Teen Volunteer Book Reviews
Divergent
By: Veronica Roth
Dystopian Fiction
Set in a future faction-based society, each virtue names a faction, Divergent follows the main character, Tris Prior, living in a dystopian world where everyone is divided into categories, finding herself not to fit neatly into any. While uncovering secrets that threaten her world, Tris must rely on bravery and strength for survival. Veronica Roth's heart-wrenching novel moves along with the pace of a runaway train, fueled by action, romance, and hot questions of identity and choice. Any lover of dystopian novels, à la The Hunger Games, simply wouldn't put this one down.
Review written by Howard
Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy
By: Tui Sutherland
Fantasy
Within this novel of fantasy, five young dragons were supposed to end the prolonged war between 7 dragon tribes. Kept in hiding, the dragonets will have to make a tough choice: follow their fate or make one of their own. Tui T. Sutherland narrates a story of fast friends and bravery that discover themselves through an absorbingly told coming-of-age quest. With compelling world-building and characters, it is truly a page-turner among fantasy reads. I highly recommend this book to all readers who love action-packed adventures and relatable characters. This book is the first book of a 15 part series that started in 2012.
Review written by Howard
I Will Always Write Back
By: Caitlin Alifrenka, Martin Ganda and Liz Welch
Dual-memoir
I Will Always Write Back is a dual-memoir that explores the extraordinary comaderie between Caitlin Alifrenka and Martin Ganda, two individuals who forged an unbreakable bond after becoming penpals for a 7th grade assignment. When All-American girl Caitlin and Zimbabwean boy Martin wrote to each other, they never expected that their letter exchanges would lead to them becoming best friends. Over 5 years, their friendship is tested by their economic and cultural disparities, distance and time. Their memoir provides an intimate glimpse into significant issues, including poverty and the price of an education.
Review written by Belén
Sythe
By: Neal Shusterman
Science Fiction
What would you do in a world where disease, hunger and war were eliminated? In the year 2042, death has been eradicated as a result of revolutionary advancements in technology. To maintain a balance in the population, individuals, known as Scythes, are chosen to end life. Neal Shusterman’s imaginative novel follows teenagers Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch’ apprenticeship as they master the art of taking life, all while uncovering the dark truth behind their utopian world. Shusterman creates an unforgettable story that reflects on the meaning of life.
Review written by Belén
Brown Girl Dreaming
By: Jacqueline Woodson
Poetry/Memoir
Jacqueline Woodson’s memoir consists of a collection of poems detailing her upbringing as a woman of color in the United States and how it morphed her aspirations to become a writer. As a result of her parents’ divorce, Jacqueline was forced to move from Ohio to South Carolina, and eventually to New York. Her travels opened her eyes to the racial injustices provoked by the Jim Crow Laws and how the lives of millions of individuals were impacted by the Civil Rights Movement. Her memorable coming-of-age story parallels the lives of several individuals and reminds readers to fight ceaseslly against life’s obstacles to achieve their dreams.
Review written by Belén
Realm Breaker
By: Victoria Aveyard
Fantasy
When assassin Sorasa Sarn and immortal prince Domacridhan of Iona reveal to Corayne an-Amarat, the teenage daughter of a pirate, that she's the only one who can save the world, her life is turned upside down. Realm Breaker follows a rag-tag band of heroes, working together to save the fantasy realm of Allward before Taristan of Old Cor causes colossal damage. I recommend Realm Breaker to lovers of magic, fantasy, intricate world-building, lovable characters, witty banter and to anyone who wants to escape into a magical realm of spindles, elders, pirates, and more.
Review written by Rani
The Poet X
By: Elizabeth Acevedo
Poetry/ Fiction
The Poet X follows the life of Xiomara, an Afro-Latina poet, who is struggling with navigating the world as a teenager while dealing with a highly religious mother and a checked-out father. She escapes her world through poetry, pouring her thoughts into her notebook and falling in love with the art form, but hiding it from others. Elizabeth Acevedo authentically captures the complex experience of present-day teenagers and successfully reminds readers of the power and beauty of words.
Review written by Rani
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
By: Marjane Satrapi
Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis is a beautiful coming of age story that recounts the author’s experiences as a young woman during the ___. Satrapi’s memoir provides a unique lense into Iran’s history, as she discusses her experiences as a young girl navigating her personal and national identities during the Islamic Revolution and Iran-Iraq War in the late 20th century. She delves deep into the ramifications of the Islamic Revolution - in particular, how it led to the overthrow of Reza Shah’s authoritarian reign and the institution of the Islamic Republic in 1979. Finally, she describes her family and country’s struggles during the Iran-Iraq War, which was provoked when Iraqi armed forces invaded western Iran in 1980.
Memoir/Graphic Novel
Review written by Belén
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
By: Suzanne Collins
Fantasy
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is the prequel to the Hunger Games Trilogy following the life of the story’s main villain Coriolanus Snow. Collins provides an eerie and haunting look into the unraveling of the character that would grow up to be President. It is dark, exciting, and even sometimes strange, providing a haunting insight into what happens to a person to truly make them evil. The delusion and desire for power of this villain is brought to life, as readers are continuously reminded that “snow always lands on top.”
Review written by Rani
The Color Purple
By: Alice Walker
Epistolary Novel
The Color Purple chronicles the life story of Celie Harris, a woman who gains control of her life after overcoming the physical and domestic abuse she received from her father and spouse. Walker crafts her story in epistolary form, delivering an intimate glimpse into the life of its protagonist through her letters to God and her sister, Nettie. The Color Purple is a beautiful synergy of different female narratives, all of which challenge the notion that women are incapable of achieving a higher education, financial independence and a unique identity separate from their relationships. Alice Walker creates an uplifting and beautifully imagined tale that testifies to the redemptive possibilities of love and reminds us that we must first discover ourselves to achieve the lives we desire.
Review written by Belén
My Side of the Mountain
By: Jean Craighead George
Realistic Fiction
The book, “My Side of the Mountain,” mainly is a story about a young boy named Sam Gribleys survival story in the forest. After running away from his home, New York, Sam reaches the Catskills mountains, where he needs to depend on his tools and his survival skills to live on. Throughout his journey in the woods, he learns about courage, independence, and other important factors that completely change him from what he once was before.
Review written by Kyle
Salt to the Sea
By: Ruta Sepetys
Historical Fiction
Set in the midst of World War II, Salt to the Sea tells the haunting stories of four refugees, all harboring dark secrets, during one of the largest nautical disasters in history. The novel told in the four perspectives of Joana, Florian, Emilia, and Alfred is combined with a harmonious, poetic voice. The paths of the four refugees converge as they race to board the MV Wilhelm Gustloff, a German ship promising safety from approaching Soviets. The fast paced, melodic chapters alternating between the characters and the emotionally breathtaking story is one that will linger in the hearts of readers.
Review written by Northvale Library Teen Volunteer
One of Us is Lying
By: Karen McManus
Mystery
What happens when five students enter a detention room - but only four come out alive? One of Us Is Lying tells the story of the murder of Simon, the creator of a detested school gossip app, leaving the four other students in the heart of the crime. The reader follows Bronwyn, the “brain”, Cooper, the “athlete”, Addy, the “princess”, and Nate, the “criminal” as they work to clear their names and unveil the murderer. Incessant secrets and revelations emerge throughout the plot, and the unexpected twists and turns makes the novel a compelling choice ideal for fans of mystery thrillers.
Review written by Northvale Library Teen Volunteer
Wonder
By: RJ Palacio
Realistic Fiction
The book, “Wonder,” by R. J. Palacio is about how a 10 year old boy named August Pullman carries on his life with Treachery Collin‘s Syndrome. The Treachers Collin’s Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of bones and tissues in the face. Although he faces many problems due to this disorder, he journeys through his life gaining acceptance, and navigate bullying.
Review written by Kyle
Stone Maidens
By: Lloyd Devereux Richards
Mystery
Stone Maidens by Lloyd Devereux Richards is a crime thriller about FBI forensic anthropologist Christine Prusik. She is assigned to investigate a series of murders in southern Indiana where young women are found in ravines. The killer leaves a small stone figure at each crime scene, giving investigators an important clue. As Christine searches for the murderer, the investigation also forces her to face painful memories from her childhood in Papua New Guinea.
Review written by Kyle
The Resistance Bakery
By: Siobhan Curham
Historical
The Resistance Bakery tells the story of Coralie, a Parisian baker working in the Hotel Lutetia during World War II, who, using her bakery, uses her position to spy on the Nazis and join the French Resistance when the Nazis seize the hotel, as well as using her recipe book to hide secret messages. Written in a dual-time line, four decades later, when her granddaughter, Raven uncovers the tattered recipe book, it is a catalyst for Coralie to divulge the truth about her dark, heroic past. The gripping story highlighting hope and resilience makes the novel a rewarding, emotional journey.
Review written by Northvale Library Teen Volunteer
The Naturals
By: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Thriller
The Naturals follows the gripping story of Cassie Hobbes, who, because of her rare, natural ability to dive into the psychological mindset of others, is recruited by the FBI for a program using teenagers with abilities ranging from lie detecting to emotion reading to solve cold cases. Cassie navigates through the hunting of a ruthless killer, forming complex connections with the others, and unveiling traumas and secrets, all while solidifying her resolve for solving the obscure murder of her mother. With its dynamic twists and unsettling segments written from the perspective of the killer, The Naturals is a standout novel.
Review written by Northvale Library Teen Volunteer
The Book Theif
By: Marcus Zusak
Historical Fiction
Told from the chilling perspective of Death, The Book Thief tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young orphan girl relocating to her new foster family in World War II’s Nazi Germany. Liesel navigates through the terrors of war, gradually bonding with her foster parents and neighbor, Rudy and blossoming her love of books, all while becoming known as the “book thief” for stealing books and risking everything to hide Max, a young Jewish man. The heartbreaking ending deeply resonates with readers, making it a poignant novel revealing the Holocaust’s horrifying reality and the resilience of human kindness and sacrifice.
Review written by Northvale Library Teen Volunteer
Powerless
By: Lauren Roberts
Fantasy & Romance
Set in the kingdom of Ilya, where the powerful “Elites” reign and powerless “Ordinaries” are executed, Powerless follows Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary who, after unwittingly saving the Prince, is embedded into the Purging Trials, the deadly competition showcasing Elites. Paedyn fights through survival through the Trials, tribulations of concealing her identity, and discovering the Resistance, a group fighting against the cruel king, all while being forced to meet the eyes of her father’s killer and becoming captivated by the man born to kill people like her. Lovers of books such as The Hunger Games will be captivated by this novel.
Review written by Northvale Library Teen Volunteer
The Young Elites
By: Marie Lu
Fantasy
The Young Elites by Marie Lu (also author of Warcross and Legend), is a fantasy fiction romance, and the most attention gripping tale you’ll read this year. In a world where magic is chaotic and misunderstood, Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the Blood Fever. She gains a mysterious but dangerous power, and gets recruited by the Dagger Society. As readers, we understand Adelina’s justification for her villainous deeds, and so we cheer Adelina on her lonely journey of misunderstandings, revenge, and identity. (The book does have mature themes, so I recommend this book to ages 10 and above.)
Review written by Hailey
The Glass Menagerie
By: Tennessee Williams
Memory Play
The Glass Menagerie is a memory play created by Tennessee Williams, but the script is recorded in a book that you can read. It’s a short, but thrilling read of a family of three: the Mom, Amanda, who has hopelessly big dreams for her children, the daughter, Laura, who struggles with a disability, and the son, Tom, who is left with the financial burdens of taking care of the family. Reading the book is like immersing yourself in a piece of the life of the American people in the 18th century. It’s the perfect read for grades 8 and up!
Review written by Hailey
Bad Blood
By: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Mystery
As Cassie Hobbes and the FBI Naturals track the “Masters”, a cult of serial killers holding her mother captive, they discover ties between a local cult and the local murders of the past, fighting with the intense psychological pain and deep vulnerability each of the Naturals experience. Bad Blood follows as Cassie struggles through the clues that Laurel, her half sister raised by the Masters, gives, and is ultimately abducted by the Masters and faced with her mother, who had been living in a heartless survival persona after years of abuse, with the conclusion leaving readers with intense emotional evocation.
Review written by Northvale Library Teen Volunteer
Eragon
By: Christopher Paolini
Fantasy
Looking for a fantasy book with dragons, heartwarming friendship, and epic battles? Eragon is a thrilling novel by Christopher Paolini about a young farm boy named Eragon and his dragon, Saphira. The pair face off against the tyrannical king Galbatorix, who seeks the extinction of dragons. Thrust into the world of magic, Eragon must tread carefully along the boundary of evil and good. Christopher’s tale paints a breathtaking, intricate world with a depth hard to find in other fantasy novels. While the volume’s length might initially be daunting, you’ll be left craving more by the end of it.
Review written by Hailey
The Inheritance Games
By: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Mystery
What happens when overnight, you go from living in your car to receiving an inheritance of billions? Avery Grambs inherits the fortune of Tobias Hawthorne, a stranger, but she must live alongside the hostile daughters and grandsons of the Hawthorne family, who are only left scraps. Avery becomes pulled into decoding riddles and secret compartments, uncovering the reasons for her inheritance, and determining the death of a girl, all while being targeted by an unidentified threat. The novel’s unpredictable twists and fast paced puzzles create a captivating adventure, and readers are reminded that decisions may be “a very risky gamble”.
Review written by Northvale Library Teen Volunteer
I am Number Four
By: Pittacus Lore
Sci Fi
The last 9 aliens of their kind seek refuge on planet earth. But they aren’t dangerous - the real monsters are the beings who are hunting them down. The sci-fi novel, “I am Number Four,” focuses on the fourth alien in the group, the next target. Follow along to discover their story of unity, friendship, and survival in the face of peril. While you might consider the novel to be on the thicker end, it has ample margin space and large text, making it the perfect novel for readers attempting a larger chapter book without the unmanageable burden of one.
Review written by Hailey
Six of Crows
By: Leigh Bardugo
Fantasy/ Heist
In a world full of magic, death, and deceit, criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker assembles an underdog crew of six outcasts to pull off an impossible heist; break into the heavily guarded Ice Court to rescue a scientist who created a catastrophic, magic-enhancing substance. When every step of the plan seems to be going wrong, and the team gets double-crossed, it’s only trust and grit that get the six out alive together. At the end of the day, the Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo is a dark fantasy noir that you’ll remember long after you put the book down.
Review written by Hailey
Fearless
By: Lauren Roberts
Fantasy
The final instalment of the Powerless trilogy follows as Paedyn Gray is forced into a royal marriage to Kitt Azer to unite Ilya between the Ordinaries and the Elites. Paedyn navigates through her second round of ruthless Trials to prove herself to the kingdom, uncovering deep conspiracies about her true parentage and the Plague, and suffering through the most astonishing betrayals, all while Kai, Kitt’s brother and Enforcer to the kingdom, is forced to watch from the sidelines. The final book reveals the ultimate secrets and plot twists, with the emotional rollercoaster and filled plot holes creating a rewarding conclusion.