Heart-Shaped Lies by Elizabeth Agyemang - OPTIONAL

Heart-Shaped Lies by Elizabeth Agyemang, 384 pages. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2024. $20.

Language: R (43 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (several instances of underage drinking and drug use); Violence: PG 13 (several instances of physical intimidation or violence, and one on-page death)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

During a senior trip to Sunny World (a Walt Disney World dupe) in modern-day Florida, three students - Kiara (18yo, Black, 4.0 student), Priscilla (18yo, Black, beauty queen influencer), and Nevaeh (17yo, Black, pastor’s daughter) find out that they are all involved with the same social media prank star & classmate Tommy Harding (18yo, white, truly awful human). When a senior prank he is planning goes awry and Tommy ends up dead, internet sleuths are quick to point out how each of the girls had motive. How are they going to find out what really happened that night?

With lots of twists and turns, this is a murder mystery for the social media age that teenage students will eat up with a spoon. Since Tommy was awful, I couldn’t really muster up a lot of sympathy for his demise, and thus, wasn’t terribly interested in the outcome. However, the book moved at a pretty quick pace and I loved seeing the diversity in the main characters, as a majority of the characters are BIPOC.

Kiera Beddes, #bookswithbeddes

King Cheer by Molly Horton Booth, Stephanie Kate Strohm, and Jamie Green - ADVISABLE

King Cheer (Arden High 2) by Molly Horton Booth, Stephanie Kate Strohm, and Jamie Green, 160 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Hyperion (Disney Publishing Group), 2024. $15.

Language: G (5 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (various teen gender & sexual identities mentioned, two characters kiss on page); Violence: PG (verbal threats, bullying, gaslighting, and destruction of private property at a party gone awry).

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Senior cheer captain Leah is planning on stepping down as leader of the pom squad to better focus on her future. She has to decide which member of the pom team is the best fit for her replacement. But things don’t go according to plan, and the future of the pom team is uncertain unless Leah can recover her broken relationships and her own sense of self.

This graphic novel is a queer light fantasy teen drama retelling of Shakespeare’s King Lear. It’s helpful to know the original plot, but not necessary for enjoying this version. King Lear is not my favorite Shakespearean drama, so I was interested to see how the authors were not only going to incorporate the original storyline, but also make the stakes feel real for teenagers. There aren’t many teens that identify with an old delusional king character, but by golly, they did it for this book. The novel features a diverse cast, with characters showcasing gender and sexuality across the LGBTQIA spectrum and representing various races.

Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol - ADVISABLE

Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol, 368 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. First Second, 2024. $15.

Language: G (2 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (several off page deaths, references to eating people, some bullying) ; Violence: PG (there are two instances where characters are hit on page, and several off page gruesome deaths).

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Jane doesn’t have much going for her. She is depressingly average and is about to be forced out of her home because as a girl, she can’t inherit. Her solution is to propose to Peter, a beautiful village boy she has a crush on. Before they can come to an agreement, he is stolen away by a mermaid! Jane must go to the sea to save her maybe-fiancé and perhaps discover something new about herself in the process.

Loved this addition to any graphic novel shelf! It’s a great story of self-discovery told through compelling storytelling and eye-catching illustrations. I loved seeing Jane’s journey, both literally and metaphorically. I also loved the message that self-worth isn’t dependent on outward appearance. 

Reviewer: Kiera Beddes, #bookswithbeddes

Mismatched: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Emma written by Anne Camlin, illustrated by Isadora Zeferino - OPTIONAL

Mismatched: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Emma written by Anne Camlin, illustrated by Isadora Zeferino, 264 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Little, Brown and Company, 2024. $18.

Language: PG-13 (28 swears, 1 “f”); Mature Content: PG (one occasion of underage drinking, several on-page kisses); Violence: PG (unwanted first kiss)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A graphic gender-bent retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma, 17yo white, gay Evan Horowitz is a glamorous instafamous high school ballet dancer with a penchant for matchmaking. He tries to prove his skills with shy new transfer student Natalia, but things keep spinning out of his control. Can he right all the wrongs, and find true love before it’s too late?

I picked this up because I love graphic novels, and I really like the last graphic novel retelling I read (Twelfth Grade Night by Molly Booth), but I should have known better. Emma is my least favorite Austen novel because she drives me nuts. Good news, this version is true to form, because Evan also drove me nuts. One pro was there was a lot of representation in LGBTQIA characters, however some of the pacing was a little choppy.

Miss Beddes, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge by Matthew Hubbard - OPTIONAL

The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge by Matthew Hubbard, 368 pages. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2024. $20.

Language: R (100+ swears, 29 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (frequent references to teenage dating and sex, but nothing on-page); Violence: PG (bullying and homophobia)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Ezra (gay, junior, white), along with his best friends Lucas (fem, junior, latinx) and Finley (bi, junior, black), are just trying to survive under the radar as students in small-town Alabama. All three have boy problems, so they decide they want revenge à la The First Wives Club. Their plans include crashing the largest party of the year, participating in a drag show lip sync competition, and campaigning to be the next Winter Formal King. However, when the school starts censoring queer voices as part of the "Watch What You Say" initiative (think Florida’s Don’t Say Gay law), their plans for revenge blossom into something much bigger.

I loved seeing Ezra’s character growth from just focusing on himself to becoming a leader for his school and queer community. I enjoyed cheering him on as he took on the establishment in his small-town Southern school. It breaks my heart that this is a reality for too many students, but I’m glad that books like this exist to give readers hope. Although I enjoyed the overall message, there was extensive graphic language throughout. I got to 100+ swears within the first 10 chapters. There was also quite a bit of teenage sexuality - mostly off-page, but enough that I would be cautious about adding it to a school library.

Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Atlas of Extinct Animals by Radek Maly, Jiri Grbavcic and Pavel Dvorsky - ADVISABLE

Atlas of Extinct Animals by Radek Maly, illustrated by Jiri Grbavcic and Pavel Dvorsky. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Albatros Books, 2021. $25. 9788000061269

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Maly highlights many of the animals that have gone extinct due to human nature. It includes a lovely full page illustration showing what the animal looked like. The pictures remind me of an old fashioned 1970's illustration. It is very colorful and unique. The facing page contains an extensive look at the extinct animal, its habitat and what year it went into extinction. It is a very large book and I think it would not fit on a standard library shelf. It might have to be turned on its side. I was impressed with the research that went into each of these animals.

Emilee-Teacher Librarian

The Worst Perfect Moment by Shivaun Plozza - OPTIONAL

The Worst Perfect Moment by Shivaun Plozza, 320 pages. Holiday House, 2024. $20.

Language: R (100+ swears, 3 “f”); Mature Content: PG (some parental abandonment, death, grief); Violence: PG (off-page vehicular death, supernatural pain in purgatory);

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

16 yo Tegan is dead and hanging out in a perfect replica of the Marybelle Motor Lodge, a depressing memory from her former life. An angel, Zelda, informs her that this is her heaven, the place where she was happiest. Tegan disagrees and files a complaint. Zelda has one month to take Tegan back to past memories to help her see what really mattered most in her life, and in death.

What an odd read. It gave me flavors of the movie Beetlejuice mixed with the tv show The Good Place. You would think that there wouldn’t be much of a life to reflect on at 16 years, but it goes to show that there is a lifetime of emotion in every little moment, we just spend a lot of time not feeling them or pushing them aside for later. I do think this could be used in the high school AP literature classroom as an interesting companion piece to Dante’s Divine Comedy, but be aware of the rating for language.

Reviewer: Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

Didn’t See that Coming by Jesse Q. Sutanto - OPTIONAL

Didn’t See that Coming by Jesse Q. Sutanto, 320 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2023. $13.

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

To Love the Brooding Baron by Jentry Flint - OPTIONAL

To Love the Brooding Baron by Jentry Flint, 256 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2024. $17.

Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Lord Henry Northcott is followed by whispers and gossip due to the madness of his mother and sister. While Henry will do anything for his friends’ happiness, he is determined to hold himself apart—especially from his growing tendre for Arabella. His happiness is not as important as keeping his secret from gossips and friends alike.

Flint’s story offers insight into the views and treatments of mental illnesses common in the 1800s. With mental illness as an integral part of the story, this regency romance feels fresh, though beloved tropes are still in use. Though this book can stand alone, “Games in a Ballroom” by Flint involves these characters, and I was thrilled to get Arabella’s story.

The characters are English. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, kissing, and mild innuendo. The violence rating is for assault and for mentions of murder and suicide.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Straight Expectations by Calum McSwiggan - OPTIONAL

Straight Expectations by Calum McSwiggan,  272 pages. Union Square & Co., 2023.  $19.

Language: R (100+ swears, 27 “f”); Mature Content: R (sex education discussions, frequent sexual humor, frequent references to teenage sexual activity, portrayal of homophobia in a school setting, several instances of underage drinking, and regular references to pornography); Violence: PG (bullying)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

17 yo white gay Max has always been unapologetically himself. But when you are one of only a few number of queer students in a small British community, sometimes it gets old. All Max wants to do is fall in love and have the quintessential high school experience, like all the hetero couples seem to have. One night, he gets into a fight with his best friend Dean (17 yo, black, gay) and wishes for the unthinkable - to be straight and to never have been friends with Dean. When he wakes up, Max is straight and Dean doesn't seem to exist. What is Max supposed to do in this straight (strange) new world?

I actually really liked this book, but note that it has graphic language and mature content. I felt that Max's experience being straight (the grass is not always greener on the other side) felt true. I liked seeing him come into his own awareness of self - to recognize the consequences of his actions, and eventually recognize his white privilege. I also liked how Max could see his impact. He thought everything was different because Dean wasn’t in this reality, which was part of it, but Max also had influence, just by being himself. I keep saying this, but this is why representation matters. Being yourself allows others to be their own authentic selves.

Kiera, ELA teacher #BookswithBeddes

Ultraviolet by Aida Salazar - ESSENTIAL

Ultraviolet by Aida Salazar,  304 pages. Scholastic Press, 2024.  $19.

Language: PG (12 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (references sex-ed, adolescent sexual development - both male & female, toxic masculinity, cyberbullying, briefly mentions online predators); Violence: PG (one physical altercation, repeated cyberbullying);

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Written in verse, Ultraviolet is an intimate look at what it means to grow up and be a man for 13 yo Mexican-American Elio Solis. There is a lot happening at the start of 8th grade - puberty, girlfriends, big emotions, and surviving a culture of toxic masculinity. When a situation at school gets out of hand and lands Elio in the hospital, will he learn his lesson in time?

This is a book that adults will love more than kids. I still argue that it is an essential book for any school library because it’s targeted at middle grade boys and it deals with all the things that boys need help with but are too scared to ask. This was a great look at the intersection of toxic masculinity, social media, and growing up in middle school. It could be a nice one to pair with Long Way Down to compare what masculinity means in different communities, both in a poetic format.

Kiera, ELA teacher #BookswithBeddes  

Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens - OPTIONAL

Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens,  336 pages. Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster), 2023.  $20.  

Language: R (70 swears, 34 “f”); Mature Content: G ; Violence: PG (mild fantasy violence); 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Non-magical Rook wants to belong to the only world he’s ever known. When his magical grandmother passed away, he was torn away from the magical world by the powers that be. He convinces Antonia, the most powerful mage in the world, to hire him, if only to be next to magic again. They frequently cross paths with another mage, Fable and their apprentice, the prickly non-binary Sun. When the shady and self-serving magical governing body, the Magical Consortium, comes after Antonia and Fable, it’s up to Rook and Sun to save their mentors and fight back.

 

I love Luken’s work. I get drawn in by the pretty covers, but then the stories are just such great adventures. This story was particularly interesting worldbuilding, and everyone was such a unique character. Other than a couple of annoying quirks, like Rook repeating that he’s a genius or Antonia repeating how powerful she is, I thought everyone was so fun, and interesting. I was invested in Rook & Sun’s budding relationship from the start and feel like it’s a great addition to your LGBTQIA fantasy shelves, aside from some language.

Kiera, ELA teacher #bookswithbeddes

Warrior Genius by Michael Dante DiMartino - ADVISABLE

Warrior Genius (Rebel Geniuses #2) by Michael Dante DiMartino, 347 pages. Roaring Brook Press, 2018. $17.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

With the Compass in hand, Giacomo (12yo) and his friends are on the run from Supreme Creator Nerezza, who wants to take the Compass from them and get the other Sacred Tools before they can. When they find a safe place to hide, they become optimistic about finding the Straightedge, until the friends are separated, forcing them to fight Nerezza separately—or continue to flee.

Keeping a fast pace, it feels like a lot of ground—literally and metaphorically—is covered in this second installment in the series. The various points of view keep readers engaged in the big picture while hanging in suspense waiting to get back to the smaller pieces involved. DiMartino uses a combination of text and illustration to tell Giacomo’s story clearly, showing the readers what words alone have difficulty describing. I hope the next book is on its way to address the problems as yet left unsolved.

Giacomo and Milena are depicted as fair skinned on the cover. Skin tone in the text and illustrations are unclear, though there does seem to be lighter and darker tones shown in the pictures. The mature content rating is for alcohol use. The violence rating is for assault, gun use, mentions of torture, battle scenes, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay - ADVISABLE

If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay, 336 pages. Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2024. $28.

Language: R (99 swears, 28 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

When Ryan and Alison were on the cusp of leaving for college, their last rendezvous on Lovers Lane was interrupted. Alison was never seen again, and Ryan, the suspected killer, left town and changed his name. Five years later, the case is reopened when Alison’s vehicle is found and The Monster, as Ryan has always thought of him, reappears.

The twists and turns of this story are seamless, unraveling in a natural way as readers get glimpses of the story from several points of view. Both protagonists and antagonists are relatable—I was definitely rooting for one of the antagonists by the end—and Finlay concludes all of their stories satisfactorily in the last pages. An all-around enjoyable crime fiction read.

Most of the characters are implied White, though Chantelle is Black and Ziggy is described as having “olive” skin. Also, it is heavily implied at one point that a couple of main characters are gay. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, including underage drinking; mentions of drugs, condoms, nudity, prostitution, and rape; sexual harassment; and innuendo. The violence rating is for bullying, assault, mentions of child abuse and torture, gun use, suicide, and murder. 

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Poetry Comics written and illustrated by Grant Snider - ADVISABLE

Poetry Comics written and illustrated by Grant Snider, 96 pages.  GRAPHIC NOVEL.  Chronicle Books, 2024.  $19.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Poetry Comics is a graphic novel poetry collection that explores big moments and small over the course of the year, throughout all four seasons. It’s a clever way to illustrate the nature of poetry and the fickleness of creativity.

I find Snider's work to be very charming. This collection of visual poems exploring how to write poetry was very meta and also just *chef's kiss*. This would be a great mentor text in an ELA poetry unit for elementary, middle school, or high school.

Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher #bookswithbeddes

I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers - OPTIONAL

I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers, 288 pages. Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan), 2024. $20.

Language: R (155 swears, 52 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12th grader Sunrise is the last event of the summer, the first event for the upcoming senior class, and a day for Natalia to avoid her family drama. Unfortunately, there will not be any avoiding the drama with her best friend, Ethan, who ghosted her all summer. They haven’t seen each other since that awkward mess on prom night, and now their reunion will be in front of all their friends—and enemies—in their class.

I nearly quit reading in the first two chapters of the book because of the implied sex in chapter one and the promise of drama in chapter two. All of the conflict is a series of misunderstandings—though a few are purposeful misleadings—and poor choices, which is often annoying to read. I spent a significant portion of my reading time yelling at the characters to use their words. Despite my annoyance with the chosen style of conflict, I still got a feeling of satisfaction from the neatly tied conclusion.

Natalia is Latina, her mother is Latina, Ethan is described as “pale,” Leti is Latine, and Ms. Mercer is described as having “olive” skin. Leti, Sienna, and a couple other characters are part of the LGBTQ community. The mature content rating is for alcohol use including underage drinking, mentions of condoms and sexting, kissing, sexual harassment, partial nudity, and sex. The violence rating is for assault and joking about murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

We Can't Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon - OPTIONAL

We Can't Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon,  336 pages. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (Simon & Schuster), 2021.  $20.

Language: R (97 swears, 39 “f”); Mature Content: R (frequent, descriptive on-page sex and other instances of teenage sexuality, multiple instances of underage drinking); Violence: G;

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

18 yo Jewish Quinn Berkowitz is a realist with OCD who currently works for her family-run wedding planning business; however, she doesn’t believe in romance - not anymore. She has a deep & abiding crush on Tarek Mansour, who helps out with his family’s catering business. 19 yo Egyptian American Tarek is a romantic who believes in grand gestures. As they interact again & again throughout a summer of weddings, will they finally manage to both adjust their expectations of love and romance in order to be together?

First of all, I think this is a New Adult book rather than a Young Adult book since all the characters are over 18 and graduated from high school. I did appreciate the honest depictions of clinical OCD, anxiety, and clinical depression as well as having the characters going to therapy and following prescribed treatment regimen. I also loved that the main characters were religious minorities, something that I don’t see a lot of. However, there was a lot of explicit swearing and so much graphic sex on-page. Fans of romantic comedies will like the story, but I don’t recommend it for a school or classroom library because of the language and mature content.

Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher #bookswithbeddes 

Here’s Where She Meets Prince Charming by Kristin Wright - OPTIONAL

Here’s Where She Meets Prince Charming by Kristin Wright, 263 pages. Owl Hollow Press, 2024. $15.

Language: R (187 swears, 5 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

As a senior, this will be Natalie’s (17yo) last school musical, and she’s ready for the female lead. She doesn’t get it. But more surprising is that quiet Campbell (17yo) is cast as the male lead. Every interaction they have leaves Natalie with more questions than answers, and she’s determined to wheedle every detail of his life out of the reluctant Campbell.

Like Natalie, I, as the reader, came to respect Campbell and to see a perspective I have not often considered. Campbell’s secret inspired a variety of responses from the characters, and it was interesting to think about the actions I did and did not agree with. The story feels real and relevant, and I appreciate that Wright kept that feeling through the last page, giving her characters realistic solutions that did not make everything magically better.

Natalie is White (her mom is American and her dad is English), Noah is Black and is also gay, and Marisa is described as having “light tan” skin. The mature content rating is for underage drinking; mentions of drugs, condoms, orgies, and sex; groping; nudity; and innuendo. The violence rating is for assault.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Highcliffe House by Megan Walker - OPTIONAL

Highcliffe House by Megan Walker, 312 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2024. $17.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Anna (20yo), despite her family’s wealth and good name, is floundering socially. She needs her father, but he keeps getting distracted by Graham and his investment ideas. When Anna’s father gives Anna decision-making power over the next harebrained scheme, Anna willingly agrees to spend a week with Graham and his family to make sure Graham stays away from her father for good.

Despite using one of my least favorite tropes, Walker’s characters won me over, and I enjoyed the story. The enemies to lovers trope, in this case, opened readers to the magic of withholding judgment of others—and being humble enough to admit first impressions are not perfect insights to character. My favorite part was how Anna ends up describing her love through an analogy of investment and the perspective change it causes in the characters.

All of the characters are English. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, mild innuendo, and kissing. The violence rating is for a joke about murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

An Ocean of Courage and Fear by Jerry Borrowman - OPTIONAL

An Ocean of Courage and Fear by Jerry Borrowman, 239 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2024. $27.

Language: PG (2 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Salt Lake City participated in battles across the Pacific during WWII. From Lieutenant Commander Justin Collier on the bridge to Lieutenant Riley Bracken in a scout plane to Al Jowdy swabbing the deck, no one knew when the war would end—or whether they would live to see it.

Borrowman includes real events and first-hand accounts throughout the book (including Jowdy’s experiences), though the main characters (like Collier and Bracken) are fictional. Points of view from all over the Naval ship, and even a couple from different branches of the military, are included and give readers a good idea of what it would have been like to fight in WWII or be the loved ones left at home, even while Borrowman spares readers the gory details. While reading of the sacrifices can be heartbreaking, those who continued to move forward in doing their duty are all heroes.

The characters are American and Japanese. The mature content rating is for alcohol use and kissing. The violence rating is for blood and gore, assault, gun and bomb use, discussions of war, death, corpses, and mentions of suicide.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen