For teens, by teens
Educated by Tara Westover
Educated is a memoir written by Tara Westover. Her childhood, which she describes as strict Mormon in rural Idaho, is chronicled in the book. Tara’s parents rescinded society’s norms, including formal education and modern medicine. The siblings were primarily educated at home and had no birth certificates. Tara and most of her siblings were forced to work at her father’s junkyard. There are many instances where family members engage in troublesome and abusive relationships. Tara remains committed to education and success despite everything.
I recommend Educated by Tara Westover because it is a story of perseverance that is inspiring. The author’s determination to overcome everything they are faced with is extraordinary. The author’s detailed account of her life and transformation was remarkable. These significant life obstacles are not easily overcome by many people. The book’s themes can be relatable to a range of readers, including family loyalty, the value of education, and the search for identity. As it depicts Westover’s transformative journey, this book will hold your interest page after page.
-Anonymous
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Scythe by Neil Shusterman (Arc of a Scythe #1)
A world of immortality comes with many prices, like happiness slowly draining away. In this world there are two sides to the story, the citizens, and the scythes. The citizens are immortal, until a scythe decides to glean you. By this, we mean kill you. The scythes are instructed to do this in order to keep the world in one piece. One day, two teenagers are chosen to become apprentices for the Honorable Scythe Faraday to learn the ways of a scythe. Throughout training with Scythe Faraday, they learn about the Scythedom’s corruptions, ideology, and history. They also learn about themselves, their immortality, and and how they fit into the organization.
I would recommend this book because of mainly three things. One, is that it is a sci-fi book, and I feel that most people around me don’t read sci-fi. This book has intrigued me into that genre and now I really enjoy reading sci-fi. Another thing is that this book lets you think about the world. What I mean by that is how the world revolves around you, what actually goes on in your life, and what are you planning on to do in that time. The book really expresses the way that life can end at any moment and you have to spend your time wisely. Finally I think that the book really explains the connecting force of the world that really has a big meaning to the real world and the book itself. The book Scythe overall has a meaning that goes very deep too. I also think that the author Neal Shusterman’s thoughts are very complex yet understandable.
-Anonymous
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Small as an Elephant by Jennifer Richard Jacobson
Small as an Elephant by Jennifer Richard Jacobson is about a boy named Jack who suddenly ends up on his own during a camping trip in Maine. With no adults to help him, he has to figure out how to survive and keep moving forward with only what he has in his backpack. The story shows how resourceful and determined he is, even though he’s scared and unsure of what will happen next. Along the way, he faces different challenges that test his independence and his ability to trust others. It’s an adventure that’s also emotional, making you root for Jack as he tries to find his way.
I would recommend Small as an Elephant. The book does a great job of pulling you into Jack’s world and making you wonder what you would do in his situation. I liked how realistic his struggles felt, because he wasn’t some superhero kid. He made mistakes and had to learn as he went along. The pacing kept me interested because every chapter added something new to his journey. What I liked most was how the story balanced adventure with deeper themes like independence and trust, which made it more meaningful than just a survival story. The only thing I didn’t love was that it could feel a little sad at times, but that also made it more powerful. It’s a book that’s both exciting and emotional, and I think a lot of readers would connect with it.
-Anonymous
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Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass #1)
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas introduces readers to Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin serving a life sentence in the salt mines of Endovier. Her brutal existence takes an unexpected turn when she is offered a chance at freedom. Prince Dorian proposes that Celaena can compete in a deadly competition to become the King’s Champion, a royal assassin who would serve the cruel king for four years before earning her liberty. To win, Celaena must face off against twenty-three other highly skilled criminals, assassins, and warriors in a series of dangerous trials. As she navigates the competition, she finds herself drawn to the dangerous world of the Adarlan court and uncovers dark secrets. This book is a thrilling blend of action and a touch of romance, as Celaena fights for survival, uncovers conspiracies, and begins to discover her fate.
I absolutely loved Throne of Glass, and it’s actually my all-time favorite series! If you’re a fantasy reader, you have to pick this up. What I really enjoyed was how utterly fascinating the world-building is; Maas creates a mysterious kingdom filled with unique and compelling characters that just pull you in from the first page. The plot is packed with so much suspense that I was excited to find out what would happen next. There are so many twists and turns that keep you guessing, and the action sequences are incredibly well-written and exciting. Plus, the characters are just so well-developed and relatable, even the ones you might not expect to like. It’s a truly captivating read that will leave you wanting more.
-Anonymous
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Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard (Pretty Little Liars #1)
Alison, Hanna, Aria, Spencer, and Emily are all deeply bonded through their twisted secrets. One day, the five spend the night at Spencer’s barn and play a game. Ali finds herself upset with what was said, and takes a step out to get some fresh air. Spencer chases after her to help mitigate the hard feelings, but after a few hours she explains that Ali is nowhere to be found. Ali then becomes classified as a missing case, but after no signs of success her family holds a funeral for her. The girls separate into their own lives, but rejoice once again in high school when they are receiving messages from an anonymous person named “A”. “A” blackmails them with information only Ali knew, yet the remaining four girls believed she was already dead. The four face the drama of high school life and are haunted with their past through the messages of A, and throughout the course of the book they plan to solve the mystery identity of this anonymous sender.
I would recommend this book because Shepard accurately depicts the vocabulary and tone of teenage girls in her narration. This makes the book more relatable because it truly sounds like a high schooler. Furthermore, Pretty Little Liars takes on several serious topics, like divorce, heartbreak, eating disorders, grief, and identity crisis. By bringing awareness to these problems, teenagers can understand that they are not alone. They can also learn more about themselves by reading someone else’s experience and viewing it from a different perspective. This book is also incredibly suspenseful, and it can be difficult at times to predict what will happen next. It certainly intrigued me to keep reading with several plot twists.
-Ella
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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This book takes place in Nazi Germany during World War II. There is a girl, Liesel, who meets her new foster parents. At first she isn’t happy to be with them, but then she ends up really enjoying spending time with them, especially her foster father. He teaches her how to read and write, and brings out her love and passion for reading books. Since it is hard to obtain books during this time, Liesel steals them. She slowly makes her way through each of them, then eventually starts writing her own! This is how she copes with hard times. She meets many new people on her journey on Himmel Street, including a boy named Rudy who would be her best friend forever.
I would definitely recommend this book. It gave me a new perspective on life and showed me how important friendship and family are. It expressed how even a really tough time can feel so much better if you are surrounded by the right people and do things you like. This book made me want it to never end and I looked forward to reading it every night. I liked how even though I wasn’t involved in a war or anything of that matter, I could still find some personal connections between me and Liesel. Overall, this is a very informational and wholesome book and I really enjoyed reading it.
-Anonymous
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The Zodiac Legacy by Stan Lee (Zodiac Legacy #1)
An action packed story that has many intriguing plot lines and twists, it perfectly matches the style of Stan Lee, the famous author of many comics. This narrative is about a young boy named Steven Lee coming face to face with surprising abilities that come from the zodiac powers. Throughout his journey he has found his place with many friends that all come from various lives and ethnicities. The antagonist in this story is Maxwell, an individual that wants total control of the world, by using the zodiac powers to his advantage. Maxwell holds the power of the DRAGON, the most powerful of all of the zodiac symbols. Will they defeat him? You’ll have to read to find out…
This book has become one of my favorite books to read because of the many things that it contributes to your experience reading it. This book helps the reader relate to the characters from different backgrounds and also holds many important life lessons. This is similar to the books like Percy Jackson or Wings of Fire. I personally would recommend this book because I like reading comics and there are some pictures that help with visualization. Overall, FIVE STARS!!!!
-Mason
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One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus (One of Us Is Lying #1)
Five highschoolers sit in detention. Four of them make it back alive while one is dead. Nate, Bronwyn, Addy, and Cooper struggle to prove their innocence. Working together, they retrace their footsteps. Relationships form and are broken. Trust becomes a major issue between the characters. Secrets kept are revealed. Nate, who has been convicted of drug-dealing is the one to be sent to prison. Bronwyn, Addy, and Cooper try to help. Even in death, Simon manages to complicate everything, leaving behind clues—and enemies—that make the truth hard to uncover! Read this breath-taking book to find out who the murderer is…
I loved this book! It kept me hooked the whole way through. Karen M. McManus did a wonderful job in maintaining consistency between each of the characters. I like how this book gave a different perspective and angle into each separate character’s view rather than all of the characters together. This book is a Mystery, YA, so I would suggest people in middle school ( grades 6-8 ) to read it. This book has a surprising twist, which adds a “why did he do that” question. Some scenes shocked me, and the secrets were very deep and unexpected. My favorite character was Addy, as she stays strong throughout the full book, and does not let people control her anymore. She regains her confidence and now is the boss of her own self. I also read a book similar to this, which is titled ‘Silent Sister’ whose author is Megan Davidhizar. I like ‘One Of Us Is Lying’ more than ‘Silent Sister,’ as it includes more vivid details and clearer, understandable writing. This book is also great for people who love thrillers, mysteries, and stories like ‘Sherlock Holmes.’ I am definitely looking forward to reading the sequel of this book, One Of Us Is Next’!
-Shivaani
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Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
Milk and Honey is a book full of poems that explores emotions like love, pain, heartbreak, healing, and growth. The poems are grouped into four parts, each one showing a different part of the author’s experience. Although they’re short but powerful, they really feel really personal and its almost like reading someone’s diary. The language is simple, but the messages are deep and emotional. A lot of the poems talk about relationships, trauma, and learning to love yourself again. Even though some parts are heavy, the book ends up feeling hopeful and empowering.
I would definitely recommend Milk and Honey, especially if you’re a person who enjoys poetry that feels real and emotional. The writing is simple, but it gets straight to the point and makes you feel something. I liked how honest and raw the poems were and it felt like the author wasn’t afraid to speak the truth. Some of the topics are heavy, but they are written with care and emotion. What stood out to me the most was how relatable it all felt. It was like the words were meant for anyone who has been through pain or love. This is a good one to come back to when you need a reminder that healing takes time.
-Anonymous
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Radha & Jai’s Recipe for Romance by Nisha Sharma
The novel follows Radha, a senior in high school who is an extremely talented bhangra dancer, a traditional folk dance originated in the Punjab region of northern India. Her mother’s domineering parenting style and insistence that she compete in international competitions to be crowned the best bhangra dancer, takes a toll and leads Radha to cease competing. Jai, on the other hand, comes from a less prominent Indian family that is very supportive of his academic and dance talent. Jai experiences a great deal of guilt in wanting to pursue college while his parents and brothers struggle financially to maintain the family business. When Radha relocates and joins Jai’s performing arts high school, they forge a bond that brings their school dance team and those they love together. The novel is as much a coming of age story in which the two lead characters must each learn on their own to trust their talents and pursue their dreams amidst the pulls of familial obligations and traditions, as well as a romance between them.
I highly recommend this novel. It was a very entertaining read, and appeared to be an authentic representation of the experience of teens born in the United States to parents who are from India. I especially enjoyed learning about bhangra, and following Radha’s journey in discovering other passions beyond her singular focus in dance. The author’s descriptions at times were also so vividly detailed that I felt like I was watching a Bollywood movie instead of reading a novel.
-Sofia
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Love, Simon by Love Simon: Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (Creekwood #1)
Love, Simon is a “coming-of-age” novel by Becky Albertalli. The story is about a high school junior named Simon Spier who is trying to figure out how to come out as gay. He’s been emailing with someone from his school named “Blue,” but they don’t know each other’s real identities. Things get messy when one of Simon’s classmates finds the emails and starts blackmailing him. Simon has to decide if he’s is going to come out, or if someone else will out him. He thankfully has the support of his many friends and family throughout the story.
I would recommend Love, Simon to anyone who enjoys realistic stories about growing up. Personally, I like reading stories about high school students because I usually can relate. One of the best things about the book is how relatable Simon is as a character. His struggles with identity, friendship, and high school feel very real. The email exchanges between Simon and “Blue” are also really fun to read because they show how two people can connect even without knowing who the other person is. If I had to point out something I didn’t like, it would be that the beginning is a bit slow, but it definitely picks up as the story goes on. It is definitely worth to read it to the end.
-Anonymous
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The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han (Summer #1)
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han is romantic novel that follows Belly (a teenage girl) as she returns to a beach house where she’s spent every summer of her life. This particular summer feels different, as Belly begins to see herself and the people around her in a new way. The story explores the changing dynamics of friendship, family, and first love. It captures the emotional highs and lows of young love in a heartfelt and relatable way. Through vivid descriptions of summer days and late-night conversations, the book shows how one summer can change everything. The tone is nostalgic and reflective, drawing readers into as Belly matures.
I would definitely recommend The Summer I Turned Pretty to anyone who enjoys emotional and character-driven stories about growing up. The book is well written and captures the emotions that come with summertime. I liked how realistic the characters felt and how the author didn’t shy away from showing the complexity of relationships. The pacing is steady, and the story feels like a gentle growth of Belly’s experiences. While it’s definitely a romance, it also focuses on family and identity, which adds more depth. Overall, it’s a great read for teens looking for a mix of heartwarming and bittersweet moments.
-Anonymous
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Fearless by Lauren Roberts (The Power Trilogy #3)
Fearless by Lauren Roberts is a book about a girl named Paedyn who lives in a kingdom where some people have special powers and others do not. The people without powers called Ordinaries, are treated unfairly and live in fear. Paedyn is one of them, but she’s brave and smart, also she is trying to stay safe while hiding who she really is. The kingdom is full of danger, secrets, and strict rules, and Paedyn gets pulled into the center of it all. Along the way, she meets people she’s not sure she can trust and a romance slowly starts to grow. The book is full of action, mystery, and has a strong message about standing up for what’s right.
Yes, this book is worth the read especially if you enjoy a good mix of action, mystery, and romance, which keeps it interesting and fun to read. What I like about the main character is how brave and clever she is, and it’s easy to root for her as she faces danger and tries to survive in a harsh world. The world building is also really creative, with a kingdom divided by power and class. Making you think about fairness and justice. The writing is easy to follow but still full of emotion and tension. Overall, it’s a great book for people who likes fantasy, actions, romance.
-Namir
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Lord of the Flies by William Golding
In Lord of the Files, after a mysterious plane crash, many boys find themselves on an island with no parental supervision. They must work together to survive long enough until someone finds them or a help sign they have created. However ideas and egos of the big kids and little kids divide the camp to different sides. They all have one thing in common and it’s that they believe there is a beast on a the island. While some work towards being civilized, others do far from that becoming one with nature in two distinct ways. After days go by, the number of kids dwindle, but one interaction changes them all.
I really liked this book as I think the amount of conflict and action is great with awesome character development as well. A major conflict in the book is civilization vs. savagery leading to actions based off this. There is also a great use of literary devices such as imagery and symbolism. The contrasting views leads to a build of action and the climax, to the point where the book has you taking sides as if you were there. Towards the end the plot takes a turn, creating a mystery and scenes you would never expect. Overall the novel takes epic turns, uses great literary devices and is a story for the ages.
-Anonymous
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The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
The novel centers on 18-year old Annabel (Bel) Price, as she seeks to find the truth about her mother, Rachel’s, disappearance when she was a toddler and later reappearance, as the title announces. While the initial chapters progress slowly, the pace significantly picks up with Rachel’s emergence in chapter 7. It is at this point that Annabel follows her intuition and begins her quest for the truth. This leads her to team up with an unlikely friend, Ash, the teenage camera assistant of the film crew documenting Rachel’s disappearance/reappearance. Bel eventually questions all that she has been told throughout her life about her mother and who she has trusted, as the story twists through unexpected plot lines. Without providing spoilers, this is ultimately a story of a mother’s enduring love and sacrifice and an escape from domestic violence. It demonstrates how domestic violence ravages a family and extends beyond physical harm. It also depicts the triumph of love not just of a mother for a child but between friends, as seen through Bel and Ash’s growing bond; it exemplifies how such love may involve continuing to maintain secrets to survive and protect the innocent.
I would recommend this novel to all who enjoy thrillers and are fans of authors such as Holly Jackson or Jennifer Lynn Barnes. From the moment of Rachel’s reappearance, the storyline moves quickly through various unexpected pathways. The complexity of the family dynamics is unforeseen until laid bare. Any greater description would likely result in a spoiler, but suffice it to say that no family member is truly who they appear to be, either in terms of guilt vs. innocence, personal character, or identity. Besides the suspense and unexpected turn of events, what I enjoyed most was Bel’s authenticity, bravery and determination. She appears most real throughout the development of her friendship with Ash. Their relationship is a wonderful subplot that kept me rooting for them. The story within the story (ie., the documentary film being done) also made clear the media’s influence on public perception of events and how this can be manipulated for good or for bad.
-Sofia
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