Top Ten Tuesday: Top 10 Books I Want to Read by New-to-Me Authors

by Lily

I started to love reading a few years ago. There are so many books in the world that it's almost impossible to read every one, but I will always try to read as many books as I can fit into my life. I have many books on my to-read list, many of which are part of a series or by some of my favorite authors that I've read books by before. However, I think it's important to read books by a variety of authors to explore different writing styles and new stories. You might find your new favorite author, or a story that you love, or a new genre that you hadn't encountered yet. These top ten books are on my to- read list and are written by authors that I have not read before. 

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

This book has been sitting on my shelf for a long time. This is the first book in The Seeds of America trilogy. It's a historical fiction about a thirteen year old girl named Isabel fighting for her freedom. This seems very interesting to me and I can't wait to finally pick it up and learn about history from the point of view of someone who had to live through it. 

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

My friend read this book and recommended it to me. I haven't read any books by Lynn Painter yet, but I've heard great things about her writing and stories. This is a YA rom-com about a girl named Liz and her neighbor Wes. I would like to read this book as an introduction to the romance genre. 

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

I enjoy science fiction and dystopian books, so this seems like a great series. It even incorporates beloved tales into futuristic new adaptations. It is a four book series with a prequel. Each book is inspired by a different fairy tale story, with twists that you wouldn't expect. I have not read any books by Marissa Meyer but they all seem exciting and are definitely high on my to-read list. 

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

This book seems good, and I have heard great things about it. It has been adapted into a movie and a stage musical, showing how much people love this book. It was written by a teenage girl and shows realities and many relatable themes. This book is loved by many, and I hope to read it soon. 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice is a classic loved by millions. Jane Austen is a very popular author, and wrote six major novels, although this might be her most popular of all. It follows Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy as they first meet and eventually realize they might have initially misjudged one another. It has been turned into movies and even TV shows. Jane Austen has inspired many with her great writing and storytelling. I can't wait to start this book and read the rest of her novels as well. 

Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle 

This is a broad topic because Arthur Conan Doyle wrote Sherlock Holmes as a series of short stories and four novels. However, his stories have been put into collections or rewritten to fit into a single book, and read in many different formats. I would love to start reading mysteries, and I feel like the perfect way to start is with a loved classic character such as Sherlock Holmes. Many have read the stories of this famous fictional detective. It has inspired so many books, movies, and shows that many people have heard of, and enjoy The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. 

Satellite by Nick Lake 

I love science fiction and space so I'm excited to read this book by Nick Lake. A boy makes his first trip to Earth after being trained by astronauts for years while living on a space station. It's a captivating sci-fi adventure that I will surely love. 

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

This book was recommended to me by a friend who found it interesting. The story follows Salama Kassub in Syria in 2011, at the start of the Syrian revolution. She is a volunteer at the hospital, while trying to find a way out of the country before her sister gives birth. She is faced with the hard decision of whether to flee or stay loyal to her country and her family. She begins to see how it is a war but also a revolution. This is a literary fiction book with good themes. It shows her struggles and how she overcomes it. 

All The Noise At Once by DeAndra Davis 

I saw this on the Florida Teens Read collection for 2026-2027 and immediately wanted to read it. It's about a teen boy with autism named Aiden whose brother is arrested falsely trying to protect him from a bully. As Aiden tries to get his brother out of jail, he is faced with many struggles and needs to find his own voice. 

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis 

This is a historical fiction set in Chicago in 1910. Four African American Girls have strong ambitious dreams. Defying the expectations of others, they pursue challenges and seek independence and love from others. I can't wait to dive into the stories of these brave girls written by Krystal Marquis. 

5 Questions with...Holly Black!

by Abby

Fantasy, romance, and girlboss MCs have always been the kinds of books I’ve loved reading. Once I picked up The Wicked King by Holly Black, I knew I was hooked. Although I hadn’t realized it was the second book in the Folk of the Air series, after I finished it, I went back to the first, The Cruel Prince. Holly Black has a way of making the fae world feel like a place you want to walk into. And because of that, when I got the chance to interview her, I didn’t pass it up. 

Question 1: Was there a character that you personally related to or one that was inspired by someone in your life? 

Response: I related to all of the characters in different ways. I am not very like Jude, but I understand her and there are aspects of her that I embody (like paranoid overthinking). None of the characters are inspired by specific people, although I will occasionally lift observations of specific moments or phrases from friends. Writers are magpies! We steal everything, but by the time we’re done with it, it usually no longer resembles where it came from. 

Question 2: What advice would you give to a writer that keeps giving up? 

Response: The best thing you can do is try to write a little every day. It’s not romantic and often it doesn’t feel at all good, but putting yourself in front of a laptop consistently is how books get written. Lots of folks give themselves little treats for hitting certain goals, like stickers or candy. Keeping track of a daily word count helps you see how it all adds up. 250 words a day for a year gets you 90K, a decently long book! Oh, and once you pick a story, your brain will throw lots of other lures at you. Don’t abandon a project until you get to the end of it. Otherwise, you will wind up an excellent and practiced writer of beginnings, with no practice at all with landing the plane. 

Question 3: Has music ever inspired you to write? 

Response: Yes! I have playlists on Spotify for most of my books, if you want to go sleuthing. 

Question 4: If you could go back and talk to your younger self, what would you say/tell her? 

Response: “Get to the end. Stop going back to the beginning and revising for the thousandth time. Also, buy a decent pair of boots, some statement earrings, and if you wear black dresses the rest of the time, no one will notice." 

Question 5: When you first started writing, who did you look up to or how did you know you wanted to write? 

Response: Because I was such a reader as a kid, I always wanted to write. When I was in middle school I found a copy of Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice and I read it to tatters. It inspired me to write a terrible novel about vampires and dragons, sort of a mash up of Interview with Lord of the Rings. While it was indeed terrible, it got me in the practice of writing. In terms of people I most wanted my writing to sound like — probably the British fantasy writer, Tanith Lee. 

It was truly an honor to ask one of my favorite authors these questions. Considering that it might have been a slim chance for her to get back to me, I'm grateful for the opportunity most don’t get. Holly Black has a hectic schedule, so I give thanks for taking the time to answer! 

Check out a Holly Black book at Winter Park Library!

Feeling Like an ADHD Alien by Pina Varnel

reviewed by Abby
grade 10

Have you ever thought that you aren't like other people? As if you stick out, do things differently, or aren't "normal"? In our society, anything or anyone out of the ordinary is seen as weird or alien-like and is often misunderstood. Feeling Like an ADHD Alien by Pina Varnel shows and tells how a teen with ADHD may feel, sharing her own life experiences, using her alter-ego Kiki. The book illustrates how Kiki realizes that her friends can do things that she finds difficult; she often forgets things, like why she walked into a room; wants to do things like others but finds it hard; her emotions feel sudden and uncontrollable; and she loses interest in hobbies she enjoys. It explains what goes on in an ADHD brain, and how it's different. The book doesn't just show the negatives, it also shows positivity.

I absolutely love Pina Varnel's art and writing! It feels like a comic book in the way everything is formatted. It allows us, the reader, to look into Kiki's life, and how it's relatable--trying your best at something everyone else can do, but you still can't seem to do it. Not only that, but also feeling immense pressure in trying to prove yourself to others instead of yourself. Unlike some graphic novels, it's illustrated in black and white, which can be hard for shading, but it's well made and it makes you want to look at each frame and detail because of how beautiful it looks. 

I would most definitely recommend this book to any teen and adult with or without ADHD because it shows that people are not alone in feeling certain ways, and that they are not "aliens.". Even those who don't have ADHD should read this book because it brings more awareness and understanding of those that do. Plus, it is an entertaining read with relatable situations and illustrations! 

Feeling Like an ADHD Alien is coming in September to Winter Park Library!

Page to Plate: The Unofficial Studio Ghibli Cookbook

 In our Page to Plate series, the Teen Book Guild brings the library to their kitchen. Each post features teens checking out a cookbook from the library, trying out recipes that catch their eye (or appetite!), and sharing their culinary adventures—successes, surprises, and even the occasional kitchen mishap. Whether they’re flipping pages or flipping pancakes, these foodies are exploring how cookbooks can inspire creativity, confidence, and connection. 

Grab a fork—and a library card—and dig in!

Title: The Unofficial Studio Ghibli Cookbook
by Jessica Yun

Chosen by: Abby A.

Summary

• "Since 1985, Studio Ghibli has enchanted moviegoers with fantastic stories of adventure, magic, friendship, family, and most of all--the most delicious-looking animated food. Now you can create your own mouthwatering dishes with this book full of 50 unofficial, fan-created recipes! From tantalizing breakfasts and lunches to Japanese favorites like yakitori and onigiri."

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!🌸