The Piper’s Promise by Leah Cypess - OPTIONAL

The Piper’s Promise (Sister’s Ever After #3) by Leah Cypess, 304 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House Children’s Books), 2023. $17.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

While living in the Realm with the fae, over a hundred years have gone by in the human world when Clare (11yo) crosses the boundary again. Clare is looking for her brother, Tom, who hasn't come back from his latest mission for the fae queen. She has heard rumors of Tom kidnapping children, but that can’t be right—and Clare is going to prove it.

Fairy tale retellings are always fun, and I enjoyed Clare’s story based on the lesser-known tale of The Pied Piper. Cypess uses common fae lore with her own spin on it, makes several lying characters dance around each other, and adds small details that hint at their involvement in other loved fairy tales. Overall, this magical story is about the sacrifices we make for those we love.

Clare and Tom are depicted as white on the cover. The mature content rating is for kidnapping, and the violence rating is for mentions of drowning and some fantasy fighting scenes.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen - ESSENTIAL

Garlic and the Vampire (Garlic #1) by Bree Paulsen, 160 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Quill Tree (HarperCollins). 2021. $23.

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Garlic is a clove of garlic that has been animated by a witch to tend her garden and sell vegetables at the witch's market - along with other animated vegetables - Carrot, Celery, Potato etc. One day the vegetables notice smoke coming from the old castle on the other side of the woods. The Vampire has returned! Celery nominates Garlic to go to the castle and defeat the Vampire. She's the sensible choice - after all, she's, well, Garlic! 

Bree Paulsen's illustrations are magnificent! Detailed, gorgeous, and exactly perfect for the story - I felt like I was inside a fairy tale - with walking, talking vegetables, and the nicest witch. The story was exciting and funny and had a great message about being brave and having faith in yourself. So glad to see there's a sequel! 

Lisa Librarian 

The Wolves are Watching by Natalie Lund - OPTIONAL

The Wolves are Watching by Natalie Lund, 332 pages Viking (Penguin Random House). 2022. $18 

Language: R (17 swears 1 'f'); Mature Content: PG (Gentle kiss and a brief kiss); Violence: PG-13 (children abducted). 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL:AVERAGE 

Luce’s cousin goes missing from her room one evening and it’s devastating her family. 15yo Luce had seen yellow eyes in the woods behind her house in Picnic, Illinois for a few nights before her cousin Madison went missing and she thinks the eyes might be a clue to finding her. Luce’s and Anders’ teacher assigns a historical research paper and Luce chooses to research the local history of missing girls. A girl has gone missing every nineteen years and she returns a few days later but the mother always claims that the returning girl is not her daughter. When Madison returns, her mother and Luce know that it’s not really her and she’s determined to find the real Madison despite the dangers it puts Luce in.

The story started out simplistically but grew with more depth. I like the paranormal mystery behind the missing girls. Andres is an endearing character. I appreciate the message of independence and the message that you also need others in your life. Ethnicity is predominantly white. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta HS Librarian

Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling by Elise Bryant - OPTIONAL

Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling by Elise Bryant, 392 pages. Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins), 2023. $19

Language: R (100+ swears, 58 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (repeated teenage drinking, one BDSM joke, and one instance of off-page marijuana use); Violence: PG-13 (repeated bullying of the protagonists based on race, gender, and hobbies)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

In modern-day, sunny, Southern California, Delilah is a biracial 16yo punk rock goddess & introvert, who prefers to go with the flow. Reggie is a Black 17yo self-proclaimed nerd (blerd) and D&D Dungeon Master, who tries to hide who he really is from his brother and father. They met, by chance, at a New Year’s Eve performance, and they continue to meet throughout the year, on purpose, as they get to know each other more. Each thinks the cool, confident version of themselves they present to the other is reality, when it’s not. What happens when they realize their relationship was founded on a lie?

I loved this book. I do have a penchant for YA rom coms but this one had some welcome depth to it. I appreciated the discussions around Black culture and what it really means to be “Black”. Both Reggie and Delilah come to their own terms with their racial identity, and it’s very satisfying to watch. I also appreciated how the author depicted sibling relationships in the book and actually teared up at the end. Bryant also touched on so many other things that I don’t normally see in YA lit like SpEd education, living with dyslexia, D&D and online gaming culture, etc. Overall, I felt like this book was awkward and sweet, and vulnerable and authentic. 

Reviewer: Kiera, #bookswithbeddes

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir - MANY

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir, 384 pages. Razorbill (Penguin Random House). 2022. $11

Language: R (147 swears 3 'f'); Mature Content: PG brief undescribed kiss, drug dealer selling pills, mention of marijuana (weed), deeper kiss Violence: PG-13 child abuse (a push against the wall), bloody face from abuse, kicking ribs, mentions of repressed sexual assault, continued abuse 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY

High school senior, Sal lives in Juniper, California with his sick mother and alcoholic father. Sal attends school while trying to help keep the family hotel afloat. 17yo Sal and 18yo Noor were best friends until they had a fight months ago and haven’t spoken since. Sal’s mom collapses and needs to be taken to the hospital while Noor happens to be visiting her. Sal’s mother passes away and her last words to Noor were to forgive. Sal and Noor try to mend their friendship but they’re both keeping secrets and trying to persevere through their own harsh situations. When life implodes, they both have to make some tough choices. 

I enjoyed learning about Pakistani culture and its languages. The author gives a comprehensive, concise content warning at the beginning of the book and lists resources at the end for help with domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, immigration and refugee rights, children’s defense fund, and women of color. I appreciate how the author portrayed harsh realities to readers in a way that is educational and with empathy but not graphic. This book is a must read. Sal and Noor and their family members are Pakistani living in a predominantly white community. There is a Pakistani religious leader and his wife is Black. The Judge is Mexican American and the story contains mixed ethnicity police officers.

LynnDell Watson, Delta HS Librarian

Four for the Road by K.J. Reilly - MANY

Four for the Road by K.J. Reilly, 272 pages. Antheneum 2022. $20. 

Language: R (117 swears 74 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (debilitating grief after the death of a loved one); Violence: PG-13 (fatal traffic accident including decapitation and burning up, brief description of movie scene involving killing a Nazi with a baseball bat). 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY

17yo Asher is stuck in his all-consuming grief over the death of his mother. She was hit by a drunk driver in a semi while going to the mall to buy Asher some new soccer cleats, and thus Asher is sure that her death is his fault. His dad drops him off at a grief group that meets in the hospital, and there Asher meets new friends who are grieving their own losses. Asher convinces these new friends to join him on a road trip. Little do they know that Asher has stolen his dad’s car and credit card, and his one and only goal for the trip is to kill the man who killed his mother. 

Anyone who has dealt with grief will find tremendous healing and comfort in Asher and his friends’ experiences. Watching all four of these wounded hearts begin the first steps toward healing from their losses is so emotional. Through smiles and through tears the message is that grief is heavy, healing can feel impossible, and it’s okay to be as sad as you want to be - just don’t let that sorrow destroy you. Another important theme is that nobody is alone, there are always people who care and want to help, and our actions affect those who love us. Ethnicity isn’t really discussed, but all characters on the cover are white. 

Tammie H, Librarian

Someone is Always Watching by Kelley Armstrong - MANY

Someone is Always Watching by Kelley Armstrong, 368 pages. Tundra Books (Penguin Random House Canada), 2023. $19.

Language: R (203 swears, 37 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Blythe (17yo) and her friends have been together for years due to their parents’ jobs with CMT; they know each other and themselves. Until Gabi has a breakdown. Now Blythe is looking for the truth she never knew existed, unsure if she can trust her parents, her friends, or her own memories.

It’s the secrets that get you—secrets hidden from the readers, secrets hidden from the characters, and secrets hidden from both. The more we learn, the less we know, and it is incredible. The story that unfolds is convoluted in an intriguing way, and I loved every minute of it.

The majority of characters seem to be implied white. The mature content rating is for underage drinking, innuendo, and mentions of groping, STIs, drugs, pornography, nudity, orgy. The violence rating is for blood and gore, gun use, attempted suicide, assault, murder, attempted sexual abuse, and mentions of physical abuse.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Under the Cover of Mercy by Rebecca Connolly - OPTIONAL

Under the Cover of Mercy by Rebecca Connolly, 282 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2023. $27.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Germany is now occupying Brussels, Belgium as the Great War (WWI) rages on. Edith Cavell will not abandon her role as matron of the medical institute nor will she abandon her morals to do what she believes to be right for the soldiers in her care—no matter which side of the war they fight on. The risks grow, but Edith will not be dissuaded.

There is no doubt in my mind that Edith Cavell was a hero, even knowing that she did not want to be seen that way. Edith did what she believed was right and was her duty, and there is beauty in the suggestion that we can do great and meaningful things even when we don’t see it that way at first. Unfortunately, the story as a whole was bland. I wonder if the lack of a more thrilling plot line comes from Connolly’s desire to stay as close to the truth and of documented events as possible.

The characters mentioned are American, Belgian, British, Dutch, German, and Welsh. The violence rating is for gun use and mentions of murder and war.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Always Jane by Jenn Bennett - OPTIONAL

Always Jane by Jenn Bennett, 376 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2022. $20

Language: R (105+ swears; 53 ‘f’); Mature Content: R (Off-page sex, heavy make-out scene; sexual references; drug use-cocaine); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

18yo Jane has lived her life among the LA elite because her father is a chauffeur within the music industry. As long as Jane can remember, she has had a crush on Eddie Sarfian, a handsome, rich kid whose family Jane’s dad has driven around. When Eddie finally pays attention to Jane, it's not what she hoped for, but because the attention is always what Jane has wanted, she clings to the possibility. Eddie’s brother, Fen, however has a genuine intense crush on Jane and is trying to show her how he feels, but Jane is clueless about Eddie's problems for a long time before she fully recognizes she might have feelings for Fen as well.

I had a hard time liking the characters, especially Fen who is too dramatic and full of angst. Jane is so obsessed with Eddie and a boyfriend that she loses all self respect and makes bad life choices. The ending wasn’t realistic and overall left a bad taste in my mouth. The sexual content and drug use is frequent and gross. Fen and Eddie are of Armenian descent. Jane is white.

Reviewer, C. Peterson

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore and Allison Hong Merrill - ADVISABLE

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore and Allison Hong Merrill, 214 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2023. $19.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

At age six, Tai Choi is sold by her father and then several other adults in rapid succession. They take away the legacy of her family by unbinding her feet, they take away her country when they sell her in America, and they take away her name. Dolly (27yo) is excited for the opportunity to teach sewing skills to Chinese girls who have been rescued from trafficking, and she quickly becomes more involved in the rescue process – even as it threatens her life.

Based on a true story, this book has been adapted for young readers. The pain and sorrow and hope and triumphs are still moving, despite knowing this is the watered-down version. Knowing that human trafficking did and does happen makes readers more grateful, encourages readers to not lose hope in the face of their difficulties, and inspires readers to find ways to do good. We can be strong. We can become advocates for good.

All of the characters mentioned are either Chinese or white. The mature content rating is for mentions of brothels and prostitution, human trafficking, innuendo, and mentions of drugs. The violence rating is for child abuse, gun use, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson - OPTIONAL

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents (Adapted for Young Adults) by Isabel Wilkerson, 330 pages. NON-FICTION. Delacorte Press, 2022. $19 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: R

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Award-winning journalist, Isabel Wilkerson dives into the definition of casteism and explains the differences between caste, race and class. She compares slavery in America to Nazi Germany and India’s caste systems. Using examples throughout history and recent events in America, Wilkerson provides an understandable explanation of the role caste plays in the history of America and how it reaches into the lives of minorities today and why we all need to be aware of its far-reaching effects. Caste is essential, however the violence is upsetting and requires me to mark it optional for this blog, which brings attention to the content for those who might be interested in reading this eye-opening and necessary non-fiction. 

The violence includes very violent explanations of the treatment of slaves. The violence isn’t gory or gratuitous, but includes lynchings, beheadings, torture, creative violence, forced drowning and refers to women slaves who were inspected while naked by any man who wanted. The vocabulary and explanations throughout the book seem more appropriate for older readers, maybe even college level. I put the audience appeal at average because this is a dense and serious read, but will appeal to open-minded educated readers with a high reading level. Caste discusses in a logical way the societal issues Americans are facing and would benefit anyone who reads it.

Reviewer, C. Peterson

Wake the Bones by Elizabeth Kilcoyne - MANY

Wake the Bones by Elizabeth Kilcoyne, 314 pages. Wednesday Books/St. Martin's Press. 2022. $17 

Language: R (57 swears 120 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Mention of smoking pot, underage drinking, brief kiss, implied petting); Violence: PG-13 (Mutilated and bloody deer carcass, undescribed child abuse, monster harming a person, dead rabbit, dead body) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY

19yo Laurel lives and works on her family’s tobacco farm in midwestern America. Her friends, Ricky, Garrett, and Isaac work alongside her. When they find a mutilated deer carcass in the woods and follow the bloody trail, an ominous feeling surrounds them. Laurel receives a warning from the local psychic that danger is imminent and Laurel understands because she has been having vivid dreams too. When a supernatural creature appears in front of their car, Laurel and Isaac see the danger face-to-face and know they’re in deep trouble.

I appreciate the content warning at the beginning of the book. I like the close friendship between the four main characters. Christine intrigues me and there’s a whole story behind her background that begs to be told. Laurel and her friends are white. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross - MANY

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross, 368 pages. Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2023. $19.

Language: PG (7 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Competing for a job to afford the electric bill her mother won’t pay, 18yo Iris comforts herself by writing letters to her MIA brother fighting in the war somewhere. But someone else is getting them. Meanwhile, the warfront is getting closer.

Magic typewriters, mythology that interferes with mortal lives, enemies-to-lovers, and the horrors of WWI-style trench warfare and chemical weapons – what a combination! Ross put surprises around every corner, and I was pleased by all of them – except for the ending that snuck up on me. I am furious that I have to wait for the sequel to see how Iris survives her tragedies but also secretly glad that her story isn’t over yet. I am not ready to leave Iris and her world behind.

Iris and her brother are implied white, and Attie and Marisol are described as having “brown” skin. There is also a prominent LGBTQIA character. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, innuendo, and sex. The violence rating is for war content that include gun, bomb, and grenade use as well as the resulting blood, gore, and death.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Women Who Built Hollywood by Susan Goldman Rubin - ADVISABLE

The Women Who Built Hollywood: 12 Trailblazers in Front of and Behind the Camera by Susan Goldman Rubin,  208 pages. NON-FICTION Calkins Creek (Astra/Boyds Mill). May 2023. $19.

 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12 short biographies of  early Hollywood's women, includes actresses, directors, costumers, editors and more.  Mary Pickford was one of the founders of United Artists and America’s Sweetheart. Lillian Gish was the highest paid actress of her time, her career lasted for 75 years. Frances Marion was screen writer and a friend of Mary Pickford. After a studio almost scrapped a film she wrote starring Pickford, an audience preview showed that it was a hit! This is now an industry standard. Louise Beavers' performance as Delilah in “Imitation of Life” (1934) was Oscar-worthy, some say she didn’t receive the award because there was no “best Supporting Actress" category yet; other maintain it was because she was Black. Hattie McDaniel was the first African American to win an Academy Award (1939). 

When I was in Jr. High, I would have absolutely eaten this up. The biographies are short, but long enough to give great information about the women and include some fun stories about them as well. Each story builds from the next - referencing some of the same people and films. I hope today’s readers will be as delighted as I am. The main characters are white, Black and Asian. 

Lisa Librarian

Jump by Tiffany Noelle Chacon - ADVISABLE

Jump (Jump #1) by Tiffany Noelle Chacon, 216 pages. Write Horse Publishing, 2023. $13.

Language: PG (6 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

In the past year, everything has changed for 21yo Mila: family expectations, confidence on her horse, and even her relationship status. At some point, she will have to make the jump from living passively to actually doing something about everything going wrong. But falling back on the familiar would be so much easier.

Through Mila’s story, Chacon takes readers through grief and forgiveness, heartbreak and hope, conforming and dreaming big. There’s a little bit of something for every reader who is struggling with their own internal conflicts to relate with. And, of course, the romance is adorable. I’m excited to see what happens with Mila and Alex in the sequel.

Mila and her family are Ukrainian; Alex and his family are Cuban. The mature content rating is for alcohol use and innuendo.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Nothing More to Tell by Karen M. McManus - MANY

Nothing More to Tell by Karen M. McManus, 358 pages. Delacorte (Random House). 2022. $20.

Language: R (100+ Swears 25’ f’s); Mature Content: PG13 (underage drinking, mention of dick pics, passionate kissing); Violence: PG13 (Finding a bloody dead body, talk of the murder weapon, teens held at gunpoint.) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MANY 

17yo Brynn Gallagher is returning to Saint Ambrose Private School for the 2nd half of her senior year. Brynn and her family moved during her 8th-grade year, when her father’s job relocated them. Shortly before the move, Brynn’s favorite teacher, Mr. Larkin had been killed in the woods near the school. 4 years later the murder is still unsolved. Brynn is a journalist, and when she lands an internship with a true crime broadcast, she suggests having them investigate this small-town murder. The producer agrees, and Brynn goes back to school - secretly gathering information and leads that can be used by the news show. One of the kids who found the body was Brynn’s best friend Tripp- they had a huge falling out at about that same time. Now, Tripp is still close with Charlotte and Shane (the others who were then when Mr. Larkin was discovered) and Charlotte is not about to let Brynn and Tripp rekindle their friendship. 

Gripping, intriguing, all the things a good mystery should be, lots of red herrings, and various people warning Brynn to stop investigating. There’s a little bit of romance, with some kissing. McManus is super popular right now (One of Us is Lying) so Nothing More to Tell will easily find its audience. While a portion of the story happens during their 8th-grade year and is told in flashbacks, it’s more appropriate for High school because of the high swear count, and teenaged protagonists (who actually read older). The main characters are white, reflected by the picture on the cover. Brynn's 14yo sister Ellie dates girls. 

Lisa Librarian 

Kill Joy by Holly Jackson - OPTIONAL

Kill Joy (Good Girls' Guide to Murder Prequel ) by Holly Jackson, 208 pages. Random House Children's/Delacorte Press. 2023. $10 

Language: R (17 swears 10 'f'); Mature Content: G;  Violence: PG (Fake bloody death). 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

17yo Pip attends a murder mystery dinner party in her hometown of Fairview, Connecticut along with her friends. As she’s playing her part, she discovers how invested she becomes even though it’s a fake mystery. She has an elaborate theory involving most of the players and their characters and is disappointed when the packaged murder mystery only declares the murderer and nothing else about the shenanigans involving the others. 

This party takes place before Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. It helps Pip decide on her Capstone Project topic: solving Andie Bell’s murder. This novella is a quick read. I like that it’s a prequel and a precursor to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series. I enjoyed the interesting murder mystery dinner party idea. The ethnicity is mixed with Pip being White. 

LynnDell Watson,  Delta High School Librarian, 

Three Drops of Blood by Gretchen McNeil - HIGH

Three Drops of Blood by Gretchen McNeil, 318 pages. Disney Hyperion/Buena Vista Books. 2023. $18 

Language: R (105 swears 27 'f'); Mature Content:  PG-13 (underage drinking, relationship between teen actress and her 38 year old boss mentioned. Implied sex, intense quick kiss. Implied kiss.) Violence: PG-13 (Undescribed fatal shootings, bloody shot wound, mention of sexual assault). 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY

17yo Kate enjoys her acting job until the series is canceled due to an inappropriate relationship with the producer and another teen actress on the show. Since Kate is only 17, she takes a competency test letting her continue acting without having to attend school. Her parents make her get a job and pay some bills because she took the test without their knowledge and they want her to see how much responsibility adults have to deal with on a daily basis. While Kate’s working, she witnesses a double murder but no one, not even the police, believe her. She enlists Ty, her best friend’s brother, to help find evidence. The danger multiplies and Kate and Ty do everything they can to stay alive. 

Kate’s friend Rowan is self-centered which builds Kate’s independence. The mystery becomes intense and suspenseful. I enjoyed Ty’s upbeat and loyal personality. Kate is White and Ty and Rowan are Asian. Mexican American, Latino, and Black police officers are also mentioned.

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

Burn Down Rise Up by VIncent Tirado - OPTIONAL

Burn Down, Rise Up by Vincent Tirado, 370 pages. Sourcebooks Fire. 2022. $11 

Language: R (85 swears 23 'f'); Mature Content:  PG-13 (High off edibles, nondescript kiss) Violence: PG-13 (mention of cannibalism, bloody unexplained death)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

17yo Charlize is looking for her older brother, 18yo Cisco, who disappeared after infecting 16yo Raquel’s mom at the hospital where she works as a nurse. Cisco played a game that’s an urban myth and it backfired. Charlize, Raquel, and her friend Aaron play the game to find Cisco. Twenty people have disappeared in the last year and no one has been able to get to the bottom of the problem but these three are determined to find and save Cisco so he can give information to help heal Raquel’s mom and stop the spread of infection. The game becomes creepy and brings the corruption of the past to light as the young people learn how residents were manipulated, used, and pushed out of their Bronx homes. These teens have to work together to stop the corruption and save their families. 

I enjoyed learning about Bronx history and how it was used in the supernatural aspect of the story. The infection conveys the corruption in the community creatively. I like how Raquel, Aaron, and Charlize work together and how the mystery becomes spooky quickly. The ethnicities include Black, Dominican, White, Mexican American, and Puerto Rican. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta HS Librarian

The Moonlight Blade by Tessa Barbosa - OPTIONAL

The Moonlight Blade by Tessa Barbosa, 368 pages. Entangled Teen. 2023. $19. 

Language: PG-13 (19 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (Brief kissing) Violence: PG (cuts on palms of hands as a gift of blood to begin a ceremony) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

In Tigang, 17yo Narra wants her mother to stay home but she insists on going to the capital to confess that she kept her marked daughter alive even when the law stated she must die. Narra is the marked daughter because of the birthmarks on her neck, which people believe makes her cursed. Her mother is imprisoned and Narra enters the competition that takes place every ten years to find a new ruler. She wants to win the competition so she can rescue her mother. Narra enters the trials with no magic, no weapons, and no help. It takes all of her willpower and wits to get through it all. 

The vocabulary in the world-building and introduction of characters gets confusing but it makes more sense as the story goes on. The story felt disjointed because of the competition, the past lives, and the magic not necessarily blending well together. I did like Narra, the main character, and her companions, Virian and Dayen, and how they worked together and helped each other. The ethnicity is mixed with the following: olive skin, brown skin, deep russet skin, dark Tigangi skin, and dark brown skin. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta HS Librarian