Top Ten Tuesday: Authors You Wish Were Still Writing Today

By Zara R.

When it comes to authors I wish were still writing today, in my opinion, it is a bit of a somber topic. Many authors on this list have sadly passed away, leaving behind an irreplaceable impact with their works. While it is sad to discuss, I believe it’s important to honor their contributions and reflect on their impact that has inspired writers and readers alike. Their stories continue to inspire and shape some of our favorite genres as we know it, showing us that their voices are still relevant today and in the future.

1.JRR Tolkien- 

The Lord of the Rings trilogy is considered one of the most important works of literature. It didn’t just tell a wonderful story, It helped create the modern genre of fantasy as we know it. It’s hard to find any fantasy book since the 1950s that has not shown a hint of inspiration from JRR Tolkien's work. Tolkien's fantasy world has captured millions of readers' interest, myself included. Whenever I'm getting burned out of the fantasy genre, I read a little snippet of The Hobbit and it reignites my joy for the genre once again! That’s why I believe Tolkien belongs on this list, his stories are timeless and leave you wishing there were more stories of Middle Earth to discover.

2.Agatha Christie -

When I think of the genre of crime thriller, one author instantly comes to my mind: Agatha Christie. Her stories always have me on the edge of my seat waiting for more, and I always find myself shocked by the plot twist. Christie defined the “Golden Age” of detective fiction in the 1920s. She is a best-selling author of all time with her books, behind only the Bible and Shakespeare. Her novels are fast-paced, use brilliant misdirection, and are iconic. Christie's novels will always hold a place in my heart.

3.George Orwell- “Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past"- George Orwell. When it comes to authors I wish were still writing, Orwell instantly comes to my mind. Through works such as 1984 and Animal Farm, Orwell was able to create unique dystopian worlds that go far beyond fiction. They force the reader to think more deeply and consider perspectives they may have never seen. His ability to turn complex political ideas into deeply engaging and unsettling stories make his works feel deeply relevant to today. Orwell did not just write stories, he started conversations for future generations, which makes me wonder what he would say in his writing about the world today.

4. Frank Herbert- I recently discovered my love for science fiction through books such as Scythe by Neal Shusterman and The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, which eventually led me to discover Frank Herbert's works. Best known today for his novel Dune, Herbert created the modern day foundation for science fiction. Herbert's novels focus on complex ecological, political, and philosophical themes over technology, which created the modern boundaries for the genre of science fiction today, similar to JRR Tolkien with fantasy. Herbert’s expansive universe filled with intricate societies and interstellar conflicts, has had a lasting effect on readers, even inspiring works like Star Wars. With the new Dune: Messiah movie coming out this year, Herbert's legacy continues to shape and inspire the genre of sci-fi.

5. Stephen Chbosky- When it comes to authors who understand the struggles of teenage life, Stephen Chbosky stands out for his relatable and honest storytelling. His most well known work is The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which is a coming of age story that explores the challenges of navigating through high school. Today Chbosky is most recognized for his work as a screenwriter and director, but his impact as a writer still resonates with many readers.

6. S.E. Hinton- If you have graduated from your career as a middle school student, you have likely heard the phrase “Stay gold, Ponyboy”. The Outsiders is a classic coming-of-age novel that explores themes of brotherhood, loyalty, loss, and social injustice. For many 7th and 8th graders, it’s one of the first books that proves reading could be more than a boring school assignment. It can be engaging, emotional, and can make readers understand the world in a new light. Her ability to capture the struggles of being young in such a relatable way has left a lasting impact on hundreds of readers. Today, S.E. Hinton has moved away from the genre of young adult novels, and used her talents in screen writing and children's picture books. Still, I will admit that I am disappointed that I will never hear such a great coming of age story like The Outsiders from S.E. Hinton again.

7.Jerome David Salinger- J.D. Salinger's works helped revolutionize post-WWII literature by bringing attention to the youth angst and the challenges of growing up. In The Catcher and the Rye, the protagonist becomes a lasting voice of teenage rebellion and the difficult transition to adulthood. Beyond his most famous novels, Salinger also published several short stories in The New Yorker, many of which focused on psychological realism and personal struggles that changed American fiction forever. His writing showed the struggle to remain true to oneself in a world that often feels superficial, a theme that continues to stay prevalent throughout generations.

8. Roald Dahl- I remember watching what felt like the most traumatizing movie known to mankind, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), which shaped my opinion of this story for nearly a decade. When I finally read this novel in 4th grade I was shocked to find that it wasn't that bad at all, it was fun! Roald Dahl is one of the most famous children's authors of all time, known for his beloved works such as Matilda, The BGF, and Fantastic Mr. Fox. His stories often focus on empowering children and highlighting their ability to overcome hardships and unjust adult authority while staying true to themselves. Although Dahl’s novels have received criticism for their darker themes and rebellious nature, that's what makes them so important in my opinion. His books remind young readers that they are capable, creative, and strong - qualities that resonate with you far past childhood.

9.Judy Blume- Judy Blume’s radical honesty helped change children's and young adult literature forever. She has written stories that are relatable and show real and difficult experiences of childhood. Her novel Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, is especially groundbreaking for normalizing the anxieties, questions, and changes that come with adolescence. While she is now enjoying her life in retirement, her stories continue to normalize difficult childhood struggles and remind readers that they are not alone in their experiences.

10.Lewis Carroll- Wonderland is a world of nonsensical magic, mystery, and madness. Lewis Carroll's works depict what it is like to be a child; it embodies the wonderful nature and creativity of being young. His novel of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has remained prevalent even with over one hundred years since the original date of publication, with over fifty film and television adaptations and more to come, Carrol’s work has inspired many generations to embrace their childlike behavior and creativity.

Top Ten Tuesday: April Showers

by Elena

There’s absolutely nothing better than curling up in bed with the most charming romance you’ve ever read, with a spring shower coming down outside. And what better time to share my favorite books than during springtime? 

 

1. The Upside of Falling by Alex Light

This novel follows two teens grappling with family issues. Book nerd, Becca Hart, tells her friend she has a boyfriend to avoid embarrassment, and Brett Wells, the popular football captain, steps in to fake date Becca. As they lean on each other for support through difficult times, their relationship blossoms into something neither of them could have imagined. 

 

2. Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum

Jessie moves to LA to live with her father and his new wife, while still grieving the loss of her own mother. During her first week of school, she received a mysterious text from SN. They help her navigate high school and intense emotions, while keeping their identity secret. Meanwhile, she feels herself falling for her moody, quiet English partner. Will SN ever reveal their identity? Or will her silly adventures to discover who they are be all for nothing? 

 

3. The Do-over by Lynne Painter

Emilie wakes up on Valentine’s Day, only to experience the worst chain of events of her life. Unable to wait for the day to be over, she goes to bed, but inexplicably wakes up in a time loop. The day repeats over and over until she finally realizes: there are no consequences for her actions. Will she wake up the next day, or is she destined to be stuck repeating the same day for the rest of her life? 

 

4. Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven

America’s fattest teen, Libby Strout, and Jack Masselin, a boy with face-blindness, form an unlikely bond. Together, the pair navigates bullying, vulnerability, and everyday struggles in high school. Though they seem an unlikely pair, could they be perfect for each other? 

 

5. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

This heart shattering book follows the tragic love of Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, two terminally ill teens. The book represents the difficulty of living with cancer, the joys of being in love, and the pains of loss and grief. 

 

6. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

A vampire and a werewolf fall in love with a human? Bella Swan is trapped in a love triangle with the two most handsome boys in Forks, Washington, but they are mortal enemies. This book (as well as its following saga) is a classic, especially among teenage girls, and for a reason. The perfect book for a hopeless romantic, especially one who loves a good romantasy filled with swoony moments, as well as moments sure to make your jaw drop and your heart race. 

 

7. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch 

Travel and romance. Who wouldn’t want that? Except Lina doesn’t want anything except to be with her mother. Unfortunately for her, that isn’t an option anymore. Struggling with the loss of her mother, she must move to Tuscany to spend the summer with Howard, the father she’s never met. Following her mother’s footsteps through her journal, will she even have enough time for Lorenzo, the charming Italian boy who offers to help her track down her mother’s past life? You’ll just have to wait and see in this perfect European love story. 

 

8. If He had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin

Laura Nowlin delivers the perfect, soul-crushing, tear-jerking slow burn romance. Childhood best friends Finny and Autumn drifted apart in high school, but will they be able to make it back together, or will they just be left wondering what could have happened? 

 

9. What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum

An unexpected friendship forms when Kit Lowell joins socially isolated David Drucker at lunch. Attempting to process her father’s death, David just might be exactly what she needs. Incredibly smart and yearning for Kit, he can’t believe his luck. But when things take a turn for the worse, will their friendship disappear as fast as it formed? Every novel from Julie Buxbaum is extremely entertaining, and this one is no different. 

 

10. Better Than the Movies by Lynne Painter

They’ve been enemies forever, but still, Liz needs all the help she can get. She enlists her neighbor, Wes Bennett, to help her capture the attention of her long-term crush. Somehow, though, her goal seems to switch, and she finds herself falling for Wes. This insanely viral book is popular for a reason and will make you gasp, laugh, and smile ear-to-ear. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Buzzwords or Phrases That Make Me Want to Read (or Avoid) a Book

by Enola

 

Everyone has certain book buzzwords that make them run to read a book--“Witches” or “Second Chance” or maybe even “Assassins.” There’s also definitely buzzwords that would make you avoid a book. I have quite a few buzzwords that make me avoid a book, and many that make me want to read a one. So, for today’s Top Ten Tuesday, I'll share my Top Ten Buzzwords That Make Me Read (or Avoid) a Book (in no particular order). 

 

 

MAGICAL WORLDS (READ)

The moment anyone says that a book is set in an interesting magical world, I have to grab it! I love books with magical worlds—Once Upon a BrokenHeart, Caraval, the Harry Potter series, you name it! Magical worlds make me feel immersed and cozy because we don’t have magic in the real world, and the stories are so interesting. Our world is normal, so when someone comes up with such an interesting magic world like the one in Harry Potter, I love to read about it.

LOVE TRIANGLE (AVOID)

This trope literally makes me run away from a book. A lot of times, love triangles can be frustrating and overused, or not executed properly, or even worse, the guy/girl the protagonist ends up with isn’t the one you’re rooting for! I can think of many books where I hated the love triangle, and found it frustrating. I definitely think whether or not love triangles are enjoyable depends on the book (and the person the protagonist ends up with).

 

THE CHOSEN ONE (READ)

I like the Chosen One trope. There are many popular books that execute this well (For example, the Harry Potter series, and the Percy Jackson series), and it’s a trope I notice that I do not get tired of. The Chosen One creates an interesting, high-stakes book with a focused main character, and I really enjoy that.

 

ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS (READ BUT OCCASIONALLY AVOID)

This trope is frequently used by many authors and is in tons of best-selling books but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad trope. I like this trope when it’s done well. However, I find a lot of Enemies-to-Lovers to be very unrealistic (aka the ones where the leads hate each other, and then ten minutes later, they’re deeply in love. It makes no sense!). But when it’s done correctly, I really enjoy it (for example, Once Upon a Broken Heart).

 

MISCOMMUNICATION (AVOID)

I dislike this trope so much. If you don’t know the Miscommunication trope, let me give you an example. Chris likes Liz, but acts a certain way that makes Liz think Chris hates her, so she starts to hate him (since she’s upset), and then problems arise. Then later, they clarify that everything was all a big misunderstanding. Just communicate! It’s so frustrating! Chris should just be honest and tell Liz he likes her, not act like he hates her! And Liz should say how she’s feeling! Why is Miscommunication even a trope? I avoid reading books with the Miscommunication trope, as it can be really annoying.

 

FOUND FAMILY (READ)

This trope is so lovely! I’ve enjoyed many books with found family. I think books with found family can be really nice and sweet. Some books that execute this well (in my opinion) include Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Harry Potter, The Naturals, and The Inheritance Games. Found family just adds a certain coziness and wholesomeness to a book.

 

SCI-FI (AVOID)

If somebody even says the word “Sci-fi,” I’m automatically uninterested. Sci-fi books with aliens or traveling to other planets is just so boring and strange to me. A lot of times sci-fi books are too intense in my eyes or terrifying or even a little slow. I’m not really interested in, for example, an astronaut’s journey to Mars, or someone who’s in a spaceship and is being attacked by the most terrifying aliens. It’s just not my thing. 

 

DYSTOPIAN (AVOID)

The second somebody says “I just read a great dystopian!” I immediately know that I will not like the book. I like to avoid dystopian stories because of the intense alternate realities they present. I read books to experience a magical world or an interesting mystery, not a crazy and scary alternate version of the world I’m living in.

 

ABILITIES (READ)

I really like when characters have cool and interesting abilities like Cassie Hobbes and her ability to read people (The Naturals), or Percy Jackson and his ability to control water (Percy Jackson and the Olympians series). Anytime somebody tells me about a book with a character with special abilities, I’m always interested because I like fantastical and fictional abilities that are either impossible to have or difficult to have. Special abilities are very entertaining to read.

 

MAGIC (READ)

I am such a huge fan of magic books. I really enjoy reading about all the different magical worlds with their unique magic systems and rules. Magical characters are so interesting, with all their cool abilities and complex stories. Magic is definitely a buzzword that makes me want to read a book. Some magic books I enjoyed include Caraval, Once Upon a Broken Heart, the Harry Potter series, and TheGirl Who Fell Beneath the Sea.

 

I hope you enjoyed reading about my top ten, and that you found your next read. Happy reading!🌸 

No More Quiet Girls: Teen Reads for Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month—a time to celebrate the voices, achievements, and resilience of women past and present. One of the most powerful ways to explore women’s history is through story, especially the stories that portray young women finding their voices, challenging expectations, and shaping the world around them. 

The stories below spotlight girls who refuse to stay quiet, who question, resist, and reclaim their place in history, even when the odds are stacked against them. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, empowerment, or simply a great story, these books offer a meaningful way to honor Women’s History Month, one page at a time. 

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee is a captivating story that keeps readers hooked at every chapter. It details the challenging life of Jo Kuan as a Chinese American in 1890’s Atlanta, a city that doesn’t even consider her a citizen, as she secretly lives in a basement along with her caretaker Old Gin. 

Ms. Lee manages to end every chapter of the book with a dramatic bang that refuses to let you stop reading. Each chapter was fast-paced, littered with suspense, drama and a plot twist right around the corner. I loved reading about historic Atlanta and every good and bad thing about it. I also loved the characters in the story making do with what they got, as they showed resilience against an unfair world. 

Jo Kuan and her story should serve as an inspiration to everyone as a story to work for what you believe in and to prevail. I blazed through this book because of how much I enjoyed it. I would give it a 5/5 stars.

- Christopher

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley is a YA thriller that focuses on a young woman named Perry. She is determined to claim back what has been stolen from her family so many generations ago. With high stakes, and suspense around every corner, this book is a perfect for people who enjoy thriller books.

-Ava

The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrtes, and Helped Win World War II by Candace Fleming is a narrative nonfiction book that follows the stories of ten teenage girls who helped decode ciphers and keep secrets throughout World War II. Whether it was picking up Morse code signals in a listening station, working with a complex Bombe machine, or decoding messages using the Enigma machine, each task led the Allies one step closer to victory. Through their intelligence, determination, hard work, and dedication, these girls helped turn the tide of war.

-Sophie

Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu follows the story of a Texas girl named Vivian. Fed up with her school not punishing boys for their disgusting, misogynistic behavior, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Inspired by the Riot Grrrl movement–an underground feminist punk movement that started in the 1990s–, Vivian starts a feminist zine called “Moxie”. Through Moxie, Vivian learns how to navigate relationships and to fight back and stay strong, even when situations seem hopeless. Moxie is a powerful anthem for everyone out there who feels objectified or dismissed. We are stronger together.

-Holly

What book do you plan to read that celebrates women?

Top Ten Tuesday: Books on My Spring 2026 To-Read List

By Sophie L.

As a new season comes, so do new books to add to your TBR list. Spring is a time of change, so it may be time to change up your taste and try a different genre! My to-read list this spring is filled with romance, fantasy, comedy, drama, and a bit of historical fiction. Here are the top ten books I’m itching to read as we move into verdant springtime.

1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

This novel explores the universal story of navigating high school, told through a series of letters that reveal the life of Charlie, who is a freshman in high school and a wallflower. “We accept the love we think we deserve,” is a famous quote from this book. Such a beautiful quote must have a beautiful story, and I can’t wait to unravel it. 

2. Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

Shiori is the princess of Kiata who has forbidden magic running through her veins. When she loses control of her powers, her stepmother turns Shiori’s six brothers into cranes and warns the princess that for each word she speaks, one of her brothers will die. Now she must save her brothers, reclaim the throne, and learn to embrace the magic she was taught to suppress. Also, this story has Chinese and Japanese folklore? Count me in!

3. Kamisama Kiss by Julietta Suzuki

Kamisama Kiss follows Nanami, recently homeless, who inherits a shrine and becomes a local deity. With her new role comes many responsibilities and a cranky fox yokai, Tomoe, who becomes her familiar. This series is such a classic shoujo romance, and Nanami is such a likeable MC! I’m definitely reading this.

4. Lovely War by Julie Berry

Set in the dreary days of World Wars I and II, this book is about four humans whose fates and hearts lie in the hands of the gods. Their stories, which we follow through the goddess Aphrodite as she tells them to the gods Hephaestus and Ares, prove that love can transcend even the great evil that is war. I love stories that focus on multiple romances!

5. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

In The Book Thief, Death acts as a narrator, telling us the story of Liesel, whose book-stealing and story-telling skills bring light to herself and those around her amidst the horrors of WWII. This book is definitely full of angst, and when I need a good cry, I’m 100% picking up this book.

6. A Silent Voice by Yoshitoki Ōima

When Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl, joins the elementary class of Shoya Ishida, a bully, he and his friends begin tormenting her. However, when the cruelty goes too far, Shoko switches schools, and Shoya turns into a scapegoat, going from the bully to the bullied. Six years later, Shoya and Shoko’s paths cross again. Shoya struggles to make amends with Shoko and confront his classmates who turned on him. I’ve heard really good things about this series, and I’m curious about Shoya’s character growth.

7. The Red Palace by June Hur

Hyeon, an eighteen-year-old palace nurse, and a young royal police investigator pair up to solve the mystery of a series of grisly murders in the Joseon dynasty of Korea. Throughout the treacherous search for the murderer, Hyeon begins to find herself entangled with dangerous political schemes and the young inspector. This book is basically a blend of my favorite genres, so I’m really excited to check it out!

8. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

This is for fans of Spirited Away! The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea follows Mina as she traverses through the Spirit Realm to awaken the Sea God from an enchanted sleep. She is accompanied by a mysterious man named Shin and a band of gods, demons, and spirits. When I saw this book for the first time, the cover took my breath away, and I had to stop to admire it. It’s simply stunning, and the plot sounds absolutely sublime!

9. Phantom Busters by Shoco

Phantom Busters is a shonen action comedy manga! Four boys, Eugene, Mogari, Kaoru, and Kotaro, create an exorcist club at school to fight spectral foes. Mogari can eat ghosts, Kaoru can see ghosts, Kotaro can talk to ghosts, and Eugene is a straight-A student who doesn’t believe in ghosts. When the four boys put together their abilities, they set out to exorcise evil. This is a really fun read, especially for comic lovers, and the art style is magnificent!

10. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Ending with a classic, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, is about Bruno, a German boy, who befriends a Jewish boy during the time of the Holocaust. However, their friendship will lead to devastating consequences that will make you cry. Though it’s a sad story, I’m interested to read about the enduring innocent friendship of these two boys even in one of the darkest points of history.

[Librarian note: Check out our 5 Questions With...interview with author Axie Oh!