Sunday, June 30, 2024
Skip by Sarah Burgess - OPTIONAL
Shiny Misfits by Maysoon Zayid, illustrated by Shadia Amin - ESSENTIAL
Saturday, June 29, 2024
The House of the Lost on the Cape by Sachiko Kashiwaba and Yukiko Saito - OPTIONAL
Unstoppable Us: Why the World Isn't Fair by Yuval Noah Harari and Ricard Zaplana Ruiz, - ADVISABLE
Unstoppable Us: Why the World Isn't Fair by Yuval Noah Harari and Ricard Zaplana Ruiz, 181 pages. NON-FICTION. Bright Matter Books, 2024. $25. 9780593711521
CONTENT: PG (The book discusses wars, discrimination, and more)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
"Unstoppable Us" follows humanity for thousands of years. We learn about the beginnings of civilization, farming, inventions, discovery, and more. With this, we also learn about oppression, unfair systems, world events, disasters, etc. In this book, we can learn about the good and bad about humanity and remember it. This book is a funny, interesting choice for older kids that want to learn more about the world around them and appreciate a darker sense of humor.
This book was a funny perspective of human civilization and how we've evolved and learned. By covering almost every topic, we learn through illustrations and fun facts about how humans have come to be. This book covers inequality and discrimination in a way that's respectful but funny. The book addresses homosexuality, different cultures, and more.
Bryant Baird, Librarian
15 Secrets to Survival by Natalie D. Richards - OPTIONAL
Friday, June 28, 2024
Kaya and the Lizard Riders by Wes Craig - ADVISABLE
Next Stop by Debbie Fong - ADVISABLE
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Arthur the Always King by Kevin Crossley-Holland and Chris Riddell - OPTIONAL
Arthur the Always King by Kevin Crossley-Holland, illustrated by Chris Riddell, 237 pages. Candlewick, 2023. $30. 9781536212655
CONTENT: PG-13 (The book has blood, death, war, and violence)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
"Arthur the Always King" follows the story of King Arthur. Through war, love, light, and darkness, we learn about the impact King Arthur had during his life. The tales of these journeys have been passed down for generations, which are still adapted and retold today. While some are violent and gruesome, some are romantic and kind.
Arthur’s story is perfect for kids who have a darker sense of humor, love fairy tales, and love knights in shining armor. Riddell has filled the stories with great illustrations to match about countless stories throughout the years. The art and stories themselves are very violent, with blood and more. This book might be difficult for many readers, especially younger ones.
Bryant Baird, Librarian
Choosing Sides (Sweet Valley Twins #3) by Francine Pascal & Nicole Andelfinger and Claudia Aguirre - ADVISABLE
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Undercover Latina by Aya De Leon - OPTIONAL
Not if You Break Up With Me First by G.F. Miller - ESSENTIAL
A Kingdom to Claim by Sian Ann Bessey - ADVISABLE
Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
BUYING ADVISORY: ADVISABLE - HS
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Daughter of an ealdorman, Aisley (12yo) watched her sick father leave for battle against the Vikings, his loyalty to King Alfred of Wessex overpowering the pleadings of his family to stay home. And the Saxons lost terribly. The Vikings were happy to be paid off then, but, seven years later, they return—and Aisley braces herself, fearing what more they could take from her if they win again.
While the story is mostly focused on the romance blooming amidst war, the main characters are not the only ones with character arcs. Bessey does her research and shares which parts of the story are true at the end, pointing out fun facts like how King Alfred is the only English monarch to be referred to as “the Great.” The political and religious dealings of the time period are as fun to learn as the story itself is to read.
Most of the characters are Saxons (southern English), and some of the Vikings are implied Danes. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, kissing, and mentions of rape. The violence rating is for assault, battles, war, and murder.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
Eowulf by Mike Cavallaro - ADVISABLE
The Secret Language of Birds by Lynn Kelly - OPTIONAL
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Fun Fact: I Love You by Gina Lynn Larsen - OPTIONAL
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Nellie (17yo) has a plan, a five-year plan. She is going to be valedictorian in a couple of weeks, go to UNLV, and then go on to grad school to become an astrophysicist. Getting her first kiss is not in the plan, nor is her second, and it definitely doesn’t include her father’s sudden death.
Larsen explores both sides of having a plan and not having a plan, and how life has a way of pushing and pulling us in various directions regardless. While grief is often not in our plans, it can reshape them, and that is not a bad thing. Nellie’s story highlights how our support systems help us through the difficult times to continue moving forward to our dreams—even when those dreams change. Also, the “keeping a secret” trope for the romance side of the story stressed me out, but it was handled well, and I am satisfied with the conclusion of the book.
The majority of characters are implied white. The mature content rating is for underage drinking, mentions of drugs, innuendo, kissing, and partial nudity. The violence rating is for mild assault, death, and mentions of child abuse.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
Didn’t See that Coming by Jesse Q. Sutanto - OPTIONAL
Language: R (290 swears, 20 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
When Kiki’s parents make her switch Chinese schools, she’s confident that she’ll be able to make new friends and get along with her teachers like she did at her last school, but her first day goes terribly—she becomes known as “Crazy Kiki.” The only bright side is that Kiki’s online gaming friend, Sourdawg, tells her that he also goes to that school. If Kiki can find her friend, then maybe she’ll survive the strict school and her standoffish classmates.
When Kiki switches schools, the shockingly different environment is hard for her to handle, and she loses herself. As pieces of Kiki’s personality fall away in order to fit into the new group, Kiki’s happiness decreases and she isolates herself. This downward spiral is easy to get caught up in—it’s as easy in real life as it is in Kiki’s story. As Kiki gains the courage to reclaim her confidence and sense of self, readers can learn from her strength. The dramatization of this process is entertaining, but it still offers hope.
Most of the characters are implied Chinese Indonesian, Liam is half Singaporean, and Cassie is part of the LGBT community. The mature content is for underage drinking, sexual harassment, innuendo, and mentions of drugs, sexting, sex, and rape. The violence content is for video game fantasy violence and mentions of murder.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
Mapmakers and the Flickering Fortress by Cameron Chittock and Amanda Castillo - ADVISABLE
Sweet Valley Twins: The Haunted House by Francine Pascal, & Nicole Andelfinger and Knack Whittle - ADVISABLE
Monday, June 24, 2024
Tryouts by Sarah Sax - ADVISABLE
Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim - ADVISABLE
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Once They See You by Josh Allen and Sarah J. Coleman - ADVISABLE
Saturday, June 22, 2024
The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat - ADVISABLE
Friday, June 21, 2024
Gamer: Virtual Kombat: Book 1 by Chris Bradford - OPTIONAL
Thursday, June 20, 2024
Heiress Takes All by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka - HIGH
Heiress Takes All by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, 368 pages. Little, Brown Books, 2024. $19.
Language: R (79 swears, 6 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Two years ago, Olivia’s parents divorced—and the prenup they had signed meant that Olivia and her mom were kicked out of the house with nothing. Olivia (17yo) doesn’t care about being an heiress, but her mom deserves to not be drowning in bills. When the perfect opportunity presents itself, Olivia puts together a crew to steal the money they need from the man who took it from them.
I love a good heist, and this team of teenagers scheme, manipulate, and improvise with the best of them. There are so many hidden agendas and unforeseen obstacles that I never knew for certain whether The Plan would work. Overall, it was an entertaining ride that occasionally stressed me out as much as it did Olivia.
Olivia is implied White, Cassidy is described as “cream pale,” Deonte is Black, and there are some Swiss family members mentioned. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, illegal activity, kissing, innuendo, and mentions of drugs and sex. The violence rating is for mentions of bombs.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
Flawless Girls by Anna-Marie McLemore - ADVISABLE
Language: PG (6 swears, 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (mention of possible underage drinking); Violence: PG-13 (bloody stabbing)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
17yo Isla and her 19yo older sister Renata are sent to the well known Alarie House finishing school by their grandmother, who insists that the school’s reputation will set them up for life. Isla leaves after a day but Renata stays and when she returns home, Isla notices how different she is acting and it frightens her. Renata runs away, so Isla decides she’s going back to Alarie House to find her. When Isla arrives at the finishing school, everyone raves about Renata to her but she’s nowhere to be found. What Isla does find is haunting.
I enjoyed the analogy between jewels and people where flaws make us better and more beautiful. The author handled gender situations with tact and compassion and from personal experience. I liked Isla’s determination and intelligence.
The ethnicity is mixed with Latina main characters.
LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Arya Khannas Bollywood Moment by Arusha Avachat - OPTIONAL
I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers - OPTIONAL
Language: R (169 swears, 51 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (implied sex, off page); Violence: PG (fight)
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Natalia and Ethan are getting ready for the senior sunrise event that welcomes the class back to their last year of high school. They’re both dealing with family issues and their confusing almost-hookup after Junior Prom. The two have always been best friends; it possibly turned into something more, but neither Ethan or Natalia are willing to talk to each other about it at all. When each senior writes a letter that’s meant for their eyes only and the letters accidentally get loose, secrets start coming out about classmates. The chaos will make or break Natalia’s and Ethan’s chances to build a relationship.
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
The New Girl by Cassandra Calin - ADVISABLE
The Smoke That Thunders by Erhu Kome - ADVISABLE
The Smoke That Thunders by Erhu Kome, 300 pages. W. W. Norton & Company, 2024. $19
Language: PG (3 swears, 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG (some fighting, some people get poisoned, it describes the pain and injuries in moderate detail)
BUYING ADVISORY:MS, HS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
16yo Naborhi becomes bonded to a fox-like animal and begins having visions of a kidnapped boy. She meets Atai, the son of an Oracle from a rival queendom, and learns that she is being guided by the gods. She and Atai, along with Naborhi's cousin, Tamunor, set off across the continent to rescue the mysterious boy. But when they find him—and find out his true identity—Naborhi realizes there is more than just her freedom at stake. She must stop a war that has already been set in motion.
I liked how it was a little different from the other things I've read, because this book is about African folklore, and myths, and I like that. I also like that it had lots of action and how the main character was persistent with her dreams. It also was super engaging.
They are all from Africa.
Student Reviewer: E. Anderson, 9th grader
Monday, June 17, 2024
Summer at Squee by Andrea Wang - OPTIONAL
Thirsty by Jas Hammonds 0 OPTIONAL
Language: R (165 swears, 79 'f'); Mature Content: R (on page sex); Violence: PG (vandalism)
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
18yo Blake is poor compared to her rich friends and she works at a country club full of entitled people. Blake wants to fit in more than anything and she realizes that she relaxes when she drinks. Alcohol becomes Blake’s crutch in all social situations because she believes that she’s worthless which stems from years of bullying. Blake’s girlfriend Ella ensures her that her drinking isn’t a problem but when their best friend Annetta and Blake’s brother keep trying to help her stop her drinking because of the consequences she’s dealing with, Blake gets angry. Blake spirals into alcoholism and she’s faced with some very tough choices.
Strong character development. Realistic fiction that packs a punch. I appreciated how the author portrayed Blake, her problems, and her family in such a true manner.
The ethnicity is mostly white with a mix of Blacks, biracial, and Filipino characters.
LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah
Sunday, June 16, 2024
The Liars Society Alyson Gerber - ADVISABLE
The Jake Show by Joshua S. Levy - ADVISABLE
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Blood City Rollers by V.P. Anderson and Tatiana Hill - ADVISABLE
Table Titans Club by Scott Kurtz - ADVISABLE
Friday, June 14, 2024
The Sherlock Society by James Ponti - ADVISABLE
Thursday, June 13, 2024
The Calculation of You and Me by Serena Kaylor - HIGH
Language: R (79 swears, 1 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
When Josh told Marlowe they needed to take a break the summer before senior year, Marlowe expected to get her boyfriend back at the start of the school year. Instead, the break becomes a breakup because Marlowe isn’t romantic enough. Marlowe is determined to show Josh she is enough, and she begs Ashton to help her win Josh back.
The best part about this book: celebrating romance and healthy relationships. Kaylor’s characters poke fun at common tropes and point out the toxicity of romanticized relationships. Kaylor balances the real with laugh-out-loud one liners and makes a space for anyone—and everyone—to love love the way they want to love love. It was an absolute delight to read.
Marlowe has autism. Poppy is described as having “brown” skin, Hazel is described as having “dark brown” skin, and Mateo is implied Latino. Several of the main characters are part of the LGBT community, though very few are explicitly defined. The mature content rating is for underage drinking; mentions of drugs, condoms, pornography, and sex; innuendo; and partial nudity.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen