2025 Teen Book Reviews

Reviewed by Alexander J. 8th Grade

In my opinion, Gone With the Wind was a literary masterpiece. Gone With the Wind was written by Margret Mitchell in 1936. The story takes place mainly in  “Tara”,, a small plantation 30 miles south of Atlanta city, Georgia. The time period is during the Civil War and Reconstruction era (1860s-70s). The main character is Scarlett O'Hara. Throughout the story Scarlett has several love affairs and must survive through the political and physical turmoil that was caused by the Civil War.

I loved this book so much because of its foreign style. Rather than talking down about the South, it mourns the loss of a beautiful culture so violently demolished by man's instinct of war. I think any person that is looking for a good novel on historical fiction that is accurate to how the world was in the time period would think Gone With the Wind is a wonderful book.

Reviewed by Alexander J. 8th Grade

1984 Is probably the most accurate representation of what a dystopian society would look like. The book was written by George Orwell in 1949, The book is in 3rd person. The book focuses on Winston Smith. Winston is an older man who lives in London, Britain (known as Air Strip 1); the current year is believed to be 1984. The main plot of 1984 is Winston meeting a woman, and the two going against the “party†that has control of all of Oceania, the super state that Winston lives in.

I enjoyed reading the book so much because of the confusion and hysteria the people are in. All the people are under the rule of the party, Ingsoc, and must obey the strict totalitarian and socialist rule. I also liked how every time I thought I had a grasp on what was going on, I would be thrust into confusion, just as Winston was. I would say anyone that enjoys politics or dystopian novels would like reading 1984. I would also say if you enjoy reading 1984, it would be good to check out his other books, like Animal Farm, which also has a beautiful interpretation of the dangers of totalitarianism.

Reviewed by Alexander J. 8th Grade

Where the Red Fern Grows was a masterpiece of a book, there is no way to deny it. The book was written by Wilson Rawls in 1961, in 3rd person. It is an autobiographical fiction, about Rawls when he was 10 years old. The book takes place in Scraper, Oklahoma in the 1920's. The main character is Billy Colman. Billy has a strong desire to have two hound dogs to go hunting for racoons with.

I think this book was incredible because it represents the true connection between man and dog. Another thing I liked was that all throughout the story Billy is faced with many horrors, which are heart wrenching to the reader. These horrors only to be swiftly replaced with a joyous reunion or an amazing gift. Overall, I would say, Where the Red Fern Grows is an amazing book that should be read by everyone, young or old.

Reviewed by Alexander J. 8th Grade

The Prisoner of Cell 25 was a wonderful book on a boy with super powers. The Prisoner of Cell 25 was written by Richard Paul Evans in 2011. The book takes place in Idaho and California. The year is 2010. It is a science fiction novel part of a larger series of 10 books. The book mainly focuses on Michael Vey and his friends Ostin Liss and Tayler Ridley, all of whom are 14, Michael has tourettes and a special electric ability. Both Vey and Ridley were born in Pasadena California on April 16, 1996. The main story of the book focuses on Michaels search to find his mother after she is kidnapped. The story is written in 1st person.

I enjoyed this book because of the sarcasm that Michael displays. Like how in the beginning he asks for people not to ask "What state Idaho was in". There were still some parts of the book that I didn't enjoy though. I found that it was a bit fast and inaccurate to how people would act in certain situations. However, I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone that enjoys Science fiction.

Reviewed by Alexander J 8th Grade

The Good Earth was an incredible representation of the hardships that was China in the reign of the last emperor. The book was written in 1931 by Pearl S, Buck in 3rd person. The book takes place in a small Chinese village in the 1920s. The book's protagonist is Wang Lung, a young rice farmer. Wang Lung goes about the story constantly becoming wealthy and then poor, in an endless cycle.

I loved this book due to its relationship with the reign of the last emperor of China. The book has a wonderful representation of the cycle of failure and success. My favorite part of the book was in the end, when Wang Lung is an elderly man and his sons deceive him into thinking his land will still be used for farming. I liked this part because it was a change in how wealth was displayed in the family.

Reviewed by Kelsey B. 11th Grade

The book Lightlark is a fast paced, intense, adventurous fantasy novel. It has aspects of large scale competition, enemies to loves, and widespread betrayal. The story contains six kingdoms all under the same fate of significant curses specific to each kingdom. The only way to break these curses is a series of trials each ruler has to face while working alongside and against one another in a fight to the death. Only one ruler will come out on top, and the fate of another will cease to exist. Tensions start to rise when new relationships are formed and a traitor is working in the backroud on their own agenda that will impact the whole world. Alex Aster did a fantastic job at bringing to life her characters, the Island of Lightlark, and the magic within through amazing imagery. The mystery and danger keeps readers engaged and not wanting to put the book down!

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

Ghost is about a boy named Castle “Ghost†Cranshaw, who has always been fast—running from his past and his problems. When he stumbles upon a track team, he realizes running could be more than just an escape. Coach sees his potential, but Ghost struggles with his anger and impulsiveness. The book has a lot of heart, and Ghost is a relatable character. It's a quick read with a great message about second chances and finding where you belong. If you like sports, underdog stories, and a little humor, this book is worth it.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

Told in verse, The Crossover is about twin brothers, Josh and Jordan Bell, who are basketball stars. They’ve always been close, but as they grow up, things change. Josh struggles with family, love, and rivalry, especially when his brother starts focusing more on a girl than basketball. The writing is fast and energetic, just like a game. Even if you’re not into poetry, the way Alexander tells the story makes it exciting. It’s about basketball, but also about family, growing up, and dealing with loss. A great book for anyone who loves sports and emotional stories.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

This is a true story about high school football in Odessa, Texas, where the whole town revolves around the sport. The players deal with intense pressure, racism, and personal struggles as they chase a state championship. It's not just about football; it's about the culture surrounding it and how it affects people's lives. The writing makes you feel like you're right there in the stands. If you like real-life stories about sports, teamwork, and the ups and downs of chasing a dream, this is a great read.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School 

Lonnie Jackson is a talented basketball player with dreams of making it big. His coach, a former player with a troubled past, pushes him hard. But Lonnie has to deal with pressures off the court too, like street violence and people who want to take advantage of his talent. The book is raw and real, showing how tough it can be to succeed when the odds are against you. Myers captures the struggle of young athletes in a way that feels true to life. If you like basketball and stories about overcoming challenges, you'll like this one.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

Michael Arroyo is a 12-year-old baseball phenom, but there's a problem- he doesn't have the right paperwork to prove his age. Without parents around, he and his brother are hiding the truth while he fights to keep playing. The book mixes sports action with real-life problems, making it exciting and emotional. Lupica does a great job capturing the game and the struggles of a kid trying to keep his dreams alive. If you like baseball and fast-paced stories, heat is a great pick.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

Jake Cullen is the younger brother of a famous quarterback, and now it's his turn to shine. But living in his brother's shadow isn't easy, especially in Texas, where high school football is everything. Jake has to prove himself on the field while dealing with family expectations and team drama. The book has great football action and a relatable main character. If you like sports books with competition, pressure, and personal growth, this is a good one to check out.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

Ryan Dean West is a 14-year-old rugby player at a boarding school. He's younger than most of his teammates and has to deal with bullies, crushes, and making mistakes. The book is funny, awkward, and sometimes heartbreaking. The mix of humor and serious moments makes it feel real. It also has cool illustrations that help tell the story. If you like books that mix sports, humor, and drama, Winger is a great choice.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

Jessica is a track star until a car accident changes everything, she loses part of her leg and doesn't know if she'l ever run again. The story follows her journey through recovery, frustration, and hope as she learns to see life in a new way. It's an emotional but uplifting book about resilience and not giving up. Even if you're not a runner, you'll connect with Jessica's struggles and growth. If you like inspiring stories about overcoming obstacles, this one is perfect.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

Savvy is a talented basketball player, but at 6'2", she struggles with fitting in and being taken seriously. When she makes an elite team, she faces competition, jealousy, and a big scandal that could ruin everything. The book does a great job showing the pressure athletes face, especially girls in sports. The basketball action is exciting, and the mystery keeps you hooked. If you like stories about sports, teamwork, and big decisions, you should read boost!

Reviewed by Glory A. 8th Grade

Lion Down by Stuart Gibbs is the fifth book in the FunJungle series. In this book, Teddy Fitzroy, the young detective who has solved many cases in Funjungle before, is faced with two cases at once. First, a mountain lion is accused of killing King, a dog who belongs to Lincoln Stone, a rich and famous influencer. Lincoln is determined to have the lion killed and sets a $100,000 bounty on the lion’s head. However, Teddy and many other people suspect that the lion was framed. So, Teddy and his girlfriend, Summer, set out to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, someone has been poisoning the giraffes at FunJungle, making Teddy have to deal with both of the cases. The story is filled with suspense and humor, making the reader begging for more.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

This book follows Miles, a quiet boy who goes to a new school and meets Alaska, a mysterious and unpredictable girl. He quickly falls for her, but she is hard to understand. The book is about love, loss, and figuring out life. The story is written in a way that makes you feel like you are part of the group. It is emotional and sometimes funny, but it also makes you think about choices and consequences. The book is not too long, and the characters feel real. The ending is sad but meaningful.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

This book is about a girl named Cadence who spends summers with her rich family on a private island. After a mysterious accident, she cannot remember what happened, and no one will tell her the truth. As she pieces things together, the story gets more intense. The book is written in a unique way, with short chapters and poetic language. It is mysterious and emotional, and the ending is shocking. It is not a long book, but it keeps you thinking even after you finish it.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

This book is about Ed, a normal guy who accidentally stops a crime and then starts getting mysterious playing cards in the mail. Each card has a message leading him to help different people. As he completes the tasks, he learns more about himself and his purpose. The book is exciting and keeps you guessing about who is sending the cards. It is a mix of mystery, adventure, and self-discovery. The writing style is different but makes the story feel real. It is a great book for people who like unexpected twists.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

This book follows Clay, a boy who receives a box of tapes recorded by his classmate Hannah, who recently took her own life. Each tape explains a reason why she made that choice, and Clay listens to find out his connection to her story. The book is emotional and serious, dealing with important topics like bullying and mental health. It makes you think about how small actions affect others. The story moves quickly and keeps you wanting to know more. The ending is heartbreaking, but it leaves a strong message.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

This book is about an alien invasion that comes in deadly waves. Cassie, one of the few survivors, is trying to find her younger brother. Along the way, she meets Evan, who may not be who he seems. The book is full of action, suspense, and unexpected twists. The world feels real, and the characters are easy to connect with. The story is fast-paced and exciting, making it hard to put down. It is a great book for people who like dystopian stories with adventure and danger.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

This book follows a boy named Will, whose brother was just killed. He gets on an elevator with a gun, planning to get revenge. But as the elevator goes down, ghosts from his past appear and make him question his choices. The book is written in verse, so it is quick to read, but the message is powerful. It talks about violence, grief, and breaking the cycle. The writing style makes it different from most books, but it is emotional and deep. It is a book that sticks with you.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

This book is about Charlie, a shy and awkward high school freshman who struggles with past trauma. He finds friends in two seniors, Patrick and Sam, who show him how to enjoy life. The book is written as letters from Charlie, which makes it feel personal. It talks about mental health, friendship, and growing up. The writing is simple but powerful. It is an emotional book that makes you feel connected to the characters. The story is realistic and relatable.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

In this book, people get a call on the day they are going to die. Mateo and Rufus are strangers who meet on their last day and decide to spend it together. The story is emotional and makes you think about how you would live if you knew your time was almost up. The characters feel real, and the book is both heartbreaking and beautiful. Even though you know how it ends, the journey is what makes it worth reading. It is a great book for people who like emotional stories about friendship and life.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

This book follows two girls, Camino and Yahaira, who do not know they are sisters until their father dies in a plane crash. As they learn the truth, they have to figure out how to deal with loss and family secrets. The book is written in verse, so it is fast to read but still full of emotion. It talks about grief, identity, and family. The story is powerful, and the writing is beautiful. It is a great book for people who like deep and meaningful stories.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

This book is about a society where people are divided into factions based on their personalities. Tris, the main character, does not fit into just one group, which makes her dangerous. She joins a faction where she has to go through tough challenges to survive. Along the way, she uncovers secrets about her world. The book is full of action and adventure, with a little romance. The world-building is interesting, and the story moves quickly. It is great for people who like dystopian books with strong characters.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

This book follows Leonard, a teenager who plans to end his life and take revenge on someone who hurt him. But before he does, he wants to say goodbye to the few people who matter to him. As the story unfolds, you learn what led him to this decision. The book is emotional and serious, dealing with topics like depression and trauma. The writing makes you feel connected to Leonard, even when he is struggling. It is a deep and powerful story that makes you think about kindness and second chances.

Reviewed by Cody L. High School

This book is about a future society where two teenagers, Day and June, are on opposite sides of a war. Day is a criminal fighting against the government, while June is a soldier working for them. When their paths cross, they start to question everything they thought was true. The story is full of action and mystery. It moves quickly and has a lot of twists. The characters are strong, and the world feels real. It is a great book for people who like adventures.

Reviewed by Yubeen K. High School

I I read the book All These Beautiful Strangers by Elizabeth Klehforth. The main character of the book is a girl named Charlie. When she was young, her mother, Grace, mysteriously disappeared. Now, at 17 years old, Charlie wants to join an exclusive high school club called the A’s. To become a member, she must complete several challenging missions. Despite the difficulty, Charlie is determined to succeed and completes each task one by one. In the process, she also uncovers secrets about her missing mother, Grace. This novel belongs to the mystery genre, and since I enjoy mystery and detective stories, I found it incredibly engaging. At first, I had no idea what was going on, but as I kept reading, I started picking up clues, and seeing everything fall into place was interesting.

Reviewed by Yubeen K. High School

I read The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald in my English class at school. Since it’s such a famous novel and I had already seen the movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the story felt familiar to me. This book vividly depicts the Roaring Twenties and criticize the corruption of society at the time. The main character, Gatsby, longed for wealth to escape his impoverished childhood, but behind his success lay lies and questionable actions. While the novel captures the atmosphere of the 1920s, what stands out is Gatsby’s unwavering love for Daisy. He devoted his life to her, but unlike him, Daisy was grounded in reality and ultimately did not choose him. This highlights the social hierarchy that no amount of effort can truly overcome. Although the themes of the novel are quite profound, the interesting characters and engaging storyline made it an enjoyable read.

Reviewed by O'ryon H. 11th Grade

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder follows Pip Fitz-Amobi, a sharp and determined high schooler who investigates a five-year-old murder case for her senior project. Though the town believes Sal Singh killed his girlfriend, Andie Bell, before taking his own life, Pip is convinced there’s more to the story. Holly Jackson blends a compelling mystery with true crime intrigue, using interview transcripts and case notes to immerse readers in the investigation. The twists come fast, keeping the tension high, though some side characters feel underdeveloped. A gripping, cleverly structured whodunit that hooks readers from start to finish.

Reviewed by O'ryon H. 11th Grade

Good Girl, Bad Blood picks up after Pip solves her first case, but this time, the stakes are even higher. When her friend’s brother goes missing, Pip is reluctant to return to detective work until she realizes the police aren’t taking his disappearance seriously. Holly Jackson raises the tension with a more intense, real-time mystery, enhanced by Pip’s growing moral struggles and the consequences of her previous investigation. The podcast format adds a fresh narrative layer, though some twists feel more dramatic than believable. A darker, more urgent sequel that deepens Pip’s character while delivering another fast paced, suspenseful mystery.

Reviewed by O'ryon H. 11th Grade

As Good As Dead takes Pip’s story to its darkest point yet, as she becomes the target of a mysterious stalker. No longer just investigating crimes, she finds herself trapped in a deadly game of survival. Holly Jackson shifts from mystery to psychological thriller, pushing Pip into morally complex territory that challenges everything she stood for. The book’s pacing is relentless, building to a shocking, divisive conclusion that some readers may find too extreme. A bold, unsettling finale that turns the series on its head, forcing readers to question justice, morality, and how far someone will go to protect themselves.

Reviewed by O'ryon H. 11th Grade

Horrorstör is a horror-comedy set in an IKEA inspired furniture store where employees working the night shift realize something sinister is lurking in the showroom. Grady Hendrix blends satire with supernatural horror, turning the mundanity of retail into a nightmare fueled by corporate greed and ghostly revenge. The novel’s creative format designed to look like a furniture catalog adds to its immersive and eerie atmosphere. While the characters are somewhat underdeveloped, the novel’s mix of humor and horror makes for a uniquely unsettling experience. A clever, fast paced horror novel that turns the horrors of modern capitalism into something truly monstrous.

Reviewed by O'ryon H. 11th Grade

The Final Girl Support Group is a fast-paced, adrenaline fueled thriller that follows a group of real-life "final girls", women who survived slasher-style massacres; who meet for support, only to realize someone is targeting them again. Grady Hendrix delivers a meta horror novel packed with references to classic slasher films, twisting familiar tropes into an original, action heavy story. The unreliable narrator adds to the tension, though the breakneck pacing and chaotic storytelling might be overwhelming for some readers. A brutal, suspenseful novel that plays with horror conventions while offering a fresh, feminist take on the final girl trope.

Reviewed by O'ryon H. 11th Grade

My Best Friend’s Exorcism is a horror novel set in the 1980s that follows best friends Abby and Gretchen, whose lives take a terrifying turn when Gretchen begins exhibiting disturbing behavior after a night gone wrong. Grady Hendrix blends supernatural horror with sharp social commentary, using the lens of possession to explore the complexities of teenage friendships, peer pressure, and personal identity. The nostalgic setting, packed with pop culture references, enhances the novel’s eerie yet emotionally charged atmosphere. Though the pacing slows in parts, the story builds to a gripping and unsettling climax. A dark, bittersweet horror novel that balances scares with heart

Reviewed by Aurora K. High School

Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover is a mystery intended for teen girls who know that they can do anything without the help of anyone. A secret spy school for girls teaches Cammie, Macey, Liz, and Bex the key skills of spying and helping America reach the concept of the greater good. But things quickly change from innocent spy work to a deadly situation that could cost the girls their lives. This book captures the audience in a series of events that make it impossible to put this book down. Make sure you clear your schedule before you sit down with this thrilling teenage story.

Reviewed by Aurora K. High School

Mercy is a highly intellectual book with many medical terms, however you don’t have to know a whole about medicine to understand, as many of the terms are explained in a way that everyone can understand. An international debate on mercy killings is turning Memorial Hospital upside down in unexplained unnatural deaths. Somebody has been intentionally killing long term patients who don’t actually want to die. Experienced doctors and pathologists are left confused and worried about the safety of the hospital and the surviving long term patients it holds. But the killer doesn’t stop with patients. They try to target Dr. Julie Devereux and her family in order to stop her from finding the answers that could jail the killer.

Reviewed by Aurora K. High School

The Hunger Games is one of the most popular series of this day and age. Katniss Everdeen’s live for her sister causes her to risk her own life and gamble her sanity in order to please the Capitol and beg for her life. Peeta, the local baker’s son is there to help her put up and act of love in order to convince the Capitol and viewers across the country of Panem that she is worth betting on and sponsoring in the deadly Games. Somewhere along the way, she and Peeta really do fall in love, but Katniss pushes her feelings away, thinking that live should be the last thing she wants.

Reviewed by Aurora K. High School

When Ivy’s mother dies on her morning run by falling off a bridge, her twin sister Iris moves in. Iris takes her mother’s death the hardest, but there is something suspicious about her grief and Ivy is determined to get to the bottom of it. Iris begins sabotaging Ivy’s life though. Their dad only believes Iris over the daughter who has lived with him her entire life. Ivy’s’ world is uprooted when she discovers the awful things her sister has done to her friends, and even worse, their own mother. But still, no one believes her. Not until she finds solid proof and goes to the police.

Reviewed by Aurora K. High School

In the book The Lake, by Natasha Preston, 2 best friends, Esme and Kayla return to their childhood summer camp as counselors in training. But the reason they returned was not out of reminiscing in childhood memories. It was out of fear. Somebody knew the secret that they had sworn never to speak about. The camp is stalked and targeted by the person who knew what Esme and Kayla had done a decade before, determined to make the girls pay for what they did to her. When they come face to face, the girls realize just how much the stalker is willing to do. And how much it looks like Esme was the one holding the gun.

Reviewed by Aurora K. High School

In The Lost, Piper, a teenage girl who loves solving mysteries, is faced with a mystery of her own when she and her best friend, Hazel are kidnapped. But this wasn’t the first disappearance in their town. A few rich boys had been kidnapping teenagers left and right and put them into a “game” in which the teens had to face extreme environments such as blinding light, deafening sound, severe temperature, starvation, and drowning. Then there was the last room. Where 2 teens had to fight to the death. As Piper tried to get herself and the others out of danger, she began to realize just how dangerous it was. And how far from finished the kidnappers were.

Reviewed by Keigo K. 7th Grade

Every Aesir knows that if Loki, a powerful sorcerer, is freed from his chains, destruction will strike and will start ragnarok. In case ragnarok happened, every einherjar in Valhalla would fight to their death.The only thing that is keeping the giants from attacking asgard and boston is the hammer of Thor. One of Thors’s goat servants meets an einherjar and tells him that Thor’s hammer had gone missing. If the giants notice the hammer is missing they will attack for sure…
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This book was very enjoyable to read! I don’t know about Norse mythology, so I learned lots of interesting facts! I liked the funny lines they say and the personalities of the characters! I am motivated to read the rest of the series. I think all young adults would like these series. If you have never read this book, you are missing out a lot!

Reviewed by Kyler M. High School

The history of the American buffalo and their significance to hunting and the ecosystem is covered in this book. Author Steven Rinella writes about a buffalo he shot in Alaska. Rinella also writes about how Native Americans and pioneers used bison for apparel and nourishment. She also discusses how nearly exterminated buffalo are now safeguarded. He encourages you to consider how hunting may be both respectful and part of nature. I loved this book because it was about more than just killing an animal; it was about learning, survival, and the wild

Reviewed by Kyler M. High School

A boy learning to hunt and fish with his grandfather is covered in this book. Not only hunting, the Old Man teaches him about life. They hunt quail, deer, and fish in the South. Robert Ruark writes like he is recounting a childhood memory. The youngster discovers the value of bravery, truthfulness, and patience. This book is mostly about coming of age and hearing from those who love you. Hunting is only one aspect of it. I appreciated it because it had several life lessons and felt natural.

Reviewed by Kyler M. High School

True stories about his hunting career are told by Steven Rinella. He discusses hunting a variety of animals, including deer, squirrels, and even bears. He also clarifies what follows the hunt, like meat skinning and cooking. The book makes you consider the source of your food as well as being interesting. Hunting, in Rinella's opinion, aids individuals in connecting with nature. I enjoyed this book since it demonstrated that hunting is more than just a pastime; it is something significant to him and his family.

Reviewed by Kyler M. High School

This book comprises numerous brief narratives by several hunters. They discuss why they hunt and its personal relevance. Some narratives are deep; others are joyful. Deer, ducks, and elk are sought after during hunts. Some authors write about difficult times while others comment on the natural beauty. This book appealed me since it depicted several facets of hunting, not only the enjoyable aspects. It made me understand hunters care far more for the land and animals than most people would imagine.

Reviewed by Kyler M. High School

Hunting and excursions to remote areas in the United States are topics discussed by Mark Kenyon. He discusses why public lands and national parks need protecting and visits them. He also tells his own hunting accounts. Kenyon demonstrates that wild areas are for everyone: hunters, hikers, and many more. This book appealed to me because it made me consider nature and how hunting interacts with it. He seeks people to value preserving natural areas, and I believe that is a strong message.

Reviewed by Sarah H. 9th Grade

Liza and her best friend Grace meet two boys named James and Ben, and they become quick friends. Ben and James enter Liza's moms baking competition that she judges in and when the competition begins, James wins many of the challenges.
Ben and Grace fall in love with each other, while Liza and James become closer and closer. But when Ben and James find out about Liza’s older sister’s boyfriend, Nathan, things start to go downhill. Ben breaks up with Grace, James grows distant from Liza and the culinary school is found destroyed.
Ben tells Liza about his and James’s bad past with Nathan and what happened that made him break up with Grace, but when Liza tells him what really happened with Grace, he realizes he made a mistake. When Ben, Grace, Liza and James make up, they all realize Nathan was behind the destruction of the school. They tell everyone what Nathan did and everything goes back to normal.
This book was really fun to read. It was interesting to read about stereotypical Asians, even if some of it seemed silly. Towards the end of the book, the plot took a sudden turn and became very wild. I did get a little annoyed that Liza ended up doing exactly what her mom told her to do, but other than that, I loved reading every word of it!

Reviewed by Sarah H. 9th Grade

Waylon, an overweight, gay senior in high school, finds out that his “boyfriend” found somebody he loved more than Waylon. Then to make matters worse, he finds out his twin sister, Clem, is leaving him to go to college in Georgia.
To heal his aching heart, he makes an audition video for The Fiercest Of Them All, a TV show about Drag Queens. A few days later, Waylon finds out that the video was accidentally sent to the whole school. He is then nominated as Prom Queen, and Clem’s girlfriend, Hannah, is nominated as Prom King.
Waylon gets partnered up with Tucker, a boy that Waylon hates, for a project, but they slowly become friends. Waylon falls in love with Tucker, only to find out he’s taking somebody else to prom. Refusing to back down, Waylon goes full out and is chosen to be Prom Queen, and Hannah is chosen to be Prom King. Tucker finds Waylon and apologizes, and says that he made a mistake. He confesses his love for Waylon, and they spend the rest of the night kissing, dancing, and having an amazing time.
I really loved this book. I think it’s about being who you really are and doing what you love. I can kind of relate to Waylon. I want to be a feminine drag queen when I’m older. I love the makeup, the clothes, and the fact that when you're in drag, you can really do whatever you want! (As long as it’s legal)

Reviewed by Sarah H. 9th Grade

XOXO is a Korean love story between a cellist and a K-pop Idol that takes place in Seoul, Korea.
Jenny Go, a girl who lives in Los Angeles and is very serious about her future as a cellist, meets a mysterious boy named Jaewoo. They spend a whole night together, wandering around town and having fun. When Jenny finally says goodbye to Jaewoo and goes back home, she finds out that her mother is leaving her to go to Seoul to take care of Jenny’s Halmoni, but Jenny convinces her mom to let her go with her.
When Jenny arrives at her new school in Seoul, she finds out that Jaewoo is in her class! She also finds out that he is in a famous K-pop group called XOXO. Jenny and Jaewoo become very close and begin to date. Jenny finds out that Idols aren’t allowed to date, which worries her. Jenny breaks up with Jaewoo after finding out she will have to move back to America early for an orchestra concert she was offered a spot.
Jaewoo goes to New York, in the same city where Jenny is, for an XOXO performance. When Jenny sees him, they make up and get back together.
I really liked this book a lot. I thought it was very cute and really fun. From what I understood from reading this book, it’s about living your life to the fullest and doing what you love. I would definitely recommend this book to all my friends who love reading and even the ones who don’t.