The Iron Raven by Julie Kagawa

Reviewed by Lauren M.
Grade 12

Is it really possible to forgive and forget? That is the question the characters face in Julie Kagawa’s latest novel, The Iron Raven, which takes a fantastical spin on Shakespeare's beloved A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Endearing and thought-provoking, it leaves readers craving more. 

Robin Goodfellow-or “Puck”, as he prefers to be called- has seen a lot. After living for centuries, he figures he pretty much has seen and done it all. Life is slower in recent times, as his best friends are busy ruling a kingdom and adventures are harder and harder to find. That is, until a mysterious creature arises and poses a grave threat to the Nevernever, which the Fey call home. Puck joins forces with the King and Queen of the Iron Court, a prickly cat, and long-lost sidhe to stop it--but more trouble looms as Puck is put against his greatest enemy: himself.

I loved this book. Laced with Puck’s signature inappropriateness, it balances gravity and levity beautifully. The novel is mostly description with dialogue dispersed throughout, and focuses on Puck’s internal battles and changes as he becomes his own worst enemy. The adventure serves more as a backdrop and tool to force Puck into the dark parts of himself, and he has to deal with long-held grudges he had thought were gone forever. As the journey becomes more and more dangerous, and the stakes are lifted, Puck has to decide what and who he wants to be once and for all. 

I would have loved to see more characterization of the others, such as Ash or Nyx. Kagawa just glossed over their pasts before refocusing on Puck. There was also much telling instead of showing, so I was unable to get into the story as much as I would have liked to, but those are my only complaints. 

For anyone who enjoys creative retellings and witty comebacks, I would definitely recommend The Iron Raven. Whimsical and entertaining, it will keep readers on the edge of their seats. 

What I Carry by Jennifer Longo

Reviewed by Amy P.
Grade 10

Muiriel is 17-years-old, and one year away from aging out of the foster care system. She has one year left until freedom, and she’s determined to follow her rules: keep a clean file and keep zero emotional attachments. That was how she survived in the system, but everything changes when she leaves Seattle and moves in with her new foster parent on a nearby island. And the people she meets teach her that there’s a difference between living and surviving.

Muir was left as a baby at a hospital. Even though she had a perfect record, she moved from home to home her entire life--usually whenever she thought the parents became too attached. So when she starts living with Francine, a single woman with no other kids, she doesn’t expect to stay long. But as she explores the forested island, she meets Kira, the headstrong girl who works at the cafe, and Sean, the kind boy from the wilderness education center. And she gradually learns how to break her own rules and to let her friends past the walls she put up. Eventually, when the year is up, she has to choose between her independence and her new friends and family.

This was a really touching story. Through flashbacks to her previous foster homes, the author provides an explanation for Muir’s emotional distance. But seeing her slowly let down her guard for her friends, and just her development through everything, was rewarding. As for the setting, Muir loved walking through the hiking trails and forests on the island, and these were all described vividly. Overall, the book was well-written and authentic, and it shows a different perspective on foster care that many people don’t see.

I enjoyed What I Carry a lot, and I would recommend it. It explores the power of relationships and bonds, and it’s also perfect for people who love nature, just like Muiriel and her namesake.

Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach

Reviewed by Jules P.
Grade 10
expected publication: September 2021

High school and Feminism. Two words that seldom mix come together in this laugh-inducing, witty novel to create a fun and enlightening read that will have you wanting more.

In her anger over losing the election for editor-in-chief at her high school’s paper, “The Bugle,” Eliza Quan writes a manifesto against the winner Len DiMartile and the patriarchy he supposedly stands for. When the manifesto gets leaked by someone unknown, her life upends itself as the whole school goes to war over whether Len should have been elected, and over the much larger issue of sexism in the school environment. Unfortunately, Len just so happens to be annoyingly cute and inner turmoil persists as Eliza fights against the patriarchy, the face of whom she just might be crushing on.

Eliza Quan is a big fan of predictability, practicality, and large gray sweaters. Likably unlikeable, she is full of quick quips and brutal honesty that have the reader both feeling bad for her unlucky victim and cheering her on all at once. From aggressively editing her colleagues' less than amazing articles with harsh red ink to appearing on the morning announcements with a starling rally cry, Quan has you covered in all the best departments.

This is a fantastic book for young people who are fans of real-world problems sprinkled with relatable drama and dry humor. Anyone looking to learn further about the feminist movement in a fun and fast-paced way, look no further because this is the book for you. 

All These Bodies by Kendare Blake

Reviewed by Anna M.
Grade 10

expected publication: September 2021

The premise of Kendare Blake’s All These Bodies was AMAZING. The mysterious atmosphere. The murders. The setting. The characters. Consequently, I cannot explain why it didn’t catch me. “Sometimes the truth is as hard to believe as it is to find.” Even the summary on the back of the book was enthralling. Regardless, All These Bodies was not the best book.

In 1958, seventeen-year-old Michael Jensen, a journalist wannabe, is growing up in Black Deer Falls, Minnesota. However, his life has taken a change for the worse. Everyone’s has. All throughout the Midwest, murders are taking place, and in every instance, the victims’ blood has been drained completely. In small-town Black Deer Falls, the murderer claimed the lives of Bob and Sarah Carlson and their son, Steven. The sheriff, Michael’s dad, found fifteen-year-old Marie Hale at the scene of the crime…covered in blood.  Michael wasn’t even friends with Steve, but he knew him, and the death hits him hard. And for some strange reason, Marie refuses to tell anyone what happened besides Michael. For Michael, this is a chance of a lifetime. A chance to hear what EVERY journalist in the country wants to know. Why? How? Nevertheless, this chance could bring more damage than opportunity. Is it worth it? Could such a young girl truly be guilty of such a big crime?

As you can see, the plot was incredible. I’m still trying to pinpoint why I didn’t enjoy it. It may have been the author’s writing technique. Then again, it could have been the deep and dramatic changes that unfolded throughout the novel. I appreciate a good murder mystery every now and then, but books start to lose me once they get into nasty, blood-drinking stuff.

Though most of all, it was that All These Bodies did not leave me feeling fulfilled. It left me a little sad and kind of defeated. I realize the author set the book up for a sequel; therefore, the ending of the novel was NOT the ending of the story. But even then, the book didn’t leave me craving more. I never say never, but I seriously doubt I’ll want to read the sequel.

In order for me to recommend this book, I would have to know who I was recommending it to. I know some people love depressing murder mysteries, while I know others who cry when they watch Bambi. It all depends on taste, and every individual is unique. This novel wasn’t my cup of tea; still, it could be yours. I appreciate books with an encouraging message and a happy ending. Therefore, this wasn’t for me. However, if you are into murder mysteries with a dash of horror, look no further. 

Also by Kendare Blake - Anna Dressed in Blood

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

Reviewed by Amy P.
Grade 10

Erin A. Craig’s House of Salt and Sorrows is a captivating retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, but with a terrifying twist. It follows Annaleigh, daughter of the Duke of Salann, and her investigation into her family’s secrets and curses. Annaleigh’s sisters, once known as the Thaumus Twelve, are plagued with mysterious deaths until they can’t be passed off as accidents anymore. This novel also combines the classic components of a fairy tale with Craig’s lore of elemental gods and entities. Set in a manor by the sea, every chapter has a ghostly, aquatic atmosphere, leaving you wanting more.

Annaleigh had just lost her sister, Eulalie. She is expected to believe it was an accident, but who really plunges off a cliff to their death in the middle of the night in an “accident”? Eulalie was murdered, and Annaleigh is determined to prove it. While in her search, the world around her grows increasingly more twisted and a series of disturbing visions of her dead sisters torment her. Nobody around her notices, however, once her family finds a magical door that belongs to Pontus, the sea god the islanders worship. It leads to a different, wonderful ball every night and her sisters are almost intoxicated by it. But Annaleigh knows that there is something not quite right with this reality or the other.

The setting was lovely to read about; the author’s choice of words set the perfect ambiance for this book and almost made me feel like I was actually by the sea. The plot was a bit more confusing to read about, however. Although it’s normal for YA books to combine a story retelling with the author’s own mythology, I think it clashed with this one. I would rather have the author focus on only the deities and the sea setting, or only The Twelve Dancing Princesses tale, since they don’t pair very well together.

Other than that, I would definitely recommend this book. It was very exciting to read, and all throughout the novel there were new developments and plot twists. I haven’t read it, but A Court of Thorn and Roses seems similar to this as well.

The Summer of Tails & Tales

 

Summer at Winter Park Library is the best time of the year. Readers of all ages come through the door looking for that next favorite book. They also take part in super fun classes and events. And we offer those readers, and the entire community of Winter Park a challenge: read 10,000 books in June & July. 

This challenge is open to Winter Park residents of all ages. Read one book and log it in  Beanstack, and you are automatically entered in the Grand Prize drawing for your age group. The Top 10 Readers in each age group will also score themselves a prize.

Looking for your first read? The Teen Book Guild has some great suggestions:

London Shah’s The Light at the Bottom of the World takes place in the year 2099, where human life now completely exists underwater. Because her father was taken away under false accusations, protagonist Leyla McQueen lives by herself in the ruins of London. Leyla is terrified of venturing into the unknown waters, but she realizes that in order to rescue her father and protect herself, she must journey to confront a nefarious government. While this novel’s plot does not revolve around animals, sea creatures (as well as Leyla’s pet dog) do play a role in the story. When I started the book, I found it to be a bit unexciting, but as I continued reading, it became a riveting, mysterious adventure. This tale is a fantastic choice for the Tails and Tales summer reading challenge! 

“Her life is in his hands. His heart is in hers. One hundred days to choose who lives and who dies”. I just have one question about Wicked Fox: What did I ever do to Kat Cho? Cho wrote a book that essentially ripped out my heart, stomped on it, shredded it to pieces, sewed it back together, then stuck it back in my chest and I would read it again without hesitation. Cho’s writing style immerses the reader into a story with a blend of Korean lore and regular old reality. Her characters are so lovable and the relationships are breathtakingly portrayed. Cho’s story is centered around Miyoung, a gumiho (which is a nine tailed fox who must devour the energy of men to stay alive) who loses her fox soul the night she saves Jihoon, a human boy, from a goblin. They develop a flimsy friendship but when a mistake is made when trying to reunite Miyoung with her fox soul she must choose between her immortal life and Jihoon’s life. Although be forewarned before you start, this book will leave you scrambling for the second so I recommend having it on hand.

Ruta Sepetys did not just write a book; Salt to the Sea is a beautiful masterpiece! Taking place in 1945, it tells the story of four different characters: a Lithuanian nurse whose country is being conquered by Stalin and whose family has been taken captive by Soviet Russia and exiled to concentration camps in Siberia, a restoration artist who was lied to and unknowingly helped the Nazi’s steal some of the greatest works of art of history, a pregnant polish girl who was abused by Russian soldiers and lies to herself about her past, and a Nazi sailor who was brainwashed and in the process believed in some of the biggest, most evil lies told in all humanity. One struggles with guilt. One struggles with fate. One struggles with shame. One struggles with fear. They all have their demons, but it will be their choices that truly define them. I loved how Sepetys showed that even though they all came from different backgrounds, they were all interconnected, which I think applies in all our lives. Though it was difficult to read because of all the pain and suffering people endured during Hitler’s and Stalin’s rule, I would totally recommend this to ANYONE who has ever questioned what a true hero is or what makes us who we are. Do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK (YOU WON’T REGRET IT)!

    

While some retellings don’t do the original justice, Unhooked, a book based on Peter Pan, was not only an interesting read, but also, in my opinion, better than the original play. Lisa Maxwell, the author, kept all the fun parts: the fairies, the mermaids, the pirates, and of course the unforgettable Peter Pan. However, she added some incredible, very unexpected plot twists. Peter Pan has never been a favorite story of mine; therefore this was a nice change for me. Nevertheless, I think even people who love the story we all heard as children will enjoy this novel.

I don’t read many graphic novels, but Skip made me want to. When Bloom discovers a portal to a mysterious city in the lake, he soon finds himself in this city with no idea how he got there. This is where he meets Gloopy, and together they embark on an adventure throughout the dimensions. There is a great portrayal of friendship throughout the book between Bloom and Gloopy as they help each other grow, and a great portrayal of the importance of overcoming your fears. Although, the plot is only half of what makes this a great choice in novels. The artwork throughout the book makes you just want to flip through pages admiring it. The colors, movement, details, they are all just gorgeous on every single page. This is a book you could easily read in one sitting, and I definitely recommend it!

The Meet-Cute Project by Rhiannon Richardson

Reviewed by Lauren M.
Grade 11

What would you do for family? In Rhiannon Richardson’s debut novel, The Meet Cute Project, Mia Hubbard debates that very question as she performs numerous tasks for her sister’s upcoming wedding-including finding a date via various meet cutes from popular culture. The result is a lighthearted and feel-good adventure that is sure to bring chuckles from readers.

When 16-year-old Mia’s older sister Sam gets engaged, she--with the rest of the family--is ecstatic. That is, until Sam decides to plan the entire wedding herself and becomes, in essence, a bridezilla. Due to an unexpected event, Mia now has no one to walk her down the aisle, something her sister will not stand. So proceeds the Meet Cute Project as Mia goes from potential date to potential date, crossing off more names than she’d like, and learning a ton of life lessons. However, time is ticking--will she be able to find a date?

I found this novel to be heartwarming. The plot, however, was predictable, with Mia choosing not to do things that would have helped advance the plot and make it more interesting. She also avoided making actions that would be for her own betterment. While at times Mia and her friends were unreasonable and melodramatic, that is to be expected and didn’t make too big of an impact (although I would have liked to see more of Ritchie) in the grand scheme of the story. The characterization was a bit flat and dry--I did not see much nuance between Mia and the supporting characters since she and her friends more or less talked and acted the same way throughout. There was a sufficient amount of diversity in the book (racially and otherwise), which is a strength of this book.

I would recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a quick and lighthearted read without much depth or many subplots. While the story was certainly entertaining, it did not really hold my attention. Out of a five star rating, I would give this read 3.5 stars. 

Poetry Contest Winners

Congratulations to the winners of 2021's Well Versed Teen Poetry Contest!

Read the winning poems below.

 

First Place: Crunchy by Hannah Cartwright

When your bones crunch under the weight of all your flesh

Crunching and twisting

Snap, crackle, and popping like a bowl of good cereal

Every morning climbing out of bed

Hearing the noises of your joints popping, your bones aching

Like the Statue of Liberty up in your joints

"Give me your tired, your huddled, your yearning ache longing just to disappear"

You resist the urge to scream to the sky

"What's crack-a-lacking God? And please tell me why you made me like this?"

Why did you give me cartilage just barely holding me together

The ribs that like to pop out and suffocate me in my sleep

Fifteen years old and crying about joint pain

People suffer across the world

And all you can think of is how your knee cricks and your wrist pops and how when you sleep, your shoulder twists

In such a way that isn't healthy but oh so natural

You are so young with better things to focus on

But all your mind can see

Is how your back cracks when you yawn

 

Second Place:  A Coward's Lullaby by Ava May

I thought about you when I was driving last night.
I felt the wind rush through my hair,
and wished the breeze’s hands were yours.
I wonder if there could ever be an “us”.
All this time,
I’ve waited for the right moment.
I told myself that at the “right time”,
I’d confess.
Or at least say hello.
Lately, that time has felt like now.
When I came to a stoplight that turned green right away,
I felt like it was a sign from God.
When I crash into bed at night,
visions of what we could have
drift from my pillow.
Their distant melody,
a coward’s lullaby.
Because you may never know the way that I feel.
Because I may never let you find out.
Because there’s her.
There’s her and there’s you, and more importantly,
there’s the two of you together.
So I don’t believe in signs from God.
Because if there is a God,
then what the hell is He for?

 

Third Place: Ode to the Piano by Hope Mullins

O Piano, friend to my ears,
You smile at me with your black and white teeth, my companion good,
With your keys, your gaping mouth.
You sing for me, like good friends do, as you open your mouth and belt out tunes,
Your flesh is smooth, as smooth as stone,
Make music for me, my friend.

My Piano is like a book,
Opening its pages to the world,
Allowing me to read how it feels and what it thinks.
Do you ever read me, too? When I play you,
Do you understand why my fingers move the way they do,
Why I play slow songs sometimes, and happy songs other days?
Whether you do or you don’t,
Make music for me, my friend.

When I touch you, you clink and clank,
Constantly speaking without saying a word.
You are a nightingale, singing melodiously,
Comforting me with your somber tunes when I am feeling low.
Your music floats through the air, grabs my heart, and burns me
With emotion! I long for your gorgeous voice, day and night,
Make music for me, my friend.

O Piano, my dark, walnut-colored pal,
 I love you for many reasons, but
A very specific reason would be because
You carry memories of loved ones with you
Whenever I think of you, No matter where I am,
I can remember that there are always people
Who make melodies in my heart
Make music for me, my friend

Yes, you’re a mess,
Yes, you’re covered in chord charts, music books, and picture frames–
But when I see this, it shows me
You’re loved by a family
Who loves each other.
Continue making music for me, my friend.

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Reviewed by Hope M.
Grade 11

The Knife of Letting Go takes place on the planet New World, which became inhabited by human settlers twenty-three years before the start of the novel. Todd Hewitt lives in Prentisstown, where he was taught that the native creatures of New World, the Spackle, released a disease onto the colonizers. This germ, called Noise, causes every individual to hear everybody else’s thoughts in words, pictures, colors, and sounds. Additionally, according to those in Prentisstown, all the women were killed by the illness. However, as Todd is nearing the day he finally becomes a man, he discovers a break from the relentless sounds. Upon finding this, the men who have taken care of Todd since his mother’s death tell Todd he must escape Prentisstown. When Todd realizes the source of the silence is a girl named Viola, he embarks on a long journey with many unanswered questions. Along the way, he finds that Prentisstown has an evil, twisted history, and somehow he is supposed to play a role in the town’s villainous plot.

I thought it was a fairly good book. The plot was definitely interesting, despite being predictable at some parts. The protagonists, Todd and Viola, were well-developed characters, and their dilemmas allow the reader to root for and empathize with them. As for the author’s style of writing, I think he overused certain writing techniques. While I’m sure he did so to emphasize moments of conflict, I personally felt his use of run-on sentences was excessive, distracting me from what was occurring in the story.

Regardless, I still enjoyed the book. Patrick Ness portrays a lesson of remembering who you are even when you’re surrounded by chaos, and I think that’s an important message. While there were aspects of the writing that I didn’t like, it’s certainly still good enough that I want to proceed with the series. For these reasons, I would recommend The Knife of Letting Go to anyone who enjoys dystopian novels with plenty of action and suspense. 

WIN A FREE COPY OF CHAOS WALKING: THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO! 
Stop by the Winter Park Library in the Teen Area, and fill out an entry form for your chance to win. CHAOS WALKING, starring Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley, is currently in theaters!

Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

Reviewed by Isabella T.
Grade 9

You always have the power of choice, even when those choices seem limited.

Never forget that.

What would you choose? Team up with a Prince of Hell to avenge your sister, or leave the stones unturned and spent the rest of your days wondering what happened? This clever and brave witch doesn’t have the luxury of asking the difficult questions that could put her family at risk. But when she meets Wrath, a magnetic Prince of Hell who seems to have all the answers; she might just have a way to solve her sister’s murder and save the witches from the perpetrator.

Kerri Maniscalco’s Kingdom of the Wicked follows witch Emilia DiCarlo and her family. The Dicarlo family comes from a long line of witches. Her nonna, mother, and twin sister Vittoria are all witches. Emilia and Vittoria grew up hearing stories about The Wicked from their nonna, always warning them that they should stay as far away from them as possible. Vittoria was the opposite of Emilia, always on a mission and chasing adventures. Emilia loved to read and cook. When Vittoria didn’t show up for dinner one night at her family’s restaurant, Emilia worries that something might have happened to her. Emilia vowed that she wouldn’t rest when her body is found, until she apprehended her beloved sister’s killer. Emilia didn’t know that a series of murders have been occurring in Sicily, and all happened to be witches. Wrath is tasked with finding the killer, and when Emilia realizes they have the same goals, a partnership between them might get them both what they wanted. But is Wrath really on her side?

One of my favorite things about this book is that Maniscalco managed to include essential Italian cultural factors. Whenever we read a book that is settled in a place where we are unfamiliar with its culture, I think the author must provide the reader with background information. Simple things like going to the market, or specific words in Italian, and the recipes she cooked, and the dynamic with her family at their restaurant gave me a better understanding of the main character’s life. It is also one reason many people read and learn about different cultures, and it is significant that even though fantasy or fiction books, we can still learn about things like that. Another point of interest in this book is character growth. I am a firm believer that a great book has at least one dynamic character. That means that the character undergoes a change, specifically growth, or manages to conquer their main issue. Even though a character coming out of their comfort zone is a popular trope, it can significantly enhance the plot when executed well. As Emilia embarks on this adventure, she tries to be more like her departed sister and take risks. Risks are a big part of achieving her goal. Her power and the need for vengeance create the perfect equation for finally becoming the best version of herself. One that can help her avenge her sister.

Readers who enjoy supernatural creatures, enemies to lovers, or solving mysteries will enjoy this book. If you have read Maniscalco’s Stalking Jack the Ripper, Tracy Deonn's Legendborn, or Shea Ernshaw's The Wicked Deep, you will enjoy this novel.

Maniscalco plans to publish a sequel to this book, Kingdom of the Cursed, which will be published in October of this year.