Calling All Readers! by L Josephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz Any favorite books recommendations? If yes, please post here. Include a link to the book review on Goodreads using "insert link". End with your name / see models. Then, when you are looking for another great book to read, feel free to use the list! To add a book: click on the icon in the bottom right corner. en-us 2017-08-24 19:19:53 UTC 2025-09-15 16:18:10 UTC hello@padlet.com The Hate You Give ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/182675439 Interesting story of a girl who witnesses her friend's shooting by a police officer.  A realistic look at race in America. Click below for a description! (Rec by Mrs. J)]]> 2017-08-24 19:23:46 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/182675439 We Were Liars ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/182676503 A story with an upsetting ending that will make you want to go back and re-read!  Click below for more of a description.  You will hate the end but love the book.  So good I have read it multiple times! (Rec by Mrs. J)]]> 2017-08-24 19:28:52 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/182676503 The Sun is Also a Star ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/182676739 Interesting story that switches narration from male/female every other chapter. I really liked this book for its interesting characterization.  Click below for more info. (Rec by Mrs. J)]]> 2017-08-24 19:30:11 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/182676739 Salt to the Sea ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/182678039 If you like realistic historical fiction, this story relates a World War II tragedy.  Click below for a description. (Rec by Mrs. J)]]> 2017-08-24 19:37:35 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/182678039 Scythe ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/182687221 (rec by Mrs. J)
Interesting dystopian premise in that humanity has ended death, so population is controlled by "Scythes" or Angels of Death.  Two teens compete for the job! Click below for more of a description.  (Rec by Mrs. J)]]> 2017-08-24 20:23:21 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/182687221 The Hunger Games https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/184956768 A dystopian novel full of adventure and danger even if its to save a loved one. Definitely an interesting book to read! (Emma Brouillette)]]> 2017-09-05 23:24:37 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/184956768 My Life With the Walter Boys https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/185064694 A novel about at teen that had her family die in a devastating death, causing her to have to move in with her mom's old friend. When Jackie shows up at her new home, she has a unpleasant surprise. She will be living with 12 boys. My Life With the Walter Boys is definitely a book to read. (Lauren Jackman)    ]]> 2017-09-06 11:34:32 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/185064694 The Red Queen Series ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/287892535 This is a world divided by blood - red or silver. The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change. That is until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own.  (Rec by Mrs. J)]]> 2018-10-01 22:53:27 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/287892535 Eleanor and Park ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/287892850 Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.]]> 2018-10-01 22:56:13 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/287892850 Looking for Alaska ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/287893348 Set at a boarding school, Miles meets Alaska, a pretty and outgoing girl who teaches him to walk on the wild side.  This book does have some mature content and a very depressing end, so consider yourself warned.  It is actually one of my favorite John Green books (author of The Fault in our Stars and many other books). (rec by Mrs. J)


]]> 2018-10-01 23:00:35 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/287893348 Violent ends https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/308997077 I found this book interesting because of how many different authors wrote it and all of the different points of view that the story is written in. I also really liked the main character even though he did some messed up stuff. (student rec)

]]> 2018-11-28 19:17:10 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/308997077 If I Was Your Girl ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/383180954 (Summer reading choice for another high school)

"For as long as I could remember, I had been apologizing for existing, for trying to be who I was, to live the life I was meant to lead."   Interesting story about a teen who has transitioned from being born a male.  Great for all readers!  Click below for more of a description. ]]> 2019-09-12 11:48:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/383180954 Insignia Series (3 books) ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/383183762 (Summer reading choice for another high school)

A great dystopian read.  I liked the first book enough to read the second, and by the end of the third, I did NOT want the story to end.  If you are looking for your next great dystopian series, this is it!  (rec by Mrs. J)]]> 2019-09-12 11:55:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/383183762 A Long Walk to Water ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/383192743 (Summer reading for another high school.)

Based on a true story, this book follows two African teens (one male / one female ) as they struggle for survival in war torn Africa. If you enjoy historical fiction or learning about different cultures, this is a great book. Click below for more of a description. (Rec by Mrs. J)]]> 2019-09-12 12:13:05 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/383192743 The Storyteller skhsliteraryjournal https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/383204069 An amazing story if you are interested in the dynamics of family, its loss and the intensity of its connection never to be broken, and the telling of another culture's story. Pierre Jarawan writes about Lebanon, about his homeland's beauty and political-religious conflicts, in a particularly poetic fashion, all the while maintaining that familial motivation. I have read it once and would certainly read it a million times over. Click below for a review and more of a description of the story. 
(Recommended by Erin J.)]]> 2019-09-12 12:36:14 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/383204069 Caraval ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/436458386 (a series) 

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic.  An interesting fantasy series.  (I did not think I would enjoy this book since I don't love fantasy, but it was good, and I have since read the entire series. )  
  (Rec by Mrs. J)]]> 2020-01-27 15:35:54 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/436458386 Scythe aizzo2022 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/453606453 I know someone already said this, but Scythe is an amazing book! There are so many twists and it constantly keeps you on your feet! I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes dystopian stories!]]> 2020-03-03 13:40:13 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/453606453 One of us is lying https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/453606504 5 students are in detention. 1 dies. Who did it? This story will keep you hooked from start to finish]]> 2020-03-03 13:40:18 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/453606504 The Gates (Samuel Johnson #1) (1 of 3 book series) ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/482817169 -rec by Mrs. J

Sam's neighbors at 666 Crowley Road open a portal to hell and some very interesting creatures come forth.  Part fantasy, part magical realism, part comedy, young Sam and his trusty dachshund Boswell attempt to save the world in a classic story about good vs evil, science vs faith, physics vs fantasy.  Amazing author who has written for both teen and adult audiences.  


]]> 2020-03-30 17:34:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/482817169 The Birth of Venus lcarroll7 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/483045601 (rec by Mrs.Carroll)
 
A book I remember LOVING. A historical novel set in Florence. ]]> 2020-03-30 19:27:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/483045601 Passion of Artemisia lcarroll7 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/483051025 (rec by Mrs. Carroll) 

Artemisia Gentileschi, the first female to be accepted in Florence's Academy of Fine Arts (Accademia delle belle arti). Another historical fiction novel that I loved. ]]> 2020-03-30 19:30:41 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/483051025 Forever https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/536308916 (rec by Ms. Thomas)

This is a great book for anybody that enjoys historical fiction (with a little fantasy thrown in). 

This novel follows Cormac O'Connor an Irish immigrant that flees to New York and is then made immortal. The reader is able to see New York grow and change over the course of 300 years.
 ]]> 2020-04-28 13:18:25 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/536308916 Pillars of the Earth (#1 of 3) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/536325103 (rec by Ms. Thomas)

Another great work of historical fiction!

Set in medieval England, Pillars of the Earth follows a few different families, each at different level of the feudal pyramid, as their stories intertwine through the building of a magnificent cathedral. ]]> 2020-04-28 13:24:11 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/536325103 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/676369810 Fans of the Hunger Games:  "It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capital, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games."  A fan of the H.Games, I was excited to read this book.  I liked it, but did not love the end as much.  Still very interesting as many origins from the Hunger Games are explained. A friend that read it said it was her favorite of the series.  
(rec by Mrs. J)]]> 2020-08-11 21:55:49 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/676369810 Shatter Me (a dystopian series) ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/676373624 From the outset, the writing style of this hooked me. It is very well written with great character voice. It kind of takes an unexpected "X-men" turn that I thought I would dislike, but I kept reading and ended up liking the book enough to read the next one. In fact, I am on book 7 of the 10 book series. (rec my Mrs. J)]]> 2020-08-11 22:00:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/676373624 The Illuminae Files ssilversmith2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/905375523 A book that is great in story and visual design. It's equal parts space and soap opera, with a hint of thriller. The book is unconventional in it's telling, rather than traditional prose it's communicated through assorted chat conversations, medical reports and various transcripts from deep space. Despite being convoluted in some ways, I found it to be a fun read.
If you like it, read the sequels Gemina and Obsidio

(rec by Sierra Silversmith)]]> 2020-11-09 18:06:57 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/905375523 Dry ssilversmith2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/905414610 To give an idea, imagine if there was just no more water. Now imagine the chaos that follows that. This is truly terrifying story about an apocolypes that hits a little too close to home. It's definitely not about a light subject, but it's also an amazingly written story that has an important message and a cast of characters that one can't help but root for.

(rec by Sierra Silversmith)]]> 2020-11-09 18:14:20 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/905414610 The Longest Ride eparente2022 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/905573572 A truly captivating story that takes readers through a whirlwind of emotions with strong messages of love, loss, and appreciation for life. Readers dive into the lives of two different couples in two different eras that tie together seamlessly in the end. Both storylines capture the readers to make them feel they are right there with the characters! The ending will leave readers wanting more! Definitely a must read! (Rec by Emma Parente)]]> 2020-11-09 18:45:40 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/905573572 Romeo and Juliet eparente2022 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/905664856 Everybody knows this classic love story of two star-crossed lovers whose unconditional love overpowered the burning hatred their two families possessed for each other. However, on the off chance that you haven't read perhaps Shakespeare's most famous play, I would seriously recommend it! It teaches readers about the power of true love and the ability emotions have to completely impact a person's life and decisions. (Rec by Emma Parente)]]> 2020-11-09 19:03:16 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/905664856 Wanderers https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/905869723 Wanderers by Chuck Wendig is one of the most enthralling and terrifying books I have ever read.  I say terrifying because of the eerily realistic portrayal of real life this novel paints when humanity is confronted with a life threatening virus. It starts off with Shana, a teenage girl whose sister seems to be sleepwalking and can't wake up, a condition that many across the country somehow have, a condition that scientists can't find an answer for. The novel continues to explore many other complex characters as well as the many social/political issues that plague America, such as gun control, sexism, white supremacy, etc. I highly recommend this novel, even though it tackles a lot of mature topics and isn't for everyone.
(Rec by Emily Thomas)]]> 2020-11-09 19:45:48 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/905869723 A Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/906090997 If you want a light, fun read that doesn't take itself too seriously, A Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy is the book for you. Right before the planet Earth is destroyed by an ancient alien race called the Vogons, Ford Prefect, an alien from Betelgeuse and his human friend, Arthur Dent hitch a ride. While escaping the now nonexistent planet, they end up with a few more interesting characters in a stroke of virtually improbable luck and continue to explore the galaxy. I would definitely recommend this book for its interesting characters,  insane plot and unique take on the galaxy.
(Rec. Emily Thomas)]]> 2020-11-09 20:43:35 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/906090997 An Elephant in My Kitchen https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/916743166 Are you interested in learning about the African savanna? Do you want to learn about the indigenous wild animals? An Elephant in My Kitchen is a true story about a girl who learns to own and operate an animal rescue conserve in the tall grasses of South Africa. Through real life examples of different challenges faced on a   reserve, readers can enjoy a heartfelt, warming story about saving our wildlife, along with some entertaining animals! (rec by Jillian Vellone) ]]> 2020-11-12 14:59:34 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/916743166 The Fault in Our Stars https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/916794462 Many of you have seen the movie, but have you read the book? Readers will get to experience the heart-breaking love story of a young girl, Hazel, who is diagnosed with a tumor, and how her whole world is turned upside-down. But when she meets a mysterious boy at a cancer support group, Hazel may just have laid eyes on her soulmate. I recommend this book for anyone who wants a heartfelt love story, but be prepared to cry. (rec by Jillian Vellone) ]]> 2020-11-12 15:09:41 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/916794462 A Long Way Gone https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/917917259 If you are looking to expand your knowledge of conflict around the world, this is a great read! In this memoir, Ishmael Beah, a former boy soldier takes you through his life in the middle of a civil war in Sierra Leone in the 1990s. Villages are being raided, families are being separated, and innocence is being destroyed. After leaving with his friends for a trip one day, Ishmael gets swept up in a raid by the rebels. Luckily, he escapes but his journey to freedom is far from over, taking him to new and exciting cities like Freetown and even the New York City along his fight for peace and rehabilitation.
(rec. by Amy Allen)]]> 2020-11-12 18:45:07 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/917917259 The Lightning Thief https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/918146992 This is the perfect novel for anyone interested in Greek mythology or sci-fi. I first read this in middle school and it was just a exciting the second time! The plot follows a young boy with dyslexia and behavioral problems named Percy Jackson. He comes to find out that his life is much more complex than he originally thought... 
From fighting a Minotaur to chatting with Zeus, this book is packed with action. It displays the courage and love it takes to protect friends and family.
(rec. by Amy Allen)]]> 2020-11-12 19:33:06 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/918146992 Good Omens By Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/918249235 A humorous satire on the Christian interpretation of Armageddon. The novel follows the demon Crowley as well as the angel Aziraphale in their struggle to save Earth from an apocalyptic war, the ineffable plan of God, and the Antichrist. The plot spans from the beginning to the end of time with cameos from the Four Horsemen, Beelzebub, witches, witch hunters, satanic nuns, hellhounds and the antichrist himself. The two authors explore themes such as free-will, fate/destiny, and good verses evil through the two main characters as they struggle with their own allegiances and their own humanity. I highly recommend this book for any absurdist fantasy lover, or even for someone who is looking to get into reading more as it is only 288 pages in length. (Recommended by Jesse Williams)
 ]]> 2020-11-12 19:56:34 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/918249235 Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/918251745 This dystopian novel, written over 60 years ago, remains a timeless example of dystopian fiction. It provides insight on what some people imagine the future to be like and what kind of place this world could become. The plot is intriguing and creates suspense, and the description and perspective in the narrative is amazing. Overall this book is a real eye-opener and a must-read. (rec. James O'Connor)

]]> 2020-11-12 19:57:11 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/918251745 A Game of Thrones By George R.R. Martin https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/918406675 There is no doubt you have heard of this series due to the immense popularity of the HBO adaptation, but I am here to tell you that you can throw the TV show out the window into a burning dumpster because compared to the book series--it mineaswell be a rotting, stewed tomato. With no exaggeration, George R.R. Martin has crafted the most unique and complex fantasy world since Tolkien's The Lord of The Rings. It is a fairly chunky read at 694 pages, but you should not be perturbed, it is worth every second of your time. This series, as a whole, is the epitome of modern fantasy, it is packed with politics, warfare, drama, romance, worldbuilding, lore, mystery, and plenty o' themes. Look, just give it a read if you like fantasy, or if you do not, give it a read anyway! (Recommended by Jesse Williams)]]> 2020-11-12 20:38:26 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/918406675 Coraline By Neil Gaiman https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/918460920 The delightfully dark story of a young girl whose curiosity plunges her into the parallel world of the Beldam, or the "Other Mother". Protagonist Coraline Jones is an angsty teen that has just moved to a new home, far away from her old life and friends. She is extraordinarily bored, with nothing better to do than explore the ancient estate, and greet the eccentric neighbors. A dream brings her to a mysterious door into a seemingly perfect world with talking cats and button eyes. This is a short children's horror story that can be read in one or two sittings. I recommend it for the fans of the movie, and horror in general, it is worth at least one read through. (Recommended by Jesse Williams)

]]> 2020-11-12 20:55:14 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/918460920 The Princess Bride https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/919199679 "As you wish..."
Everyone seems to know the famous line from The Princess Bride, but have you read the book? This novel is filled to the brim with passion and romance. A young woman, Buttercup, escapes capture from a greedy prince and falls into the arms of a previous love, Wesley, only to be captured again. Will she be forced to marry the dreadful prince or can she ride off into the night with her true love? With the help of a giant and a skilled swordsman, Wesley will undergo many trials to win her back.
(rec. by Amy Allen)]]> 2020-11-13 03:21:11 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/919199679 The Secret Circle https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/919204362 After moving across the country to live with her grandmother, Cassie finds herself swept up into the drama of a questionable clique at school. Is witchcraft really real? Cassie explores her abilities while falling deep into love triangles and dangerous cult practices. She uncovers the secrets of her family and its heritage. Was her mother's death really an accident? This novel is a thrilling teen drama that's fit for anyone interested in a plot that has twists and turns with a sci-fi spin on it.
(rec. by Amy Allen)]]> 2020-11-13 03:24:50 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/919204362 All the Bright Places https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/932698376 This is probably one of the most heartbreaking novels I have ever read. With this being said, it is beautifully written and has a semi-optimistic ending. This is a story about Violet Markey and Theodore Finch, who are paired up to complete a school history assignment. These two very different types of people come to know each other very well over the course of the many meaningful adventures they share. (rec by Jaclyn Christina)

]]> 2020-11-17 16:54:10 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/932698376 Lord of the Flies https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/932720228 I did a project on this book in my freshman year Honors English class, and I really enjoyed reading this book. This novel is about a group of young school boys who are stranded on an island without any adults after their plane crashes. These boys struggle to create a functioning society by themselves. It is a very interesting storyline, and it makes you wonder how you would act if you were in that same, scary, situation. (rec by Jaclyn Christina)]]> 2020-11-17 16:58:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/932720228 Nineteen Eighty-Four https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/932729206 How would you like to be watched all of the time? Well, in the novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, Big Brother is quite literally surveilling you. The people live in Oceania, which has become a totalitarian superstate that is ruled by the Party who employ the Thought Police to persecute individuality and independent thinking. This book really makes you appreciate your freedom. (rec by Jaclyn Christina)]]> 2020-11-17 16:59:32 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/932729206 A Separate Peace https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/971410720 I read this book in my freshman year and I absolutely loved it. It takes place a high school called the Devon school in 1942. The protagonist and his best friend go on many adventures throughout the story, while knowing that they will soon be enlisted in the war. This book really makes you think about the importance of honesty and friendship. (rec by Anna Kelly)

]]> 2020-11-30 14:35:07 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/971410720 Eleanor & Park https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/973145912 Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell is a young adult romance novel that is told in the switching off perspectives of two unique teenagers. I loved this book because it was not too cheesy as a romance novel; just as much as it revolved around the relationship between the protagonists, it also dealt with family dynamics and race and gender stereotypes. It is an easy, enjoyable read with relatable characters. (rec by Samantha Denecour)]]> 2020-11-30 19:47:01 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/973145912 Afterparty https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/973184150 Afterparty by Ann Redisch Stampler is a riveting, high-stakes book about a toxic high school friendship. The book starts out simple, describing everyday struggles of the high school protagonist, Emma, but slowly escalates into a suspenseful page-turner. This is the type of book that causes you to stay up all night to finish! (rec by Samantha Denecour)]]> 2020-11-30 19:55:46 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/973184150 Candide https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/973215527 Candide by Voltaire is a straightforward, easy-to-read book about the journey of an optimistic Candide and his companions. Somehow, however, this roughly 100-page book it is so densely packed with messages involving fate, religion, perspective, and social hierarchies that it is impossible to read without looking at the world with a different perspective. (rec by Samantha Denecour)]]> 2020-11-30 20:03:05 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/973215527 The Handmaid's Tale https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/973251350 The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood is one of the best dystopian fiction novels I have read. It depicts a future America overtaken by theocratic leaders that oppress women, and plays on real themes in our society today. If you like novels such as the Hunger Games or 1984, I highly recommend reading this book as well. (rec by Samantha Denecour)]]> 2020-11-30 20:11:40 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/973251350 Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/977880591 This novel takes place in present day Chinatown located in San Francisco. After the main character, Natalie, goes back home to Chinatown, she uncovers secrets about her families past.I would recommend this to anyone who loves cooking. The author includes recipes embedded in the text so the reader can cook along with the characters.]]> 2020-12-01 22:17:52 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/977880591 The Lovely Bones https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1002236971 This book will never get old to me. It takes place in the 70s when a young girl named Susie is killed, and the story is told in her perspective from heaven, as she watches the aftermath of her death. It is heartbreaking and hard to put down. If you like suspense I would definitely recommend this book. (rec. by Maeve Kirwin)]]> 2020-12-09 14:24:50 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1002236971 Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1002253539 This novel takes place on an island off the coast of Wales, where 16 year old Jacob discovers an abandoned orphanage from many years ago, to find out the magical children who used to live there, still roamed the halls. This book is a great read if you enjoy fantasy novels and suspense. There are also pictures embedded throughout the book that make it feel realistic and help you to imagine the very unique story. (Rec by Maeve K)]]> 2020-12-09 14:28:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1002253539 The Sun and her Flowers https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1002305573 The Sun and her Flowers is a poetry book that surrounds topics of growth and healing within ones self. This book does cover sensitive topics but it is beautifully written. I recommend this to anyone who wants a meaningful quick read. Rec by Maeve Kirwin]]> 2020-12-09 14:39:00 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1002305573 Notes From My Captivity https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1002324925 This book is about a girl named Adrienne who loves journalism. She gets the opportunity to go to Siberian wilderness with her father and investigate a myth of a family of hermits, that she believes do not exist and it follows her adventure there and back. This book is an interesting and good read I recommend to anyone who likes mysteries. Rec by Maeve Kirwin]]> 2020-12-09 14:43:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1002324925 Rebecca https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1003548530 Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is about an unamed woman and her husband reminiscing about their memories. It takes place in early 1900's Europe. Through a flashback, the story of the womans struggle to live up to the expectations of her husbands last wife and the homes cruel housekeeper is told. This story has a haunting twist and will have you glued to the book. (Recommendation by Abbie Nowell)]]> 2020-12-09 18:45:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1003548530 The Joy Luck Club https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1003613217 The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan is a creative and enticing read. It follows four Chinese American women, their older generations, and those to come, starting from 1949 to the current. These four women meet weekly, bringing food and stories of their experiences, passing the tradition down to their children. This book is very educational on Asian culture while telling beautiful stories of families, childhood, and struggle. (Recommendation by Abbie Nowell)]]> 2020-12-09 18:59:04 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1003613217 Words on Bathroom Walls https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1007843828 Words on Bathroom Walls by Julia Walton is a beautiful book that depicts the struggle of going through high school with schizophrenia. Adam Petrazelli begins a trial for a new experimental drug to treat his schizophrenia as he navigates the new world of falling in love, and documents it in a series of personal, and at times painful, diary entries about anything and everything in his life. (rec by Monica Thoma)]]> 2020-12-10 20:04:11 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1007843828 Little Women https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1007862577 The classic Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is the story of four girls, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, and how they lived through the Civil War together. Set in Concord, MA, this must read is full of lessons, laughter, and tears as the girls grow into young women in a time where so much is unknown, and learn how to be genuine and true to themselves. (rec by Monica Thoma)]]> 2020-12-10 20:09:14 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1007862577 Anne of Green Gables https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1007897802 Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery follows the story of a young orphan girl named Anne. Mistakenly adopted by two elderly siblings after they had wanted a boy, Anne lives a somewhat carefree life in Avonlea, located on Prince Edward Island in Canada. This first book of a series focuses on Anne's early education and rivalries, and ends with her decisions about attending a four year college. (rec by Monica Thoma)]]> 2020-12-10 20:18:57 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1007897802 Beautiful Creatures https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1007920592 Ceautiful Creatures, co-written by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, is a love story between Ethan Wate and Lena Duchannes, a new girl is his town of Gatlin, South Carolina. After a series of incidents which were inadvertently set off by Lena, he discovers that she is much more than meets the eye, and falls even harder, at the dismay of the the people he's known all his life. He learns about her family and their history, along with a new world he had never known about, existing right under his nose. (rec by Monica Thoma)]]> 2020-12-10 20:25:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1007920592 All Your Twisted Secrets https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1041939327 What would you do if you were locked in an inescapable room with a bomb that would go off in an hour, if you didn't kill one of the five other people in the room? In All Your Twisted Secrets by Diana Urban, six high schoolers, who seem to perfectly fit their stereotypes as the star athlete, popular girl, stoner, musician, valedictorian and loner are invited to a scholarship dinner. They quickly realize that this is simply a ruse and frantically try to find a way to escape the room and in doing so, are forced to reveal their deepest secrets in order to figure out who might've done this to them Told from the perspective of Amber Prescott, an ambitious musician who is desperate to get her and all of  her classmates out of the room unharmed, this thrilling novel shows the desperate lengths people are willing to go in order to survive. With a shocking plot twist at the end, this book will surely keep everyone who reads it on their toes.
(rec. by Emily Thomas)

]]> 2020-12-25 16:54:19 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1041939327 1421: The Year China Discovered America https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1042553602 1421: The Year China Discovered America, written by Gavin Menzies, gives readers evidence that rewrites history. On 03/08/1421 an enormous fleet from China leaves with the goal of uniting the world and discovering every part of the Earth. However, due to the emperor falling in 1423 when they return, this knowledge of the ships also fell as their records were destroyed. Furthermore, Menzies tells how China gave America crops that in turn impacted the world. This captivating novel breaks down the accepted knowledge and understanding that Columbus was the first to discover the Americas. (rec. by Amalia Costa)]]> 2020-12-26 21:26:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1042553602 The Opposite of Always https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1042560305 The Opposite of Always, written by Justin A. Reynolds, is a love story about two young adults who met at a house party. However, this story has a twist. The love interest Kate dies and Jack has a chance to save her with time travel. Jack learns that each of his actions have consequences on different people. The reader follows Jack through his trial and error of what sacrifices he has to make to save his friendships and loved ones. (rec. by Amalia Costa)]]> 2020-12-26 21:47:35 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1042560305 And Then There Were None https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1042588810 And Then There Were None, written by Agatha Christie, is a classic mystery that takes place in 1939 at an island in Europe called Soldier Island. Ten strangers were put on the island, which is off the coast of Devon, by a millionaire as guests. This millionaire is suspiciously no where to be found. Despite these guests being strangers, they have one thing in common. They each have a nursery rhyme in their room which depicts how they will die. The guests start dying one by one but in the way that the nursery rhyme says they will. This leaves the guests questioning who organized this and long they have left. (rec. Amalia Costa)]]> 2020-12-26 23:26:49 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1042588810 Parachutes https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1043126149 Parachutes by Kelly Yang is brilliant and alarmingly realistic story that follows the lives of two seemingly different girls and how a traumatic experience brings them together. Claire Wang is an outspoken Chinese teenager, who is sent to America by her wealthy parents, in order to receive a fairer education. Dani de la Cruz, the girl she's staying with, is a hardworking scholarship student, who is determined to succeed in debate and get into Yale, so her and her mother can have a better life. Neither of them are particularly thrilled to be living together, especially because of how different their lives are, but slowly become friends as they realize they have more in common than they originally thought. This novel realistically shows sexism, racism and classism and how much of an impact it can have on the people it affects. Personally, I would give this book a 10/10.
(rec. by Emily Thomas)]]> 2020-12-27 17:13:36 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1043126149 Wonder Woman: Warbringer https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1047852011 Marvel and DC fans alike will enjoy this fast paced and exciting story about Wonder Woman. Set in the 21st century, author Leigh Bardugo tells the story of female friendship and doing what is right. With a diverse and well written assortment of characters, this was a book I simply could not put down.  Even if you think that you don't like superhero stories, I promise you will like this one. If you are bored of YA romance, this ones for you!
(rec. by Lucia Krekorian)]]> 2020-12-31 20:36:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1047852011 Warcross https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1047856824 For dystopian fans, Warcross by Marie Lu is a gripping thriller about Emika Chen, a teenager bounty hunter and player of the wildly popular game, Warcross. Desperate for cash, Emika hacks into a professional Warcross championship and instead of getting arrested, she is rewarded with a meeting with the creator of game itself. However, something else is at play that Emika has to solve while surviving. Romance and action are constants throughout this excellent novel that I read in less than 2 days. I liked it so much that I also read the sequel.
(rec. by Lucia Krekorian)]]> 2020-12-31 20:49:08 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1047856824 Scythe https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1047862288 Scythe by Neal Shusterman is no doubt my favorite read of 2020. Set in a post death society where war ceases to exist and disease is no more. Now, they only ones who control death are the mysteries scythes, given permission to end life at any given moment. But what happens when those who have that power abuse it? This is the story of two teens who are apprenticed to a scythe and their struggle against their own humanity. Citra and Rowan have to face the consequences of what it means to be human. Be prepared to be drawn into their dark and compelling world. This is defiantly the best dystopian I've read since the hunger games. I recommend to anyone who likes a good action book.
(rec. by Lucia Krekorian)]]> 2020-12-31 21:03:47 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1047862288 Salt to the sea https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1047867244 If you know me, I much prefer dystopian and action books over historical and contemporary fiction. Salt to the sea made me rethink my judgement. Author Ruta Sepetys will keep you pinned in your seat reading this World War 2 novel. From the perspective of 4 characters about the little know tragedy of the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that was to be a safe haven became the graveyard of more than 9,000 people. Sepetys explores the deep and sometimes graphic pain that comes with trauma.
(rec. by Lucia Krekorian)]]> 2020-12-31 21:17:28 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1047867244 The Glass Hotel https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049046583 While this book is just over 300 pages, it tells a story like a 600 page book. The novel was very interesting, but not for the faint at heart. I loved the way the character’s are displayed, but this is a good thing as the plot revolves around the characters, it is not very action filled. (Rec. by Emma Cottrell) ]]> 2021-01-02 18:58:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049046583 Make it Stick https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049051282 While this was a summer reading requirement for AP Psychology, I honestly enjoyed this short book. As someone who hopes to major in neuroscience, this book captivated me with its compelling research on cognitive psychology. This book if for anyone looking to become a more efficient learner. (Rec. by Emma Cottrell) ]]> 2021-01-02 19:05:30 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049051282 The Perks of Being a Wallflower https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049053632 After watching the movie this summer, I had to read the book. While usually I like to read the novel, then watch the film. I absolutely love the main character, Charlie, however he is easily liked from his first sentences. I believe every teenager should read this book as it dives deep into many topics (rape, abuse, drugs, friendships, etc.) all in one book. (Rec. by Emma Cottrell)

]]> 2021-01-02 19:09:17 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049053632 Uglies https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049057947 This is the first book in the series by Scott Westerfeld. I read this series in middle school and I loved it so much that I started it again over winter break. It’s a science fiction novel about a distant future society based on looks. Westerfeld shoes how overviewed “beauty” is. If you like dystopians this is the triology for you!n(rec by Emma Cottrell)]]> 2021-01-02 19:16:11 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049057947 Radio Silence https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049258625 Radio Silence by Alice Oseman is not your typical young adult “romance” novel. Frances Janvier is a high school student trapped in academia who creates art for her favorite podcast in her free time. Aled Last just happens to be the creator. When their paths cross, you would think that they would start dating, you would think, right? Radio Silence is incredibly relatable to its intended audience with diverse and generally well developed characters, despite not all of them being likeable. This book is absolutely adorable, while still containing important discussions about identity, relationships, and mental illness. It’s one of those books that you can read multiple times and not get tired of it; I definitely recommend giving it a shot. (rec. by Kaitlyn Niro)]]> 2021-01-03 02:31:17 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049258625 Grown https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049259016 Content Warning: mentions of sexual abuse, rape, assault, child abuse, kidnapping, and addiction
Enchanted Jones is an aspiring singer, spotted by R&B artist Korey Fields at an audition; as she falls deeper and deeper into his “world” he manipulates her more and more, and we eventually uncover the truth of who killed Korey Fields. I’m going to preface this by stating that this was not a lighthearted read; it covered serious topics not limited to those mentioned above along with parasocial relationships and the treatment and vulnerability of young black girls. This book was painful to read as we see Enchanted trapped in Korey’s web, but also powerful as we watch her survive and escape. Though the book dwells upon many media figures who have done similar things, this, above everything, is about a celebrity, and someone much older than the lead, abusing their position of power. It was incredibly fast-paced (I read this in one sitting, which was probably a little longer than an hour), but it made sense with what was occurring. I cannot recommend this book enough, as long as you know what you are getting yourself into, hence the content warning. Also, how could you resist a book with such a beautiful cover? (rec. by Kaitlyn Niro)
]]> 2021-01-03 02:32:23 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049259016 Les Misérables https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049259605 Most likely you know of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables from its musical adaption, but the 1400+ page novel explores the story’s complexities far deeper. This book follows the interwoven narratives of Fantine, Jean Valjean, Javert, Cosette, Marius, and many (and I mean MANY) more during the first half of the nineteenth century in France, around two decades after the French Revolution. The novel is raw, gritty, and just plain painful, which is unsurprising considering the title can be translated into something along the lines of “The Miserable Ones.” Though the novel starts out slow and Hugo tends to go off on long digressions, the story itself is captivating, and you slowly grow attached to each of the many characters. Though Les Misérables is a huge commitment, it is definitely a book that you should read at least once in your life. (rec. by Kaitlyn Niro) ]]> 2021-01-03 02:34:01 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049259605 The Infernal Devices (series) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049259916 Starting off with Clockwork Angel, Cassandra Clare’s The Infernal Devices (TID) is a well constructed trilogy during the Victorian era. The trilogy is one of many series within Clare’s Shadowhunters Universe and precedes her newest series, The Last Hours, her most well known, The Mortal Instruments (TMI), and the sequel series of the latter, The Dark Artifices; having said that, though TMI was mostly written before TID, the realm is explained well enough in TID that is not necessary to read TMI first. The trilogy follows Tessa Gray, James “Jem” Carstairs, and Will Herondale as they defend the human world against demons and other dangers present in the Shadow realm. The trilogy is generally well written and the main characters are all well-developed and loveable; it’s funny, heartbreaking, and once you start reading it you likely won’t be able to put it down. I mostly enjoyed this series for its focus on relationships, as they were much more captivating than those in TMI and for the fact that you grow so attached to the characters over the course of the trilogy. I wholeheartedly recommend this series as an introduction to the Shadowhunters realm, and for anyone that enjoys fantasy, romance, or young adult series. The link below is for the first novel in the series: Clockwork Angel. (rec. by Kaitlyn Niro)]]> 2021-01-03 02:34:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1049259916 Ready Player One https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1052274791 If you liked the movie, you'll love the book. This amazing novel by Ernest Cline inspired the movie by the same name, and in some ways, the book is even better. The plot has everything you need. Teenager Wade Watts lives in a futuristic, ugly Earth in the year 2044 where the only escape from the crumbling world around him is the OASIS, a huge interactive, online video game that you can spend hours upon hours in. Wade, along with some new friends he meets, must compete against the huge company IOI to win a complex competition created by the founder of the OASIS, James Halliday. Whoever wins Halliday's game gains complete ownership of the OASIS and Halliday's vast fortune. Wade's life will be threatened, and the stakes of the competition will never be higher. His journey will be filled with action, adventure, and comedy, and you won't be able to stop reading. (Rec. James O'Connor)]]> 2021-01-04 15:26:43 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1052274791 Shooter https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1052288767 Shooter by Caroline Pignat is a modern day twist on the Breakfast Club. During a lockdown in their high school, 5 students who are nothing alike end up together stuck in the boys bathroom. These soon to graduate seniors come to realize this lockdown is not a drill but actually real. Each chapter is told from a different characters point of view. And, each character writes in a different style. Their is prose, poetry, text messages, journal entries, and homework assignments just to name a few. Throughout this story you are able to experience the true story of each character as they navigate modern issues faced by high schoolers today. Though a darker book, it reaches out to our generation and is a must read. (rec. by Charlotte Meller)]]> 2021-01-04 15:29:48 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1052288767 A Universe of Wishes https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1052348246 Written by a collection of accomplished authors, this novel ecompasses stories of people of all ethnicities and backgrounds to create a group of stories. These stories have all different plots and themes but common ones included romance, social justice, and fairy tales. There are 15 short stories in the group and I found that as I read each one, I didn't think it could be topped...and then I read the next one which proved me wrong! Overall, I found this truly helped bring diversity to light and 100% recommend reading. (rec. by Charlotte Meller)]]> 2021-01-04 15:43:37 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1052348246 The Athena Project: Brad Thor https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1072423261 Four female members of the US government counterterrorism unit, Delta Force, come together to fight the terrorist attack in Rome on United States citizens. Meanwhile, in the depths of South America another intelligence officer works on the uncovering of the world's darkest historical creations. Simultaneously, two undercover spies compete for US government secrets in Colorado. As stories start to collide, the spies uncover some of the nations deepest secrets and are faced with the burden of deciding how to deal with these discoveries. (rec. Abigale Marcotte)]]> 2021-01-11 01:19:52 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1072423261 Lock Every Door https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1076914522 The novel Lock Every Door by Riley Sager is a fast-paced thriller as well as a mystery. Set in New York City, the protagonist, Jules, is asked to live in her dream apartment as a job, and after three months of living there she will get twelve thousand dollars. She loves the sound of this, although her friend thinks the situation is suspicious because of all the weird and strict rules the building has. One day, an acquaintance of hers (who is also an apartment-sitter) goes missing, and Jules starts to realize she did not think this job all the way through. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense and adventure. The author’s writing flows together really nicely and this book has quickly become one of my favorites. (rec. by Maya Delmonico)

]]> 2021-01-12 03:26:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1076914522 Little Green: Growing Up During the Chinese Cultural Revolution https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1076919637 Little Green: Growing Up During the Chinese Cultural Revolution by Chun Yu is a memoir of Chun’s experiences of growing up during the Revolution in China in the 1960s and ‘70s. The story captures her memories from when she was a toddler until she was ten years old. Since she was so young during this, the beliefs she was taught had a great impact on her childhood because this was all she has ever known. Little Green also includes not only her memories, but the stories her grandmother told her throughout her childhood. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good memoir and to learn about Chinese culture, especially the backstory for what China is like today. (rec. by Maya Delmonico)]]> 2021-01-12 03:30:20 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1076919637 Leaving Time https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1076932943 The mystery novel Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult is about the protagonist, a thirteen-year-old-girl named Jenna, and the search for her mother, Alice. Jenna lives with her grandmother and can remember some things about her mother from when she was a toddler, but cannot remember the night her mother vanished. While on her quest, she makes friends with a psychic named Serenity and she gets the old investigator, Virgil, back on the case. Also, a common theme throughout the book is elephants since Alice used to work with elephants when Jenna was a toddler. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery and plot twists. (rec. by Maya Delmonico)

]]> 2021-01-12 03:39:38 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1076932943 The Unconquered: In Search of the Amazon's Last Uncontacted Tribes adonnellan2022 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1078943680 The Unconquered: In Search of the Amazon's Last Uncontacted Tribes is a non-fiction novel about the author, Scott Wallace and his adventure into the amazon rainforest to discover the last uncontacted tribes. But the point was not to make contact, no, their main goal was to map out the remaining tribes domain in order to prevent the tribes from being disturbed and losing their way of life. When I first went into this novel I assumed that because the events of the story took place only a few years ago that their could be no real danger but I here to say I was wrong! The book ended up being really interesting and a great delight. I highly recommend a read! (rec. by Aidan Donnellan)

 


]]> 2021-01-12 15:20:29 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1078943680 Walk Two Moons https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1079785655 This novel by Sharon Creech is a beautiful and inspirational book that follows a young girl's, journey from Ohio to Idaho with her kind of crazy but loveable grandparents. Along the long drive she tells stories of her friend Penelope who encountered a "lunatic" and whose mother ultimately disappeared. These stories are interrupted by personal stories from Sal and the bigger story of how her mother disappeared and how Sal plans to bring her home. This book carries many major themes such as the saying 
"don't judge a man until you've walked two moons in his moccasins" 
and also contains a lot of inspirational messages. It is highly recommended in my opinion as it contains an amazing plot but is still a very fast read. (Recommended by Ella Fury)
]]> 2021-01-12 17:49:45 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1079785655 The Women In the Window https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1079912651 The Women In the Window by A.J Finn is a suspenseful novel that is centered around the complex main character Anna Fox. Anna lives alone in her NYC home and fills her day by watching old movies and drinking a lot of wine. She is agoraphobic, in this situation meaning she is afraid of leaving her own home. One night she see's something she most likely should not have while looking out her window and spying on her neighbors and the plot takes off from there. As a reader you will feel as though you are on a roller coaster ride as the plot gets crazier and the unimaginable and unexpected happens. 
This book is described as 
"Twisty and powerful, ingenious and moving."
If you want to be kept on your toes and be totally captivated in your reading this book is surely for you! (Recommended by Ella Fury)

]]> 2021-01-12 18:11:34 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1079912651 The Martian https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1080743931 After a wind-whipped antenna punctures his space suit, botanist Mark Watney is left for dead on the surface of Mars. He survives that initial calamity but finds himself alone on the planet with no idea how to communicate with anyone back on Earth. His food, water, and oxygen will only last so long, so he needs to devise a plan that will let him live until rescue arrives. There's little room for error, though, and Watney comes dangerously close to disaster on numerous occasions. The story itself was a perfect blend between sci-fi and realism. The monotony of Mark Watney's survival strategy can leave the reader bored at times but the author did a nice job at incorporating more in depth details that can break up the structure. Overall, I enjoyed the book very much and I would read again for the sake of enjoyment. (Rec. Will Schold)]]> 2021-01-12 21:00:42 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1080743931 Night https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1080857694 Elie Wiesel's Night is one of the most widely read and acclaimed Holocaust memoirs. Wiesel was 15 when he, his three sisters, and his parents were sent to Auschwitz. In spare prose, Wiesel recounts the unimaginable horrors of life in Auschwitz and Buchenwald and the loss of his deeply held religious faith. "Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, which has turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed and seven times sealed.” While Night is assigned reading in middle and high schools around the world, parents should be aware that the violence and brutality in the book are shocking and often unceasing. For speaking out against injustice, violence, and repression, Wiesel was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. The story does a great job at making the reader feel sickened at the details. Wiesel himself said that there is no possible way to feel the pain of such horrific events. After reading some of the chapters, you feel like you should be thankful for what you had. The author captures the emotions of the reader and does a great job at making you empathize with him. If you're interested in a happy story then this is not the book for you, if not, I would highly recommend. (Rec. Will Schold)]]> 2021-01-12 21:38:21 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1080857694 How to Disappear https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1080952974 Sharon Huss Roat's "How to Disappear" is a book about Vicky Decker and how she struggles with her own social anxiety, while trying to help others. Vicky went to a high school where she had perfected going undetected, and she always had her friend Jenna to help her. That was until Jenna moved away and Vicky had to handle everything all on her own. So she made her own social life by photoshopping herself in photos and began to gain a lot of followers. Vicky is a powerful protagonist that shows how hard it is to overcome struggles. But also, how if you push through there can be prosperity. She shows the world that if everyone bands together the world can become a much better place. Vicky begins to learn that she is not alone, and she reaches out to others who feel invisible and alone, and uses her platform to spread awareness. Overall I enjoyed the book a lot and would recommend it to everyone. It truly held eye-opening details about social anxiety, and what others could be dealing with. (Rec. by Caroline McGlynn)]]> 2021-01-12 22:22:08 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1080952974 Renegades Trilogy https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1080998077 The Renegades Trilogy by Marissa Meyer follows Nova Artino and Adrien Everhart. Renegades are prodigies, they're humans with extraordinary abilities. They emerged from the crumbled society and established peace and stability, but one in which they reined. Nova Artino, has extraordinary abilities but instead of joining the Renegades she turns against them. She has a reason to hate them, and she tries to infiltrate them, to take them down from the inside. Not everything goes the way Nova plans but she was still a character that was easy to deeply connect with. Adrien Everhart, is the poster perfect child, the son of two of the greatest superheroes, and shaping out to be an amazing hero. But Adrien has a secret, one he desperately keeps from all of his friends and family. The Renegades Trilogy were fast paced, and intense books. They show how you don't need powers to be a hero. It also shows how being raised will effect everyone differently. This book shows how everyone can be their own hero if they try hard enough. (Rec. by Caroline McGlynn)]]> 2021-01-12 22:48:36 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1080998077 Forever https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1081156623 Forever, an epic novel by Pete Hamill, follows an Irish man named Cormac. He becomes immortal when he settles in New York, and the reader gets to experience the history of a few centuries of New York history interlaced with national history. Considering the life-span of the book's protagonist, the book is able to explore many of the ideas of what makes a life worth living: music, learning, love, and politics! as well as many other things. It deals with wealth and poverty, racial problems, and civil unrest. Again, due to the nature of the protagonist's lifespan, the book is able to cover many interesting themes conveyed through the plot of an awesome character. Overall a very worthwhile read. (Rec by Nathaniel Wright)]]> 2021-01-13 00:35:46 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1081156623 The Storm Before the Storm https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1081183283 This book, by Mike Duncan, is a historical book that reads like a novel. The historical figures it follows read like characters, and all of the are very interesting and integral to Roman history. Following mainly Scipio Aemilianus, the Gracchi Brothers, Gaius Marius, and Felix Sulla, the book tells the stories of these men and how they contributed to the transformation of Rome. My favorite things about this book is the exploration of Rome's paradoxical culture, good in theory but violent politics, and the foundations of an empire in a dying republic. Even if you find history boring, this book (which is basically a novel) is 100% worth a read. (rec by Nathaniel Wright).]]> 2021-01-13 00:50:59 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1081183283 Time Machine https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1081209081 This novel, by H.G. Wells, very surprisingly is about a man who creates a time machine. While most books about time travel dive into the past, this one hundred and twenty-five year old book dives into the future. Anything from meeting evolved humans to exploring a barren, distant future, this existential-crisis inducing novel is a wonderful science fiction novel from a legendary offer. In addition, without spoiling anything, I have to say that this book brings the phrase "eat the rich" to a whole new level. An amazing book from an author who never fails to impress. (rec by Nathaniel Wright)]]> 2021-01-13 01:05:44 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1081209081 The War of the Worlds https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1081235892 An excellent science fiction novel by H.G. Wells covers the possibility of an alien invasion of Britain. Despite being over a century old, this piece of writing still manages to deliver believable descriptions of alien technology, and imagery provides a feeling of dread and fear of the unknown. This book has inspired alien stories for generations, and it's a wonderful exploration of the possibility of coping with malevolent overlords. Like much of Wells' science fiction work, this book still easily holds up today.]]> 2021-01-13 01:21:35 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1081235892 Little Fires Everywhere https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1084382983 "Little Fires Everywhere" is a fiction novel by Celeste Ng that is set in the 1990s in the town of Shaker Heights, Ohio-- where Ng herself actually grew up.  The book is about two very different families; the Richardson's are a very wealthy couple with 4 teenage children. Mia Warren is a single mother living with her daughter Pearl. The Warrens just moved to town where they rent a house from the Richardson's and Mia just manages to meet ends by serving at a restaurant as well working as a maid for the Richardsons. When Elena Richardson starts digging into Mia's past, drama erupts.
This novel has also been adapted to a TV show series on Hulu. (rec by Sara Wokoske)]]> 2021-01-13 18:27:18 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1084382983 The Sun is Also a Star https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1084687403 Nicola Yoon's "The Sun is Also a Star" is about Natasha and Daniel. Natasha is a girl who believes in science and the facts, whereas Daniel believes in fate and destiny. In a twist of fate both Daniel and Natasha meet and begin to question everything they had ever come to know. This story shows that every little thing can make a difference. The characters were created extremely well, they had flaws and depth. The characters were very easy to connect with and the entire book. Yoon has severely grown as an author, her world-building, and character development has improved tremendously. (Rec. by Caroline McGlynn)]]> 2021-01-13 19:28:34 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1084687403 The Lunar Chronicles https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1084805996 Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles is a dystopian retelling of fairytales, with some twists of course. The first book in the series is "Cinder" and its about Linh Cinder who is a cyborg and a gifted mechanic. Cinders story is based on Cinderella, and a big ball is thrown and she goes- against her families wishes. Although, there is a lot different in this tale, as plague sweeps New Beijing and intergalactic relations are strained. When Cinder went to the ball she ran into the prince and found herself caught in both a forbidden attraction, and in the middle of an intergalactic war. Meyer keeps readers engaged the entire book, and is a truly remarkable author. (Rec. by Caroline McGlynn)]]> 2021-01-13 19:56:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1084805996 Small Great Things https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1085295473 "Small Great Things" by Jodi Picoult is a fiction story about a African American maternity nurse that's assigned to take care of a seemingly ordinary newborn only to discover that the parents are white supremacist's and don't want her anywhere near their child. The nurse found herself alone in the nursery with the baby when his new nurse had to leave for a few minutes. She hesitated before helping the baby because she wasn't even supposed to be near him. The baby ended up passing away. The family immediately blamed her and pressed charges against her. The rest of the book narrates the effect that racism and hate had on her life and the lives around her. (Rec. by Sara Wokoske)]]> 2021-01-13 23:13:26 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1085295473 My Sisters Keeper https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1085315084 "My Sister's Keeper", also by Jodi Picoult is a fiction novel about two sisters-- one sick and one healthy. The older sister was diagnosed with leukemia when she was young and the family had no luck finding her a bone marrow donor. She was declared terminal which was when the parents decided to have another child. The problem was that their decision to have another child was based solely on keeping their first daughter alive. As the girls got older, they both continued to need more and more operations and when she was 13, the younger daughter decided she was done. She found a lawyer and decided she wanted to pursue legal action against her parents. With a twist at the end, the book goes on to get to know all the characters and the reasons for their actions. (Rec by Sara Wokoske)]]> 2021-01-13 23:27:41 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1085315084 Every Soul A Star https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1085341083 The book "Every Soul A Star" by Wendy Mass tells the story of three very different teens from very different places and how they all meet at a campground to see a very rare eclipse. (Some because they want to and some because they were dragged there by their parents.) Because it's told from all three points of view instead of having one narrator it makes it interesting to follow and gives a look directly into each characters thoughts. Through the book, the characters come together while they each grow in their own unique way. (Recommended by Sara Wokoske]]> 2021-01-13 23:46:28 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1085341083 I know why the Caged Bird Sings https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1088341503 I know why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou is an Autobiography that covers many topics throughout the book. It is poetic and powerful but also very intense and deep at times. Although Maya endured events that are unbelievable she 
finds "love for herself, the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors"
This autobiography is an inspirational, beautiful and powerful book that I believe everyone should read at least once! However keep in mind that some topics involved in the book may be touchy subjects and difficult to read for some. (recommended by Ella Fury)
]]> 2021-01-14 17:37:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1088341503 Eliza and Her Monsters (Francesa Zappia) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1089639466 Eliza and her monsters covers the story of Eliza Mirk, the anonymous creator of the popular webcomic Monstrous Sea who goes under the alias LadyConstellation. Eliza is portrayed as a shy and friendless teen. When Eliza meets new student Wallace Warland, she discovers that her fanbase is much larger than expected. After meeting Wallace,  Eliza realizes that there is more to offline life than she realizes. This novel is such a fun and eye opening read. Throughout the story, Eliza's friendship with Wallace bring to light the many anxieties she would go head over heels to avoid. This novel was so fun to read and was hard to put down once it got going. If you are interested in reading a book with representation from characters with anxiety, this is a great book to check out! (Rec. by Norah Aguirre)]]> 2021-01-15 00:09:23 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1089639466 Darius the Great is Not Okay (Adib Khorram) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1089702181 Darius never feels like he is enough. Growing up in two different cultures is always difficult, especially when you aren't as familiar with one of them. When Darius goes to Iran to visit (and for that matter meet) his dying grandfather, he realizes just how disconnected he was from that side of his life. Not only does Darius have to deal with the ups and downs of staying in a different country with different cultures and languages, but he struggles with his depression in the process. But in his wanderings around his grandparents hometown, Darius meets Sohrab, who always makes sure that Darius is feels included. This book gives an amazing insight as to what is it like to live amongst two cultures, and how friendship can be found in the most unexpected of places. (rec. by Norah Aguirre)]]> 2021-01-15 00:52:55 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1089702181 The Tea Dragon Society (Katie O'Neill) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1089820244 The Tea Dragon Society is a wholesome and short graphic novel, following Greta, who is a blacksmith apprentice, and her ventures around the world of tea dragons. This story is so comforting and calming, and offers spectacular illustration along with it. Greta is a bright young character who is eager to learn about the ancient and dying traditions of the art of tea dragon care. (Norah Aguirre)

]]> 2021-01-15 02:16:46 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1089820244 Bless Me, Ultima (Rudolfo Anaya) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1089830554 Witchcraft is a dangerous lifestyle to go by in the 1940's. Antonio Marez  learns this the hard way when  the curandera (one who heals with herbs and magic) comes to live in his home in New Mexico. Ultima teaches the young buy many lessons throughout her stay, saving his life once or twice in the process. Ultima teaches Tony the importance of respecting the world around him, and teaching him the ways of paganism while still respecting his Catholic beliefs. This novel is touching and inspiring, and shows how important it is to make connections to the world around us, and to always fight for what you believe in.  
(rec. by Norah Aguirre) 

]]> 2021-01-15 02:23:35 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1089830554 Six of Crows (Leigh Bardugo) ssilversmith2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1165266189 This dark and magical heist starts in the city of Ketterdam, a busy hub of trade where one can buy anything, provided they have the means. Our cast is six misfits, led by criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker, who have been offered a job that may make them rich beyond their wildest dreams. Everyone in the goup is exceptionally talented, telented enough to pull off the heist of the century. That is, if they don't tear each other apart first. I really loved the mix of worldbuilding and character depth in this book (as well as its sequel), and I feel like it is a very nice balance between two pretty different genres. 
(rec. by Sierra Silversmith)]]> 2021-02-04 18:11:18 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1165266189 Annihilation (Jeff Vandermeer) ssilversmith2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1165314605 This book is a bit dry in tone and isn't great for people who love action. However, for those who enjoy sci-fi and quiet dread that brews over the course of a novel, Annihilation is perfect. The story follows a character known only as "the Biologist" as she and other explorers, respectively an anthropologist, pyschologist, and surveyor, make their way into Area X, a contained environment cut off from the world for decades. Past expiditions have gone missing, or fared worse. Some people find this book boring, but I really like the atmospheric quality and unreliable narrator, as well as the hints of wrongness felt in every aspect of the setting. It isn't for everyone, but I found it to be an interesting read all the same.
(rec. by Sierra Silversmith)]]> 2021-02-04 18:19:16 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1165314605 The mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1222014629 This book is a retelling of the classic Arthurian legends from the perspective of the women in the story. It manly focuses on the lady of the lake but also follow the other female characters. this book is a refreshingly unique and in depth telling of the Arthurian legends. While I did find that it was, at times, hard to read, I was hooked from the start to the very end. The Mists of Avalon includes deep and thought provoking themes on religion, death, and traditional gender rolls, and love, hate, and fear. Although this book is a commitment, I definitely recommend taking the time to read it.
(rec. by Evelyn Gregg)

]]> 2021-02-20 20:31:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1222014629 Whichwood (Tahereh Mafi) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1222029375 Whichwood is technically the sequel to Furthermore; however, I don't think it is necessary to read Furthermore first. Whichwood follows Laylee, a young orphan whose job it is to wash the dead in preparation for the afterlife, as she struggles to continue doing her job, without losing herself. Laylee has to learn to accept the help of three misfits, Benyamin, Alice, and Oliver, in order to save both Laylee, and the rest of the world from destruction. This is one of my favorite books, and its both hilarious and heartbreaking. I don't think I'll ever get tired of reading it.
(rec. by Evelyn Gregg)

]]> 2021-02-20 20:44:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1222029375 Maybe a Fox (Kathi Appelt and Alison McGhee) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1222043449 Jules loves her older sister Sylvie and looks up to her and counts on her to tell stories of their mother who passed away when Jules was too young to remember. When Sylvie is suddenly taken away from Jules and the world in an accident, Jules doesn't know how to cope.  Across the woods, a fox cub is born. This cub knows from the moment she is born, that she has to find someone. Jules and the fox are connected by invisible strings and they were born to help each other. This book, while I would recommend it for ages 10-13, never fails to rip my heart out in the best way possible, and I cannot recommend it enough.
(rec. by Evelyn Gregg)

]]> 2021-02-20 20:56:38 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1222043449 The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1253521305 Sylvia Plath captures the dilemma mainly young adults face in the most eloquent and relatable way. Her writing is effortless and beyond easy to read. You will not want to put this book down. The Bell Jar explores the life of a young college student named Esther. Throughout the novel, Esther faces many challenges, all of them being serious. This creates a dark and anxiety-inducing setting for both Esther and the reader. For this reason, only read this novel if you are in a good headspace. Overall, you must read Sylvia Plath and this is a great work of hers to start with.  (rec. by Stella Lanz)

]]> 2021-03-01 15:05:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1253521305 Born A Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood (Trevor Noah) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1253575870 A charming and occasional laugh-out-loud glimpse into the early years of comedian Trevor Noah’s life. If you are not already in love with Noah, after reading this book you surely will be. Born A Crime captures the life of Trevor Noah, a half white half black kid born in South Africa during the Apartheid. Overall, this book will put a smile on your face and teach you lessons. A great read! (rec. by Stella Lanz)

]]> 2021-03-01 15:14:27 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1253575870 The Red Tent (Anita Diamant) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1253865251 Anita Diamant’s The Red Tent is an incredible first-person narrative that tells the story of a young girl, Dinah, as she matures into womanhood. The author’s impeccable writing and storytelling skills are very prevalent. The novel also explores a broad range of themes from the burden of memories to that of childbirth and femininity. Even though it takes place in Biblical times, her feelings and some of her experiences are valid even today. Therefore, I think this book should be read by every young girl (or boy) as it is a tale of finding one’s identity and female empowerment. (rec. By Paige Sayour) 

]]> 2021-03-01 16:02:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1253865251 Beloved (Toni Morrison) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1253873010 Toni Morrison’s Beloved is one of those books that is hard to put down once you start. It will shock you and even make you feel uncomfortable at some times but, all of these feelings are completely necessary. Set after the American Civil War, the novel tells the story of a family of former slaves whose home is haunted by a spirit. The writing reads like poetry and the descriptions are chilling. It is an intense read as it is a deep dive into the life of a woman bound to the physical and mental confines of slavery, even after she is “free.”  This book will have you shocked and in tears. Nevertheless, I would recommend it to everyone looking to understand racial and gender injustices that are still prevalent today. (rec. By Paige Sayour)      

]]> 2021-03-01 16:03:21 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1253873010 A Farewell to Arms (Ernest Hemingway) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1253879397 A Farewell to Arms is about Lieutenant Frederic Henry, a young American ambulance driver with the Italian army during World War I. He ends up taking a winter leave from the front and quickly falls in love with an English nurse's aide. The plot is very entertaining and perfect for anyone interested in learning more about the details of the first World War. The most striking aspect of this novel was how Hemingway blends two rather paradoxical themes: war and love. For the protagonist, he is faced with choosing between the arms of a weapon and the arms of his lover. Overall, it is a great story about love but yet, not a full-fledged “romance novel.” Overall, a great read! (rec. By Paige Sayour) 

]]> 2021-03-01 16:04:25 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1253879397 Sold (Patricia McCormick) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1285024901 Sold brings awareness to the complex system of sex trafficking in Nepal and India. 13 year old girl, Lakshmi's is offered a job to "work as a maid in India." Desperate for money, her parents send her off. This book does a good job to also incorporate the normal struggle any 13 year old would go through, making some parts lighthearted. Written as a journal entry, this book is an easy read that I recommend to anyone who wants something simple but powerful. (rec. by Catrina Morin)]]> 2021-03-09 00:33:16 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1285024901 Heartless (Marissa Meyer) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1285103335 A dark twist on a well known classic(Alice in Wonderland), Heartless shines light on the queen of hearts. A tragic love story between Catherine, a noble whose dream is to own a bakery, and Jest, a night from a different world. Although long(449 pages) it is enjoyable and nothing too deep and symbolic that makes you think so hard. If you like fantasy, give it a go. (rec. by Catrina Morin)]]> 2021-03-09 00:56:55 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1285103335 Dear Nobody: The true diary of Mary Rose (Gillian McCain) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1285221688 Sick with Cystic Fibrosis, Mary Rose struggles with human relationships, and her voice. A story so common but not talked enough about. Seeing her dream come true was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time, and much like the rest of the book, it was an emotional roller coaster. If you enjoy sad books that make you cry a whole river, this is the one. (rec. by Catrina Morin)]]> 2021-03-09 01:35:04 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1285221688 Looking for Alaska (John Green) dmason2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1293677539 (rec by Danica)
Miles lives in Florida, but when he is given the opportunity to attend his dad's old boarding school in Alabama, he takes it. There he meets the Colonel, Alaska and Tukami. The Colonel is his roommate and nicknames him Pudge. Pudge takes a liking to Alaska despite her having a boyfriend and attempts to pursue her, but Alaska is complicated. One night all of their lives change for ever. The book is set up in two parts, before and after. If you are looking for a book I highly recommend it, the ending is so good and the book has so much meaning to it.]]> 2021-03-10 16:07:15 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1293677539 An Abundance of Katherines (John Green) dmason2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1293734996 (rec by Danica)
Colin Singleton has a type, he's had this type for all his life. He has only dated girls named Katherine, Katherine spelled K-A-T-H-E-R-I-N-E. There have been 19 Katheries in his life and all of them have ended up dumping him. After Katherine #19 breaks up with him after graduation, he decides to go on a spontaneous road trip with his best friend Hassan. Him and Hassan go where the road takes him. Colin meets a girl on this road trip and her name isn't Katherine, Colin wants to break the Katherine streak and find someone who really cares about him. This book is so cute and one of my favorite John Green books. The characters are so lovable. 100% recommend if you are looking for a nice, mellow read.]]> 2021-03-10 16:16:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1293734996 Night Shift (Stephen King) dmason2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1293777541 (rec by Danica)
This book is such a good read if you're not looing for something too long. Stephen King books are notoriously long, but this book has a bunch of mini stories within it. While is appears long, you can skip around throughout the book and read only the stories that interest you. My three personal favorite stories from this book are "Children of the Corn," "Strawberry Spring" and "Sometimes They Come Back." I have read all of the stories in this book and not one of them is boring. Every single one is terrifying and gripping. I could not put this book down. I definitely recommend if you are looking for a horror novel to read.]]> 2021-03-10 16:24:20 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1293777541 The color Purple (Alice Walker) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1317152581 Celie is an uneducated young African-American women who deals with many hardships and struggles as she enters adulthood. Celie narrates her life through letters that she writes which are addressed to God. To God, she writes about her experience with sexual assault, racism, sexism, and what its like to live life as a female black women. Starting off the story, she lacks confidence, and struggles standing up for herself and what she believes in. As the novel progresses, Celie begins to built friendships and as she grows older, she learns more about the importance of finding her voice. By the end of the novel, Celie becomes the epitome of a strong and independent women.  This is a really good read but covers sensitive topics. Overall I would give this a 10/10
(rec. by Sophie Halloran) 

]]> 2021-03-16 17:56:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1317152581 Out of My Mind (Sharon Draper) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1317433842 Melody Brooks is a 10 year old girl who has an active mind and is very intelligent for her age.  She has a photographic memory,  and lots of feelings that she keeps bottled up. Sadly, Melody suffers from Cerebral Palsy, so she has a hard time expressing herself. With so much on her mind, not being able to speak and having such little control over her body creates a tremendous amount of stress on her.  This book follows along the struggles Melody faces throughout her childhood and how she is able to overcome them. This is an easy read but it will leave you touched by the way Melody was able to share her story. I recommend this book to those who like reading about perseverance and happy endings. 
(rec. by Sophie Halloran) ]]> 2021-03-16 18:52:53 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1317433842 Me Before You (JoJo Moyes) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1317896420 This book is a great read for someone who likes complicated, emotional love stories. Louisa is a young, British women who is looking for her place in the world. She struggles with employment, family hardships, and fitting in. She excepts a job as a personal assistant to a wealthy young man named Will Traynor. Will is paralyzed as a result of a motorcycle accident. He has lost his drive to live as his life consists of none of the demands of his past glamorous and successful business life. The two strike up an unusual love for each other. It is unclear in the story who needs who more. This story is a prefect read for those who see the glass half full. It is hard to put down. 
(rec. by Sophie Halloran)      ]]> 2021-03-16 20:54:32 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1317896420 The Book Theif (Markus Zusak) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1353368806 A young Liesel moves to Munich, Germany amidst World War 2 in order to live with new foster parents. It is obvious that life is hard for not just Liesel, but also everybody else living in Germany. Her foster father, Hans, teaches Liesel how to read in secret and she quickly grows to love the art of language and books. Yet under Hitler's reign, books are burned and banned because the Nazi's do no want to risk the Jews or the public learning. Liesel and her family become closer to danger when they shelter a young Jewish man in secret. This story tells of a young girl living in fear and danger everyday, but reading  and words shelters her. Narrated by Death (the Grim Reaper), this story has such a unique view and is a book that has stuck with me for years. From time to time I still think about it and how well written it is to portray such a strong message. I have never been one to love reading and writing as Liesel does, yet the lesson about it captured me. 
(review by Julianne Hannafin)

]]> 2021-03-25 15:12:43 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1353368806 To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1353433551 A timeless classic, To Kill A Mockingbird is a required read in most high schools around the country, rightfully so. The relatively true story of Harper Lee's childhood, the story follows young Scout Finch and her Southern town as she loses her innocence. Scout and her brother Jem become obsessed with their mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley, whom no one has seen in years. Meanwhile, their prominent lawyer of a father, Atticus, a very humble and honest man, agrees to defend a black man, Tom Robinson who has been charged with rape of a poor, white woman. The deep racism roots are prominently shown throughout the trial and Scout and Jem are exposed to harsh realities they had never understood before. Tom and Atticus lose the trial solely due to racism because it is clear that Tom is innocent. At the end, Scout is left to ponder human goodness in relation to prejudice and racism. This read left me pondering many things myself, especially how to choose empathy and understanding over social norms. It is a great read for anyone who has an interest in history and want to be left thinking when they close the back cover. 
(review by Julianne Hannafin)

]]> 2021-03-25 15:24:05 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1353433551 Number the Stars (Lois Lowry) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1355277595 Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen are living in Copenhagen, Denmark during the third year of the Nazi occupation. As German soldiers quickly become a larger presence in their neighborhood, the 10-year-old girls are confused as to why the Jewish community must flee. Ellen is Jewish and is forced to pretend to be Annemarie's sister in order to avoid persecution. Annemarie and her family embark on a dangerous journey to escort a large group of Jewish people to safety in Sweden. The story continues to showcase the bravery of Annemarie despite not understanding her circumstances fully and why the Jewish are being punished. If you are like me and enjoy reading time pieces placed in World War II, I highly recommend Number the Stars. It is not a difficult read and is one of hope and inspiration. 
(review by Julianne Hannafin)

]]> 2021-03-25 23:16:36 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1355277595 On The Come Up (Angie Thomas) okay2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1362353473 Bri Jackson is a 16 year old girl who wants to follow in her fathers footsteps. Her father was an underground hip hop legend. He passed away right before becoming big. Bri really wants the opportunity to become a hip hopper/ rapper in the future. Bri is worrying everyday about her family. Her Mom lost her job and they have many bills to pay. They are close to being homeles. Bri wrote a cntroversial rap song that brought the wrong type of attention to her. As she starts to become big, she realizes that fame comes with dangers. She loses friendships and her life becomes more violent as she becomes more popular. Bri goes afer her dreams! This book is written by the same author as The Hate You Give. (rec. by Olivia Kay)]]> 2021-03-29 00:57:21 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1362353473 The Fault in Our Stars (John Green) okay2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1364437658 Hazel Grace Lancaster is 16 years old and attends a cancer patient support group. She has lung cancer an has to use a portable oxygen tank to be able to breathe. She meets a boy, Augustus Waters, at the support group meetings. They hangout and talk to each other about what it's like having cancer. They go to Amsterdam to search for their favorite author, Peter Van Houten. The characters fall in love. Hazel and Augustus spend everyday together because they don’t know when it’ll be their last. This book was everything I thought it would be!. This book has also been made into a movie.(rec. by Olivia Kay)]]> 2021-03-29 15:05:25 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1364437658 Pretty (Justin Sayre) okay2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1365371439 The main character is Sophie. She seems bold and confident at school and out with friends. Her firends nickname her PRETTY. But at home, her life is turned upside down and backwards because of her mothers alcohol addiction. It is not Pretty!  Sophie is stuck keeping things together for herself and her mother. When her Aunt comes to  live with her and her mother, things at home start to get better for Sophie. She focuses on herself and her heritage. In the end, she sees how words and actions can affect how she sees herself. I really liked this book!(rec. by Olivia Kay)]]> 2021-03-29 18:38:29 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1365371439 Tell Me Three Things (Julie Buxbuam) okay2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1365405588 Jessie is 16 years old Jessie and lives with her father, his new wife and step-brother. When her mom passed away from cancer she moved from Chicago to California. She started her junior year of high school at Wood Valley High School which is an intimidationg prep school. Someone started texting her as she was thinking about going back to Chicago. They go by the name Somebody/Nobody (SN). They tell Jessie they can help her to navigate through the school. At first she ignored the text, but then decided to start replying to the messages. SN becomes Jessie's biggest ally and she really wants to meet them. Will she find the courage to meet them? The mystery surrounding SN kept me reading!(rec. by Olivia Kay)]]> 2021-03-29 18:47:13 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1365405588 My Sister's Keeper (Jodi Picoult) acrowshaw2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1369875742 The story is narrated by 13 year old Anna Fitzgerald who was brought into the world in order to help her cancer laidened older sister, Kate. However, after years of sometimes painful procedures and knowledge that her life was only made to heal her sister begins to take a tole. Anna files for emancipation all while Anna's condition deterierates and a major surgery involving Anna is needed to save her life. Tensions are high as the family, lawyers, and the public weigh in on this moral debate. All while Kate becomes weaker and weaker.... (rec. by Alexandra Crowshaw) ]]> 2021-03-30 22:33:45 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1369875742 The Help (Kathryn Stocket) acrowshaw2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1369946744 A powerful trio, Skeeter, Aibeleen, and Minny work together to reveal the injustices African American go through daily in 1960's Mississippi. Minny, a black women with an outgoing, sassy character is also the best cook in Olde Miss. Because of her personality, she is often unfairly fired but with the helpl of her best friend Aibeleen she finds new work with the strange newest resident of this small town. Aibeleen, wise beyond her years, is employed to raise a 17th child. Though a deep bond between her and the child, both suffer from deeper traumas. Skeeter a hardworking, determined writer and dreams of finding success within her field. Though her mother will not until she is properly wed. For as long as the three can remember, there has been no changing socieies ways but with these ladies together, little can stop their determination and strength. (rec. by Alexndra Crowshaw)]]> 2021-03-30 23:22:05 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1369946744 Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery) acrowshaw2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1369986495 The story begins with chipper and imaginative Anne as she arrives at Avonlea after being recently adopted by sibling Marillia and Mathew Cuthbert. Her arrival however, is a surprise for the two as the owners of a small idealistic farm planned on adopting a boy to help with the farm as the two aged. The ball of energy on their doorstep was definetly not what they expected. However Anne's ethusiasm and persistace grows on them. From that point on, the highs and lows of life with Anne begins as learns and grows, leaving an impression on all who she meets. (rec. by Alexandra Crowshaw)]]> 2021-03-30 23:47:30 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1369986495 Water for Elephants (Sara Gruen) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1384270715 Attention incoming 10th graders! Looking to choose which book to read for your summer reading? Look no further! Water For the Elephants is the story of Jacob Jankowski, a veterinarian student studying at Cornell, who finds himself an orphan after both of his parents are killed in a car crash. Jacob finds himself running away and landing on the train car of a traveling circus. What follows is a story of love, mystery, and tales of the traveling circuses in the early 1900s. Switching from the perspective of 93-year-old and 23-year-old Jacob, this book will surely be a good choice for summer reading! (rec. by Camille Nadeau)]]> 2021-04-05 18:23:24 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1384270715 Out of the Easy (Ruta Sepetys) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1384273400 This novel follows the story of Josie Moraine, a 17-year old who longs of leaving home. To escape from her mother who doesn’t care for her, from her father whom she doesn’t even know, from her life in New Orleans. The only thing that seems to keep her together is the bookstore, the place where she works and lives above. But when a mysterious man enters the store and is found dead the next day, Josie is stuck in a new web of mysteries and lies. With the story set in the French Quarter of New Orleans in the 1950s, this book is sure to keep you hooked, and I definitely recommend it! (rec. by Camille Nadeau)]]> 2021-04-05 18:24:10 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1384273400 The Girl on the Train (Paula Hawkins https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1384277082 If you enjoy reading a good murder mystery, this book is for you! This novel follows the story of Rachel, a woman living in London whose life seems to be falling apart in front of her eyes. After losing her job and becoming an alcoholic, Rachel finds herself connected to the disappearance of a woman she’s never even met. As the story unfolds, Rachel finds she is more connected to this story than she originally believed. Told from different perspectives of characters in the story, this book is sure to keep you guessing! This book was also turned into a major motion picture in 2015, and it would be a good book to read and watch afterward! (rec. by Camille Nadeau)]]> 2021-04-05 18:25:01 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1384277082 The Art of Racing in the Rain (Garth Stein) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1384280037 This story is for the dog-lovers out there! It follows the story of Enzo the dog, and his life with his partner Denny, who is a race-car driver. This book tells the story of family, love, triumph and defeat, as well as all the wonders of human life, all told from a dog’s perspective. From the moment Enzo is born to his final moments, it’s impossible not to love this dog’s story. Along with the tale of man’s best friend, this is a heartwarming story that will have you crying tears of joy and sadness at the same time. This novel was just recently turned into a major motion picture, starring Milo Ventimiglia, and would be fun to watch after reading this book! (rec. By Camille Nadeau)]]> 2021-04-05 18:25:49 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1384280037 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (Sherman Alexie) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1396590751 This story is about a kid named Junior in his early life on the Spokane Indian reservation. How doctors predicted he would die from complications of hydrocephalus which is being born with excess spinal fluid on the brain. But, of course, Junior survived. The early condition, however, left Junior with a lisp and stutter. He had too many teeth and had to have some removed, and he is far-sighted in one eye and near-sighted in the other. Worst of all, as a small child he had seizures.This is a great read if you're interested in learning more about poverty and privilege.  
(Rec. by Reagan Bell)

]]> 2021-04-08 16:08:24 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1396590751 Out Of Mind (Sharon M. Draper) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1396774369 In Out Of My Mind, narrator Melody, born with cerebral palsy, has never been able to communicate to her loving family all the thoughts that run through her mind. The story reveals Melody's inner thoughts and her frustration at not being able to control her body, she has to have someone feed her and help her go to the bathroom. Despite the fact that she has a photographic memory. Melody reminisces about her childhood and takes us up to fifth grade, when she acquires a machine that helps her communicate better than she ever could before. This book is a great read  and it explores in depth the ability of language to forge mutual understanding and shape personal identity. 
(Rec. by Reagan Bell)]]> 2021-04-08 16:47:27 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1396774369 Because of Winn-Dixie (Kate DiCamillo) myoung2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1435240377 India Opal Buloni was picking up a few groceries from a Winn-Dixie grocery store when she saw the store manager chasing an apparently stray dog around the produce department. Opal (as she is known) overhears him asking someone to call the pound, and, unable to stand the idea of such a smiley, friendly dog being taken there, Opal claims the dog as hers. Opal calls the stray Winn-Dixie—the name of the supermarket she is standing in—and takes him home to Friendly Corners Trailer Park. She asks her father, the local preacher, if she can keep the dog. He tells her that she doesn't need a dog, and Opal responds that the dog needs her. When she whistles for him to come in, he does so. His ribs are visible, his fur is matted and he even has some bald patches. The preacher realizes this is a dog in need, and tells Winn-Dixie that he has found a home. So begins a relationship between a dog and a girl that changes both of their lives. Opal and her father begin to bring Winn-Dixie wherever they go. As if he knows that his young friend is lonely, Winn-Dixie keeps acting up and running off, but each time he forces Opal to meet somebody new. She runs around town chasing him, making friends with unexpected people—including a few adults—who have been overlooked by the rest of society, all thanks to the dog's mischievous antics.
(Rec. Malia Young)]]> 2021-04-19 21:11:45 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1435240377 The Hate U Give (Angie Thomas) myoung2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1435252702 Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed. Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil's name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.
(Rec. Malia Young)

]]> 2021-04-19 21:16:52 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1435252702 I Am David (Anne Holm) myoung2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1435265852 I Am David tells the story of a young boy who, with the help of a prison guard, escapes from a concentration camp in an unnamed Eastern European country (according to geographical clues, probably Bulgaria) and journeys to Denmark. Along the way he meets many people who teach him about life outside the concentration camp.]]> 2021-04-19 21:22:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1435265852 Ant Farm and Other Desperate Situations (Simon Rich) sboardman2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1464168683 Looking for a short and funny book? Ant farm dives into the comedy of the amount of craziness everyone experiences in life. From coupons, to murders, to pandas, this book will always keep you on your toes. (Rec. Sophia Boardman) ]]> 2021-04-27 13:15:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1464168683 Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë) sboardman2023 https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1464233711 Jane Eyre had some vocabulary that was unusual and added to my word bank. Charlotte writes very long story about an orphan girl who falls in love with her master. Little does Jane know the drama and terrifying secret hidden in the halls of Thornfield. I recommend that for this read you watch the free episodes of Jane Eyre on Amazon prime to inspire you to keep reading the book and get a greater understanding for what is happening. (Rec. Sophia Boardman)]]> 2021-04-27 13:27:45 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1464233711 Eat, Pray, Love (Elizabeth Gilbert) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1475932524 “Eat, Pray, Love” is a memoir written about Liz, a woman in her thirties who went through a depressing divorce that led her to travel the world and find herself. To do so, she traveled to Italy, India, and Indonesia to eat good food, pray for peace, and even end up falling in love. This book highlighted a lot of spiritual cultures and how different prayer and practices can teach you to find peace within yourself and let go of harsh feelings. I would definitely recommend this book to others. It explained a person’s spiritual journey and helped me learn more about the cultures of each area and how they can impact a person. She definitely experienced a lot throughout her travels and it helped me see how a person can be impacted positively by following the rituals and customs of those from other parts of the world. (Rec. by Natalie Kostrewa)]]> 2021-04-29 21:13:54 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1475932524 Becoming (Michelle Obama) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1475978076 Becoming is a memoir written by Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States. It reveals her life behind the closed doors of the White House and her experience as the very first African American First Lady of the USA. The novel describes her childhood and what it was like growing up in the South Side of Chicago with her family. It leads the reader through her career path, her marriage with Barack Obama, his presidency, and how her children were impacted in the process. She tells her story honestly and as a reader, I felt drawn in to read more. This book was a 10/10 and I really recommend it! (Rec. by Natalie Kostrzewa) ]]> 2021-04-29 21:33:12 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1475978076 The Things We Cannot Say (Kelly Rimmer) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1476026124 The novel switches between the perspectives of Alina Dziak, a teenage girl in Poland during WWII in 1942, and Alice, a struggling mother in the present day. Alina was a naïve young farm girl, happy and in love with a boy named Tomasz, up until the Nazis invaded Poland and changed her life forever. Everything was soon jeopardized including Tomasz, her family, her home, and even her life. From another perspective, Alice is a stressed mother with an autistic son and a genius daughter. Unfortunately for Alice, her dying grandmother’s last wish is for Alice to visit her hometown in Poland to take pictures so she can see it one last time. So the journey begins as Alice ventures to Poland to discover her grandmother’s hidden secrets in the hometown she lived in during WWII. This book was very interesting and I did not want to put it down. I hope you read it next! (Rec. by Natalie Kostrzewa)]]> 2021-04-29 21:56:03 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1476026124 Shadow and Bone (Leigh Bardugo) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1482660434 Shadow and Bone tells the thrilling story of girl named Alina Starkov. Alina grew up in an orphanage in Keramzin along with her best friend, Mal Ortesev.   They live in a country that has been at war for decades. Because of this they have enlisted in the first army, which is the human military force of Ravka, their country. There is also the second army that consists of grisha, who are people that are able to manipulate the elements such as fire and air. Although Alina has always felt unimportant and invisible, everything changes when she must cross the Fold, a vast space of darkness where monsters lurk. Alina must navigate her new found ability while taking on a heavy new responsibility. This book is filled with passion, courage, and most important, friendship. I would definitely recommend reading this, especially since they created a Netflix show out of it. (Rec. by Emma Davis)

]]> 2021-05-02 16:11:29 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1482660434 Siege and Storm (Leigh Bardugo) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1482679332 Siege and Storm is a sequel to the book Shadow and Bone. Alina Starkov has grown much more powerful. She is the Sun Summoner, consequently being hunted by many. Mal Ortesev is on the run with her, determined to remain free. However, the Darkling is set on claiming Alina’s magic and using it to take the Ravkan throne. Alina is now forced to accept the help of a privateer and now has a goal to be the leader of the grisha army. However, Alina now finds herself falling into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic. Alina has to choose between her power and her humanity, in order to save her country. No victory comes without some form of sacrifice, which Alina will learn. This book will leave you wanting more. I would definitely recommend this book. (Rec. by Emma Davis)]]> 2021-05-02 16:23:58 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1482679332 Ruin and Rising (Leigh Bardugo) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1482694489 Ruin and rising is the last book in the Shadow and Bone trilogy. Now the fate of the nation rests on Alina Starkov, the Sun Summoner. However, everything seems to have fallen apart. Alina is battling her internal demons, Mal Ortesev is a disgraced tracker, and the once great grisha army is shattered. Now the Darkling rules on his shadow throne while Alina recovers from their battle. She is recovering under the dubious protection of the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Alina’s hopes now lie in an ancient creature and the chance that an outlaw prince is still alive. Now she stands between her country and a rising wave of darkness that could destroy the world. This book perfectly finishes off the story of Alina Starkov. (Rec. by Emm Davis)]]> 2021-05-02 16:33:52 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1482694489 Shatter Me (Tahereh Mafi) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1482709530 Shatter Me follows the life of Juliette Ferrars, a 17 year old girl living in the confines of an asylum. Juliette isn’t like everyone else, she has the power of a paralyzing and killing touch. She is able to take energy away from living organisms. Juliette has been locked away from the world because of an incident that she will forever regret. Juliette reached out to comfort a small boy, accidentally killing him in the process. After years of being confined alone in a room with a single window, Juliette gets a roommate, Adam. However Adam is like anyone she’s ever met. With his arrival, Juliette is now dropped into a new environment that she must learn to navigate, and figure out who she can trust. This book is wonderful and so beautifully written. Would definitely recommend. (Rec. by Emma Davis)]]> 2021-05-02 16:43:13 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1482709530 The Hobbit (J.R.R Tolkien) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1485741016 The Hobbit is a classic Fantasy Story about a Hobbit named Bilbo that ventured far away from his comfortable home in Hobbiton to search for the treasure of the Dragon Smaug. This book is followed by the Lord of the Rings.  I would highly recommend this story if you like fantasy and I would definitely read this book again. (Rec. by Nico Ursillo)


]]> 2021-05-03 15:26:40 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1485741016 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (J.K. Rowling) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1485783676 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the Second book in the Harry Potter Series.  In this story Harry returns to Hogwarts and students are mysteriously being turned into stone.  This story is a Fantasy and also a mystery as you have to figure out who is turning the students into stone.  I love the Harry Potter Series and recommend continuing reading the series with this book. (Rec. by Nico Ursillo)



]]> 2021-05-03 15:34:32 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1485783676 The Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring (J.R.R Tolkien) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1493832612 The Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring comes after the Hobbit.  In this story Frodo Baggins inherits a powerful Ring that he must take to Mount Doom to destroy it.  Frodo has to destroy it before Sauron, the Dark Lord gets ahold of it.  I recommend this book and continuing with the series if you like fantasy.  I think the Lord of the Rings is well written and there is so much detail put into Middle Earth, where it is set. (Rec. by Nico Ursillo)




]]> 2021-05-05 13:51:26 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1493832612 It's Kind of a Funny Story (Ned Vizzini) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1502374484 It's Kind of a Funny Story, was a great book, for once a book about depression and sucide without being depressing. Follow Craigs journey as the author alternates between his time in a psych ward and his normal teenage life beforehand. This book will definitely give you a new positive way to look at life, and his story will stay in the back of your head. If you don't plan on reading the book there is a movie you can check out too. (rec. Ana Abrahamson)

]]> 2021-05-07 14:04:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1502374484 We are Liars (E. Lockhart) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1502376976 We are Liars is another great book. In this book you follow the story of Cadence, an 18 year old vermont girl from an extremely wealthy family. Read as these four teenagers go through their summer on this island discovering the family secrets as beach mansions crumple and money dies all with the goal of a family inheritance. (rec. Ana Abrahamson)

]]> 2021-05-07 14:04:52 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1502376976 The Perks of Being Wallflower (Stephen Chbosky) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1502379313 The Perks of Being Wallflower is a about a highschool freshman experiencing the aftereffects of the passing of his aunt. After his best friend micheal passes away from suicide Charlie has no one to turn to and struggles with anxiety and lolieness. His family isn't a great support system due to his father and brothers different views on what a man should be. Read through this book as heavy topics are discussed through letters written between Charlie and an unknown friend. Don't feel like reading this book, try out the movie. (rec. Ana Abrahamson)

]]> 2021-05-07 14:05:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1502379313 The Catcher in the Rye (J.D Salinger) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1504341655 The Catcher in the Rye is one of the most classic and influential books in history. It is about a teenager named Holden Caulfield and his journey after being expelled from High School. It is a great coming of age story with themes of innocence, growing up, and adulthood. It is a very entertaining and interesting read. (Recommendation by Abbie Nowell).]]> 2021-05-07 23:58:17 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1504341655 Misery (Stephen King) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1504361442 Misery is about a famous author named Paul, who gets in a car crash and is saved by his super fan, Annie Wilkes. As Annie tends to him and nurses him back to health, her true intentions are revealed, and Paul is held captive in her house. This suspenseful and psychological thriller of a novel is one that I recommend to everyone. (Recommendation by Abbie Nowell).]]> 2021-05-08 00:16:31 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1504361442 Every Day (David Levithan) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1505698276 In Every Day the main character A lives in a different persons body each day. There is a set of rules that A follows until A meets someone that makes A reconsider these rules. This book is very interesting and unique and I really recommend. (Rec. Erin Hurley)]]> 2021-05-09 01:28:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1505698276 Holding Up the Universe (Jennifer Niven) https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1505701323 Holding Up the Universe features protagonists Jack Masselin and Libby Strout. Jack is unable to recognize faces and Libby cannot leave her house. The two become unlikely friends. This book is sort of a romance novel but it is very good. (Rec. Erin Hurley)]]> 2021-05-09 01:33:37 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1505701323 Unbroken- Laura Hillenbrand https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1507102113 Unbroken tells the life story of Louis Zamperini, known as Louie, a man who gains national attention for competing as a runner in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Louie is later reported to be dead after a military plane crash in the Pacific Ocean during World War II and surprises the world by returning home alive after the war. The book was a fantastic read. Very interesting approach and much better than the movie. The book can feel heavy at some points and a little bit too in depth but overall I really enjoyed it. (Rec. Will Schold)]]> 2021-05-09 23:13:37 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1507102113 Life of Pi- Yann Martel https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1507107717 The survival story of a boy and a tiger on a life boat at open sea. After surviving a ship wreck on his way from India to Canada with his parents, a brother and their zoo animals, the boy learns to survive by feeding the tiger with fish in order not to become the last meal of the tiger. This book got to be a little bit of a drag at some points. It got tough to get through some parts and felt a little bit repetitive but that's mostly because of the nature of the plot. It was quite enjoyable and id recommend this to a more serious reader. (Rec. Will Schold)]]> 2021-05-09 23:18:17 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1507107717 The Martian Chronicles- Ray Bradbury https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1507125026 The Martian Chronicles is a Science-Fiction novel, written by Ray Bradbury. The novel follows the events of humans creating settlements on mars whilst interacting with the indigenous Martians. The book was beautifully wrote and is a personal favorite of mine. I fell deep into this book and finished it within a week. I normally dot gravitate towards sci-fi but this one caught by eye Because it was Ray Bradbury. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone.(Rec. Will Schold)]]> 2021-05-09 23:33:47 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1507125026 Booked- Kwame Alexander https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1507143104 Booked is a young adult novel in verse about the life of a teenager boy, Nick Hall. An eighth-grader and soccer star who struggles with his family going through a divorce, bullying by schoolmates, and middle school romance. It tells the story of Nick, who has on his mind what every middle school soccer lover does: soccer, playing soccer video games, avoiding school assignments, and more soccer. Being a soccer player myself it was a great read and I enjoyed every word of it. (Rec. by Braiden Corbett)]]> 2021-05-09 23:47:52 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1507143104 The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1507162767 The Hunger Games takes place in the ruins of a place once known as North America. There lies a nation of Panam, a shining capital surrounded by 12 outlying districts. The capital is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them to all send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. The main character, 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen is chosen from her district to kill everyone else in order to stay alive. I would really recommend reading this book along with the rest of the series and then watching the movies because they are both really good. (Rec. by Braiden Corbett)]]> 2021-05-10 00:00:45 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1507162767 The Maze Runner- James Dashner https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1507188032 The maze runner is set in a distant future where a group of teens are mysteriously teleported into a giant stone maze. Not only has their memory been cleared but they also have no indication as to why they have ended up in this position and how to escape. The main character, Thomas, comes up in the elevator shaft and everyone is very suspicious of him because he is the one that starts figuring out the maze and can get through it. I first watched the movie but then after I found out there’s a book, I caught onto the whole series and followed Thomas through all of his adventures. (Rec. by Braiden Corbett)]]> 2021-05-10 00:15:55 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1507188032 The Scorch Trials- James Dashner https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1507201216 In the Scorch Trials the group is transported to a remote fortified outpost. Thomas and his fellow teenage gladers find themselves in trouble after uncovering a diabolical plot from the mysterious and powerful organization WCKD. With help from a new ally, the gladers stage a daring escape into the scorch, a desolated landscape filled with dangerous obstacles and crawling with the virus infected cracks. This book was a really good read as I followed the gladers through the scorch and to help them battle the WCKD. (Rec. by Braiden Corbett)]]> 2021-05-10 00:22:20 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1507201216 Mindhunter - John Douglas and Mark Olshaker https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1508568848 Mindhunter is a true crime biography. The story is from the point of view of the author John Douglas and goes through his journey to becoming a part of the FBI and his interactions with some of the most prolific serial killers America has seen, including the BTK Killer,  Charles Manson, and Ted Bundy. Douglas explains each crime using criminology and victimology, creates a profile of said criminal and uses it to predict the killers next move and how to catch them. (rec by Abby Marcotte)

]]> 2021-05-10 11:05:01 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1508568848 The Killer Across the Table - John Douglas and Mark Olshaker https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1508719874 The Killer Across the Table piggy-backs off of Mindhunter, but goes into greater depth about the interviews Douglas had with killers and their crimes. The Killer Across the Table focuses on Charles Manson, David Berkowitz, Ted Bundy, Dennis Rader, John Wayne Gacy jr, Gary Ridgeway, Joseph Kondro, Joseph McGowan, and Donald Harvey. Many of these killers are better known today by names such as, the "BTK Strangler", the "Son of Sam Killer", the "Killer Clown", and the "Green River Killer". The analysis of these murders can be gruesome but also very informative. (rec by Abby Marcotte)

]]> 2021-05-10 12:12:10 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1508719874 After the First Death by Robert Cormier https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1508811353 After the First Death is powerful and suspenseful. Its plot describes a terrorist hijacking of a school bus full of children and a girl named Kate who was driving the bus. This story was overall pretty morbid and the plot got a bit confusing. There were also a lot of interesting aspects I haven't seen much in other works incorporated into this text. One of those is that we as a reader get to know the terrorists and understand their relationships with one another. I thought that aspect was very cool. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone that doesn't mind a morbid story. (Rec. by Justin Vescera)]]> 2021-05-10 12:39:16 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1508811353 Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1508863193 Into the Wild isn't your average text. Krakauer did something a bit different here. The story follows the real life story of Chris McCandless and his journey into the Alaskan woods. He did all of this by hitchhiking and telling his story to those around him. He was trying to find himself. The way Krakauer wrote this book is very interesting. He jumps around time periods and all of his information came from interviewing each person Chris came across in his travels. For example, the story starts out telling the reader Chris' fate which is not normally found in books. This story is a great read and really makes you think a lot about life. People to this day still argue if McCandless was just an idiot or if he was truly doing something good for himself. I read this book over a year ago and I still find myself thinking back to it. For that reason I totally think this book is worth the time and read. (Rec. by Justin Vescera)]]> 2021-05-10 12:51:23 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1508863193 Animal Farm by George Orwell https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1509034006 Animal Farm is a very thought provoking story that uses animals on a farm to represent political problems and especially focuses in on the situation in Russia from 1917 onwards. The story expresses themes of power and control in an easy to understand way. The animals on the farm want to be free from their owner. At first, everything seems to be going well for the animals, but then we start to see how being power hungry can lead to negative things. This theme directly relates to the real world which is why I believe it is a great read. It gives kids insight into the political world with easy to understand characters and a simple plot. (Rec. by Justin Vescera)]]> 2021-05-10 13:27:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1509034006 Frankenstein - Mary Shelley https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1509188261 Frankenstein is a classic horror story. Written in the Romantic Period the story takes on a gothic style in a frame in frame in frame technique. The story starts with a lonely traveller Robert Walton discovering a man, who we come to learn is Victor Frankenstein, who is in search for a monster he had created. The monster has fled Frankenstein after he was abandoned, mistreated, and then abandoned again. Contrary to the classic movie "Frankenstein" the reader comes to sympathize with the monster and resent the scientist as you see the story from the monster's POV. I definitely recommend this read as it is a book I have gone back to several times, is completely different from its movie, and has great, important lessons.

]]> 2021-05-10 13:57:29 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1509188261 The Odyssey by Homer https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1509216093 The Odyssey is a classic. It follows Odysseus on his epic journey home after being away for 10 years after war. If you are interested in Greek Gods and Goddesses this is a perfect story for you. It is very interesting to see the normal people's interactions with the Gods, as they play a major role in the epic. This coming of age story is very powerful. There are so many different themes in this one work so you will never get bored during your reading. The epic itself is pretty long but because of that you learn about so many different characters and each one of these characters teaches a different lesson. There are so many discussions to have surrounding this epic. I would greatly recommend reading this if you haven't already as this poem has influenced so many to come after it. (Rec. by Justin Vescera)]]> 2021-05-10 14:02:52 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1509216093 A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1510010548 A Court of Thorns and Roses is the first novel in Maas' "A Court of..." trilogy in which she chronicals the life of Feyre Archeron: an impoverished human hunter living on the border--known as the Wall--between the mortal territory and the mystical fey lands known collectively as Prythian. When Feyre happens upon a wolf on a hunting excursion, she soon realizes that her killing the beast put a dangerous bounty on her head in the fey realm, and she was to be hauled away to the Spring Court by the territory's mysterious master as retribution. A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Feyre's journey as she discovers that life beyond the Wall may not be as dreadful as myth had led her to believe, and that perhaps she could carve a life out for herself in the land of Spring...at a cost. Maas' work is an inspiration to read and has readers constantly on the edge of their seat. I've reread this series twice now and can say without a doubt that each read is more exciting than the last, and that the smallest details always manage to work their way back into the plot. (Rec. by Emily Babigian)]]> 2021-05-10 16:38:13 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1510010548 A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas. https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1510066092 A Court of Silver Flames is the first novel in Maas' sequel series to the journey of Feyre Archeron and her fight for Prythian. ACoSF begins the tale of Feyre's infamous older sister Nesta Archeron and paints the events of Feyre's story in a new light-- one from Nesta's scorned position. While the world recovers slowly from the onslaught of war which had wracked the land in the years before, Nesta grows more hateful than ever towards the people who were once meant to be her family and imposes upon herself a sort of exile. For months after the end of the war, she loses herself in drink and gambling, ignoring the lingering guilt over her rejection of the Inner Circle as family, and is set on destroying herself. Could the sudden, forced intervention of Feyre and Nesta's alleged "mate", Cassian, save her? Or will their meddling only serve to push her further over the edge? As the most recent addition to Maas' repertoire, ACoSF was a highly awaited work and did not disappoint. Nesta's perspective on the effects of the war and the actions of the beloved character's of the pervious trilogy are refreshing, and are a much needed viewpoint in order to truly understand the message of family that Maas seeks to portray. Fans of the A Court of Thorns and Roses trilogy will not want to miss out on this thrilling sequel! (Rec. by Emily Babigian)]]> 2021-05-10 16:49:17 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1510066092 The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1510993598 The Power of Now totally changed my perspective on life, especially spirituality. Through the entire journal-like book, Tolle focuses a lot on living presently and in the moment. He also discusses how toxic one's ego is. By the end, I truly felt I had a better grasp on how to live my life more genuinely. Within the book, Tolle writes a lot, and it took a few reads to fully unpack and understand the contents, but once I did it was so worth it. One of my favorite features Tolle included in this book was sections called "break time". These were times in the book when the author himself recommended you take a break from reading and step away to process what you just read. I found this so helpful and quite a unique touch. Overall, this book was such a great read and I highly recommend it to everyone, especially if you are looking to become more aware of yourself and the world around you. (Rec. by Charlotte Meller)]]> 2021-05-10 20:18:17 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1510993598 Once Upon a Road Trip by Angela Blount https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1511050239 Once Upon a Road Trip is a memoir written from a third person view of the author (and her life). Over the course of 8 weeks, soon after 9/11 the story follows a young girl who is stressed about her impending future and decides to go on a two-month road trip. Through this trip she faces new experiences, from loneliness and anxiety to near-death experiences to meeting some interesting people. Overtime this girl (the author) discovers more of herself and her place in the world. This book was very realistic and super refreshing. There were so many twists and turns which kept me reading and wanting more. If I'm being quite transparent, this book had me wishing I was taking a road trip right after graduation! I would compare this to a mindset similar to the book Eat, Pray, Love with just such an open approach to life and travel. 100% recommend this book as its such worth the time spent reading it! (Rec. by Charlotte Meller)]]> 2021-05-10 20:37:44 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1511050239 Falling Into Place - Amy Zhang https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1511568279 [TW: suicide, self harm, drugs, bullying]
Falling Into Place is a moving story revolving around Newton's Laws. The story focuses on high schooler Liz Emerson after she drives her car off a ramp into a tree. Why? Well she couldn't stop the car's momentum, just as she couldn't stop the chaos of everything falling apart around her. This book will leave you with so many thoughts, one of the biggest being what happens now? My favorite thing about the story is that we never know who the narrator is. The story is in a first-person style, but we never know who this is. There are theories that it's an imaginary friend, gravity itself, or a ghost, but we may never know. (rec by Abby Marcotte)

]]> 2021-05-11 00:47:06 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1511568279 A Raisin in the Sun- Lorraine Hansberry https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1511821662 The book A Raisin in the Sun is a story about a family of the Youngers. The Youngers are a black family living in a rural area of South Chicago. The Family is struggling for money to support the big family when a blessing in disguise comes around. The Youngers will be receiving a 10,000 dollar check from the life insurance of Mr. Younger, who unfortunatly passed away. The Family immediatly starts discussing what to do. Mama decides to use the first 3500 dollars to buy a house in a nice neighborhood. Mama ends up giving the rest of the money to Walter, in hopes that she wil do what she tells him. Walter, however, believes that he should invenst the money to try to improve the family's living conditions forever. Mama tells him to save 3500 dollars in the savings account, with the rest being for Beneatha's nursing school. The question comes down to: Will Walter invest the money? The book overall is a great read and shows what life was like back then for many families. (Rec by Landon Bradley)]]> 2021-05-11 02:23:49 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1511821662 Neverwhere https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1728622560 Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman is a magical story about Richard Mayhew, an ordinary man, who after rescuing a dying girl bleeding on the street pavement, finds himself invisible to everyone he sees. An intriguing piece, it's difficult to say more without ruining the stories' fascinating concepts, which it all utilizes incredibly well. Neverwhere has a fascinating and strange atmosphere to it, being one of those books that incredibly utilizes the odd intertwined with the normal. The characters are grotesque and wonderful - if you ever enjoyed Neil Gaiman's works for younger audiences (The Graveyard Book, Coraline) It is without a doubt worth your attention, finely utilizing atmosphere and introducing a ridiculous world that is very quickly made real. Thriving on the odd and reading like a wicked fairytale that was modernized, Neverwhere is just positively perfect. (Rec by Kenneth Dunn)]]> 2021-09-09 16:27:40 UTC https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/1728622560 The Road by Cormac McCarthy ljosephson https://padlet.com/ljosephson/vj5qou3niqqz/wish/2259345304 I read this 2007 Pulitzer prize winning novel over the summer because it is a summer reading book for grade 12 at another school, and also because I like dystopias.  The book tells the story of a father and young son as they journey through post-apocalyptic world.  Shmoop laughingly tags this book as:  "the-road-where-the-walking-dead-go-on-vacation," while the times called it "the book of the decade." It is written in an easy to read style that reminded me a bit of Hemingway. It was hard to put down because I wanted to see if the duo would survive, but it was also very dark and depressing, written in a style some call "nihilistic horror" (CSM). That being said, when I finished it, I wanted to read more by this author, (and I kept thinking about book and its relationship to our world.) (rec by Mrs. J)


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