Review originally appeared in School Library Journal, June 2020. Gr. 9 & Up: Seventeen year old Alexa (Lex), known as Poppy by her pimp, Mitch, is forced into sex trafficking and drug use, living in a motel with other young victims. After a police bust, she recovers at Sparrow Brook where she enjoys the horses… Continue reading What Unbreakable Looks Like by Kate McLaughlin
Tag: Young Adult
What Kind of Girl by Alyssa Sheinmel
Originally published in School Library Journal, December 2019. Gr 9 & Up - Mike Parker's girlfriend of 6 months goes to the principal with a secret - Mike hit her, causing California's North Bay Academy to take sides on who they believe. A junior and track star, everyone loves golden boy Mike, but the incident… Continue reading What Kind of Girl by Alyssa Sheinmel
Roar by Cora Carmack
Roar is the first in the three book Stormhearts series by Cora Carmack. This is a young adult fantasy story with very PG romance, atmospheric & beautiful settings, and a cliffhanger ending. Roar is set in a world where storms can ruin whole cities, but Stormlings are able to harness the storms energies for good,… Continue reading Roar by Cora Carmack
The Voice in My Head by Dana L. Davis
Originally published in School Library Journal, May 2019. Gr. 9 & Up: Davis’s second YA novel set in Seattle, follows 18 year old black twins Indigo and Violet and their chaotic family on an unlikely road trip. While attempting suicide, Indigo hears a voice say that her terminally ill twin Violet will live if she… Continue reading The Voice in My Head by Dana L. Davis
The Competition by Cecily Wolfe
Originally appeared in School Library Journal, November 2018. Grade 7 & Up: A diverse cast of characters take part in the Penultimate, an Ohio state writing competition, where 100 teens battle for a full college scholarship. Mary Sofia (a Latina) lives in a shelter. Her mother blames her for the unforgettable, tragic night her abusive… Continue reading The Competition by Cecily Wolfe
Purple Hearts by Michael Grant
Purple Hearts is the final book in the Front Lines trilogy by Michael Grant. This young adult historical fiction story takes place in 1944. Though the Battle of D-Day at Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and the depiction of German death camps is written with historical accuracy, the one twist in the story… Continue reading Purple Hearts by Michael Grant
Till it Stops Beating by Hannah R. Goodman
Librarian Laura's Review Till it Stops Beating, a young adult realistic fiction from author Hannah R. Goodman tackles some very heavy themes including mental illness, alcoholism, sickness (cancer), and loss. The language and scenes are very mature, so I would not recommend it for readers under the age of 16. It is, however, a great book… Continue reading Till it Stops Beating by Hannah R. Goodman
Holly Jolly Summer by Tiffany Stewart
Originally appeared in School Library Journal, April 2018. Gr 7 & up - The summer tourist season is bustling in the stifling hot town of Christmas, Kentucky, as 15 year old First Daughter, Darby causes a very public disaster at the annual Snow Globe unveiling. Her single father, Mayor Peacher, encourages her to get a… Continue reading Holly Jolly Summer by Tiffany Stewart
Always, Forever, Maybe by Anna Mrose Ricci
Originally published in School Library Journal, March 2018. Gr. 9 & Up: High school senior, Bee, has been living in the shadow of her best friends, popular twins Jo and Eric, counting the days until she can move away from her demanding parents. When Bee begins dating Aiden, her relationship with Jo becomes strained, which… Continue reading Always, Forever, Maybe by Anna Mrose Ricci
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
I probably wouldn't have picked up this book to read, but I was assigned to read it for a state high school book award committee on which I serve. I'm SO glad that I read it. It's an awesome book about finding yourself in spite of pressure from your family, your peers, and the closed-minded… Continue reading When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
Librarian Laura 