the statue in hopes of saving their special spot. 

This story combines a beautiful mix of adventure, mystery, and environmental awareness with family relationships, friendships, loss and love. This book was absolutely captivating from the first line to the last. The author, Gillian McDunn is a crafty storyteller and 11yo Bex is a delightful, thought-provoking character and narrator. I particularly enjoyed Bex’s musings on being an aspiring writer, and the way Davey (an avid reader himself) encourages her writing efforts. The sibling relationship in this story is everything, and the story is so much more than it seems on the surface. Profound and heartfelt, this is a book that quickly made its way to my personal favorites list. 

Angie Campbell, EL librarian

The Love Report by BeKa & Maya - ADVISABLE

The Love Report by BeKa & Maya , 192 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Astra/Boyds Mill. 2022. $13 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG (Image of a boy trying to put his hand up a girl's shirt). Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Middle schoolers, Lola and Grace, decide to do an investigation on what love is as they begin navigating the treacherous waters of middle school attraction. As they work on their report they discover more about themselves and each other. 

While the cover makes the girls seem young, the book addresses some fairly difficult topics, such as what happens when a boy tries to put unwanted moves on a girl and then ruins her reputation by calling her easy, divorce, and friendship changes. The issues are handled well as the girls discover that love has many aspects. The characters and their problems are realistic and it's an easily accessible format. The illustrations are bright and engaging as well. There are six primary characters coming from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. 

 Michelle in the Middle

Make a Move Sunny Park by Jessica Kim - ADVISABLE

Make a Move, Sunny Park! by Jessica Kim. 352 pages. Kokila (Penguin). August 2023. $19. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (emotional abuse). 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Sunny and Bailey have been friends for years. They even took ballet classes together. But when Bailey tired of dancing, she made Sunny quit, too. Now, Bailey wants Sunny to try out for the 7th grade dance team with her (Bailey has an ulterior motive.) When Sunny makes the team, and Bailey does not, Sunny's mom convinces her to try the team for a week before she decides, and Sunny makes some new friends. They are different from Bailey - they are nice to her, and they also love Sunny's favorite K-Pop band, the Supreme Beats. 

There is a lot to love about Make a Move, Sunny Park. While Sunny has social anxiety, she doesn't use it as an excuse, and she has a therapist. I loved that there was a boy on the dance squad. I loved that the energy between Sunny and Bailey didn't just start with a huge fight - I loved that Sunny worked through both the dissolving relationship with Bailey as well as learning to balance having other friends as well - which didn't happen gracefully. I liked that her new friends were honest with her. This would work nicely in a book group. Sunny is Korean. 

Lisa Librarian 

Secrets and Sidekicks by Collen AF Venable and Stephanie Yue - ESSENTIAL

Secrets and Sidekicks (Katie the Catsitter #3) by Collen AF Venable, illustrated by Stephanie Yue, 218 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House. 2023. $21 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

In a world of superheroes and supervillains, Katie is excited to do more sidekick training with Mousetress and her 217 super cool cats. All is not going smoothly for Katie though. She hasn't told her mother about being a sidekick, she has friend problems, and then there are pesky giant robots attacking the city. 

 The Catsitter series is deceptively good. Even though I am not a fan of cats, I end up liking these books. The fantastical side is balanced nicely with the real issues of belonging, relationships, trust, and self-discovery. Middle readers will find plenty to identify with. Katie and Mousetress are great characters and the story is engaging enough that I might like cats after all. Especially The Cuteness. Though races aren't specified, the Mousetress appears to be Black and there are a wide variety of ethnicities depicted. 

Michelle in the Middle

Warrior Girl Unearthed Angeline Boulley - OPTIONAL

Warrior Girl Unearthed Angeline Boulley. 387 pages. Henry Holt and Company. 2023. $20 

Language: R (100 swears 35 'f');  Mature Content: PG-13 (sexting, mention of teens having sex, drug use, teen drinking); Violence: PG-13 (assault, kidnapping, murder, mention of rape)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

16yo Perry loves her twin sister more than anything, but has always felt overshadowed by Pauline who has been called the ""smart twin."" Perry would much rather spend her days outside with her dog, fishing, or helping her Pops in the garden than sitting at a desk in school. When a summer internship program opens Perry’s eyes to the injustices that surround the stolen remains and artifacts of thousands of Native Americans, her own ancestors, she finds herself obsessed with doing something to bring her people home. In the midst of this political turmoil, she’s also trying to be a regular teen who sometimes makes poor choices, who doesn’t know what to do with her future, who might be falling in love for the first time, and who becomes uneasy as the number of missing and murdered indigenous women grows and eventually touches her personally. Will she be able to accomplish what so many adults haven’t? Can she help bring her ancestors home where they belong? Or will she become just another statistic?

It's difficult to learn about the atrocities which plagued the indigenous people of North America, and discovering that still to this day the government, institutions, and private collectors are still dragging their feet in returning these people and artifacts should anger any reader. Perry is dealing with things that most of us can’t even fathom, and these crimes are happening every day on reservations across the country. Her story is difficult to read at times, but so important. Because there is a lot to learn about Native culture, language, and history, it takes a while for Boulley to make it to the climax. But when it hits, watch out! You won’t be able to breathe again until you turn the last page. Perry and most of the other characters are from the Ojibwe community in Michigan. 

Tammie H, Librarian

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo - ESSENTIAL

Ruin and Rising (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy #3) by Leigh Bardugo. 432 pages.  Henry Holt and Co BYR. 2014. $17 

Language: PG-13 (14 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Mention of rape, no details. Passionate kissing) Violence: PG (Non-bloody death) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The Apparat is supposedly caring for 18yo Alina, the Sun Summoner, while all of her allies have been accused of treason. The group escapes and goes in search of the Firebird, the third and last amplifier. Once again, Nikolai saves them and he brightens up everything with his clever wit and resilient personality. The group rages against the Darkling again and horrible things happen. Danger and an intense fight will decide their future. 

I enjoyed the humor that lightens up the characters’ desperation. Mal’s loyalty and strength and Nikolai’s resourcefulness make these characters awesome. I like the touch of Russian throughout the story. Mixed races of the Grishaverse. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian