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Perfect Chemistry is a young adult novel by Simone Elkeles, who actually graduated from a suburban high school on the outskirts of Chicago. This novel tells the story of Brittany Elis, a very privileged high school senior, and Alex Fuentes, a street-smart gang member whose world turns upside down when the two of them are paired up for a chemistry project. This is one of my favorite novels because of the dynamic theming and storytelling throughout the book. One major theme throughout the book is the socioeconomic divide between both characters. Brittany is a stereotypical privileged blonde-haired blue-eyed girl, while Alex lives in poverty, with his mother and brother. The book delves into the issues that come with poverty, privilege, and the different assumptions people might have of the two. The book also has family dynamics as one major theme, exploring the complexities of sibling dynamics, parental expectations, and culture. This book is emotional, captivating, and engaging. It is the perfect novel that captivates a compelling romance between two people you would never think would fall in love. It's also a great novel that touches on representation and diverse characters from different backgrounds. One negative I found was the stereotypical characters the author portrayed. Certain characters that came from marginalized backgrounds fell into the cliche category, limiting their potential depth. However, this book still has a positive impact and can resonate well with a young adult audience. It encourages young readers to challenge their own thoughts and assumptions, as well as inspires them to be their own authentic selves. 

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To All The Boys I've Loved Before is a young adult romance novel by Jenny Han. This is one of my favorite book series to date, I will try not to have a biased review. The story follows Lara Jean Covey, a high school junior who writes secret love letters to all her past crushes. When one event leads to all her letters accidentally being sent out, a series of personal and romantic revelations begin. This story follows many themes that young adult readers could relate to. One theme this book showcases is love and relationships. Whether that love is through romantic love, family, or friendship, readers can learn valuable lessons about honesty, vulnerability, and communication. Another major theme is identity and self-discovery. Lara Jean throughout the story questions herself and everything else that is going on in her life. She addresses her feelings and begins understanding who she is and what she wants.  This novel is worthy of having in a classroom because of its relatable story, the authentic portrayal of teenage girls, and the experiences young adults go through in high school. One positive this book has is diverse representation. Jenny Han features diverse characters and cultural backgrounds. Readers can see themselves through these characters and relate to the story. One negative this book does have is its lack of depth in secondary characters, in my opinion. Lara Jean is the protagonist, however, I wish we could've seen more depth in some characters, especially Peter Kavinsky. Yet, this book can have a positive impact on young adult readers. It's a comfort book that explores a heartwarming story about love, self-identity, and family. It encourages young readers to take chances and be vulnerable. I wanted to write love letters to all my past crushes after finishing this novel. 

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All American Boys written by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely is a story that follows Rashad Butler and Quinn Collins. Rashad and Quinn are both teenage boys who attend the same high school, yet one teenager is part of a horrific incident. Rashad is an African American boy who is beaten by a white police officer. Quinn is a white classmate who witnessed the entire incident and didn't speak up when he watched it happen. This novel is an amazing rendition of racial injustices, self-identity, and the complexities of speaking out against systematic oppression. One major theme this book has is racial injustices and police brutality. The novel explores the impact of racial profiling and police violence when it comes to people of color, and highlights the systematic racism still happening in society today. The novel also touches on community and activism, exploring how powerful those two things are when facing injustices. I think this book is very powerful and significant enough to include in a classroom library. It tackles urgent and relevant situations happening across America today and offers readers a look into different perspectives from its authentic characters. However, some events that are mentioned in the book can be triggering and distressing to some readers. Additionally, the novel's ending felt slightly incomplete, it doesn't highlight the long-term consequences people's actions might have. Moreover, though, this book is a profound read and can spark important conversations in the classroom, inspiring young readers to speak up when they might see social injustices in their own lives. 

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Copper Sun is a young adult novel by Sharon M. Draper. It follows Amari, a 15-year-old who is kidnapped from her village and sold into slavery. The story is through her eyes as we see the horrific events of the slave trade. However, it is also a heroic story of what strength, resilience, and one's spirit can do. The themes throughout this book are pretty strong and carried throughout the story. The first theme is survival: Amari goes through a journey that starts in her homeland and continues through slavery in America. Her strength and spirit to survive is what kept her alive. Social justice and freedom is another theme that is carried throughout the book. Copper Sun talks about freedom and Amari's resistance towards her oppressors. This book is worthy of being in the classroom because of its powerful storytelling and how it sheds light on what a young child would've gone through during slavery in America. One positive this book has is the educational value it provides. The novel can provide insight into the history of slavery and how race, identity, and social justice, play a key role then, and now. The only negative I really had on this book is the depiction of violence and brutality that was talked about. I understand it was needed to tell a story, however, some images might be too disturbing for younger audiences.
All in all this book can make a huge impact on younger audiences. It highlights trials and tribulations and makes you feel empathetic towards the characters in the story. It shows strength, and to always have hope. Additionally, it introduces slavery and can be a segway into introducing a unit on slavery and empowers young readers to speak up on social justice issues that might be going on today. 

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Perks Of Being A Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky, is a young adult coming-of-age story that follows Charlie as he navigates his freshman year of high school. Charlie is an introverted, observant, young man who has been through a lot. This story unfolds through a series of letters Charlie has written to an anonymous friend. He talks about his experiences, emotions, and thoughts. Charlie is a lonely teen who is dealing with past trauma and is struggling in school to make friends until he meets two senior step-siblings, Sam and Patrick. Through them, Charlie is introduced to a world full of art, literature, music, and crazy experiences. Charlie becomes a part of their inner circle and becomes face-to-face with self-identity, love, growing up, and mental health. He is then forced to deal with his demons and the challenges of growing up. I think this story would resonate with young adults because the experiences Charlie is going through can be relatable to what a lot of teens in high school are faced with. This story captures connection, transformation, and the struggles many face growing up. Although this book addresses mental health issues such as anxiety and depression,  I don't think the author depicts these issues with the sensitivity they deserve. 

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Enrique's Journey, by Susan Nazario, is a non-fiction narrative from Enrique's point of view. The story follows his journey from a boy in Honduras, traveling to the United States to reunite with his mother, who left him and his sister at a young age to try and create a better life for them. Enrique is faced with trials and tribulations throughout his journey to America. He has to climb freight trains, poverty, family separation, near-death experiences, and border patrol. Enrique is faced with violence, hunger, and complications, yet his determination and hope are what keep him alive. This story sheds light on the struggle of those who risk their lives to achieve the American Dream. I read this story with my freshman class, which is why I think this would resonate well with young adult audiences. I'm the daughter of an immigrant family who left everything behind to come to the United States in hopes of creating a better life for their children. Enrique's Journey highlights the struggle and courage it takes to persevere. The story cuts off after Enrique reunites with his mother, my only critique is I wish the author updated us on how things unfolded afterwards. 

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After only watching the movies, I decided to read the Twilight series out of curiosity. Twilight, by Stephanie Meyer, is a young adult fantasy novel. The story follows Bella Swan, who has left her mother and stepfather behind and has moved to Forks, Washington to live with her father. Bella starts to attend Forks High School, where she is quickly introduced to Edward Cullen. Edward has an alluring charm about him, and this makes Bella intrigued. However, Edward has a secret, he is a vampire. Bella soon quickly figures this out, but she isn't afraid. Bella and Edward begin their romance, creating complexities between werewolves and vampires. As they grow closer together, Bella is faced with choices that can alter the course of her life forever. This book truly captures different elements of romance, fantasy, and forbidden love. This book is perfect for a young adult audience since it transforms them into this fantasy world where vampires, werewolves, and supernatural elements are explored. The emotions, characters, and themes transform an audience into their own journeys and a story you can resonate with. Are you Team Edward, or Team Jacob? One critique I've found is Bella is portrayed as a dependent character. However, when it comes to her relationships, especially with Edward, it can come off as obsessive. She is willing to sacrifice her whole life, for one man. 

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The Summer I Turned Pretty, by Jenny Han, is a story that follows a young teenage girl, Belly Conklin, as she embarks on her new transformative summer at her family beach house in Cousins. Belly has always had feelings for Conrad, the beloved son of Belly's mother's best friend, Sussanah. However, things start to get complicated when Conrad's brother, Jeremiah enters the picture and complicates Belly's feelings. This is the first summer where Belly is navigating the complex situations of love, friendship, and her family.  She discovers who she is and experiences love, heartbreak, and drama.  This book captures the nostalgia of being a teen, and the power one summer can hold. This book is great for young adults because of its engaging and relatable characters. There is love, drama, friendships, and self-discovery.  This is a true coming-of-age story all audiences will enjoy. My only critique is I wish Jenny Han made it longer.