Teen and Staff Reviews

Teen Review
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

By Philip K. Dick
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Mahad Z.
Jan 3, 2024

Summary: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick is a dystopian science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic future where Earth is devastated by nuclear war, and most of the population has emigrated to other planets. The story follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter tasked with "retiring" rogue androids that have escaped to Earth. The novel explores themes of empathy, identity, and the blurred line between humans and artificial beings.

Teen Review
Hatchet

Hatchet

By Gary Paulsen
Star Rating
★★★

Rated by
Layla M.
Jan 2, 2024

Hatchet is a book about Brian who starts out flying to visit his dad. After an unexpected accident, the plane is thrown off course leaving Brian stranded in the middle of the Canadian forest. Brian has to learn to survive with only a hatchet and the resources around him until he’s rescued. This book has a lot of suspense and cliffhangers. The writing in this book is really great because the author uses a lot of figurative language and descriptive words.

Teen Review
Spy School

Spy School

By Stuart Gibbs
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Shivan A.
Jan 2, 2024

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs is a book about a boy named Ben Ripley who has wanted to be a spy his whole life. He has the best math skills anyone has ever encountered and can recite any sequence of numbers by heart. One day his dreams become a reality. He is sent to the mysterious Spy School of espionage. Once there he understands that spying is not like the movies, there is pain, destruction, and betrayal. Along with that, there are also friends, family, trust, and bonds.

Teen Review
Never Never

Never Never

By Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Aakanksha R.
Jan 2, 2024

Summary: In the mysterious world of Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher, Silas and Charlie wake up without any memory of who they are or how they got there. Determined to uncover the truth and break free from their amnesia, they embark on a relentless search, only to be faced with the frustration of their memories resetting every 48 hours.

Teen Review
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Counting by 7s

By Holly Goldberg Sloan
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Mahad Z.
Jan 2, 2024

Summary: Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan is a heartwarming novel that follows the story of Willow Chance, a 12-year-old genius with an unconventional worldview. After the sudden death of her adoptive parents, Willow finds herself navigating a world that seems chaotic and unfamiliar. The narrative combines together themes of grief, resilience, and the power of unexpected connections as Willow forms a unique and diverse makeshift family.

Teen Review
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

By Holly Jackson
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Saanvi M.
Jan 2, 2024

Pippa-Fitz Amobi, a senior in high school, must complete a research project on a topic of her choice; something she is passionate about. She looks into a past murder case of a girl named Andie Bell. Sal Singh, along with Andie, had been found dead in the forest. According to clues at the scene of the crime, all hints pointed to one scenario: Sal killed Andie (who is also his girlfriend) and killed himself afterwards as a result of guilt and regret. Despite the case being declared closed by the authorities, Pip finds it hard to believe. It seemed a bit too obvious.

Teen Review
Fourth Wing

Fourth Wing

By Rebecca Yarros
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Kadelyn B.
Jan 2, 2024

Fourth Wing, written by Rebecca Yarros, is the first book in her fantasy series named The Empyrean series. This book does contain a couple mature scenes, so I would recommend it mainly for teens at least 16 or older or adults. The main character Violet Sorrengail, daughter of the commanding general of Navarre, has been forced into becoming a dragon rider by her mother. She joins Basgiath War College where you either graduate or die a terrible death.

Teen Review
Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil

Life in Outer Space

By Melissa Keil
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Mahad Z.
Jan 2, 2024

Summary: Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil is a young adult novel that revolves around the life of Sam Kinnison, a high school student with a passion for filmmaking and a love for science fiction. Set in a typical Australian high school, the story explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery. Sam and his group of friends navigate the challenges of adolescence, dealing with the complexities of relationships and the pursuit of personal goals.

Teen Review
The Final Gambit book cover

The Final Gambit

By Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Earvin C
Dec 29, 2023

After almost a full year of staying at the Hawthorne Estate, it turns out, almost nothing is what it seems. Toby, who hasn’t made an appearance in months, suddenly shows up. Eve does too, coming back into the picture and perhaps doing so intentionally as to pursue her goal. Main character Avery Grambs persists in solving Tobias Hawthorne’s puzzles, but her journey doesn’t end there. She finds that it all will come down to a chess game (and her wits).

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