In this exciting dystopian novel, the year is 2070 and the New United States has existed for quite some time. The book is written from two perspectives: Jo and Cove, people from very different places. Jo is from the Ashes, and Cove from New Georgia, but that does not mean life is easy for either. Both perspectives provide captivating stories that showed deep complexities and were thoroughly entertaining. Jo wants to live out her dream of living in New Georgia, and Cove wants to move to his family farm that his stepmother dangles over his head. Their paths to fulfill their dreams—if they remain the same—are truly captivating. This novel is guaranteed to leave you on the edge of your seat. -Geo, 14
This heartbreaking book is touching in so many ways. Cassie’s beliefs never seem to waver at the beginning, but the end changes everything. This book is filled with grief, magic, love, and touching moments. Reading this book makes you feel so many things. Cassie's small town receives a horrible flood; I feel lucky to have never experienced anything as disastrous as that. This book emphasized the fact that each book I read always touches me in a different way. I hope you have the same experience I had when you read this book. -Sydney, 11
POCKET FULL OF POSIES is like a Grimm's fairy tale in a modern world. Dive beneath the cover to find an ominous account of what it's like to be the new kid on the block. Except this time, it's not just bullies to be afraid of; it's sacrifice. Sarles uses an excellent theme everyone can relate to, mixed with the thrill and adventure of something almost no one has ever encountered. Dare to pick this book off the shelf to take a look into the average life of a duchess destined for doom. -Belle, 12
When I chose to read MONSTERS BORN AND MADE, it looked like a good book, but it exceeded my expectations in every way. The main character is headstrong and determined, the side characters do a really good job of moving the story along, and there is an amazing plot twist at the end! MONSTERS BORN AND MADE reminds me a little bit of The Hunger Games, but with lots more focus on characters. Overall, this is a great book, and you should definitely read it if you can! -Megan, 13
This book was sooo good!!! Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. This Edwardian period setting is the perfect place for a murder mystery. And a mystery it is! You are left in a wondering haze while the plot escalates. After all of the suspense and plot twists, you're rewarded with an ending that ties all the loose ends together wonderfully. The extraordinary description and beautiful scenery is something to admire. With traces of romance, SUDDENLY A MURDER is a must-have on your bookshelf. -Margaret, 12
AT THE SPEED OF LIES was a well-written book I couldn't stop reading. Suspense was cleverly threaded into the plot in a way that kept me on the edge of my seat. This book showcases the power of conspiracies and how they spread through social media, and how it affects a town, becoming deadly. -Margaret, 12
RIDE OR DIE is a joyride of a read, packed with teen shenanigans, dangerous dares, and emotional epiphanies. Reading the story of Loli Crawford and her missions with X, I couldn’t help but get sucked into every word and hold my breath at every page, wondering what hazards the next dare would bring. Over the course of the novel, Loli learns the importance of friendship from her two best friends, Ryan and Cairo, and the virtue of patience. I would recommend this book to teens and young adults looking for a quick and witty coming-of-age novel. -Addi, 14
This well-written horror novel follows Bronwyn, a junior in high school who is moving to the rural town of Hillwoods, Arkansas. Except something about the town is a little off. The only thing people tell her is to not to go into the water. When Bronwyn dives into it, she puts herself, and everyone around her, in danger. The thing I really liked about this book is the relationship between the characters and how much reflected into the plot. But the thing I liked most is the thrill I felt when reading it. I would definitely recommend this book to paranormal horror fans. -Margaret, 12
Written in verse, this is a heartbreaking story about the state of Germany during World War II. Hilde is struggling to find a way to make a living, until she finds work at a queer night club where she flourishes. War is breaking out, and Berlin is falling apart but Hilde is just starting to find her true self. Sadness, loss, heartbreak, war, and true love are all bursting from this dazzling book. -Emerson, 16
TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE is full of surprising twists and turns that will leave you glued to your chair!! Everybody needs a spooky motel book in their life and this one does not fall short. After a blizzard hits, a theatre troop is forced to ditch their plans and stay at a roadside motel, people go missing and mystery lurks around every corner. This book will have you up till 2 am, desperately needing to know what happens next. -Emerson, 16
Set in the early years of Hollywood's Golden Age, this book follows the tales of two teens and their star-crossed paths. Henrietta Newhouse, a Chicago girl who travels to Hollywood with dreams of making it on the big screen, meets Declan Collins, an orphaned boy searching for a lost mother. Filled with steamy romance, mysteries of missing young starlets, and the quest for justice, A STARLET'S SECRET TO A SENSATIONAL AFTERLIFE is the perfect read for anyone looking for a slightly supernatural whodunit. -Addi, 14
TWIN CROWNS shimmers with wit and passion. Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber’s characters navigate both high-stakes palace intrigue and complex relationships, but still make time for clever lines and thrilling action. Their world of Eana is deep in immersive history and vivid geography, and proves itself worthy of being saved by the protagonists with every trickle of exposition. The twin protagonists have distinct, memorable personalities, and the plot is adroitly balanced between their entwining stories to create suspense and contrast. Overall, TWIN CROWNS is an expertly choreographed dance between the political and the personal that gives overdue representation and acknowledgement to the strong princesses who are so often dismissed or overlooked in stereotypical male-dominated fantasies. -Mikey, 15
This is one of the best books I have read in the past year, and I think that if you like music, baking, or beach fun, then this is the book for you. After the death of their best friend and “glue” Carly, Daniella, Penny, and Lainie have to figure out a way to stay friends and finish the summer bucket list Carly had started. This book was so captivating, especially because of the way it switches perspectives, so you really get to know all of the main characters and know what they think about what's happening. I really thought it was interesting because all of the things that the characters were going through were things I have never experienced. The book takes place in New York and New Jersey. I thought the setting was interesting because I have never been to New Jersey and I have never lived by the ocean. I really think other people should read this book, because it could really help with grief, family issues, finding your true friends, and boy drama. -Zooey, 13
GONE DARK was a wonderful book! I feel like it really accurately showed what could happen in certain types of human-caused apocalypses. Some parts of it are really dramatic; however it balances everything really well and avoids being overdramatic. I also think that the characters in the book are really well-developed, and their disadvantages and advantages are really well-balanced. Overall, I feel like a lot of work was put into this book, and I think that that work has really paid off and made an excellent book. -Axel, 13
This story captures every book lover's dream . . . traveling into your favorite book. What could be better?? That’s what Adelle and Connie think, until they travel into the book “Moira” and discover that things are not what they seem. The plot is completely scrambled and characters completely different. This book will leave you thinking about it for days (trust me, I would know). Definitely give it a try if you like a twisting adventure and charming characters. -Emerson, 16
How would you feel if your favorite teacher wound up dead? Not just dead, murdered. This happens to Natalie Temple, a senior in high school, who happens to love true crime. She decides to investigate the death even though her mother disapproves. This book did a great job showing the connection and relationship between Natalie and her mom. It has a perplexing plot that will keep readers hooked from the start. This book needs to be on your shelves! -Dominic, 14
ALL MY RAGE has the sort of writing style that brings tears to your eyes and twists your stomach in an excruciatingly beautiful way. I adored this story, and all its heartbreak, as it examined grief and love in the lives of Noor and Salahudin. Despite all of the tragedy that goes on throughout the novel, it also weaves in a story of hope that fills you in the best way possible. I cannot recommend this book enough, and it is a story that I'm sure will resonate with me for a long time. -Ruby, 17
This heartwarming, coming of age story follows a boy named Sunny who is determined to do everything his brother wrote in a notebook before he passed away. Sunny feels like an outcast until he meets Mindii and finally feels like there's someone who gets him. In one action-packed night, Sunny is set on finishing every rash thing his brother wrote in the notebook with Mindii by his side—and let's just say things don't exactly go according to plan . . . This book will keep you hooked and leave you wanting more of Sunny and Mindii's playful banter. -Emerson, 16
THE HEARTBREAK BOYS is a humorously modern story of overcoming heartache and the status quo. The realities of social media and their toxic tendencies are displayed in the adventures of Jack and Nate. Simon James Green carefully peels away their layered personalities in a beautiful tale of coming out and facing the world. The subtle romance in this story was spread across numerous events and places, building up and leaving me yearning for more. THE HEARTBREAK BOYS is the book for you if you enjoy wry banter, relationship obstacles, and a feel-good message about real life and social media. -Brooklyn, 13