Teen and Staff Reviews

Teen Review
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

The Seven Year Slip

By Ashley Poston
Star Rating
★★★

Rated by
Anonymous
Mar 17, 2025

When book publicist Clementine inherits her late aunt’s apartment, she notices its strange anomaly— the apartment will occasionally slip back seven years in the past. One day, she walks into her apartment, stuck in the past, and meets a charming, mysterious man who might be her perfect match. But as the lines between past and present blur, she must decide whether love can defy time or if some things are better left alone. 

Teen Review
Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Vernes

Around the World in Eighty Days

By Jules Vernes
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Anonymous
Mar 17, 2025

London is in outrage when a gentleman steals fifty-five thousand pounds from the Bank of England. Phineas Fogg, a rich man who spends his days at the Reform Club playing whist, places a wager of 20 thousand pounds that he can travel across the world in eighty days. He and his servant, Passepartout, who has recently been hired, embark on a journey around the world, where they face many challenges and meet new people. However, he is constantly being pursued by the police, who believe him to be the robber of the Bank of England and are trying to delay his journey so that they can arrest him.

Teen Review
Jeff Gordon: His Dream, Drive & Destiny By Joe Garner

Jeff Gordon: His Dream, Drive & Destiny

By Joe Garner
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Rishi Tek
Mar 17, 2025

This book is about in-depth biography of NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon. Written with Gordon’s involvement, the book explores his journey from a young racing prodigy to a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. It details his struggles, victories and the mindset that made him one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. The book includes personal stories, behind-the-scenes insights and contributions from family, friends and rivals.

Teen Review
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Poet X

By Elizabeth Acevedo
Star Rating
★★★

Rated by
Alex
Mar 17, 2025

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is a coming-of-age novel about finding your voice. It follows Xiomara, a Dominican teen in Harlem who feels unheard and misunderstood, especially by her strict and religious mother. Xiomara pours her feelings into poetry, expressing her struggles with faith, family and her first love. When she joins a slam poetry club, she starts to embrace her voice and identity, even when it means standing up to those she loves.

Teen Review
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Long Way Down

By Jason Reynolds
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Alex
Mar 17, 2025

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is a fast-paced novel in verse about grief, revenge and tough choices. It follows Will, a teenager whose brother was killed. Following the neighborhood’s unspoken rules: no crying, no snitching and getting revenge, Will grabs a gun and heads to settle the score. During an intense elevator ride, Will meets the ghosts of people from his past, each sharing their own tragic stories. As he goes down each floor, he’s forced to question whether revenge is the right path.

Teen Review
The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby

By Scott F. Fitzgerald
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Alex
Mar 17, 2025

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a tragic story about wealth, love and the American Dream. It follows Nick Carraway, who gets drawn into the lavish world of his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby — a man obsessed with winning back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. The novel explores themes of greed, illusion and the emptiness behind glamorous lifestyles. Gatsby’s dream of recreating the past ultimately leads to heartbreak and tragedy, showing that money can’t buy true happiness.

Teen Review
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Born a Crime

By Trevor Noah
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Alex
Mar 17, 2025

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah is a funny memoir about growing up in South Africa during Apartheid. As the son of a black mother and a white father, a relationship that was illegal, Noah shares his experiences of feeling like he didn’t belong to any group. Despite facing poverty and racism, Noah’s humor and his mother’s strength helped him navigate life’s challenges. The book mixes laughter with serious lessons about identity, resilience and love, making it an inspiring story of overcoming hardship.

Teen Review
The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle

By Jeannette Walls
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Alex
Mar 17, 2025

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a powerful memoir about resilience and family. Walls shares about her difficult childhood, growing up with her intelligent but alcoholic father and her artistic mother. Despite their love, her parents' choices often left the family hungry and living in poverty. Walls’ storytelling is raw and honest, showing both the pain and the love in her unconventional family.

Teen Review
Henry Ford: Big Wheel in the Auto Industry by Mike Venezia

Henry Ford: Big Wheel in the Auto Industry

By Mike Venezia
Star Rating
★★★

Rated by
Rishi Tek
Mar 17, 2025

This book is about the story of Henry Ford, the famous automobile pioneer who revolutionized the auto industry by introducing the assembly line, making cars affordable for everyday people. The book explores his early life, career struggles and ultimate success in establishing the Ford Motor Company. Readers learn how Ford’s vision changed transportation forever, allowing millions to own cars and improving industry efficiency. Venezia presents Ford’s story with a mix of fun illustrations, humor and historical facts, making it engaging for younger readers.

Teen Review
Bubba Wallace: Auto Racing Star by Connor Stratton

Bubba Wallace: Auto Racing Star

By Connor Stratton
Star Rating
★★★

Rated by
Rishi Tek
Mar 14, 2025

This book is about the story of Bubba Wallace, a talented NASCAR driver who overcame challenges to succeed in a mostly white sport. It covers his early life, career and his efforts in promoting diversity in the racing world. It’s an inspiring and quick read that highlights Wallace’s determination and impact beyond racing. However, it doesn’t go deep into his personal struggles or racing details. A great choice for young sports fans, but experienced NASCAR followers might find it too basic.

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