Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson is the story of eighteen-year-old Lia Overbrook. Lia is anorexic hates her body, family, and life. If anything can get worse Lia’s best friend Cassie passes away in a motel room after a long session of bingeing and purging. Lia blames herself for Cassie’s death since she never answered her phone after thirty-three missed calls from Cassie. Although Lia feels as though she is between life and death she starts to change throughout the novel mainly because of her little sister Emma. Cassie returns after her death as a ghost that haunts Lia and makes her lean towards death.

I really enjoyed Wintergirls because it speaks about real life problems that are often ignored and not mentioned. The reality of the novel makes the readers understand more about disorders like anorexia and bulimia while wanting to read more to learn about the characters. If you like Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson you’ll like Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is a powerful young adult novel that touches on important life situations. Melinda Sordino is a high school student that lost all her friends after busting an end-of-summer party by calling the police. Since then she has not spoken and the only place that she feels is safe is in her head, and even that isn’t fully safe for her. The night of the party Melinda something happened to Melinda and for that reason she is scared to speak and let the truth of what happened that night out.

I enjoyed reading Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson because the imagery used within the novel brought it to life. The powerful theme of friends and enemies is portrayed as well. One of my favorite quotes from the novel connects to the theme of friends and enemies, “You have to know what you stand for, not just what you stand against.” If you liked Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson you will like The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell is a coming of age book about Cath who is a Simon Snow megafan. Cath is also considered an introvert unlike her sister who is an extreme extrovert. Cath spends her time writing Simon Snow fanfictions in her room. When Cath and her sister decide to move away for university and live separately for the first time. While alone Cath has to deal with anxiety, her roommate and roommate's boyfriend. Cath’s fanfiction is the only thing that calms her down and uses it as her go to.

I really enjoyed Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell because although every person is completely different everyone can find a little bit of themselves in Cath, making the book relatable to all. One of my favorite quotes from the book explains how Cath’s personality and then shows how she was able to change, “Cath felt like she was swimming in words. Drowning in them, sometimes.” I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys coming of age stories. If you like Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell you’ll like Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell.

Rudayna Tabbara

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is an exciting adventure novel set in a futuristic world and country called Panem. Katniss Everdeen is from district 12 of Panem. She lives a poor life with her mother and sister hunting daily in order to make a living. Every year the capital of Panem holds an annual “Hunger Games”. In these games a boy and a girl between the ages of 12 to 18 are randomly chosen to fight to the death until only one person survives. The Hunger Games describes Katniss’s experiences through the Hunger Games and the harsh, unrealistic conditions in the country of Panem.

I really like this book because the theme of power is evident throughout the novel and is constantly reinforced. The capital reminds the other districts that they are the most powerful by creating the Hunger Games. The following passage from the novel explains how Collins described how the capital uses its power while also explaining that there had been a previous rebellion, “Taking the kids from our districts, forcing them to kill one another while we watch – this is the Capitol’s way of reminding us how totally we are at their mercy. How little chance we would stand of surviving another rebellion. Whatever words they use, the real message is clear. “Look how we take your children and sacrifice them and there’s nothing you can do. If you lift a finger, we will destroy every last one of you. Just as we did in District Thirteen.”

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher is about Hannah Baker and the people that have affected her in her life. Hannah Baker however has taken her own life already. Hannah had killed herself and shortly before the incident created a set of tapes explaining the reasons why she had done so. Clay Jensen, who had a crush on Hannah, receives the tapes and the story goes on to tell the events and reasons that led to Hannah’s death. The tapes come with a map that is to be used while listening to the tapes.

This story was interesting because it brought attention to the reality of the problem of suicide in our society. After reading this book i discovered that suicide rates are highest in the teenager and young adult age group. Asher has done a perfect job of bringing attention to this problem while creating a tragic and interesting story in the process. I also like how the author constantly changed the point of view in the story by switching between Clay’s point of view and Hannah’s point of view. If you like Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, then you’ll love Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson.

Rudayna Tabbara

We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han is the final book in The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy. Belly has been with Jeremiah with two years after Conrad had let Belly go. The two have been inseparable and do everything together, they even attend the same college. However, Belly starts to question if being with Jeremiah had been the right choice and she starts thinking about her decision and actions. After Jeremiah had made the biggest mistake he could possibly make Belly starts regretting her decisions. We’ll Always Have Summer tells the story of Belly and Jerimiah’s relationship through its ups and downs and the final decision the couple makes.

In the final book of the series there is much more drama involved throughout the book from the scandals to heartbreaks to unexpected announcements. Despite the circumstances Belly tries to get through it all and discovers what she really wants and who she is meant to be with. Han does an excellent job of keeping the readers on the edge as Belly makes her decisions and when she is faced with a new challenge. If you liked We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han, then you’ll love Shug by Jenny Han.   

Rudayna Tabbara

It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

It’s Not Summer Without You is the sequel to The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han. This summer unlike Belly’s other summers is not spent at the beach house. Belly had stayed home since Susannah had gotten sick again and Conrad hasn’t been the best person to Belly. Despite the circumstances Jeremiah had went to Belly asking for help. Conrad had went missing the closest person to him at the time had been Belly. It’s Not Summer Without You is the story of Belly and Jeremiah’s adventure finding Conrad and bringing him back home. Love triangles and conflicted feelings by the majority of the characters is what makes the adventure and story even more exciting than the previous one.

In my opinion, I liked It’s Not Summer Without You the most out of all three books. The overall plot is more developed than the previous novel. The on and off relationship between Conrad and Belly makes the reader want to continue reading and discover what happens in the end. What i found interesting was Belly’s character development throughout the novel as she matures even more. In the beginning of the novel Belly was seen as depressed and moody. Blaming everyone for her problems like in the following phrase, “I was getting pretty sick of Taylor pushing me in this direction and that direction, dressing me up like one of her shabbier, less fortunate dolls. It had always been like this with us". Towards the end of the book however she becomes a different person.

Rudayna Tabbara

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is the story of Charlie and his first year of high school. Charlie has chronic shyness and is coping with the suicide of his best friend. By doing so Charlie writes letters to a stranger who he heard was nice but never really met in person. As the school year progresses Charlie begins to open up more and encounters a lot of his “firsts”. First date, first kiss, first time drinking and doing drugs, first time being a part of something. Through his new friends Patrick and Sam Charlie learns to be a part of the moment and not be a wallflower anymore.

I really enjoyed this story because as Charlie developed over the course of the novel i began to realize realities as well. The smallest moments in life can be the most important ones and make you feel infinite. Charlie explains this in the following quote, “Sam sat down and started laughing. Patrick started laughing. I started laughing. And in that moment, I swear we were infinite”. The Perks of Being a Wallflower has several morals and important themes that make the reader realize the world they live in even more. If you like The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, then you’ll love Looking for Alaska by John Green.

Rudayna Tabbara

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han is a perfect book for the summer time or in need of reminiscing on summer memories. Isabell (Belly) lives her life in summers always longing for that time of year. During her summers belly and her mother and brother spend the summer on the beach with her mother's best friend (Susannah) and children. Every summer is the same for Belly except this summer since she has “blossomed”. Conrad and Jeremiah Susannah’s children start to see Belly differently than the previous summers. The Summer I Turned Pretty is the story of Belly’s summer of heartbreaks and surprises good and bad.

I would definitely recommend this book to those who like a good book on summer and summer flings. The author perfectly describes the perfect summer and takes the reader to the beach house with every description. Han makes the reader want to take a trip to the beach immediately. This phrase from the book will explain the feeling Han gives, ”For me there was-is-nothing better than walking on the beach late at night. It feels like you could walk forever, like the whole night is yours and so is the ocean. When you walk on the beach at night, you can say things you can't say in real life. In the dark you can feel really close to a person. You can say whatever you want.” The Summer I Turned Pretty is the first of a trilogy of books on Belly’s summer adventures.

Rudyana Tabbara

Paper Towns by John Green

Paper Towns by John Green is a coming of age story. Margo Roth Spiegelman and Quentin Jacobsen have been neighbors since they were little kids. As they grew older each went their own path through high school. Quentin was the quiet kid that hung out in the band room and Margo was the popular girl that dated the jocks. One night senior year Margo goes to Quentin’s window at the middle of the night in need of a favor. They spend the whole night on an adventure. The following morning however Margo goes missing. Paper Towns tells the story of finding Margo after she went missing. Along the way friends and memories are made.

I would recommend this book because of the suspense that builds throughout the novel. The theme of finding yourself through other people is also noticed within the book. Paper Towns also shows readers that not everything is based on looks. The following quote from the book explains this, “That's always seemed so ridiculous to me, that people want to be around someone because they're pretty. It's like picking your breakfast cereals based on color instead of taste.” If you like Paper Towns by John Green, then you’ll love Let's Get Lost by Adi Alsaid.

Rudayna Tabbara

El Deafo by Cece Bell

I read this book last night in one sitting. I loved it!

El Deafo is the graphic memoir of Cece Bell who became deaf after getting sick when she was 4 years old. She recounts with humor and honesty what it's like to grow up with hearing loss. She writes about fitting in with friends, being ashamed of her deafness, struggling in school, and about learning to speak up for herself. Bell ultimately learns that her deafness is a part of her and she learns to embrace what it is that makes her different.

This is a great read for hearing people! I have not had much experience is deaf people in my life and I feel that this books has given me some insight about what it's like to be deaf. And I feel that the book has helped me be more compassionate about the needs and experiences of others.

If you liked Wonder by R.J. Palacio or Smile by Raina Telgemeier, you will love this graphic novel!

Ms. Donaldson

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna & the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, is about a girl  who falls in love with her best friend. Her father sends her to boarding school in Paris leaving her best friend, her great job and her major crush. She meets this perfect guy in boarding school called Etienne St. Claire and they become best friends. She eventually has feelings for him but he’s taken. After a whole year Etienne breaks up with his girlfriend because he knew that he loved Anna. In the end they’re together and Anna discovers that “home” isn’t a place but a person, and she finally found her home.

This author has captured my attention by using a lot of adjectives and similes. An example of one of the adjectives would be: the patisserie has thick planks of creaky hardwood and a chandelier draped  with tinkly strings of topaz crystals. A simile would be: they glow like drops of honey. Using this type of writing really grabbed my attention because then i could visualize what was happening easier.

Witch and Wizard by James Patterson

Witch and Wizard is a fiction, fantasy, children's literature, mystery novel by James Patterson, and is the first book in the series. The book is about brother and sister, Whit and Wisty Allgood who are kidnapped in the middle of the night and are accused of being witch and wizard, and are due for execution, both syblings must work together to escape and get safely home. Overall this was an okay book to read but I didn’t find it that interesting. I woundn’t read this boom again but if you are very big fan of magic, I would recommend this you read this book to see if you enjoy it.

Sameer Khan

City in the Desert: The Monster Problem by Moro Rogers

City in the Desert: The Monster Problem is a fantasy, adventure, children’s literature, graphic novel by Moro Rogers, it is also the first book in the series. The book follows the story of Monster hunter Irro and his assistant Hari. They were making a good living in the land of Kevala, but when a religious group called “The Way of Secret Peace” comes to Kevala to solve the monster problem, the close the city’s spirit fountain, Irro and Hari become unemployed and are jobless. But at the same time there is a growing danger, and Irro and Hari are determined to get to the bottom of it. I really enjoyed reading this graphic novel because eof its unique plot, and I also loved how the illustrations in the book. I would definitely recommend both middle and high school students to read this book.

Sameer Khan

Stormbreaker : the graphic novel by Anthony Horowitz

Just like the actual novel Alex Rider Stormbreaker: The Graphic Novel is an amazing adventure, action, fiction novel just with more pictures. The artists of the book do a terrific job at creating the world which Anthony Horowitz wrote for the audience to get a different perspective, and re-enact the action scenes in the book. If you were a fan of the Alex rider series, then I would definitely suggest this short but great graphic novel to you.

Sameer Khan

Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel

Silverwing is a speculative fantasy novel by Kenneth Oppel and is the first book is the silverwing series. The story is about a young silverwing bat named shade whose father disappeared when he was young and is bullied by the other bats for being the runt of the litter. When shade defies the ancient rule where the bats are not allowed to look at the sun, the Owls who are the rivals of the bats demand shade to be handed over, when the colony refuses, the owls burn down their roosting tree, as a result the colony of bats must migrate to their winter roosting home known as the hibernaculum. The bats must endure a long and perilous journey through sprawling cities and wild forests, especially Shade. I really enjoyed reading this series because of its animal characters which gave me a different character perspective than most normal novels, it was great read. I would recommend this book to both middle and high school students.

Sameer Khan

Airman by Eoin Colfer

Airman is a science fiction, adventure novel written by Eoin Colfer. The story takes place during the 1890s and is about a boy named Conor who lives with his family on the Saltee islands off the coast of Ireland. There he studies the about flight with his tutor and spends time with the Princess Isabella, the kings daughter. One day Conor finds out about a plot against the King, and when he tries to warn about it, he is accused for treachery and is sent to the prison island of little Saltee. There he has to battle for his life as he is forced to mine in terrible conditions. The only thing that can save Conor is his knowledge of flight. For months he draws plans for a contraption that will get him out of the Island. I loved this book because of its adventure and science fiction genre, and how the main character uses his knowledge and ingenuity to plan an escape from prison. I would recommend this book to both high and middle school students who are interested in Sci-Fi and adventure novels.

Sameer Khan

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a comedy, fiction graphic book written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. The book follows the life of Greg Heffley , a typical ordinary middle school student who writes about different events in his life in a Journal like style of writing. I found this book fun to read not for its cheesy jokes or hilarious stories, but for its utter absurdity which kept me reading even when I wanted to stop. I wouldn’t recommend this book to high school students, but middle school students might like to read it.

Sameer Khan

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet is a tragic comedy play by William Shakespeare and is his most famous. It plot takes place in the city of Verona in Italy where two families, the Montague’s and Capulet’s live and have been feuding for a very long time. But between these two rival families is Romeo who is a Montague and Juliet who is Capulet. Both Romeo and Juliet are in love with one another, but the tension between their two families is what is keeping them from expressing their love in public. The play was very interesting to read with many different characters, funny scenes, and a terrific end in my opinion. I would definitely recommend high school students to read this book if they aren’t already in English class.

Sameer Khan

Shadow by Michael Morpurgo

Shadow is a war novel by Michael Morpurgo. The book takes place in Afghanistan during the US invasion and is about a young boy named Aman who fled with his mother to a cave during the invasion. During this time a Springer Spaniel dog comes to them, Aman adopts the dog and names it shadow. The story follows the inseparable relationship between Aman and Shadow, in the time of war and difficulty. This was a very emotional story because of the relationship Aman had with the dog and how they struggled to cope with the difficult times of war, and their journey towards freedom. I would recommend his book to high school students who are interested in dramatic war stories.

Sameer Khan