Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Reviewed by Anna M.
Grade  9

Between Shades of Gray was NOT a good book. It was a GREAT book! Not only did it have courageous characters and a fascinating, climax-building plot, it also told an untold, almost forgotten part of history that everyone should know!  

The story is about a fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl named Lina and her family during Stalin’s “cleansing” of the Baltic region. Suddenly and unexpectedly, the Soviet soldiers stormed into Lina’s home and took her and her mother and brother captive. Her father was separated from her family and early on in the story Lina is determined to draw messages through her art, in hopes that her father will see and understand them. However, the harshness and toil the Soviets put her through forced Lina to grow up quickly. The Soviets treat Lina, and other Lithuanians, like animals.

FIVE out of FIVE! From the moment I picked the novel to the time I put it down, this book had an incredible storyline, and every page was a page-turner. Ruta Sepetys, the author, showed amazing talent, and the writing was well-done. The build of the plotline was outstanding. I also felt that the atrocities committed by the Soviet Union are not as known by the younger generation in today’s society. So by reading this book, you will not only read an excellent, well-written story, but you will also learn a part of history.

Between Shades of Gray was an amazing novel and I highly recommend it. I truly feel that it is our duty to remember all the courageous people that were murdered and persecuted by the Soviet Union. READ THIS BOOK! You will not regret it!

Accidental by Alex Richards

Reviewed by Natalie M.
Grade 9

Have you ever made a mistake that you find difficult to forgive yourself for? Are you up to date on the gun violence issues in America? Have you experienced a period of time where your mental health just isn’t where it should be? These are all things Johanna Carlson must deal with in this heart-wrenching, and strong-willed novel Accidental by Alex Richards (coming soon to WPPL!). This book will take you on a roller coaster of emotions and make you really feel for the characters.

Johanna Carlson is a 16-year-old girl in Nevada who has lived with her grandparents ever since her mom died in a car accident when she was two. She enjoys hanging with her two best friends, Leah and Gabby, sewing clothing and listening to old music. Her life is very normal. It was, that is, until her father who she hasn’t seen in over 13 years and she doesn’t even really remember, suddenly makes contact with her. During only their second meeting, he drops a bombshell on her that she could have never prepared for. He reveals that her mother had in fact not been in a car accident, but she had been shot by two-year-old Johanna. Upon learning this information, Johanna’s life is turned upside down as she has to learn to live with herself after what she has done.

The plot of the book rotated between heavy, awkward, and intriguing for a majority of the time with some light humor and jokes sprinkled in. The heaviness is present in a lot of the book as Johanna deals with the fact that she killed her mother and that no one really knows how she feels. You have to read through her panic attacks, which the author describes amazingly, and Johanna having difficulty forgiving herself. It can be awkward when she is yelling at someone or at one point when she gets a little tipsy and starts talking to strangers about how she shot her mom. It gets intriguing when she starts talking to a new boy she has met at school and when she confronts her grandparents with questions about her mother, who they refuse to speak about. There are also light little jokes sprinkled throughout the novel, and nice moments where Johanna and her friends are just being regular high schoolers. Overall, I enjoyed the plot besides a few awkward encounters. I thought it was well written and that the side characters were very relatable.

Overall I give this book a four out five stars, and would definitely recommend it to a friend. I really enjoyed how relatable Johanna’s friends are, because they have difficulty being able to cheer her up and don’t always know what to say. It loses a point due to the fact that I found Johanna very annoying at some points. I understand that she was going through a lot, but she unfairly took her anger out on a lot of people who did not deserve it. However I still think this book is a great read, and also it brings awareness to the gun violence issues in America.

Everything Sad is Untrue (a True Story) by Daniel Nayeri

Reviewed by Hope M.
Grade 11

Everything Sad Is Untrue (a true story) is a novel describing the childhood of author and narrator Daniel (Khosrou) Nayeri. Usually, I don’t read many autobiographical books for fun, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. The narrative is powerful and raw, filled with wisdom and lessons for everyone.

Daniel is a refugee from Iran, attempting to share his story with his fellow students in Mrs. Miller’s class. Despite the fact that many call him a liar, he digs deep into his memories to communicate thoughts and feelings of his past not only with his classmates but also with the reader. Daniel describes tales about his ancestors, family, friends, and stepfather, and all the ways these people have influenced his life. Additionally, he imparts knowledge about Persian culture and the persecutions his family faced in traveling to a new country, as well as struggles that occurred before and after emigration. Ultimately, the author creates a tale of both fiction and nonfiction, recalling his memories as best he can.

I absolutely loved this story. Nayeri’s style of writing was so different from what I typically read as the book wasn’t really written in chronological order. Instead, the narrator jumped around from one memory of his life to another, making it more genuine and relatable to me because I believe that’s how we as human beings tend to think: more jumbled than organized. The author also introduced many thought-provoking circumstances and questions that caused me to muse in ways I haven’t before. For example, he asks, “And what if, like a rug, [memories] are flawed? Memories are just stories we tell ourselves, after all. What if we are telling ourselves lies?” (Nayeri 349). The whole book was full of perspectives like this. 

Furthermore, I loved the strength that his mother had. Daniel portrays her as tough, not because she is unbreakable but because she is unstoppable. Even though she was persecuted, she did not take on a victim mentality; rather, she persevered in faith because that was the right thing to do, regardless of any consequences that could occur. In my opinion, the author used humor, sadness, insight, and hope to construct a masterpiece.

Being a true story, I know it will offer people awareness about immigration, survival, and religious persecution. There are other deep topics introduced in the book, like physical abuse, that are hard to read, but they certainly add to the authenticity of the novel. I think this story has a lot of heart and wisdom that many will enjoy, so I highly recommend giving Everything Sad Is Untrue (a true story) a shot. You won't regret it!

Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang

Reviewed by Lauren M.
Grade 11

When most people think of basketball, an image of a basketball, a hoop, and a few star athletes come to mind and that is all. Perhaps some remember a game, and perhaps some remember a name or two. I used to fall into the first group, imagining a non-descript game, usually just a photograph from CNN, and that is all. However, Gene Luen Yang’s newest graphic novel, Dragon Hoops, has completely turned my thinking. Basketball, as it should turn out, is about less than sport and technique and more about teamwork, sacrifice, and commitment.

In the fall of 2014, Gene Yang was at an impasse. He had finished his latest graphic novel and felt the gap in his life. Searching for a new story, he found himself intrigued by all the talk going around his workplace (Bishop O’Dowd High School) about the upcoming basketball season. A hater of sports, he rejected the idea, but soon found himself standing outside Coach Lou Richie’s office, and later, following the team from one game to the next throughout the 2014-15 season as they aimed to finally win the California State Championships after decades of defeat.

Dragon Hoops is structured around the games and the players. Each chapter covers one of the games, a select star member of the team (Bishop O’Dowd Dragons) during that season, their head coach, and their former head coach, with a history of basketball in each non-game chapter. Although character development is minimal and focuses solely on the star players and two coaches, backstories are given along with court dynamics which help the reader understand relationships between the players and coaches. A winning team is not just the players but the attitudes they have towards the game and their teammates--they sacrificed for each other, and encouraged each other until they became one strong organism hurtling toward victory, some having to sacrifice valuable floor time so the others can shine. Something I found especially striking was the dedication they had to their sport--one even leaving his family in a different country to come play and build his skills. Each came with an open mind, and each tried his best to make the highest contribution he could make to his team, and that spirit is what makes basketball such a great sport so that, win or lose, the team would forever be marked by the dedication they put into their craft, taking those invaluable life skills into the rest of their lives.

I would recommend this book highly to anyone who is curious about basketball. Although I would have liked to see the perspectives of all the team members, there was enough characterization to keep me happy. It is a graphic novel, so it is mostly pictures and even though it is a thick book, it is a relatively quick read, with Yang’s writing style being easy to follow. All in all, I would give Dragon Hoops a four out of five-star rating. 

Kind of a Big Deal by Shannon Hale

Reviewed by Anna M.
Grade 9

When I read the inside flap of Kind of a Big Deal, I thought it was going to be a typical YA teen drama. It was for most of the book. However, after I was two-thirds in, the novel took an unsuspecting turn.

Josie Pie was “Kind of a Big Deal” in high school. After a difficult childhood, high school became a refreshing turn for her. One audition. One musical. And everyone thought she was going straight to Broadway. Freshmen would stop her in the hall and ask for her autograph. They thought she was going to be somebody. She thought she was going to be somebody. 

When she went to New York to audition for a role in a Broadway musical, Josie was shocked when she didn’t even get to try out. Suddenly, Josie finds herself in Montana nannying a five-year-old girl named Mia. But Mia’s away at preschool part of the time, so Josie’s bored out of her mind. Not to mention, her best friend and boyfriend seem too busy for her. Josie takes up reading. One book after another, Josie finds that she can ACTUALLY travel in each book. However, the longer she stays the harder it becomes to leave. And some books are better than real life, so why leave?

Have you ever read a book you wished you could live in? As an avid reader, I can definitely say yes! However, Kind of a Big Deal’s plot didn’t live up to my expectations. I liked the book until it got to the plot-twist. The plot-twist went too far, and I could never really buy into it. Also, the novel didn’t really have a theme. I felt that there wasn’t a purpose or lesson to it. Overall, the book didn’t click for me!

I would only recommend this book if I were trying to punish the reader. This novel had promise, and I was truly disappointed. If you like completely random, ridiculous plot-twists and unrelatable characters, you’ll like this book. If not, don’t even pick it up! 

Graphic novel series featuring young authors and their true stories

Written by Kaitlyn K., Lisa W. and Taylor K.

Through the graphic novel medium, Zuiker Press has been able to both convey the stories of real people as well as help young readers understand and relate to the situations described. This graphic novel series, which currently contains nine stories, explores a variety of topics, some of which include racism, suicide, bullying, and divorce. One graphic novel, titled Activist, describes the story of a student during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting. This does not only especially impact young readers in Florida but also shows how Zuiker Press has committed itself to help readers “cope with the challenges they face today” (Zuiker Press). While reading is a powerful tool on its own, these graphic novels will strengthen this power. By giving young readers the ability to explore various emotional and social issues, this series acts as a guarantee that they are not alone and empower them. 

Here's a closer look at some of the titles:

Activist tells the story of a survivor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Shooting in Parkland, Florida. Lauren lost two very close friends that day, and 15 other students lost their lives. Instead of choosing to let her grief overwhelm her, Lauren became an activist and was determined to march for the right for every kid to be safe in their school. 

Brother tells the story of Bridget Hudgens and her brother Carlton, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at an early age. As she grows up, Bridget realizes that, even though she acts as Carlton’s protector, there are other people in his life who can guide and aid him. Through the ups and downs of life, Brother demonstrates that even though someone has special needs, they still have the ability to live and learn, and don’t always need a “protector”. 

The story of Click begins with Lexi leading a normal teenage life, participating on sports teams and hanging out with her friends. However after a misinterpretation, Lexi becomes the target of cyberbullying at the hands of her peers. While it does depict a specific story of cyberbullying, the emotions Lexi experiences are universal to those who have faced bullying of any kind. By showing how one can rise up against their bullies, Click leaves readers feeling empowered.

Goodbye is the story of Hailee, told through her parents. Two days after her 13th Birthday, she committed suicide. Hailee's parents decided to tell her story in the hopes that they can reach other people in time, and the result is a book that highlights the struggles of a mourning family.

Identity is the story of Corey, a transgender girl. Corey, with unconditional support from her mother, moves from school to school in the hopes that she might fit in somewhere. Along the way she has to deal with bullies and other obstacles, but later in life she joins pride parades and becomes a beacon of hope for other transitioning teens. 

Imperfect portrays the struggles that come with Body Dysmorphic Disorder through the voice of Dounya Awada. Transfixed by her body image, Dounya finds herself at a point of self-destruction, by starving herself and purging. This graphic novel is an ideal way to bring awareness to Body Dysmorphic Disorder and portray the horrors faced by many teens in this day and age. 

Mend depicts the story of nine year-old Sophia as she navigates through her new life following her parent’s unexpected divorce. Focusing on a topic familiar to many readers, Mend provides hope to those who have experienced divorce by helping them understand what it is they may be feeling. 

Black History Month Recommended Reads

In honor of Black History Month, the Winter Park Library's Teen Book Guild read multiple novels written by black authors. The books presented on the list below offer valuable insight into African American lives, demonstrate remarkable character development, and teach important lessons throughout each story. From classics set in the 1800s to novels established in present day, these books will not only be enjoyable reads, but they will also help individuals develop a better understanding of a very significant culture.

Anna recommends Inventing Victoria

Tonya Bolden’s Inventing Victoria took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. It showed the hardship of growing up in difficult circumstances and the beauty of rising above and overcoming it. If you want a great African American History Month read, then I totally recommend this book.

Hope recommends Their Eyes Were Watching God

In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston clearly depicts the fictional story of Janie Crawford, a black woman determined to live her own life in a world where she is largely controlled by others. Published in 1937, this narrative follows Janie through three marriages and much tribulation. Through it all, Janie discovers there are “two things everybody’s got tuh do fuh theyselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin’ fuh theyselves” (p 192). Despite being a fictional novel, Hurston brings much of the early twentieth-century African American culture to life in this entertaining read.

Lauren recommends Flygirl

Flygirl is an inspiring piece of fiction and a memorial to the bravery of African American women during World War II. Throughout the book, Sherri L. Smith fleshed out her characters with skill and empathy and enabled the reader to connect with the characters and various situations that arose. Smith’s wartime novel will keep readers guessing all the way through, as bravery and loyalties are tested and forged.

Maansi recommends Dear Justyce

In Dear Justyce, author Nic Stone explores the thoughts and situations of an innocent, black young man dealing with being in prison. It gives readers insight into something that they might not really understand or want to learn more about. Nic Stone does an amazing job showing the discrimination and injustice that is faced every day. 

Displacement by Kiku Hughes

Reviewed by Taylor K.
Grade 12

When asked what the most powerful weapon is, most would probably say things like a machine gun, nuclear bomb, or maybe even something fictional, like the Death Star from Star Wars. However, author Kiku Hughes offers a different answer in her graphic novel Displacement, where she writes that it is in fact memories that are the most powerful weapons.

This concept is the basis of the story, in which young teenager Kiku is suddenly displaced back in time to the 1940s and forced to live through Japanese internment. She first experiences these displacements during her trip to San Francisco, where her mother hoped to show her more about her family. Kiku is startled by this phenomena, but believes it is only possible in San Francisco and that the displacements will stop when she goes back home to Seattle. However, just like history can’t be erased, the displacements didn’t stop even when Kiku changed locations. Since she is now aware of the internment camps, she will never lose this knowledge. As the displacements continue, Kiku finds it harder and harder to go back to her time. Despite being from the future, Kiku feels it doesn’t mean anything since she never knew much about the past. While forced to confront the dehumanization felt at the internment camps, Kiku encounters numerous people who help her understand the situation and more about her culture.

One of the greatest strengths of this graphic novel rests within the main character, Kiku. Teenage characters written by adult authors are either treated with sympathy and understanding or filled with stereotypes of what they perceive teenagers to be. With the addition of focusing on intense topics such as racism and intergenerational trauma, it was incredibly important that Kiku fell into the former and was someone who young readers could relate to. Kiku is written in a very natural manner, which therefore helps the audience navigate this strange time displacement storyline. Some readers may identify with Kiku more than others, mainly readers of marginalized groups who can personally relate to some of the feelings Kiku experiences. Nevertheless, she is someone who everyone can find a little of themselves within. Kiku isn’t someone who automatically knows what to do, and she doesn’t always feel like she made the right choice but that’s completely fine. She, like nearly everyone else, experiences doubts about themselves and frustrations at the world around them. However, Kiku is someone who the audience should aspire to be because she doesn’t let these things hold her back. She listens to those around her and teaches herself when she feels she doesn’t know all the information. Rather than just getting upset about the situation, Kiku shows readers how one person can always make a difference so long as they listen and keep standing up for what they believe in.

I would highly recommend this book. Not only is it a relatively short read with a great art style to captivate you throughout, the moral of the book is one that is incredibly important and will impact readers of all races, ethnicities, and ages. By focusing on generational trauma and depicting various instances of racism as well as social movements from different periods of time, Hughes shows how it’s important to not forget our history. The Japanese internment camps from eighty years ago were a dark stain on this country, but it’s definitely not the only stain. This country has brutalized Native Americans, Black people, and countless more. 

To continue on this thought, it's also important to note that this graphic novel is set in both the 1940s and present-day. Kiku and her mother are shown numerous times watching news reports of (now former) President Trump spewing racist rhetoric. The racism and prejudice depicted during Kiku’s time in the forties is the same racism and prejudice spoken by one of our presidents. While it may not seem like anything has changed, by not forgetting what these different marginalized groups have been through, we can start making reparations and work towards a future that doesn’t hide from the dark truths but instead confronts them. We sadly can’t physically go back in time like Kiku can, but we can keep sharing the memories of those affected in the past, not forgetting the horrors they experienced and making sure it never happens again. 

The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi

Reviewed by Lauren M.
Grade 11

What would you do to absolve guilt? What would you do for power? These two questions go hand in hand in Roshani Chokshi’s The Silvered Serpents. Her latest masterpiece snatches the reader and plunges them into a vivid world that will stay with you long after the last page.

The Silvered Serpents picks up in the aftermath of The Gilded Wolves, and is set in 1889. Haunted by tragedy, Laila, Enrique, Zofia and Séverin try to piece their lives back together, but the guilt is too much for Séverin to bear. He reassembles the team to go hunt for a mythical object that is believed to grant the power of God. Each member has their suspicions about the nature of this quest but they go along into a dangerous and fantastical Russia, where their secrets and fears wear the faces of beloved and feared memories.

The book has four narrators, and the secrets and fears each character battled with fleshed them out and made them easy to empathize with, even if you don’t agree with their actions. Each narrator has their own scars that they are battling with, yet I loved how they were able to function as a team regardless of their personal struggles. The entire theme of the book is grief, and I loved how it was portrayed through the settings which were cold and confounding and reflected the nuanced emotions of each narrator. The characters had to journey not only though an external unforgiving climate, but also an internal one. The fantasy aspect is most certainly there, with forgotten palaces, ice animals, and goddesses. Another thing that drew me in was the diversity in the book. Everyone was different from the others, and that melded the team together because everyone brought something unique to the table.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fantasy but cannot commit to a long novel. A relatively quick read, it is enjoyable and immersive. However, if you are looking for a lighthearted story, this may not be for you because there are solemn and weighty emotions running throughout the novel. All in all, I would rate this as a four out of five stars, because I would have liked to see a bit more character development.