Printing has been restored and is available at all APL locations.
Printing has been restored and is available at all APL locations.
a novel by Freida McFadden
2021
ISBN: 9798515308803
When one of her surgery patients is found murdered, Nora realizes the manner is eerily similar to her father's serial killings decades earlier.
Reviewed by Zyana K. High School
The book, The Locked Door, is about Nora Neirling, a Chicago-raised careful, isolated, and kind surgeon who will do anything to protect her background and person.
The plot revolves around Nora’s family history and the murders of women. When Nora was growing up her father was imprisoned after being found guilty of kidnapping and murder women. His torture dungeon was Nora’s family basement. This trauma and stigma has followed Nora throughout her life, and now that she is a surgeon she doesn’t want her family history to affect her care or personal life.
Yet, suddenly, two of Nora’s patients end up murdered in ways incredibly similar to the style of brutality her father caused. Since Nora’s father is imprisoned, gossip about Nora being the murderer spreads. This is where the book’s plot picks up, with Nora working her shift to save lives and trying to save her own life as pressure builds to find the new murderer. With the police following Nora and her personal life falling apart, the book’s climax occurs when her coworker reveals the truth about everything.
This “coworker” is actually Harper, Nora’s long-lost sister, who has been replicating their father’s tactics and murdering Nora’s patients. Only after Harper then attacks and tries to kill Nora and her loved ones does the reader realize the fact that this book is about never letting one’s guard down.
story and art by Yūki Tabata ; translation, Satsuki Yamashita & Taylor Engel ; touch-up art & lettering, Annaliese Christman
2017
ISBN: 9781421587189
"Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem - he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure - Asta will never give up!" -- Back of book.
Reviewed by Jayden H. 9th Grade
This story is about two boys named Asta and Yuno, both born into a world of magic. Yuno was born with an incredible amount of magic, while Asta was born with nothing due to his mother's magical ability. On the day they receive their grimoires—a book used to draw out magical powers—Yuno receives a book marked with a four-leaf clover, while Asta is given a book marked with a black five-leaf clover. The four-leaf clover is a sign of great power, and the five-leaf clover is a symbol of evil beings known as devils. Asta is given the power of an anti-magic sword, and Yuno is given the power to control the wind. Asta was not meant to receive this book, but due to his lack of magic, he can wield the sword with no issues whatsoever. Prior to these events, they both swore to be each other's rivals. They later join an organization called the Magic Knights. The magic knights go on missions to protect the Clover Kingdom from enemy kingdoms—the Spade and Diamond Kingdoms. I can't explain much else since the story has gone on hiatus until later this month. Overall, the story is very interesting and has grown to be one of my favorites.
S.E. Hinton
2017
ISBN: 9780425288290
The struggle of three brothers to stay together after their parents' death and their quest for identity among the conflicting values of their adolescent society.
Reviewed by Jayden H. 9th Grade
Note: This story was written by a very young woman. This story is about a boy named Ponyboy, a Greaser, and his gang. This gang constantly gets into fights with a wealthy group known as the Socs. The Socs never seem to leave the Greasers alone any time they leave their homes. The main problem of the story begins when Ponyboy's friend, Johnny, kills a Soc in self-defense. Tension escalates, forcing the boys to run to their friend for help. As they hide from the law, they accidentally light a building on fire. A group of children were in the building, so Johnny dove in to rescue them. A famous quote comes from this book. "Stay, Gold Ponyboy,” which is said as Johnny slowly dies in a hospital bed due to his burns. This book was incredibly interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. This book is again one of my favorites, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys action and suspense.
story by Tsugumi Ohba ; art by Takeshi Obata
2009
ISBN: 9781421501680
Light tests the boundaries of the Death Note's powers as L and the police begin to close in. Luckily Light's father is the head of the Japanese National Police Agency and leaves vital information about the case lying around the house. With access to his father's files, Light can keep one step ahead of the authorities. But who is the strange man following him, and how can Light guard against enemies whose names he doesn't know?
Reviewed by Jayden H. 9th Grade
The top student in Japan, named Light Yagami, watches a notebook fall from the sky from the classroom window. When he goes outside to pick it up, he sees the words “Death Note” written on the face of the book. He doesn't believe it at first, but the book has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. To use the book, you must picture the person you want to kill and write their name on one of the pages. You can control the way they die, as long as it is somewhat feasible. Later that night, Light is interrupted by the owner of the book, a shinigami. Shinigami are Japanese gods of death. The shinigami's name is Ryuk, and he tells Light he is now the owner until the day he eventually dies. Light starts to use the book for “good” by killing all of the world's criminals, starting in Japan. The police task force is against Lights ideals and is set on finding out who is killing the criminals and executing them. Once word gets out that criminals are dying all over the world, people start spreading rumors and begin calling Light “Kira.” The task force hires a world-renowned investigator named “L” to find Kira and kill him. The entire book is about the two geniuses going back and forth and taking stabs at each other until one of them dies. This is my favorite manga, and it was very fun to read.
writer, Ta-Nehisi Coates ; artist, Brian Stelfreeze ; pencils/layouts, Chris Sprouse ; color artist, Laura Martin ; letterer, VC's Joe Sabino
2017
ISBN: 9781302904159
When a superhuman terrorist group named The People sparks a violent uprising in Wakanda, the kingdom famed for its incredible technology and proud traditions will be thrown into turmoil like never before! Black Panther knows that if Wakanda is to survive, it must adapt--but will he be able to make it through the transition alive? Heavy is the head that wears the cowl!
Reviewed by Edison C. High School
The comic book, Rise of the Black Panther is about Prince T’Challa becoming the 43rd Black Panther after his father, T’Chaka, is killed. Though what is precisely known about T’Chaka’s death is unclear, he was murdered by a group called The Outsiders. After T’Chakka’s death, T’Challa has to take the mantle of father and become the Black Panther, ruler and protector of Wakanda.
In the comic book’s beginning, the 42nd Black Panther, T’Chaka, is teamed up with the one and only Captain America. Together, they fight Nazis in the jungles of Africa to liberate the people and crush fascism. Then the book jumps 70 some years, moving to present-day Wakanda, where readers see this flashback as a story being told to T’Challa about his father. This flashback leads to the story’s main action which details a battle between T’Challa/Black Panther and the Winter Soldier, one of Captain America’s contemporaries.
The best part of this comic book, in this writer’s opinion, is the origin story of the character Kill Monger. T’Chaka, the 42nd Black Panther, killed Kill Monger’s dad because he was selling guns and other thug stuff. Young Erik (Kill Monger) was playing basketball, went away during the scuffle, and when he came back found his father dead. This anger made him into the ruthless killer he became as Kill Monger.
If you like comic books or super heroes this is an excellent comic for you. It details the origin story of Kill Monger and T’Challa’s rise as Black Panther. It also describes what Wakanda is and where it is for future reference.
Nasug̊raq Rainey Hopson
2023
ISBN: 9781250750655
"Winter approaches, and there's much to do if Piŋa's family wants to be prepared: hunting, fishing, gathering, and more. Now, Piŋa must travel up the mountain to collect obsidian for knapping - the same mountain where his two older brothers disappeared. As he leaves, Piŋa reassures his parents that he will not succumb to the same fate as his brothers. He will return. But when he reaches the mountaintop, he is confronted by a terrifying eagle god named Savik, who gives the boy a choice: Follow me, or die like your brothers. What follows is a harrowing journey to the home of the eagle gods, where Piŋa faces unexpected trials that teach him lessons on the natural world, the past that shapes us, and the community that binds us. With beautiful full-color art, this vivid retelling of the first Messenger Feast - still celebrated today - brings to life the origin myth of how the eagle gods bestowed the Iñupiat with the gifts of music, song, dance, community, and everlasting tradition."-- Jacket flap.
Reviewed by Kira E. High School
The book Eagle Drums by Nunamiut Inupiaq author Nasugraq Rainey Hopson is a written description of how the annual Alaskan Inupiat annual Messenger Feast came to be. Hopson, originally from Pt. Hope, Alaska, now lives and writes in Anaktuvuk Pass, the home of the inland Inupiaq, or Nunamiut.
The Messenger Feast, also known as Kivgiq, is a yearly mid-winter festival in Utqiagvik, Alaska for the North Slope Borough communities. Anyone is welcome to join, but the feast is an Inupiat tradition. Rainey’s book, Eagle Drums, ultimately teaches why being together is important.
It describes the tale of a boy who goes out to the mountains and gets taken to learn about life and death and community from a group of giant, mythical golden eagles. He had gone to hunt and was gone for what seemed like years. After years and years of absence, and his family long thinking he had died, the boy returns with the teachings and wisdom of the eagles. He shares his knowledge with his community, which leads to the first messenger feast, uniting all the Inupiat villages in an annual celebration of culture.
If readers like storytelling or books about Alaska Native culture, this is a great book to add to the reading list.
Annie Boochever with Roy Peratrovich Jr
2021
ISBN: 9781602233706
""No Natives Allowed!" blared the storefront sign at the young Tlingit Indian girl. The sting of those words would stay with Elizabeth Peratrovich all her life. They would also make her deter-mined to work for change. Years later, a seasoned fighter for equality, she would deliver her own eloquent message, one that helped change Alaska and the nation forever. Writ-ten in collaboration with Elizabeth's eldest son and only living child, Roy Peratrovich Jr., Fighter in Velvet Gloves tells the life story of this inspirational Alaskan and American hero, for readers 10 and up. This book is intended as a study guide for teachers and students to use with Fighter in Velvet Gloves"-- Provided by publisher.
Reviewed by Kira E. High School
The book Fighter in Velvet Gloves is a young adult biography of the Alaska Native activist, civil rights hero, president of the Alaska Native Sisterhood, Elizabeth Peratrovich.
The book details Elizabeth’s life, but particularly her adult accomplishments such as speaking before the Alaska territorial legislature regarding Alaska Native civil rights. Prior to her work (and sadly after) Alaska was a place very much like the rest of the United States, discriminating against people of color and non-white minorities. Tired of maltreatment in her home state and ancestral lands (Elizabeth was Tlingit from southeast Alaska), Elizabeth fought against injustice. Starting in 1941, when Elizabeth and her husband Roy moved from Petersburg to Juneau, she campaigned to reduce the racism against non-whites in Alaska. By 1945 Alaska’s territorial legislature passed an anti discrimination act, one of the first in the nation. While it was seldom upheld, the importance of the statement paved the way for the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
The best part of this book is where Elizabeth learned of her mother’s death and yet kept working on her advocacy. If readers like books about strong women, or if they are inspired by women who fight for their rights, this is a great book to read.
Amy Lloyd
2019
ISBN: 9781335938039
Reviewed by Xyana K. High School
Amy Lloyd's novel One More Lie is a gripping psychological suspense that delves into the complexities of memory, responsibility, and the haunting effects of the past. The story follows Charlotte, a woman striving to leave her troubled history behind after serving time in prison. Despite her efforts to start anew, she finds herself entangled in behaviors reminiscent of her past, leading to a riveting narrative that keeps readers on edge.
The novel skillfully weaves together themes of nature versus nurture, showcasing the intricate layers of human personality and the impact of upbringing on one's life choices. Through an unreliable narrator and dual perspectives, Lloyd keeps the reader guessing about the true nature of the characters, blurring the lines between good and evil.
With a fast-paced plot and addictive storytelling, One More Lie is a thought-provoking read that explores how our past experiences shape our present and future. Lloyd's ability to create tension and suspense throughout the narrative, coupled with well-developed characters, makes this novel a compelling psychological thriller that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.
by Dav Pilkey
1998
ISBN: 9780590846271
When George and Harold hypnotize their principal into thinking that he is a superhero Captain Underpants, he leads them to the lair of the nefarious Dr. Diaper, where they must defeat his evil robot henchman.
Reviewed by Edison C. High School
Captain Underpants is a hilarious and adventurous book that follows the mischievous duo, George and Harold, as they hypnotize their principal into becoming a superhero named Captain Underpants. This book is filled with funny illustrations and silly antics that will keep readers entertained from start to finish.
One of the best things about Captain Underpants is how it combines humor with action, making it a fun and exciting read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh. The characters are relatable and likable, especially George and Harold, who always find themselves in crazy situations that they have to figure out how to escape from.
The illustrations in the book are also a highlight, adding an extra layer of humor to the story. The comic book style of the illustrations helps bring the characters and their adventures to life in a way that is engaging and entertaining.
Overall, Captain Underpants is a great book for readers who enjoy comedy, adventure, and a little bit of silliness. It's a quick and easy read that will leave you laughing out loud and eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. So grab a copy of Captain Underpants and get ready for a wild ride with George, Harold, and their superhero principal!
Rick Riordan
2006
ISBN: 9780786838653
Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson learns he is a demigod, the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea. His mother sends him to a summer camp for demigods where he and his new friends set out on a quest to prevent a war between the gods.
Reviewed by Jayden H. 9th Grade
“Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief” follows Percy Jackson, a teenager with ADHD and dyslexia who finds out he is a demigod—a halfling of a human and god—of Poseidon. When Percy arrives at a camp for demigods, he finds he has to embark on an electrifying (see what I did there?) quest to retrieve Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt to prevent a war among the Olympians with his friends Grover and Annabeth. Percy faces challenges like mythical creatures, fate, and conflict with his father. Rick Riordan fuses myths with our modern-day world, creating one of the best book series I've ever read. I can't even count how many times I have read this series. It is truly a masterpiece.
Rick Riordan
2006
ISBN: 9780786856862
Demi-god Percy Jackson and his friends must journey into the Sea of Monsters to save their camp. But first Percy will discover a secret that makes him wonder whether being claimed as Poseidon's son is an honor or a cruel joke.
Reviewed by Jayden H. 9th Grade
Percy receives a distress signal from his friend Grover, saying he needs help. Percy sets out to save his friend Grover, retrieve the Golden Fleece, and save the Camp Half-Bloods tree that keeps the magical barrier protecting it from collapsing. Accompanied by his half brother Tyson, who also happens to be a cyclops, and his friend Annabeth, Percy sets out for the Sea of Monsters. Percy faces incredibly dangerous beasts throughout the story, making it the perfect action adventure. This one wasn't my absolute favorite out of the book series, but it's safe to say that it's far from a bad book.
Rick Riordan
2007
ISBN: 9781423101451
When the goddess Artemis goes missing, she is believed to have been kidnapped. And now it's up to Percy and his friends to find out what happened. Who is powerful enough to kidnap a goddess? They must find Artemis before the winter solstice, when her influence on the Olympian Council could swing an important vote on the war with the titans. Not only that, but first Percy will have to solve the mystery of a rare monster that Artemis was hunting when she disappeared -- a monster rumored to be so powerful it could destroy Olympus forever.
Reviewed by Jayden H. 9th Grade
Percy is sent on yet another quest, but this time to save the goddess Artemis from the followers of the Titan Lord Kronos. As Percy travels through the dangerous landscape with the Hunt of Artemis and his new comrades, the son and daughter of the god Hades, The little boy stays home as the daughter leaves him in the care of Camp Half-Blood. Percy faces dangerous beings and landscapes on his journey. The stakes were high, friends were lost, and grief was tough, but Percy pushed through along with everyone else. This was the most emotional book, in my opinion, and my second favorite in the series. An amazing book, to say the least.
Rick Riordan
2008
ISBN: 9781423101468
When demonic cheerleaders invade his high school, Percy Jackson hurries to Camp Half Blood, from whence he and his demigod friends set out on a quest through the Labyrinth, while the war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near.
Reviewed by Jayden H. 9th Grade
Percy has to navigate a labyrinth created by the architect Daedalus to stop the Titan Lord Kronos from returning to the mortal world. In this book, Percy not only has to battle monsters and roam a seemingly unsolvable maze, but he also has to battle his newfound romantic feelings for Annabeth. Within this labyrinth, Percy fights well-known creatures such as the Minotaur. Percy faces unlikely alliances and betrayal. Percy’s courage is put to the ultimate test in this masterpiece of a book. It's really hard for me to place a ranking on these books, but this is one of the best.
Rick Riordan
2009
ISBN: 9781423101475
All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of a victory are grim. Kronos's army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan's power only grows. While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it's up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time. As the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy's sixteenth birthday unfolds, and the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.
Reviewed by Jayden H. 9th Grade
The Titan Lord Kronos has been revived and is advancing on New York. As Kronos advances, Percy and his friends are tasked with protecting New York from the Titan Army. Grover is placed with his friends on Olympus, while Annabeth and Percy are in the heart of the battle. Tyson is making weapons for the army in Poseidon's forges with his fellow Cyclops. The battle at the end was one of the most emotional battles in the entire series. Luke, his former friend and newfound enemy, sacrifices himself in order to defeat the Titan of Time, Kronos. Percy defeats Kronos and is offered the choice to become a god, but refuses. Once the battle is over, they all return to Camp Half-Blood. After a while, the underwater kiss scene is enacted by Percy and Annabeth, marking the official start of their romantic relationship. This book was by far my favorite in the series due to the action-packed fight at the end. I highly recommend this book series to anyone who loves action and adventure.
Agustina Bazterrica, translated from the Spanish by Sarah Moses
2020
ISBN: 9781982150921
"The electrifying, award-winning, internationally bestselling novel about a dystopian world in which animals have been wiped out, humans are being harvested for food, and society has been divided into those who eat and those who are eaten"-- Provided by publisher.
Reviewed by Sophie K. 12th Grade
This story follows Marcos, a meat production expert struggling to find himself after a virus contaminates all animal meat. In this dystopian future, the production of human meat has become standard, and animals have been exterminated. Marcos lives alone following the death of his child and the subsequent absence of his wife, his father's mind shattered in the nursing home. As one of the highest-ranking members of his plant, Marcos is gifted one of the finest female specimens. They form a bond, and Marcos is forced to confront his past and face an uncertain future.
My main grievance with the book is its abrupt ending. Sometimes, the writing style feels amateur and clunky. This may be attributed to the translation, as the book was originally written in Spanish. I also feel that the gore is a bit excessive and unnecessary at times, but that is up to personal preference. It is a book that has left me thinking, however, which is something I truly appreciate.
Overall, I believe this book will be remembered as a modern classic, with its experimental and bizarre topic material. I would love to further dissect this book and discuss its wider applications, such as this cannibalistic extreme being a warning against capitalism or a plea to liberate farm animals from CAFOs.
I would warn those who are squeamish against reading this book, though, as the book has many graphic descriptions and uncomfortable moments. I would also advise those triggered by sexual assault to read the book with caution.
Leopoldo Gout
2016
ISBN: 9781250045812
"Three underprivileged young prodigies from across the world with incredible skills in technology and engineering team up to become the heroes the world never knew they could be."-- Provided by publisher.
Reviewed by Karolina R. 11th Grade
This book is great for anyone who loves a high action mystery. Gout combines lovable characters with engaging topics such as Computer Science, Chemistry, technology, and engineering. Gout introduces his readers to a Game of young geniuses that has layers and layers of a mystery to be unraveled. If you enjoyed books like the Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, or the 39 Clues Series, than this book is 100% for you. It’s an amazing, high-engaging read for teen readers, and I guarantee you will be scrambling for the sequel.
by Suzanne Collins
2008
ISBN: 9780439023481
In a future North America, where the rulers of Panem maintain control through an annual televised survival competition pitting young people from each of the twelve districts against one another, sixteen-year-old Katniss's skills are put to the test when she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place.
Reviewed by Elizabeth B. High School
I recently finished reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. The book consists of a group of teens being forced to fight to the death with only one winner. The book was so interesting that I couldn’t stop reading it until I finished it. I admired the way the author placed the cliffhangers, especially the one at the end of the book.
I think The Hunger Games was a great novel that had a wonderfully written plot that makes you feel like it is happening in your living room! It was gripping and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I was obsessed with it and I am asking for the second book, Catching Fire, for my birthday. I am glad I read it and I will definitely recommend this book to other people.
Kate Morton
2015
ISBN: 9781451649321
"From the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Secret Keeper and The Distant Hours, an intricately plotted, spellbinding new novel of heartstopping suspense and uncovered secrets. Living on her family's idyllic lakeside estate in Cornwall, England, Alice Edevane is a bright, inquisitive, innocent, and precociously talented sixteen-year-old who loves to write stories. But the mysteries she pens are no match for the one her family is about to endure. One midsummer's eve, after a beautiful party drawing hundreds of guests to the estate has ended, the Edevanes discover that their youngest child, eleven-month-old Theo, has vanished without a trace. What follows is a tragedy that tears the family apart in ways they never imagined. Decades later, Alice is living in London, having enjoyed a long successful career as an author. Theo's case has never been solved, though Alice still harbors a suspicion as to the culprit. Miles away, Sadie Sparrow, a young detective in the London police force, is staying at her grandfather's house in Cornwall. While out walking one day, she stumbles upon the old estate now crumbling and covered with vines, clearly abandoned long ago. Her curiosity is sparked, setting off a series of events that will bring her and Alice together and reveal shocking truths about a past long gone yet more present than ever. A lush, atmospheric tale of intertwined destinies, this latest novel from a masterful storyteller is an enthralling, thoroughly satisfying read"-- Provided by publisher.
Reviewed by Elizabeth B. High School
I recently finished reading the book titled The Lake House by Kate Morton. This novel consists of a missing baby, a police detective, and an affair that was discovered decades later. This book is nearly 500 pages long but could easily be shorter. I could not read this book in one sitting and had to force myself to finish it simply because I had spent so much time already reading it. The plot also disappointed me as the summary makes it seem like a murder mystery when there is little to no suspense or mystery written in the pages. I wished there was more of a description of what happened in 1933 as that was by far the most interesting plot point of the book.
This book surprised me in the way that it piqued my interest and slowly lost it throughout the story. I would only recommend this book to readers who enjoy detailed conversations and not much of a plot twist.
Jake Burt
2017
ISBN: 9781250107114
Thirteen-year-old Nicki Demere is an orphan and a kleptomaniac, making her the perfect girl to portray the Trevors' daughter in witness protection, but she soon learns that the biggest threat to her new family's security comes from her own past.
Reviewed by Elizabeth B. High School
I recently finished reading the book titled Greetings From Witness Protection! By Jake Burt and thoroughly enjoyed it. The plot caught me off guard in the beginning but the story kept me reading until the end. An orphaned, young girl ends up being put into a protection program with a family and solves problems all while experiencing the life she never had.
My only problem with the story is that it is not longer! I wished that there was a part 2 to the story because I grew very invested in the lives of the characters and felt like they could have other adventures worth writing about.
The story came from a point of view that was very realistic as Charlotte, the main character, is narrating it. I would recommend this book to eager readers looking for an entertaining but light read.
![Frankenstein [kit] : or, The modern Prometheus](https://secure.syndetics.com/index.aspx?type=xw12&client=jlibcatcons&isbn=9780743487580/LC.JPG)
Mary Shelley
2010
ISBN: 9780743487580
Victor Frankenstein discovers the secret of creating life and fashions an eight-foot monster, only to bring danger and destruction to the lives of those he loves.
Reviewed by Connor S. High School
“Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus” Is one of the best gothic novels of all time. It provides an incredibly interesting perspective on what life is. It shows how even the most scorned and those who we have rejected from society feel and deserve just as much as anyone else. This novel also serves as a cautionary tale warning about flying too close to the sun, so to speak. Victor was too focused on whether or not he could find the source of life, and replicate it, that he never stopped to think about whether or not he should. His shortsightedness would ruin and end the lives of himself and all he loves. There is one final takeaway that one may have after reading this novel. That being that, life is sacred, and cannot be replicated in a safe way. That trying to play god, or even go beyond him, will only end in your downfall. Overall, “Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus” is one of the best and most thought provoking books I have read, and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone.
2014
ISBN: 9781596066342
Reviewed by Connor S. High School
“I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream” by Harlan Ellison, is one of my favorite books. I have seldom read anything like it. It has aspects of body horror, and existential horror, so If any of those genres interest you then I wholeheartedly recommend this book. This book also touches on elements of the relationship between humanity and machines that takes an interesting and unique take on the topic. The humans of the story are at the mercy of AM, and despite the hardships, the groups stick together to support each other. This is seemingly the opposite of our dynamic with each other and machines we have today. This story can also be a stark warning on the over reliance on machines and AI. Finally, this book also makes you question what it means to be alive. Is AM alive, is he even sentient or is that a status only reserved for humans, these are some questions that you ask yourself while reading this book
![The glass castle [kit] : a memoir](https://secure.syndetics.com/index.aspx?type=xw12&client=jlibcatcons&isbn=9780743247542/LC.JPG)
Jeannette Walls
2017
ISBN: 9780743247542
Jeannette Walls has written a stunning and life-affirming memoir about surviving a willfully impoverished, eccentric and severely misguided family. The child of an alcoholic father and an eccentric artist mother discusses her family's nomadic upbringing, during which she and her siblings fended for themselves while their parents outmaneuvered bill collectors and the authorities.
Reviewed by Kaia R. High School
The Glass Castle is a memoir written by Jeanette Walls. In her story, she details her tough childhood and her experiences being raised in a dysfunctional family. Although she was repeatedly discouraged from broken promises from her alcoholic father, she was able to overcome this hardship and become a successful, independent adult. I really enjoyed this book because even though it was sad, it is a very inspirational story. A tough childhood can teach lessons, and most importantly doesn’t define someone. It was interesting to hear Walls’ perspective and the story is very well written. I have recommended this book to many friends and family members.
George Orwell
2017
ISBN: 9781328869333
Portrays life in a future time when a totalitarian government watches over all citizens and directs all activities.
Reviewed by Kaia R. High School
1984, a dystopian fictional novel written by George Orwell, provides an interesting take on government and the societal dynamic. Orwell describes the life of Winston Smith, who is a member of the “Party”. This is a group of people who alter history and treat citizens in a cruel manner in order to control all aspects of society. Big Brother is of highest rank, and is described as the leader of the Party. The Party keeps a close watch on citizens and doesn’t allow personal freedom. I thought this book was unique. I think Orwell’s purpose in writing was to caution readers of the dangers of a totalitarian government. The symbolism Orwell uses is clever and his description of Oceania, the fictional society, was intriguing.
Richard Wright ; foreword by Edward P. Jones
2005
ISBN: 9780060834005
Reviewed by Kaia R. High School
Black Boy, written by Richard Wright, is an autobiography of his difficult childhood being raised in the South. He describes his early and adolescent years and the remarkable challenges he faced. Racism completely determined his life and he suffered cruel treatment, hunger, and discrimination. He bounced between jobs and struggled due to a lack of support network. At an early age, Wright not only fended for himself, but his family as well. He constantly lived in a state of fear. I enjoyed reading this story because it described racism from the oppressed person’s eyes. Racism is an ongoing societal issue that has horrible dehumanizing impacts and this book really illustrated that.
Sylvia Plath ; foreword by Frances McCullough ; biographical note by Lois Ames ; drawings by Sylvia Plath
2006
ISBN: 9780061148514
This novel--echoing Plath's own experiences as a rising writer/editor in the early 1950s--chronicles the nervous breakdown of Esther Greenwood: brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, successful, but slowly going under, and maybe for the last time.
Reviewed by Sophie K. 12th Grade
This book review is for The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. Her only novel is a cult classic for good reason. The story follows a semi-autobiographical novel about Esther, a woman learning to cope with the world around her, falling deeper into a mental health spiral but eventually managing to lift herself out. She starts off on what is supposed to be the highest point in her life, landing an internship for a fashion magazine in New York City. However, she does not feel the same excitement her peers do at the opportunity. Upon returning home, she dives into facets of her past that frustrate, confuse, and sadden her. This downward trajectory is noticed by her mother, who takes her to a psychiatrist. Esther does not get better, however, and attempts suicide. This sends her into psychiatric care, and she undergoes treatment while observing her peers go through the same. In my opinion, this is the best part of the book, leading to some shocking, devastating moments. Eventually, Esther gets better and is ready to be discharged, but she worries that the bell jar, that distorting, misty looking glass, might descend on her again.
I found this novel at a time in my life when I related to Esther's thoughts. I found it very troublesome and disturbing that despite the happy note this book left off on, Sylvia Plath still succumbed to her mental illness. This book, however, proves that she had hope, that there was a part deep inside her that wanted to live. This is a book I do want to read again, because it is very interesting. It has a lot of classical literary metaphors but often flips them on their head. One example is Esther taking a bath in New York City, a rejuvenating baptism. However, this moment marks the beginning of her transition to severe depression: not a resurrection in the sense you would typically think of. Plath is a literary genius, and her story is one of tragedy and heartbreak: I wish she could've lived out her natural life; she truly had a brilliant mind. Overall, The Bell Jar serves not only as a compelling work of literature but also as a direct look into depression. It can be a good read for anyone who is trying to understand a loved one's struggle with mental illness.
Traci Chee
2020
ISBN: 9780358131434
For fourteen-year-old budding artist Minoru Ito, her two brothers, her friends, and the other members of the Japanese-American community in southern California, the three months since Pearl Harbor was attacked have become a waking nightmare: attacked, spat on, and abused with no way to retaliate--and now things are about to get worse, their lives forever changed by the mass incarcerations in the relocation camps.
Reviewed by Brooke P. 8th Grade
We Are Not Free centers around fourteen teenagers who were forced out of their homes due to the conflict of WWII. I think the constant switching of the point of view is slightly confusing. I would have liked to see the story follow Minnow for the entire book. It would have been nice to see his changes in personality a little clearer after Twitchy dies. If the story just followed one person, it would have been easier to see the character development and how they adapt to the environment of the internment camps. Overall, I loved the plot development with a touch of reality when Twitchy dies, reminding the readers that not everybody gets a happy ending.
Xiran Jay Zhao
2021
ISBN: 9780735269934
"The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall of China. It doesn't matter that the girls die from the mental strain. When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, it's to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister's death. But when she gets her vengeance, it becomes clear that she is an Iron Widow, a rare kind of female pilot who can sacrifice males to power up Chrysalises instead. To tame her frightening yet valuable mental strength, she is paired up with Li Shimin, the strongest male pilot in Huaxia, yet feared and ostracized for killing his father and brothers. But now that Zetian has had a taste of power, she will not cower so easily. She will take over instead, then leverage their combined strength to force her society to stop failing its women and girls. Or die trying"--Provided by publisher.
Reviewed by Brooke P. 8th Grade
Iron Widow is a story about fighting against the patriarchy, and it is based off of the story of Wu Zetian, the only female emperor of China. In this book, we see signs of psychopathic behavior from both the female protagonist and the two male side characters. This is especially noticeable towards the end of the book, where Zetian kills many people, including her family, while Yizhi kills his dad for being a horrible person to Zetian. The love triangle in this book was absolutely amazing. Polyamorous relationships are usually not pulled off well, but this one was explained magnificently. The overall theme of feminism in this book is something I liked, because it was not overabundant to the point of female supremacy, which we see today in many books.