This YA novel is about a young Black girl becoming terminally ill and coming of age. I picked it up a few weeks after listening to M. NourbeSe Philip in an episode of the Commonplace poetry podcast and heard her voice and poetry. Hearing her speak about Trinidad, my interest was piqued. Subsequently, I checked in on bookramble on YouTube and saw her bomb Bad Bunny tag, wherein she briefly discussed this book and mentioned that Trinidad played a part in it.

I was immediately enchanted by Audre, the main character, because I assumed that Audre was a shout out to Audre Lorde, and the novel later confirmed this suspicion of mine! Audre loves listening to rock by people of color and most other genres too, with a special affinity for Whitney Houston.

Moreover, the tenderness, healing, touching prose, fleshed out characters, magical realism, name dropping (namedropping Haruki Murakami, for example, and also referencing Biggie and James Baldwin in the same sentence), and immersion in a safe world for people of color and of strong women alongside sweet men made me feel warmth and security with myself.

I admire that this novel took a lovely anti-colonial stance, not shying away from denouncing mass incarceration and the endless discussion of white heteropatriarchs in places of education.

I would recommend this book to sensitive people of color of all ages. It is not too long, and worthwhile to read, if only for an excuse to bop to samba jazz, reggae, Aretha, Fishbone and many other creators this book introduced me to as I read it, and as I have continued to do since finishing it.

Mya, 15

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This book is a real example of the Chican@ experience and its roots, with quips for days. The protagonist, Celaya, records three generations of her family history from her own memory and even interviews, some chapters interspersed with quotes from latin songs, icons, and wisdom.

This book held my attention for all of its 400+ pages with its compelling characters, amusing stories, and witticisms. It made me feel seen.

I would recommend this book to everybody with the caveat that it can be circular, full of little details, and may marginalize non-Latin@ or even non-Chican@/Mexican readers. It is peppered with Spanish that is not always explained and assumes a familiarity with Mexican/American history.

Mya, 15

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Note: Only available in adult collection

This is a historical fiction novel with a focus on World War II. It is also a romance told from multiple points of view.

I did not like it, but I tolerated it. I was not drawn to the characters, so I was not emotionally affected by their stories. The novel itself also began to lag about half way through, becoming impossibly boring, yet picking back up for the last hundred pages or so. World War II has such a rich history, I'm disappointed with what this author did with it.

I would not recommend it, but this book will probably appeal to younger readers or people who do not read often, or only read on the plane. People who would like to gain a bit of history would also benefit from reading this book.

Mya, 15

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This is a nostalgic fantasy romance that takes place in an 80s Japan with a touch of mystery that compellingly dives into cults, communes, and organized religion. The two love interests are Aomame, a self defense instructor and assassin, and Tengo, a cram school teacher of math and novelist.

Though this book is a brick, what kept me coming back was the exquisite and subtle weirdness in the prose that cater to his obsessions, like his obsession with ears, cats, jazz, namedropping, and the shapes of people's heads. Moreover, the hints of "Probably," and "For now," ending chapters, the sense of humor, it felt very Japanese in the similes it used, many of which were related to Japanese food. The characters were also fascinating, and their dialogue was not everyday, these remarkable characters discuss Proust and time.

Though I loved this book, there were two glaring faults; the last few pages detailed what was for me an unsatisfying ending to a superb novel, and there are greater stories that I wish Murakami had elaborated upon within the book. People who enjoy dwelling within various characters' minds like flies on the walls of their brains will appreciate this novel. I whole-heartedly recommend this book, it is well worth the time.

Mya, 15

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A teenage girl is chosen to be in a competition to win the prince's heart. It is like the bachelor with dystopian influences and a great heroine.

The Selection was interesting at the beginning and there was a good amount of humor with mystery. The main character did become slightly annoying and it was a bit cliché. The book was good for a light, fun read.

I would recommend this book to others who want an interesting, simple romance and who also like dystopian novels. It is also a part of a series if you enjoy seeing more character development.

Megan, 15

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In a world where the cities are dominated by competing tribes, a young woman must try and find her way and not be found by the cruel tribe members. She desires revenge for her parents deaths but soon finds that revenge is not the way to go and decides to help find the answer to making their run down city functional again.

This book was really good. It was quick paced and had plenty on action with just a little bit of romance. The characters felt real and believable. The whole book gave me Divergent vibes. The whole time you want to know more and really can connect with the main characters.

If you enjoyed the Divergent series and are looking for something similar I would recommend this book. It is an easier read but it is so worth it.

Rory, 17

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The setting is in San Diego more specifically National City. It's about a teenager that's Mexican and white and how he struggles to fit in with the Mexican community because he doesn't know Spanish. His struggles become even worse once he moves in with his uncle and aunt because their entire neighborhood speaks it.

This book was slow in the beginning but as I kept reading, it got better over time. This book is good because of the way it portrays how one feels when they don't fit in and I connected with the main character in that way.

I would recommend this book if you struggle with feeling like you don't fit in with a certain community. This book also revolves around baseball and that helps the main character fit in with more people.

Nadia, 16

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You Deserve Each Other is a cute romance book that has a forced proximity trope. The book is about a couple that are both so perfect but they don't like each other anymore. They also don't want to be engaged but if one of them calls off the engagement they have to pay for the wedding expenses so they make a deal to become the worst they can be to see who breaks first. While challenging each other, the main girl has a realization and doesn't know what to do about it.

I chose to read this book because I'm a fan of romance books and I heard many people rave about it. After reading it, I was happy I did it's a good book that's very funny. All the pranks they do to each other makes you laugh. The book explains how they both were trying to be someone they weren't in their relationship and that's what caused them problems.

I would recommend this book to anyone that likes the forced proximity trope in romance. I think if people struggle with trying to make themselves perfect for a significant other then this is a good read for you because it explains how that isn't the best in a relationship and it's better to be honest.

Nadia, 16

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Eleanor is the new girl with unruly red hair and wild outfits. Park is the boy at the back of the bus and has his nose always stuck in a comic. Slowly, they grow closer and exchange mixtapes with each other. As they talk, share interests, late night conversations, and comic book sharing, they soon fall in love.

It was such a heartfelt book!! The storytelling and imagery is just stunning. Only a few pages in, I immediately realized that I was invested in the characters and already wanted to draw them. To me, that's a sign of a captivating novel. I love how it's told in different perspectives, because you really get to know the characters intimately.

I'd recommend this book to older teens. There's lots of swearing and some pretty disturbing things written on Eleanor's books. Like, perverted stuff. It does cover some triggering topics, like ab*se. But, if you want a fast paced and romantic novel to read while sheltering in place, then you should definitely read Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell!

Ofel, 13

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This book is about two people; a guy and a girl fall in love with each other over their time at college and then life happens so they stop speaking, but one day many years later they reconnect. Since reconnecting they talk about how much time has passed and their versions of why they broke up. The book goes between past and present, it also goes between the girl Grace's point of view and the guy Matt's point of view.

I loved the book it was really heartbreaking for the characters once they realized why they broke up and why they viewed their break up in different ways. The realization of them falling out could have been prevented and it hurt them to realize they wasted so much time apart when they could have been together.

I would recommend this book to others that believe in second chances with romance. The book also talks a lot about different types of art such as music, and photography and how the characters use it in a way to show their love and affection.

Nadia, 16

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A young girl is adapting to her new life in Elsewhere. She meets new people and finds love and discovers what she values most in life.

Elsewhere is an interesting read. I liked the concept and the characters. It was an extremely easy read and probably intended for a younger teen audience. In the end though you feel good and happy for all the characters.

I would recommend this to younger teens (13 or 14 years old). I think the way the story is told and the characters would be ones that younger people could connect with.

If you like a little romance and in the end a feel good kind of book you may enjoy Elsewhere.

Rory, 17

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An eccentric game-making billionaire opens a library in Alexandriaville, Ohio. 12 lucky kids from the local middle school are invited to the grand opening. They must use what's in the library to get out of the library.

This is my all-time favorite book. Not only does it keep you in suspense for a good part of it, but you can also try to solve the puzzles before the characters in the book do.

If you like books with suspense, puzzles, and more, this book is for you. If you don't, this book is only *most likely* for you.

Seth, 13

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Available in the juvenile fiction collection

Two teens bond over difficult situations and find happiness and learn how to overcome hard times. In the end they experience a deep friendship and love that most do not get to experience.

This book was so good. So moving... I actually cried. It makes you really think and appreciate the good little things in life. It's the kind of book that makes you cry but once you finish it you can't stop thinking about it. It's the kind of book you read more than once.

I would recommend this book to all of my friends. It's a story that many teenagers can relate to and really gets you emotional and thinking. It deserves a place on everybody's bookshelves.

Rory, 17

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Welcome to Miss Quinzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types! Follow the adventures of five girls: Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley as they go on countless fantastical excursions and unlock secrets about their camp as they explore. They're all determined to have an awesome summer, and they won't let supernatural occurrences get in their way!

AMAZING SERIES. I've read almost all the books this library has to offer, and I crave more! It's the most action-packed, captivating, and one of the most comedic graphic novel series I've ever read! There's, like, nothing to hate about this series. Seriously, it's amazing.

I would recommend this to young teens, older teens, anybody! There's no harsh language, but there's a bit of romance, but nothing over the top. It's also jam-packed with LGBTQ themes, featuring a transgender girl as one of the main characters, and a nonbinary side (maybe a side character? I'm not really sure) character. There is a lesbian relationship between two of the main characters, so if you're not supportive of the LGBTQ community for some reason, then I don't recommend this series.

Ofel, 13

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This book centered around the life of a Jewish male who had been brought to the concentration camps. After months (or a year) he laid his eyes on what he described as a beautiful woman. Although males weren't allowed to interact with women he didn't let the love he had developed for her go to waste. Eventually they got together and made it out of the camp.

Personally, I fell in love with this book. I could not stop reading it. Morris vividly described everything and made it feel as if I were there. This book brought me to tears and has to go down as one of the most emotional books I've read.

The book is a bit intense, if you're okay with that then it should be perfect. I picked this book up on a whim and it seems to have been one of the best decisions I've made. Although it isn't considered YA I definitely recommend this book.

Edith, 13

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A story about four friends who hatch a plan to meet their favorite boyband, The Ruperts. When things go wrong and their plans being to spiral out of control, secrets are revealed and true natures come to light.

I liked this book a lot, because it shows you that a lot of times, the celebrities that we love aren't who we think they are. It is interesting to see the story from the perspective of a diehard fan as her life begins to get out of hand and she realizes who her idols really are.

I would recommend this book, because it is very well written and keeps the readers interested. I would especially recommend it to people who like thrilling books and are interested in pop culture.

Carina, 15

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This was a parallel story to the classic Cinderella story. The main character, Cinder, is a droid but keeps it a secret. Her and her step sisters and mother don't get along. She was invited by prince Kai to his ball, but her step family wouldn't allow her to attend. By the end her and Kai end up falling in love, but there are more adventures for them to go on together amid this crazy disease.

I loved it! It kept me on the edge of my seat during the whole book. I especially loved the fact that there wasn't a straight up classic, expect-able love story between Cinder and Kai. And the fact that the story continues throughout the whole book series, and it never dries out. It showed such a strong feminine roll through Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress( the three leading women).

I would totally recommend this book. It is so inspirational and such a good read, even if you aren't the biggest reader. Any teenage girl looking for a good read that displays a strong female role. It really helps to inspire young women to stand up for themselves and show their own true selves no matter what.

Abi, 14

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Prudence Barnett, an ambitious 10th grader, slips and falls. Suddenly she has the power to cast instant karma on those around her. Prudence quickly realizes that her power doesn't work on her lab partner Quint, and she finds out that karma isn't always black and white.

I really liked Instant Karma. It's different that Marissa Meyer's other books, but still very well-written. I loved how Prudence was developed, and how much she learned from Quint throughout the book. I liked their relationship, how much the two grow over rescuing and helping sea animals. Instant Karma has such a good message: that you shouldn't be so quick to judge others.

If you liked Marissa Meyer's other books, this is an excellent one to try. It has interesting characters, a good plot, and is very informative. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of this author and a romance/growing up story.

Landree, 14

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Thrown of Glass tells the story of a young assassin, Celaena Sardothien, is chosen to participate in a competition held by the royal family. Being the only female in the competition, she is underestimated by many of her competitors, and she quickly proves that she is worthy of the competition. However, when strange murders of her competitors start occurring, Celaena tries to seek answers. As the competition goes on, the murders continue, and Celaena discovers that these murders are part of something much deeper than the competition.

After a friend recommended this series to me multiple times, I decided to give it a try and let me just say, it was the best series I've read in a REALLY long time. It catches your attention pretty quickly and it was a very hard book to put down. I love the characters, they are very well written and Celaena might be one of my favorite book characters ever.

I would definitely recommend this book to others! For people who love fantasy fiction and action books, this book will be perfect for you! Not only that, this book is in a series of 7, so you will get very invested in the books!

Avery, 16

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This is a story about a young girl named Beth Harmon and how she grows up and comes of age. Beth discovered her love for chess at a young age and has become a prodigy. As she becomes older, she deals with issues such as alcohol and drug addiction as she aims to be the best chess player in the world.

I thought that The Queen's Gambit was absolutely phenomenal and I don't use that word to describe things often. This book makes you see the affects of alcoholism and drug addiction. It tells the tale of a girl dealing with these problems in a way that is bound to keep anyone interested.

I would most definitely recommend this novel to everyone and anyone. If you have not already seen the show, I advise you to read the novel first because there's always something about reading the book before watching the movie or in this case, show. Any fans of chess or in need of a coming of age novel must read this book.

Gavin, 15

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