Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Rating: 5/5

Suzanne Collin’s latest addition to the acclaimed dystopian Hunger Games series, Sunrise on the Reaping, one of two prequels to the original trilogy, has been met with high praise by fans. Taking place between The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and The Hunger Games, this novel focuses on Katniss Everdeen’s sarcastic and humorous mentor, Haymitch Abernathy, when he was a teen. The story begins on Haymitch’s sixteenth birthday that unluckily falls on Reaping Day, which occurs every year as a punishment to the districts. Reaping Day is when one girl and one boy from each of the twelve districts are chosen to go into an arena in the Capitol and fight to the death. This year though, the year of the 50th Hunger Games, things are different. Due to the Quarter Quell, twice the number of tributes will enter the arena, so the odds are not in Haymitch’s favor. This novel not only tells about how Haymitch became the victor of the 50th Hunger Games, but about how he was part of a larger rebel scheme to undermine the Games. This book is filled with humor and sarcasm, but also tragedy, heartbreak, and death. It gives deeper insight into characters’ motives and backgrounds in the Hunger Games trilogy and details more information about the evolution of the Games. Sunrise on the Reaping is impossible to put down, and after reading this book, the beloved mentor Haymitch will never be looked at the same again. This heart-rending tale is a must-read for avid fans of Suzanne Collin’s Hunger Games saga and will continuously surprise readers with its plot twists and shocking revelations.

-Grace

Let Them Stare by Jonathan Van Ness and Julie Murphy

2/5

Let Them Stare by Jonathan Van Ness and Julie Murphy is a book that has themes of identity, belonging, and learning about the past. The book follows the main character, Sully, as they work towards their goal of moving to New York City and later, solving the mystery of a ghost named Rufus. In the beginning of the book, Sully shares experiences of when they felt excluded or invalidated for who they were. As the book progresses, Sully finds belonging with their friends. While investigating the past of their town, Hearst, Sully and their friends learn about how life has changed for queer people from when Rufus was alive to now. The book is set in modern times with the characters having access to items such as phones and cars. The plot of the book and the pacing seem to move sporadically and feel random. Some events in the book feel unnecessary to accomplishing the main character’s goal or continuing the plot. For being a book that is  about someone who is nonconforming to gender labels, the main character has uncalled for moments where they judge others for their preferences/identity, whether knowingly or not. While the book is good at addressing the issues and past of the LGBTQIA+ community, it misses the mark with a solid plot and characters that a teen could relate to. 

-Isabella

Death in the Cards by Mia P. Manansala

Rating: 4/5

Death in the Cards a book that blends mystery, action and a touch of romance is an ideal read for teenagers. The book follows protagonist Danika who is a high school tarot reader and despite her moms skepticism wants to become a private investigator. Her skills are put to the test when the usual tarot reading turns darker as she discovers that one of her classmates had gone missing after Danika gave them the Death Card. She uses her detective skills to help find the missing classmate, Eli. She partners with Eli’s younger sister Gaby and they uncover that Eli has been living a double life with crime and secrets. With every new lead Danika and Gaby find themselves deepened into danger. As the case escalates, Danika has to use both the detective skills she has learned from her parents and the martial arts she had picked up from her aunt to help defend herself in the face of danger. 

– Amanda

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Rating: 5/5

The Hobbit is the story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who would rather stay at home than go on adventures. That changes when Gandalf the wizard shows up with a group of dwarves. They ask Bilbo to help them take back their mountain and treasure from a dragon named Smaug. Even though Bilbo doesn’t seem like the hero type, he surprises everyone with his bravery. The book takes you through all kinds of places in Middle-earth, which is the setting of the story, like forests, caves, and mountains. Bilbo runs into trolls, goblins, and even giant spiders. My favorite part is when he meets Gollum and has a riddle contest with him. I think it’s creepy but also clever. What I liked most was how Bilbo changed throughout the book. First, he’s scared and wants to turn back but as the story goes on he becomes more confident. The writing feels like a mix of a fairy tale and an adventure story, so it’s really fun to read. I think this book is great for teens who like fantasy and adventure. It shows that someone who doesn’t look like a hero can still step up and make a difference. The Hobbit is not hard to read and it sets up the rest of the series called The Lord of the Rings.

– Vinay

She is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran

Rating: 4/5

She is a Haunting is a Young-Adult fiction book by Trang Thanh Tran. The basic plot is about a Vietnamese girl from Philadelphia traveling to Vietnam for the summer, and finding out her house is haunted. It’s a plot that seemed interesting enough to me to pick up off the shelves, but Tran weaves it into a compelling tale fit for modern times. Jade is a Vietnamese teenager, the oldest child of three. Her parents have been separated for 4 years since the narrative of the story, her father had since returned to Vietnam, leaving her mother as a single mother in Philadelphia. For the summer, Jade convinces her family to travel to Vietnam for the summer. The catch? She needs to work for her father so he can pay for her UPenn tuition. Her and her sister, Lily, traveled to Đà Lạt to do just that. During their stay, Jade begins to see ghosts haunting the house and enduring sleep paralysis due to it. To convince her father of the fact the house is haunted, her and another girl, Florence, attempt to fake hauntings. During all of this, she unravels the past of her family in this house. Tackling the truth of France colonizing Đà Lạt and her own family ties to the house, Jade tries to piece together the past and bring the truth to light— all while dealing with her own crush on her accomplice. I personally rated this book as a 4 out of 5 stars, as Tran takes a common horror trope and shapes it into something cultural and modern at the same time. I would especially recommend this to any horror fans– although there isn’t much gore.

-Leah

The Last Song Of Penelope by Claire North

Rating: 4/5

Claire North’s The Last Song of Penelope is a creative retelling of Greek mythology, focusing on what happens after the events of The Odyssey by Homer. Instead of ending with Odysseus’ triumphant homecoming, this story delves into the politics, emotions, and numerous challenges that Odysseus faces upon his return. Once again, Penelope is the center of this story as she is a queen who has ruled Ithaca on her own for twenty years, raising her son Telemachus and defending her home from threats both within and beyond Ithaca. This tale is told by the sharp and wise Goddess Athena, whose perspective makes the story feel both serious and funny at the same time. During the events that take place, she comments on the flaws of mortals and gods alike, highlighting themes like pride, love, and leadership. Through her eyes, we see Penelope’s intelligence, resilience, and ability to stand as an equal to any hero, including Odysseus. The tension between Penelope and Odysseus feels real, showing that even after great adventures, rebuilding trust can be its own battle. Before reading this, I hadn’t thought much about what might happen after The Odyssey ends, but this book made me realize that endings are never easy. Claire North’s poetic writing style is easy to understand, and the plot is very intriguing. I would recommend The Last Song of Penelope to anyone who loves mythology, especially if you enjoyed Ithaca or The Odyssey by Homer. It’s a fresh and satisfying way to see the conclusion of a story we thought we already knew.

– Nikhil

Better Than The Movies By Lynn Painter

Rating: 3/5

Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter is a YA romance about Liz Buxbaum, a hopeless romantic who believes her life should mirror classic rom-coms. She is obsessed with romanticizing her life, especially after her mother’s death. Wes Bennet is Liz’s annoying, pain in the butt neighbor and her arch nemesis. With the end of senior year fast approaching, Liz reluctantly asks for Wes’s help getting close to her forever crush, Michal, so that Michal can ask Liz to the senior prom. But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz her perfect prom moment, she is shocked to discover she enjoys Wes’s company. Through her experiences with Wes, Liz begins to question her expectations of romance and the idea that her life needs to perfectly match a movie script. She must rethink everything she thought her happily ever after should look like. Overall, I would give this book a 3 out of 5. It is intended for a younger audience (ages 11-15) as it can be a little silly at times. There are lots of fun, cult classic movie references sprinkled throughout the book, so if you are a movie fan, you will enjoy those. Better Than The Movies is a fun read if you want to turn your brain off and enjoy a good book!

-Meena

Summer in the City by Alex Aster

Rating: 4/5

Summer in the City by Alex Aster is set during a hot summer in New York City. The story follows Elle Leon, a 27-year-old screenwriter who moves into her sister’s apartment so she can focus on finishing a script. Things quickly get complicated when she discovers that her next door neighbor is Parker Warren, a wealthy and successful tech entrepreneur. Elle and Parker had a brief, awkward encounter two years ago when they kissed in a stairwell at a party. The moment was clumsy and left them both embarrassed. Running into each other again brings back that uncomfortable memory. At first, they keep their distance, but as the summer goes on, it becomes hard to avoid each other. They start spending time together exploring New York City. They open up about their lives and share their dreams with each other. Their feelings for one another slowly grow, but they are both hesitant to fully commit because of their insecurities. The book describes New York City and the characters so well that you feel like you’re living it with them. Elle and Parker’s romance is easy to root for. The story has a mix of funny, heartfelt, and real life moments. “Summer in the City” is a great choice for anyone who loves romance with a city setting and a second-chance twist.

– Grace

Ithaca by Claire North

Rating: 4/5

Claire North’s Ithaca is an interesting and imaginative retelling of Greek Mythology, specifically the events leading up to the Odyssey by Homer. Instead of following Odysseus on his famous journey, the story follows his wife, Penelope, who’s been left behind for nearly 20 years. With her husband gone, she has to raise their son, Telemachus, all on her own and try to keep the kingdom safe from both outside threats and the suitors who are trying to take over. This epic tale is told by the sarcastic and omniscient Goddess Hera, who watches over Penelope as she uses her wits and clever mind to protect her home and outsmart the pirates that threaten her home. Hera’s commentary makes the book feel both serious and humorous at the same time, as she critiques both mortals and gods alike, which makes this story stand out from other mythology stories. Before reading this, I didn’t know much about Penelope, but this book showed me that she is just as cunning and strong as Odysseus, if not more so. Claire North’s writing is easy to understand and flows smoothly, so it’s a good read for teens. I would recommend Ithaca to anyone who loves mythology, especially if you enjoyed The Odyssey or The Song of Achilles. It’s a cool new way to see a story we might already think we know.

-Nikhil

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Rating: 5/5 

The selection by Kiera Cass is a dystopian Romance that follows America Singer and her unexpected journey. You can think of this book as the princess version of the hunger games. America Singer is a teenage girl from a lower caste of 5, who is desperately in love with someone from an even lower caste, Aspen, but to her that doesn’t matter, as long as she is with him. However, unexpectedly America has been selected along with 34 other girls of different castes to compete to marry and win the heart of Prince Maxton. In the selection, we see America having many mixed feeling about Prince Maxton, the selection, the girls, and more importantly her feelings. Despite being in love with someone else, she has to face trails, new friendships, enemies, situations, and different secrets. As you read, you see the how the caste system influences society, how America is different from the other contestants, and how she navigates her feelings towards both Maxton and Aspen, as well as her future. This book ensures a drama filled, romantic, and suspenseful story that will be hard to put down.

-Dilfuza

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Rating: 4/5

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a thrilling blend of family secrets, illicit romance, and a high-stakes treasure hunt, and is the perfect book for anyone who enjoys a good mystery. The Inheritance Games is the first book of the Inheritance Games trilogy. The book follows Avery Kylie Grambs, a poor high school girl who lost her mother and is now living with her half-sister, Libby. Avery has a plan: keep her head down and work hard for a better future. However, that all comes crashing down when Avery suddenly inherits 46 billion dollars from Tobias Hawthorn, a now-dead billionaire from Texas. Nobody knows why Tobias left Avery, a random 17-year-old girl from Connecticut, in his will, not even Avery herself. Now she must move into the mansion she’s inherited. It’s filled with secrets, and the old man’s surviving relatives – a family hell-bent on discovering why Avery got ‘their’ Money. Working with Tobias’s four grandsons, solving riddles and clues left behind for her, soon she is caught in a deadly game that everyone in this strange family is playing. But just how far will they go to keep their fortune? Overall, this book is interesting, and the nonstop twists will keep you guessing until the very last page! That goes to say, this book is targeted to middle school readers (an 11-14 age range). So, if you were looking for a more mature read, this might not be the book for you. Nonetheless, it is still a super entertaining read that can be finished in a single sitting, so I give it a 4 out of 5.

-Meena

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Rating: 5/5

The Hunger Games is the first book in the popular series by Suzanne Collins. It tells the story of Katniss Everdeen, a girl from District 12, who volunteers to take her younger sister’s place in the Hunger Games. This is a deadly competition where teens from each district fight to the death while the whole country watches. The setting of Panem is a harsh, controlled world ruled by the Capitol, where citizens have no freedom. The book is full of suspense and adventure. Katniss is a strong and smart character who shows courage and care for her family. The writing is clear and fast-paced, which makes it easy to read and hard to put down. The story shows important themes like survival, sacrifice, and standing up against unfair rules. One thing I liked was how the author made the characters feel real, especially Katniss, who has to make difficult choices. The relationships between characters add depth to the story. It also has action scenes that keep the reader engaged. Teens who enjoy adventure and stories about bravery will love this book. Even though I read them out of order, The Hunger Games is a great start to the series and leaves you wanting to read the next books. I highly recommend The Hunger Games to anyone looking for an exciting and meaningful read.

– Vinay

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Rating: 5/5

In Sabaa Tahir’s dystopian, young adult novel, An Ember in the Ashes, society is run by tyranny. The book takes place five hundred years after the Martial Empire raided and took over the Scholar society, ruining many of their lives and putting them under Martial power. The Martials frequently raid homes of Scholars, often enslaving them, and that’s how the story begins. Laia, a seventeen year old scholar girl, loses her grandparents and older brother Darin, as he gets taken for treason against the Empire in a raid on their home. Now on a mission to save the only family she has left, Laia uses family secrets to join with the Resistance, a Scholar group against the Empire, to save her brother from the dark torture that awaits him as he faces the Martial Empire. In trade for the Resistance rescuing her brother, Laia gets sent on a nearly impossible spy mission on the Commandant of Blackcliff Academy, one of the cruelest and most dangerous leaders of the Empire. Meanwhile, at Blackcliff, Elias Veturius, the heir of the Gen Veturia family, trains to become a Mask, a soldier that serves the Emperor and Martial Empire. However, Elias doesn’t agree with the ways and virtues of Masks, but in an attempt to desert, he learns that in order to finally be free of the empire, he would have to face harder and crueler experiences than ones he had already faced. For any romance lovers reading this, there are bits of romance and love woven throughout the story, however, the book mainly follows the lives of two members of a broken society, a Scholar and a Mask, as they fight to change their world.

-Mila