Destroy Me, by Tahereh Mafi

 

In "Shatter Me," Juliette escaped reincarnation by seducing Warner — and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she'll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to deal with. Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and quell any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his top priority is to find her, bring her back and eliminate Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. When Warner's father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son's mistakes, it is clear that he has different plans for Juliette. Warner can't allow plans to go ahead.

In this book, it is not the continuation of Shatter Me. This is the perspective of Aaron Warner and his thoughts of Juliette putting a bullet in his shoulder and his daily life in the sector 45. He thinks of ways to bring Juliette back. In Shatter Me, I thought that Arron was this person that just want the power for himself without thinking about anything else. But actually, after reading from his perspective it is shown that he likes Juliette more than her powers. I liked the way that the author thought of making from Aarons's perspective to the reality of his life. I would recommend people to read this book, even though this is the 1.5 of the book series and not considered the second book. That is why Destroy Me, by Tahereh Mafi, has shorter pages than the other books in this series.

Reviewed by Natali <3, Grade 11

Glendale Central Library 

Malibu Rising, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

 

Life is difficult; You fall in love, people break that trust, you have issues with your parents, you have crazy, difficult siblings, and you're trying to support yourself. "Malibu Rising" is a phenomenally written book that almost everyone can relate to. The book follows Nina and explores her childhood all the way to her adulthood. Set in Malibu (duh), Nina and her siblings struggle in life earlier on than many but find ways to enjoy life and make a name for themselves. They learn to surf, they find careers, and so on. As this exposition is intertwined with the main plot, the book also follows events over the course of ONE day, the day of the Riva party.

This is my third Taylor Jenkins Reid review of the day and they are all getting five stars, so it's safe to say you'll probably like this book. I live in Southern California so the beach is a huge part of my life. I've been to Malibu countless times and reading about where I've been before is always exciting. Of all the books I've read by TJR, this one was the most relatable to me. I was able to find a part of myself in every character, whether it was a decision they made, the way they acted, or how someone else treated them. Because of that, I found myself immersed in the plot of the book and always reading to find out what happened next. The only thing that made this book not a "perfect" read is that it switches between the past and present. Although I think it was done well, it was odd to interrupt various parts of the day with various backstories. I still loved the novel despite that, and definitely recommend it. 5/5

Reviewed by Catalina Marie, Grade 11

Chevy Chase Library 

Daisy Jones & The Six, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

 

"Daisy Jones & The Six" follows the life of a young girl in the music world. Daisy Jones is an odd but lovely character. When she meets "The Six", an emerging rock group, her voice adds to the group and causes a huge sensation. Although no one directly involved is extremely happy with the pairing, the group and Daisy work together to create an album, all the while struggling with relationships, temptations, and their music.

Amazing, amazing, amazing. This book is the first novel I've read in the form of an interview that I've actually enjoyed. Often, I miss the imagery presented through a narrator or the main character, but this was so well done. As someone whose life consists of a lot of music, it was extremely fun to read about the industry and how it affects those in it. As all of her books do, "Daisy Jones & The Six" touches upon the ups and downs of factors affecting her characters, or in this case, fame, wealth, and popularity. Seeing multiple perspectives was necessary for the story to be told, and TJR executed it perfectly. The scenes, thoughts, and comments from the individual characters make the novel not only exciting to read but extremely captivating. I definitely recommend this to all, but if you have a connection to the music industry (writing songs, playing an instrument, or singing in a band) I think you will fall in love with the story of Daisy Jones. 5/5

Reviewed by Catalina Marie, Grade 11

Chevy Chase Library 

Demon Slayer Volume 1, by Koyoharu Gotouge

In the manga, Demon Slayer Volume 1 ,by Koyoharu Gotouge, Tanjiro Kamado is a good-hearted man who sells charcoal in Taisho-era Japan. But a demon ends up killing his entire family, shattering his tranquil existence. The only survivor is his little sister Nezuko, who has been changed into a demon herself. Tanjiro embarks on a perilous quest to restore his sister to normality and defeat the demon responsible for his life's demise.

Tanjiro hardly knows where to begin while learning how to exterminate demons, therefore it won't be simple. If Tanjiro can prevent Giyu from murdering his sister first, the sudden emergence of another boy called Giyu who claims to know what's going on might offer some explanations.

Omg, the Demon Slayer series is on my top favorite manga and anime list! My favorite thing about this series is that the bond and the character development in this series grow stronger and stronger in each volume. I love how Tanjiro is determined to save his sister from brutality and change her back into a normal human being. Also, the artwork as well as the plot is amazing. Tanjiro is a very kind-hearted man. He even pities the demons. What can we say about that? I also love the fact that the setting happens in the old-time Japanese era. The historical era and the cold times. Every single character in this series has a very well-made and interesting background and also plot twists that we can't even imagine.

Reviewed by Natali <3, Grade 11

Glendale Central Library 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

 

The Seven Husbands ofEvelyn Hugo is a historical fiction book that covers topics including LGBTQ rights and the movie industry. The plot follows a girl who interviews Evelyn Hugo, a famous actress, as she uncovers parts of Evelyn's past no one has ever been told about. Evelyn has never talked to the media before this and chooses one girl to do her interview specifically. The relationship that forms between them is special and only later do you figure out why Evelyn specifically chose her. The book dives into her past as well as parallels between the lives of both the interviewer and interviewee.

As an avid reader, I am often asked what my favorite book is. Because of this, I have always had a go-to book ready. "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is now pretty much tied with John Green's "Looking for Alaska" as my favorite book ever written. It is written extremely well, the characters are fascinating, and the plot takes on a life of its own in your mind. I could not put this book down as soon as I started reading it. This is a great book to get people interested in reading, historical fiction, and TJR books. This book brought me out of a reading slump a few months ago and ever since I have been addicted to every book TJR has written. I highly recommend it to people looking for a more "grown-up" read that still has a playful feel. While it doesn't cover anything extremely dark or "romantic", it covers important issues throughout the book that makes it feel a little more mature. 5/5

Reviewed by Catalina Marie, Grade 11

Chevy Chase Library 

A Deadly Education, by Naomi Novik

 

A Deadly Education, by Naomi Novik, follows a girl named El who attends a magical school. The school allows the students to learn about their magic until graduation, but everyday new monsters come that try to eat or kill the students. El finds herself confronted and being saved by Orion Lake who is seen a a savior by everyone else. We see El progress in her magic and in her relationships. She is determined to not let herself become evil like how the others expect her to be and graduate.

I enjoyed the magical aspect of this book along with the character development. As readers we come to understand who El is as a person and really appreciate how she grows throughout the book. The world building was very well done and the magic system was easy to follow. I think anyone who enjoyed Harry Potter will enjoy this book. It has the magical school elements with and added twist of the school trying to eat the students every day. The interactions between El and Orion Lake are very enjoyable and make you laugh, understand, cringe, and overall understand the relationship. They are the heart of this book.

Reviewed by TB, Grade 12

Glendale Central Library 

The Last Thing He Told Me, by Laura Dave

The Last Thing He Told Me, by Laura Dave follows a stepmother, Hannah, and her step daughter, Bailey, as they grapple with the sudden disappearance of their husband and father, Owen. Hannah is left with a single note from Owen: Protect her. The more they seek answers, the more they are haunted by the realization that Owen was not who he said he was. The mother-daughter pair must put old grievances aside in order to keep their family, and their reputation, safe.

This book definitely had a lot of potential to be a good book, but Dave included an incomplete and unsatisfactory ending. There was a ton of buildup, and as a fan of true-crime books and suspense, I was excited to see where the author would take us. However, Dave consistently chooses not to include a big climax. Instead, it felt like the storyline fizzled out into a happy ending that was not very satisfying. I would recommend this as a taste of suspense novels, but ultimately the book fell short of my expectations. My final rating of this book is a two out of five stars.

Review by AL, Grade 12

Glendale Central Library 

Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 5, by Gege Akutami

 

In the manga Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 5, by Gege Akutami, Fragments of the infamous and hated monster Ryomen Sukuna was lost and spread throughout the earth, where cursed spirits prey on unwary humanity. If any demon ingests Sukuna's bodily parts, the strength they acquire could end the world in a way it. The tenuous survival of the living is guarded fortunately by a hidden academy of jujutsu sorcerers who deal with the strange!

While Jujutsu High is engaged in a fierce fight among their rivals from Kyoto, nobody has time for a sweet reunion when they learn that Itadori is still alive. However, once the authorities resolve to permanently destroy the Sukuna danger, good sportsmanship doesn't seem to be in the cards.

I adore these people! The Panda was awesome! I loved getting to know him better and watching him humiliate Mechamaru while still bonding with him and providing support. It makes me think of Demon Slayer a little bit, that is always a nice thing! Speaking of fighting, the action-packed, entertaining battle scenes were written well. It was fascinating to discover more about the students from Kyoto. Todo is a freak, but I enjoy watching him educate Yuji further about cursed power in that, "I want you to grow better and I want you to achieve and push me" way. I'm interested to see if a friendship develops out of this, but either way, it was fun.

Reviewed by Natali <3, Grade 11

Glendale Central Library 

Unstoppable My Life so Far, by Maria Sharapova

 

Maria Sharapova is a tennis champion, even though she comes from a small town in Russia. The book tells about her family and how her tennis journey began. Her father brought her to America with only a few hundred dollar bills in his pocket. She amazed every single person who watched her play, aweing of her small frame, nimbleness, and strength. Maria Sharapova overcame many obstacles and became world #1 many times. Her father had devoted his whole life to her, gave up everything, and in the end, had molded an amazing tennis player. She didn't have many friends on tour because she thought it would be harder to beat them if they were too friendly. Sharapova was the first Russian female to carry the flag at the Olympics. When she was younger she kept worrying that she was too short. 

Unstoppable My Life So Far, by Maria Sharapova, was a very interesting biography of one of my favorite tennis players. The book was very honest. It really goes into detail of her tennis journey and how she came from a small town in Russia grow into a professional athlete. The book deeply talks about how her father sacrificed his native town and job to devote his whole life into molding his daughter into an amazing athlete. She always focused on her tennis and worked so hard to be #1.Even though she faced numerous setbacks she never stopped playing tennis. I would totally recommend this book to any tennis player or athlete. The book shows her determination, hard work, and love for the sport. This book really inspired me. Overall, I enjoyed this book and I recommend it to any person who likes sport autobiographies.

Reviewed by  Anais K., Grade 7

Grandview Library

I'm Glad My Mom Died, by Jeanette McCurdy

 I'm Glad My Mom Died written by child star Jeanette McCurdy, who most famously played Sam Puckett on iCarly and Sam & Cat. It's an autobiography that follows her on the path to stardom, and how it was not as glamorous as it seemed. Growing up with a toxic mother who projected her dreams of fame onto her daughter, McCurdy was pushed into a career in acting that she didn't really want. Her mother's control continued as McCurdy was encouraged into an eating disorder, and countless other traumas.

When I read this book, I had coincidentally just finished watching iCarly for the first time and it was really eye-opening to me how McCurdy had to fake her personality so strongly. I was also sad because she had been so young when she started the show but was already being controlled by her mother. I don't usually read memoirs because life is rarely more interesting than fiction, but McCurdy's writing, spacing and diction made the book always engaging. I especially liked how her writing style changed as the narrator grew older. When she was writing about her childhood, the words sounded like they could have genuinely come out of a young kid's mouth, and as she detailed her life chronologically the writing style grew up with her. These small choices in tone & style overall made the book really engaging & interesting.

Reviewed by Lucy, Grade 11

Glendale Central Library 

Heartstopper, by Alice Oseman

 

In this LGBT+ romance, by Alice Oserman, main characters Nick and Charlie attempt to discover who they are as they also struggle through the tribulations of high school. After changing seats in homeroom, Nick and Charlie meet for the first time. Charlie, who is out to his school despite his better wishes, soon develops a crush on Nick, the star Rugby player. They become close friends, with Nick defending Charlie against rude peers, and Charlie supporting Nick as he discovers himself. Their relationship develops as the school year continues, with more obstacles placed in their path that they must overcome together.

Heartstopper is a graphic novel first developed on Webtoon, and this story highlights the development of books in the era of technology, since it has also been made into a TV series on Netflix. While the novel has more than 4 parts, with new stories being written still, the book does not take long to read. The images provide convenient visuals for readers that don't like the long paragraphs in novels. And the iconic story of the nerd and the jock is redone with lots of LGBT representation and discussion of real-world issues like depression. This book can be relatable for various readers, but it also represents the opportunity for teens to learn more about the experiences of others in the LGBT community.

Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 12

Montrose Library 

They Call Us Enemy, by George Takei

 

The graphic novel "They Call Us Enemy" is about the life of a young boy who grew up in a Japanese concentration camp during the time of WW2. The novel describes George, the protagonist, life while living in the concentration camp. He describes his childhood while growing up in these concentration camps, and the hardships he had to endure. He also talks about his ignorance to the situation due to only being a child, and how his parents had to endure most of the hardships. Overall, the graphic novel portrays George's life as a child growing up in a Japanese concentration camp under the false pretensions of being an "alien enemy" only for having a Japanese bloodline.

I personally LOVED this book, it really gives you a lot to think about. It talks about the issues and racism going on at the time, and compares it to recent event such as the Muslim countries immigration ban. I think They Call Us Enemy, by George Takei, also gives us, readers, an important insight to what life was in a concentration camp, and the pain these people had to endure. I'm not going to lie, it's a very emotional novel, I did in fact cry. However, I believe the message of persistence that is seen throughout the book is amazing, it really touched me as a child of immigrant parents. Not to mention the art style is AMAZING! Overall, I really enjoyed the novel, and I would absolutely recommend this book, 10/10!

Reviewed by Initials, Grade 10

Glendale Central Library 

Dance of Thieves, by Mary E. Pearson

 

In this novel, the first in the duology by Mary E. Pearson, mystery and romance are explored in the fantastical world world in Pearson's separate series, The Remnant. Set in the same world but with new characters, this book explores the dynamic between Jase and Kazi. Jase just inherited his family's "company," a crime family determined to defend their homeland. Kazi is part of the esteemed Rahtan, the Queen's personal guards, tasked with the responsibility of defining the borders and ensuring her Queen's people are safe. Jase and Kazi must work towards their conflicting goals as they become close friends, and possibly more, fighting against obstacles and each other.

Dance of Thieves, by Mary E. Pearson, l explores a world already created in the book series The Remnant, but readers don't need to have read those to enjoy this novel. It has diverse world-building that helps readers perfectly imagine the land it is set in. Also, the characters have strong personalities, often clashing with each other in a way that any reader will appreciate. These characters follow an enemies-to-lovers storyline, so anybody looking for a romantic fantasy with swords or danger with thoroughly enjoy this book. And while it is over a few hundred pages, this book is a great read that makes you think about the plot twists, and worry over the story's outcome.

Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 12

Montrose Library 

Today Tonight Tomorrow, by Rachel Lynn Solomon

In the book, Today Tonight Tomorrow, by Rachel Lynn Solomon,  two students have been enemies since the first month of high school. Neil and Rowan have competed in student council elections, competed in essay contests, and overall struggled against the other. But on the last day of senior year, their dynamic changes. Their school's "Howl Night" game begins, and Rowan and Neil decide to work together to win. Their peers, who resent them for maintaining top spots for the last 4 years, attempt to derail their last win of high school. But as the night goes on, Rowan and Neil begin to realize they're better together as they come to terms with the end of high school.

Today Tonight Tomorrow is a sweet book perfect for readers who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers story arc. With relatable characters and a fun plot line, readers will be hooked from start to finish. Rowan characterizes the struggle experienced by every high school senior who is unsure of the future, and scared of their parents' judgments. Oppositely, Neil represents those peers only seen in school hallways, not knowing their family history but knowing their dedication to the school. I enjoyed the expected plot twists and romantic tension throughout the story, and with only a few hundred pages, I was able to finish it during a weekend. It was a fun, cute romance that distracted me upcoming finals and the end of the school year. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 12

Montrose Library 
 

Parable of the Sower, by Octavia Butler

In a work of masterful science fiction, Parable of the Sower follows the story of Lauren Olamina, a young woman who has hyper-empathy, a condition that causes her to feel the physical pain of others if she looks at them/witnesses their pain. The book follows Lauren's journey escaping Southern California, which is experience societal and ecological collapse, to Northern California, banding together with others who are trying to also escape. As a whole, the novel serves as commentary on social, political, and ecological issues.

I highly recommend Parable of the Sower, by Octavia Butler, although it is intended for a more mature audience (YA-Adult). The topics addressed within the book are grim, but a hard reminder that society is slowly approaching the conditions that Butler describes; in a time that is now starting to recognize the implications of the climate crisis, everyone should read Parable of the Sower in order to understand the societal, political, and ecological effects that it ravages on a society. All the characters are well developed, and Lauren is a flawed but understandable protagonist. I personally read this book in 4 hours, as it was super addictive and hard to put down. Everything, from how it addresses race, class, religion, and gender, was super informative and a read that I feel everyone should experience once in their lifetime. Although hard, Butler's book is a warning, and also a reminder that our current society is not so far off from the dystopia she paints.

And that the only way to save ourselves is to embrace change, and pursue it while we still have hope within its existence.

Reviewed by M.L., Grade 12

Montrose Library 

The Hating Game, by Sally Thorne

 

In the novel, The Hating Game, by Sally Thorne, Lucy Hutton absolutely despises her co-worker, Joshua Templeman. She despises his organized system of shirts, and his very dreamy eyes. But most of all, she absolutely hates that she must compete with him for a promotion. In a spur of the moment decision, Lucy promises to quit if Joshua wins the promotion. With her job and her future on the line, Lucy must put in all of her effort to overcome obstacles and prove her worth. In her desperate attempts to out-do Joshua, she learns that maybe he isn't ALL bad. Will his strange humanity deter her, or will she resist the spell and win the promotion?

I absolutely LOVED this book and I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone. The enemies to lovers trope is done so well, and I was thoroughly entertained the entire book. Thorne beautifully describes the complexities of family relationships and the obstacles woman (especially those on the shorter side) face in the workplace. The vulnerabilities and flaws of each character helped to bring them to life, and by the end I had a hard time convincing myself that Lucy and Joshua were fictional. I would definitely read this when you have a lot of time on your hands, because it is so hard to put down.

Reviewed by AL, Grade 12

Glendale Central Library 

TimeRiders: The External War, by Alex Scarrow

 

TimeRiders: The External War, by Alex Scarrow, is the fourth in the Time Riders series. Sal, Maddy, and Liam has been given a second by working at the time travel agency. A change in history has caused Abraham Lincoln to be brought to the future. In this new state of limbo the Civil War will not every end. Maddy must confront colonels on both sides of the war to convince them of a cease fire long enough for the agency to restore history and put Lincoln back in his own time.

A main part of this book that I thoroughly enjoy are the characters. After reading three other books with them I've grown to know them personally and understand how each one handles different situations. I have also really enjoyed seeing their relationships grow and become more like family within the agency. I really enjoy how real life events are incorporated into the books, but always with a little twist that becomes the "what if" question. The interactions between Liam, Sal, and Maddy and historical figures are always written really well and enjoyable interactions, especially since each of them are from different time periods.

Reviewed by TB, Grade 12

Montrose Library 

Hello, Sunshine, by Laura Dave

 

Sunshine Stevens made a grave mistake when she sacrificed her true identity and values in order to gain the fame and fortune of a cooking show. When she is hacked and all her dirty laundry is revealed, Sunshine loses her husband, her apartment, and her career in one night. The ex-cook must re-evaluate the values she pushed away and the long term effects her actions had on her attitude and relationships. Was it worth it?

This book was a relatively easy read and I would recommend it to people who just want a beach read. However, the plot is nothing more than surface level, and Dave left the ending very open to interpretation. I did not enjoy the ending of Hello, Sunshine, by Laura Dave, as the plot was built up so much, and it did not feel like there was any sort of resolution. Sunshine is a very lovable character, but she undergoes very little growth. I would have liked to see more changes in the main characters, rather than the world changing to accommodate their quirks. Overall, this book deserves a 2 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed by AL, Grade 12

Glendale Central Library 

Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning, by Cathy Park-Hong

Minor Feelings: An AsianAmerican Reckoning is a collection of essays detailing Cathy Park Hong's life, and what she calls 'minor feelings': sustainable, uncomfortable, and at their core, racialized feelings. Recollecting her family history and experience growing up in America, Hong looks back on her relationship with English as a language, depression, poetry, and friendship all to recount what it is like to be an Asian American growing up in the United States. It also emphasizes racial consciousness, cultural criticism, and the importance of remembering

As an Asian American myself, Minor Feelings felt like a collection of essays written by my own consciousness: for other readers, these ideas may seem radical or eye-opening, but Hong's memoir reminds me that this is a reality and realization I've had to come to since I was young. It's comforting in a way to see that there are others out there who feel the exact same as I do, and could put a name to the feelings I felt towards microaggressions and casual racism: minor feelings.

Reading Hong's story felt like reading mine in a sense, and I am grateful that as an Asian-American (more specifically a Korean-American), I was able to have similar insight as Hong did. I think for those that wish to explore the Asian-American experience, Hong's book is a great place to start. It is a book that humanizes a community that for so long had been dehumanized, sexualized, and treated as a monolith. It is a revolutionary book that for many minorities are lived concepts that are normalized, and understanding these truths brings us one step closer to understanding all minority community's experiences in an empathetic way.

Reviewed by M.L., Grade 12

Montrose Library 

TimeRiders: Day of the Predator, by Alex Scarrow

This book follows Liam, Sal, and Maddy who are part of a time travel agency. Liam is accidentally sent back sixty-five million years and marooned there. He is in the same environment as big predators and an undiscovered species. Liam must figure out how to make contact with Sal and Maddy before it is too late, but also has to take care to make sure he does not endanger history with any major changes that would create a new reality.

I really enjoyed TimeRiders: Day of the Predator, by Alex Scarrow, because of the furthering of the characters and their jobs within the agency from the first book in the series as well as the exploration of dinosaurs and what could possibly have existed during that time period. I enjoyed the mystery of how Liam was supposed to communicate with people sixty-five million years ahead in the future. I had lots of fun reading the suspenseful scenes and learning along side Maddy and Sal as they gradually got closer and closer to finding Liam's communication. Overall the dive deeper into this world of time travel was really enjoyable.

Reviewed by TB, Grade 12

Glendale Central Library 

Pygmalion, by George Bernard Shaw

 

Pygmalion, by George Bernard Shaw, is about aa young girl who sells flowers and is part of the lower class. She gets an offer from a higher class linguist to learn proper English etiquette and is then put to the test at a party with higher class people. Nobody can tell of her past background and she passes the test. however, with her development of English language, she becomes a nonconformant and stands up for herself through all the insults she's received during her lessons. She ends up running away with another middle class man she knows and they begin their life together.

This book has very interesting characters and an complex theme. It shows the mental growth of a girl called Eliza, and it shows how gender roles and nonconformity at the right time can bring a person respect. Higgins is my favorite character in this paly as he is a high class man with an education and respect around his name. Due to this he gets away with breaking social norms in relation to language and gender roles. This book is highly recommended as it gets deep once you reach the end of the story as you begin to realize all the details of the story.

Reviewed by E.N., Grade 12

Casa Verdugo Library 

TimeRiders, by Alex Scarrow

 

Time Riders, by Alex Scarrow, is a science fiction book that explores what would happen if time travel were real. it revolves around a time travel agency who is in charge of keeping history in check from anyone who would try to alter it. The agency is comprised of people who are supposed to die, but moments before they are taken to the agency to be trained to protect history. This book follows the adventures of Liam, Maddy, and Sal as they try to fix a broken history where Nazi Germany won the Second World War.

I really enjoyed this book. There are vivid images that allow you to see the idea of time travel and to feel the excitement and anxiety of the new agency workers. The plot is complex and always captivating as the setting jumps between time periods. Liam, Sal, and Maddy are relatable and interesting characters who we grow to understand as people with distinct personalities. The exploration of the slight changes in history intrigued me and kept me engaged as new timelines were created. The high stakes action is also what drew me into this book and kept me interested throughout it.

Reviewed by TB, Grade 12

Glendale Central Library 

One-Punch Man, Vol. 3, by Yusuke Murata

Hero Saitama and his cyborg disciple Genos apply to join the Hero Association by doing a physical and written exam. Within the Hero Association, there is a letter class ranking. With these rankings comes discrimination and rivalries between the heroes. The volume begins to build upon of the members of the hero association's abilities, which range from normal people that have a strong sense of justice to heroes with superhuman abilities. Saitama's rival who is a ninja assassin, Sonic, returns to engage in a fight with him.

Volume 3 of 'One-Punch Man' , by Yusuke Murata adds exciting world building to the plot because of the addition of the hero association. What was most enjoyable about this volume was the action because of how the art portrays the overwhelming ability of the characters. My first impressions of the new side characters was neutral, but the building on the main characters and antagonists was fun and comedic. I rate it '7.85/10', the same as the previous volume, because it lived up to the same enjoyable art, story progression, and comedy, and only lacked in its introduction of some side characters.
Score: 7.85/10

Reviewed by AK, Grade 10

Glendale Central Library 

One-Punch Man, Vol. 2, by Yusuke Murata

 Saitama, a hero for fun, meets a cyborg named Genos who lusts for power and is curious to find out how the hero gained his strength. The human-robot pesters the man to allow him to be his pupil. Later, Saitama is targeted by an association named 'House of Evolution' in order for them to test his strength. He fights alongside his new cyborg pupil, Genos, against the assassins that are set after him by the association.

This volume's addition of cyborg Genos to the plot creates more opportunity for breathtaking artwork because of his ability to perform inhuman tasks such as using his arm as a laser cannon. Similarly, in the manga One-Punch Man, Vol. 2, by Yusuke Murata, the addition of more villains gives Saitama the opportunity to triumph over them in their fights and make them hilariously break character and fall apart. The funniest part of this volume is Saitama's relationship with Genos, as their personalities clash. Genos is very serious and logical, while Saitama is relaxed and often bored. The score is increased from '7.75/10' to '7.85/10' in this volume because of the better art displayed and funnier character interactions.

Reviewed by AK, Grade 10

Glendale Central Library  

Kafka on the Shore, by Haruki Murakami

Kafka on the shore is a quintessential Murakami novel containing many of the loved tropes and oddities unique to his work; precocious teenagers, humans that speak to cats, and unexplainable supernatural events. While the plot will definitely keep you wondering and guessing, it is the characters themselves that make up the heart of the novel. Every character wanders, either to escape their life or rediscover who they once were, and ultimately searches to fulfill a sense of purpose in themselves that they recognize but cannot name. There are two alternating story lines; one about a curious fifteen year old runaway that's plagued by an oedipal prophecy, and the other about an old man with no concept of reality yet a magical understanding of the world. As the book progresses, their lives begin to intertwine through a series of discoveries and conspiracies, and the story unfolds in a dreamlike manner that traverses the conscious and unconscious world.

I had been intimidated by the length of Kafka on the Shore, by Haruki Murakami and so I avoided reading it for about a year, but I’m very glad I finally started it. I thought it brought up a great lesson about how paths to self-discovery are circumstantial and dynamic. Since the characters are at different points in their lives, they all undergo individual journeys of development. No character’s journey is perfect and though they may be the only ones capable of making changes in their life, they still receive guidance from the people they encounter. I loved the trope of finding yourself through various interactions and only arriving at realizations with the help of people you love. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it was confusing, compelling, vivid, and so beautiful. I recommend this book to anyone who likes magical realism or evocative novels!

Reviewed by Sam, Grade 10

Glendale Central Library 

The Wish, by Nicholas Sparks

When Maggie Dawes is faced with her cancer diagnosis with little hope of remission, she reaches out to a young employee for one last memorable holiday season. The Wish, by Nicholas Sparks, takes place in two time periods, Maggie's young teens in 1996 and her late 40s in 2019, as she recounts the stories of her summer in Ocracoke to her new friend Mark. As the holidays draw closer, Maggie's stories become increasingly intertwined.

I loved this book as a feel good holiday book. I enjoyed Spark's depiction of teenage pregnancy and the many ways it can affect a young teen, whether they be as big as, well, birth, to the smallest changes to day to day life like the comfortability of a bicycle seat. Maggie is such a lovable character that you cannot help but root for. In addition, I could have never predicted the ending of the book, and Sparks is so talented at crafting a complex storyline that always draws you in for more. Even the smaller supporting characters quickly became some of my favorites.

Reviewed by AL, Grade 12

Glendale Central Library 

Get Well Soon, by Julie Halpern

In Get Well Soon, by Julie Halpern, Anna Bloom, the protagonist, is a depressed 16-year-old whose parents have put her in a mental institution alongside a slew of other troubled teenagers. She meets a secretive roommate named Sally, and a handsome, bashful boy who may or may not like her. While in the Loony Bin, as Anna calls it, she ends up making friends, reducing weight and does not have a single panic attack throughout her visit.

This book is a lighthearted story about mental health and how mentally healthy can someone be. Julie Halpern delivers viewers a warm, appealing offering, a never-didactic message about emotional growth and psychic healing. It also has a very wholesome blooming relationship between Anna and her mental hospital crush. The book has a certain youthful tenderness to it. Halpern weaves a story that portrays Anna's evolving personality over time, complete with self-reflection and some mild humor. I would definitely recommend this story to any person that feels alone or has a terrible body image. Anna's mental journey will show you that you are not alone and that there are always people who care about you.

Reviewed by Juniper Austen, Grade 9

Glendale Central Library  

The Birth of Venus, by Sarah Dunant

 Set in Florence during the Renaissance, The Birth of Venus tells the story of Alessandra Cecchi, a stubborn fourteen-year-old girl. Her life seems to be uninteresting until her father, a wealthy and influential man, brings a young painter to stay with them and paint their chapel. Alessandra, having a passion for painting, is instantly intrigued by the boy. But before their relationship can blossom, Alessandra is married to an older, wealthy man she does not love. Political hell is breaking loose while this happens, slowly reaching into and poisoning Alessandra's life. The book follows Alessandra as she adapts to her ever-changing life and fights for love and freedom in a world where she is given neither.

The Birth of Venus is a book that begins with the ending. However, it's hard to understand without actually reading the book. The beginning almost stopped me from reading it. It also gave me a taste of how I'd feel reading the book- confused, somewhat disturbed, but enthralled nevertheless. The book's plot isn't the greatest, but I found that it wasn't the main plot that kept me reading. The political and religious conflicts were actually intriguing, and it was fascinating to see how religion shapes the characters' lives. Although I'm not sure if the book accurately depicts Renaissance Italy, the religious lore and way of thinking were exciting to read. As for the romance in this book, it was... awkward. Even though it was the cause of almost every event that occurred. Dunant tried to prove Alessandra to be a courageous and strong-willed girl, but most of her actions just came off as foolish and impulsive. I wouldn't recommend reading this book, by Sarah Dunant,  if you're looking for historical romance, but it does offer an interesting, if fictional, take on life in Renaissance Florence.

Reviewed by K.H., Grade 8

Glendale Central Library  

Crown of Midnight, by Sarah J Maas

 Crown of Midnight is the second novel in the Throne of Glass series, by Sarah J Maas which follows Celaena Sardothien’s adventures after the King’s Champion competition is over. As she continues to live in the glass castle, she begins discovered many dark truths about how the King of Adarlan, the tyrant who has conquered almost the entire continent of Erilea and wiped out all traces of magic, managed to fulfill his evil agenda and what his plans for the future might be.

Crown of Midnight expands on the knowledge readers have gained in the first Throne of Glass novel, understanding more of the world and the powers that govern it. We learn more about the mysterious disappearance of magic 10 years prior, and about what terrible power the King of Adarlan may actually be harvesting in order to carry through his conquests. Though this book is still not one of the most exciting in the series, it does carry through to an ending which paves a path for new characters, setting, and experiences. The novel ends on a cliffhanger and with one of the main characters, Chaol Westfall, realizing an unexpected but exciting truth. I would recommend this book to readers who love adventure, independent women, battles, and magic.

Reviewed by Kristina K., Grade 11

Glendale Central Library 

Crying in H Mart, by Michelle Zauner

In a heartfelt memoir, Crying in H Mart, by Michelle Zauner, is about grief, family, love, and food, Michelle Zauner– also known as Korean-American artist Japanese Breakfast– recounts moments of her life as an Asian-American growing up in Oregon, and also having to live up to her mother's high expectations.

Following her life as she grows up, a jarring diagnosis brings Zauner back to her mother, where she deals with her lost Korean identity, reclaiming it through her moments with food, language, and her mother's love. 

As a Korean-American, this book was amazing and spoke to the experiences we go through in an excellent showcase of storytelling. I caught myself crying at many moments, relating to Zauner's vulnerability and connection to her Korean identity through the food she ate.

In particular, I understood the experience of having to grow up in an Asian household that always expected more of me, asking me to toughen up because our mother's love wasn't one of coddling or words of comfort. But Zauner's way of describing dishes that I also grew up with, and how closely we tie our identities to the wisdom of our mothers was the most relatable thing to me: it was heartbreaking, realizing that without our mothers, who were we?

Watching Zauner's journey through her grief, perseverance, and eventual contentment was one that brings the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions, with the reader able to heavily empathize with her experiences as well. Overall, as a huge fan of Japanese Breakfast and now a reader of Michelle Zauner, I recommend this book to any person of color– particularly those of Asian descent– to give Crying in H Mart a read.

We are all connected by nature to our cultures, and Zauner's ability to weave an unspoken connection between food, familial love, and grief is an experience all must indulge in.

Reviewed by M.L., Grade 12

Montrose Library 

The Assassin's Blade, by Sarah J Maas

 The Assassin’s Blade is a collection of five short novellas that occur before the beginning of Throne of Glass, and leading up to Celaena Sardothien’s capture and sentencing to lifetime in Endovier. The book can be read prior to the series, in between books or at the end. It introduces Sam Cortland, Celaena’s first love who is often mentioned in the subsequent Throne of Glass books. The other characters and stories in this collection are also often referred to in the following novels. Celaena faces down pirates, helps barmaids, trains in the Red Desert and goes on dangerous missions, all while falling in love and eventually being sent to Endovier

The Assassin’s Blade is one of my favorite books, by Sarah J Maas in the series because of the variety in stories, and the connection between Celaena and the other characters prior to the events of the main series. Even though readers know Celaena and Sam’s fate at the end of the book, it is nonetheless indescribably exciting to read about all the events and missions leading up to it, as well as the betrayal and loss themselves. The book has a heartbreaking ending that makes the reader fall in love with Sam even more, and develop an unbelievable sense of sympathy for Celaena. I recommend this novel to anyone who has read or is planning on reading the Throne of glass series because it truly adds to the experience of reading it.

Reviewed by Kristina K., Grade 11

Glendale Central Library 

The Thief, by Megan Whalen Turner

In a world of three kingdoms there are constant battles for power. In one kingdom, Sounis, a young man named Eugenides and called "Gen" is thrown in jail. He has a big mouth and tells everyone that he can steal anything. The King of Sounis hears about Gen's bragging and decides to put this skill to the test. He wants Gen to steal "The Gift" that Attolian queen possesses in order to take over the kingdom of Eddis. Without being told what the item is, Gen is sent with a group of the King's closest advisors into the rugged terrain of Eddis. The group talks about legends of gods from Eddis and how Gen is named after the god of thieves. Gen begins to dream about the gods and in them, is warned to not steal "The Gift".

The Thief, by Megan Whalen Turner is a fun read for those who like action, adventure, and suspense. I personally enjoyed how the plot twists continued right up until the very end. Gen is a fascinating character. He wins the heart of readers, but not through any kind of redemptive arc. At the beginning, we know very little about his past, and are annoyed at his disregard for rules and caution. Yet as we follow him into the mountains of Eddis we begin to agree with his inner monologue in reaction to the various other characters. Ironically this thief emerges as a rational voice and trustworthy narrator. 

Reviewed by Rachel A., Grade 12

Glendale Central Library 

Thorn, by Intisar Khanani

 Alyrra is a princess who just got sold into an arranged marriage by her family. She has a traumatic past, and expects her future to match that despair. Yet as she travels to the kingdom where she will live and marry, a witch unexpectedly appears. The witch takes away Alyrra's appearance, leaving her to find a way on her own in a new kingdom. With no more princess expectations and a freedom never seen before, Alyrra becomes a goose girl. With no knowledge of the foreign language or customs, she slowly creates companionship with those around her. She learns about herself and the new country, including the threats against the royal family. Knowing about the threats, one of which is the witch who cursed her, Alyrra must decide if she can continue living her peaceful life with the geese, or if she must warn the royals before the succumb to the witch.

This novel was an unexpected surprise. Going into this book, I had prepared for another romance book where the characters fell in love despite the arranged marriage hanging over their heads, and the threat of magic a constant grey cloud above them. However, Thorn has none of those common plot points. The novel focused on Alyrra, the princess, and how she had to adapt to an unforeseen situation. The princess was stripped of her title and appearance, yet still held confidence and surety of herself. While the character struggled throughout the book from external threats, she stayed strong. The brave female character was well-written by the author, and included just the right amount of doubt and harshness from those around her to show that her inspiration came from within. With little dialogue, and lots of thoughts, the book centered on Alyrra's reactions and thoughts, and perfectly created a princess who can inspire any female. The strong female protagonist, as well as the unique storyline, created a well-developed and insightful novel.

Reviewed by Thaila M., Grade 12

Montrose Library 

Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer

 

This book is about boys being stranded on an island with no authoritarian figure around to boss them around. It shows the natural regression of man kind when society doesn't exist shows the way boys become wild and violent for survival throughout the story. Only regretting all they did once they get saved.

Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer, is a novel that I found very unique in the sense that the story unfolded in an intriguing way. The boys on the island first started by listening to one boy who took control of everything and they had a sort of society going on for them. They then followed another boy and the two sides began changing as one group stuck to society and logic while the others regressed into wild animals to survive the outside world. The story is immersive and following the boys on the island can be relatable at some moments in the book. I highly recommend picking this book up its worth the read.

Reviewed by E.N., Grade 12

Casa Verdugo Library 

Crier's War, by Nina Varela

Lady Crier is the daughter of Sovereign Hesod, her goal is to gain more of an influence in how the land is governed. Automae being "made" people, they have most of the attributes of a human, but more enhanced and so they are deemed superior to humans. Ayla is a human with a personal vendetta against Sovereign Hesod. He was the one who called for the raid in her town, the raid killing her parents and twin brother. She plans to get her revenge by killing Crier. One night, she had the perfect chance to leave her for dead, but she saves her and they end up becoming closer in a way they probably never expected to

I loved Crier's War, by Nina Varela. The worldbuilding is amazing, though there is a lot of information about the setting right in the beginning that may get a bit slow to some people. This book really captivated me and I finished it in 2 days. And the LGBTQ+ representation is really good too, so I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is also part of that community and any allies. I also recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy type books with a hint of sci-fi and romance. It was really wholesome reading this book and noticing small moments between Crier and Ayla. It was great seeing how being LGBTQ+ was normalized and common in the world.

Reviewed by AO, Grade 9

Glendale Central Library 

The Bar Code Tattoo, by Suzanne Weyn

The Bar Code Tattoo, by Suzanne Weyn is the latest and greatest form of everything. It is an ID, a certificate, a passport, and a credit card all embedded on your skin. Almost everybody gets it. But Kayla, a regular high school senior, is hesitant about the new technology and its control over her life. The tattoo gave anyone access to your genetic code and private information at the quick scan of the wrist. As the new technology makes more and more aspects of life efficient for the tattooed population, Kayla struggles to avoid getting it. She becomes marked as different in her school and in her community. Her mother and father, who both have gotten the tattoo start to behave differently, becoming depressed and her father even becomes suicidal. Kayla uses this, along with her mother's knowledge that babies are being killed based on their genetic code to remain strong in her refusal to get the tattoo. When her mother begins to go crazy and burn the tattoo off of her wrist, Kayla winds up in the hospital. She is told she will receive the tattoo shortly and she runs away. How will she avoid the government, discover what happened to her father, and find other non-tattooed people?

The Bar Code Tattoo is a thrilling read that will quickly get you hooked on the story. Written in the early 2000s its a fascinating take on the dangers of wide spread technology and government control. While one critique of the story could be its lack of addressing modern cell phones and social media. Yet, I would argue that by focusing on the first, most basic identifying technology, the barcode, Weyn emphasizes how easy it is for any type of technology to attack individualism and create a dystopian world. In fact Weyn makes the horrors of her world so evident that it might be overly disturbing to young readers who watch the transition from "normal" life to one of terror. For older readers however, the intriguing plot forces them to reflect upon their own society. What is the barcode tattoo today?

Reviewed by Rachel R., Grade 12

Glendale Central Library