Soman Chainani’s Quests for Glory is the fourth book in The School for Good and Evil series; however, it begins a new trilogy. Students of the School for Good and Evil are on their required fourth-year quests, Sophie is the acting Dean of Evil, and Agatha and Tedros are trying to return Camelot to its former glory. As the reader revisits some of their favorite characters, Chainani introduces a new cast, including a villain who tries to take Tedros’ throne.
In The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot explores the history of race and its relation to science, HeLa, and the woman behind the famous cells. While Skloot clearly details the scientific aspects of Henrietta’s story, she makes a nonfiction story read as though it is fiction by transforming a story about cells into one about family. This book was fantastic! It was filled with in-depth scientific accounts, legal research, and history lessons while still being entertaining.
Like Other Girls is a realistic fiction book by Britta Lundin. After being kicked out of her school’s basketball team for being aggressive, Mara has to prove to her coach that she can get along with other people. To everyone's surprise, Mara decides to take up football. This causes a spark between her female classmates, and they too join the football team. What's even worse is that one of the girls is her rival, while another her crush.
15-year-old Frannie is dealing with the death of her father when she discovers that he had made her a 1000-piece puzzle. Frannie is then suddenly transported back in the past to learn more about her father.
I personally did not like this book. It felt way longer than it should have been. This book did not flow very well and felt fragmented. The plot seemed odd also, considering how she randomly traveled back to the past. I didn’t really like the characters either, they did not seem very redeeming. I would rate this book a 2/5.
Eliza is a pro at writing poetry. She is so good, that boys in her school ask her to ghostwrite love notes for their significant others. At first, she doesn’t mind using her talents for others, but when Theo Moses, a guy she likes, asks her to write a love letter for his girlfriend Lila, she contemplates what is good for her and what isn’t. What happens next? Read more to find out!
Andrew Garfield plays Peter Parker (Spider-Man) in Mark Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man, made in 2012. In this reboot, after getting bitten by a genetically modied spider, Peter Parker builds a relationship with his father’s former colleague, Dr. Curt Conners (Rhys Ifans), and helps him with a project. This would have dire consequences as Peter learns what it means to truly be Spider-Man.
This story is centered around Morgan, who is grieving the loss of her boyfriend, Flynn. Guilt overwhelms her everyday, as she believes she could have prevented his death. Despite this, her best friend Toni, encourages her to post a picture of him on social media to have some closure. That is until the photo is tagged with someone who looks exactly like her dead boyfriend. Who is this “Evan Murphy”?
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a historical fiction novel with complex themes. It’s centered in Nigeria, and follows the story of Okonkwo, a fierce warrior. Achebe uses vivid imagery to illustrate daily life in his tribe, and uses small details to show the reader the different aspects of the culture surrounding Okonkwo’s village. The book is centered around Okonkwo’s deep rooted hatred of his father, his relationship with his sons, and how he and his tribe will deal with foreign beliefs and ideals.
Tola Riley is a misunderstood junior in high school. She stands out with her bright green hair and nose ring. Everyone doesn’t seem to get her, except her art teacher, Mr. Mymer. When they both accidentally meet in an art museum, rumors start to spread about the two. Everyone suddenly thinks that they are having an affair. With Mr. Mymer suspended and Tola shunned by her peers, it is up to her to break the silence. Want to know what happens next? Read more to find out!
Meri Miller is a teen living in Soldotna, Alaska, (aka the middle of nowhere). She desires traveling to big cities, like LA. Since she is in her senior year, she expects her plans to run perfectly, but when troubles arise in her family and life, she must face the world as she knows it.
