Scythe is a book set in a dystopia where death does not exist. Every human is completely immune to death unless it's at the hands of a society of scythes or legal killers. The book follows 2 scythe apprentices and their journey to find their place in a scary world.

Scythe is a great book because Neal Shusterman expertly wrote it, keeping the reader invested with tense action and graphic violence.

I would recommend Scythe to mature readers who enjoy gore and action, because it can be terrifying to those who don't enjoy it.

I love the different characters and their special background that make them all vastly different from each other. I also love the mystery and action combination in this book, which makes the plot very suspenseful and the book engaging.

I would recommend this book to seventh and eighth graders, and if you like mystery or fantasy genres, this book fits both categories.

- Audrey

I loved the book because it is the perfect mix of engaging and funny. While staying interesting throughout the entire book, it also deals with themes of loneliness and survival.

I would recommend this book to anyone in middle school. It is a very entertaining read, and I have liked it from 5th grade to 8th grade.

I loved this book so much! It is so heartfelt and well written. The characters are really well developed, the plot is well developed, and all around, is an amazing book. Also, heads up, there is a good chance you cry at least once. (The movie is also amazing).

I would recommend this book for rising 7th graders and up, as there is mention of death of a loved one, struggles with cancer, and a vague mature scene.

While the book follows a somewhat "cliché" plot, Rebecca Stead does a wonderful job of weaving the different storylines in a poetic way and portrays realistic situations and obstacles.

This book is ideal for younger 4th-6th graders who are looking for something that portrays dealing with hard situations as a middle schooler in a heartfelt, poetic way.

I really like this book because it is engaging and fun to read. I love how it talks about the beach, summer, and long-lasting memories.

I recommend this book to all middle schoolers because it is a really good read. I also recommend this to people who like realistic fiction.

-Sally

Why I liked it: I love time travel plots and I thought this author did a good job on writing one. I also like whodunit mysteries and finding out who the killer is. This book also has one of the best plot twists I have ever seen in my life that totally changes the story.

Who I recommend this to: I would recommend this book to readers who are fans of suspenseful and mystery books. I would recommend this book to grades 7-10.

I loved this book because this is the type of book where you expect the ending but their are certain plot twist that make it so much more interesting and hooked.

This book is for people in 6th grade and up because its your typical cringy clean romance that is great for middle schoolers.

I loved this book because it was really captivating and sad and no matter what this book will make you want to keep reading. This book is realistic fiction and there are so many amazing details and the way the book is written is absolutely incredible.

I recommend this book to grades 6-8 because although this book is an amazing realistic fiction, there are some sad, gruesome parts of this book that may not be appealing to everyone. If you love realistic books about world history, this book is for you.

- Kaitlin

I really enjoyed this book! It's a well written, eventure story that always keeps you interested. It is not a tough read, but it will still keep you wanting more!

I would recommend this book for younger middle schoolers ranging from 5th-6th grade.

I loved this book because it's a mix of two of my favorite genres: mystery and romance. This book was such a page-turner for me because you honestly never knew what was going to happen next. There are some CRAZY plot twists in it.

I would recommend this book to anyone. It's such an interesting book and could be a good fit for everyone. It's a little slow in the beginning, but if you stick with it, it's AMAZING!!!

I really enjoyed this book because of not only its insane plot twist at the end, but also it's unique take on racism in private schools.

I'd recommend this book to 7th and 8th graders, as it has some slightly more mature moments. However, if a kid is mature enough I'd highly recommend this book to anyone.

I really liked this book because it is a really great revenge novel. It is beautifully written with the classic wording of the 1800s and has a really satisfying ending. There is a reason that this book has stayed with us through the years.

I would recommend this book to people who are rising seventh graders and older, because I doubt people younger would have the attention span to finish such a long novel.

I loved this book because I liked the way Pittacus wrote it, and I also liked how even though there were 7 books it kept me engaged for all of them.

I recommend this book to 7th and 8th graders because all the storylines can be complicated and there is romance that can be a lot sometimes.

- Aiden

For my favorite book I decided to do the firekeepers

daughter, by Angeline Boulley. The Fire Keeper's Daughter follows hockey playing and science enthusiast Duanis Fontaine. When a new kid shows up she befriends him, but after a bit she realizes that he is a cop and is roped into an undercover FBI job trying to take down the drug ring ravaging her town.

I loved this book because it was both funny, action packed and an amazingly written mystery. It kept me on the edge of my seat and coming back for more. I would highly recommend this book.

However, I do not think that this book is the best choice for everybody, I think that it will be good for 7th and 8th graders but below that would not be amazing because of the content in this book.

I loved this book because of the suspenseful and competitive aspects of Nyxia. I also loved the way all the characters went together perfectly to form this book.

I would recommend this book to grades 6-8 because 5th graders might not be ready for the violence in this book.

The Underneath tells the story of the unlikely family of an abandoned calico cat and an old hound dog. The hound, Ranger, has been chained to an old house by the Louisiana bayou where the cruel owner, Gar Face, abuses him relentlessly. The cat, after finding Ranger and shelter under the house, or "the underneath", gives birth to two kittens, all while facing the dangers of Gar Face and the wilderness. They try to fight for their found family as external factors determine their fate.

This story has not only carried me through middle school, but since the day I picked it up in 1st grade. Its captivating writing, illustrations, and poetic storytelling brings out emotions that are deemed to be indescribable. It inspired my art and motivation to create.

I recommend this book to anyone, 5th through 8th grade, even adults! Readers who like an intentionally crafted and fantastical memoir-like story will find The Underneath incredibly enjoyable and impossible to put down.

Alina

I liked this book because it was full of action from start to finish making me want to keep flipping the page. Along with the action, I was constantly trying to figure out who was a friend and who was a foe. The author does a great job of bringing the reader into the setting and making them feel like they are part of the action in the book.

I would recommend this book for all readers who like action and fantasy. The book can be appealing to all audiences since it is simple and short but has some more complex meanings for older audiences.

I love this book because I have read it in the holiday season because I love mystery books and this one is so cozy and a fun read. I love this book because when you think you understand what is going on it flips directions. Also as someone who isn't a big fan of reading this is a great book and so interesting.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants a cozy winter read and likes mystery books. 

Reese Smith

This book is really good. The plot of it is really thought out and it hooks the reader as soon as you start the book. Simon is a likable character and you can relate to him a lot. It is a more mature book it has some cuss words so I would recommend it to 7th and 8th graders.

I loved how this book showed the commonality of police brutality, and racism. As well as common racism and stereotypes that young, black, individuals go through on a daily.

This book is definitely for more mature readers, as it holds some emotional scenes. I would certainly recommend this book for 6th - 8th graders.

-Ava

I am not usually a fantasy person but this book drew me right in with its beautiful writing, and plot twists always keeping me engaged. One of my fvorte parts is how the incorporated romance into a book about fantasy.

If you love fantasy and romantic books this is for you. It does have some gorey scenes and death/war so if you do not like that I wouldn't recommend.

I loved this book because it covers hard topics such as physical and drug abuse, bullying, and in general complicated family stories. The writing in this book is absolutely phenomenal, and because it's set in Ireland, there is lots of language I was previously unfamiliar with.

I would highly recommend this book to mature readers as there are explicit scenes, curse words, descriptions of physical abuse, and mentions of drug abuse. This book is best suited for 8th graders.

This book is very powerfully written and gave me a lense into what it's like to raise a kid as a young person and the struggles of poverty. I also love it because it heavily incorporates the theme of the importance of family and supporting them when you and them need you most.

I would recommend this book to 7th and 8th graders because there is some very advanced material. Some parts of the book may be hard to process so I would definitely recommend this book to older readers. I also strongly reccomed the other books by this author specifically The Hate You Give, and On The Come Up.

I loved this book because it is well written and I found it to be very engaging. I love how this book has a strong female main character. And in general, I have always loved fantasy and assassin type books.

I recommend this book for anyone who likes stories about guilds of thieves and assassins as well as books about strong characters. This book has mentions of childhood trauma and death of family members.

I loved this book because it inspires creativity and the mindset that anything can happen if people try hard enough. It's been a great read for me, and I think anyone in middle school could really enjoy it as well.

- Owen K.

I loved this book due to it's emotional pull and level of making you really sit back and think. I cried while reading this book and if a book can do that it's usually worth it. It is quite compelling through the entire book leaving you wanting more as each page gets turned.

Readers from 6th - 8th grade that like gripping realistic fiction will enjoy this book, the only thing that might hold you back from reading this is the violence in certain parts, not too vivid but definitely there. Great book and I one hundred percent recommend.

I loved this book due to the fact that it shines light on the history of Apartheid and how Trevor Noah explains his childhood in often comedic ways. The stories can be read in any order so this can be a good front cover to back cover read or if you just want to read something light you can always go to any chapter you want.

I would recommend this book to more mature readers specifically 7-8th graders.

- Luca Van Praag

I love One Piece because it has a comedy theme, but still manages to tackle deep emotional issues within the story, and has excellent world building with a great cast of characters who undergo great emotional struggles.

I would recommend this book to mature readers in the seventh and eighth grades, as it does have blood, and mature scenes and topics within it.

• Will H.

I would recommend this book above all because of its writing. Zusak's beautiful use of metaphor and the personality of the narration makes the book gripping and causes it to consume all your thoughts as you read it. Also, for the seventh graders reading this, you'll also get extra street cred with Nat (this is her favorite book).

This book deals with mature topics and themes, so I would recommend it for grades 7 and up. This is historical fiction, but don't count it out even if you tend to dislike the genre. You will enjoy this book all the same.

Warning: there will be tears.

-Arthur

I loved this book because of the six complex characters; it was really easy to get wrapped up in their story and struggle to anticipate what would come next. The buildup of the setting over the course of the book was interesting to see as well, along with the many secrets being revealed about the characters and everything around them. Although this book isn't necessary relatable, it is an amazing read if you are just looking for a really good book.

I would recommend Six of Crows to all grades, though maybe more directed towards 7th and 8th graders due to many mature violent scenes.

I love this book because every chapter ends making you want to read the next one. It also demonstrates the struggle of balancing work, school, social life, and a new factor that gets introduced as the book goes on. This book really made me think differently about how each person's life is different and how much impact one individual person can have on your life.

I would recommend this book to anyone 5th-8th grade, however I think that 7th and 8th graders would enjoy this book as much as I did because they will have a deeper understanding of it.

I love this book because it is a true story filled with resilience and determination, and how Louie survived such an ordeal. I recommend this book for 7th and 8th graders mostly because it can be dark at times, but Unbroken is definitely a middle school must-read!

I loved dry because it was fast paced and intense. It made me change my perspective on how fragile society is. Each characters perspective felt real to me. I liked how the story showed different sides of human nature and when people are pushed to their limits. It made me appreciate things I took for granted (like water) in a whole new way.

I think this book is a excellent read for upper middle school grades and a challenging but great fit for lower middle school grades. You should read this if you like an emotional and heart twisting story. Overall, you should definitely read this book.

I loved this book because the way it is written is like somthing I have never read before. The amount of character development throughout the series is something that is very prominent and shown. the way the scenes and world is described as well as the story line between books is one of the best things about this series.

I would recommend this book and the rest of the series to those who like romance and dystopian. I would say this is appropriate for those in the 7th though the 8th grade due to some graphic scenes throughout the series.

I love this book because of it delving into deep philosophical terrority, and it's dark feeling and morally juxtaposed characters. It has a feeling of incompleteness that leaves you wanting more. Fortunately there are five books in the series.

This is a scary book, and I would recommend it for mature 6th graders, or 7th and 8th graders.

2) I loved this book because it uncovers what it's like to face adversity, navigate friendship, and overcome obstacles. It teaches kids to embrace their differences and not let challenges hold you back from enjoying life. And lastly this book taught me the importance of being grateful, as being able to do every day tasks, can be a daunting challenge to others.

3) I recommend this book to all middle schoolers, because it teaches many different important messages, but especially to 5th graders because it's an easy read.

I've found that most romance books don't have a building plot, or the only plot there is the relationship, and, well, that's usually not very fun to read. That's why I love Twisted Love. It not only explores Ava and Alex's relationship, going in depth on the emotion and passion they share for each other, but it also has a plot that's worth reading for, something that builds alongside their relationship that eventually ties together. This book is filled with jaw-dropping drama that makes it feel more like a movie than a book.

Do not read this book if you are in 5th or 6th grade. This book was made for mature audiences and includes vivid mature content. I would recommend this book to current 8th graders, and if you are not there yet, I would definitely recommend reading it when you get to high school.

I loved this book because it's a poignant and heart-affecting love story about two teenagers suffering from cancer. From the very first scene you get sucked into this beautiful world of Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters.

I recommend this book for mature 7th and 8th graders, but it also depends on individual maturity and sensitivity. This book deals with mature themes like terminal illness, death, and the complexities of love and loss, which may not be suitable for younger readers.

Legendborn is about a girl named Brianna or Bree who goes to early college with her best friend to escape the grief of losing her mother. In her first few weeks at UNC EC, she starts seeing weird things and eventually uncovers a secret society called The Order. Throughout the book, Bree grapples, with grief, finds connections to her past, discovers things about her mother she never knew before and starts to realize why she never felt she belonged anywhere.

I love this book because it's super interesting from the very beginning. It hooks you in and as you read the book, you uncover layer after layer that just adds more and more to the plot of the book. It's really fun to read because the book is based in North Carolina at UNC, so it adds another layer of familiarity to the story. While I was reading the book, I found myself almost feeling what the characters were feeling in the book because Tracy Deonn does an amazing job emotionally connecting the reader with the story and with Bree.

I'd recommend this book to older readers, 7th and 8th graders, because there are a lot of layers in the book and it could be confusing for someone who doesn't like books with a heavy plot. There's a lot of talk about grief and death in the book and that can be a sensitive topic for people. Readers who like Realistic Fantasy, Romance, Adventure, and books where the character finds their identity, this is a good read for you. It is a pretty thick book so it will take more than an afternoon to read.

Les Misérables is a deeply insightful and complex story about the human condition. Throughout the book readers become deeply immersed in each character's struggles, witnessing their determination and resilience in the face of adversity. In the finale of the book, the uprising is unsuccessful in overthrowing the French government, and many lives are lost. Yet, despite this “failure” it acted as a catalyst for the 1848 Revolution, which ultimately led to the initial goal; the end of the French monarchy. This represents how progress is not something that happens in a year, but something that requires years, even decades, of effort and sacrifice. Les Misérables is a book of revolution. It is a reminder of how there will never be a perfect society. A group will always be oppressed. Pain, injustice, and suffering are inevitable, rooted in the inherent nature of life. Despite this, humans are also capable of profound unity and resistance, both individually but as a community. Societal progress is a slow and harrowing journey. It requires sacrifice, but it is that very struggle that radically changes our society. 

Les Misérables is a formidable story. However, if you are willing to dig deep, and truly appreciate how it is not a work of literature, but a piece of art, then this story will change how you view the world and your place within it.

This book is the first in a series, one of the first series that actually got me into more mature books with more complex stories. I think that it would be suitable for sixth graders up.