Page to Post: The Blood Years by Elana K. Arnold

In the Page to Post series, the Teen Book Guild spotlights the books that caught our attention after scoping out an entire shelf of titles in the Winter Park Library. From that first spark of interest to how we really felt after reading, you’ll get our honest take—no sugarcoating, just real talk from teens who love books (or sometimes don’t!).

If you’re looking for your next great read or just want to see if our choice was worth it, stick around. Let’s dive into the world of stories, one shelf and one book at a time.

Title: The Blood Years
Author: Elana K. Arnold
Chosen by: Andres J.

Book Review: I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

Reviewed by Christopher K.
Grade 12

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys is a riveting historical thriller that grabs readers from the very first page. The author weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue set against the backdrop of the tumultuous political landscape the Cold War. The story captivates and leaves readers eager to uncover the secrets hidden within the plot.

At the core of the novel is protagonist Christian’s moral dilemma. He grapples with choosing loyalty to someone close to him versus loyalty to his own morals. Sepetys expands on this idea through Christian’s psyche, which highlights the challenge of his decision. The narrative unfolds in a war-torn setting, with Christian navigating a treacherous path of betrayal and sacrifice. 

Another aspect of the book that enhances its depth is the incorporation of historical accuracy and modern storytelling seamlessly. Such is the case with a house Christian’s mother cleans, as he must spy on the homeowner which is told from through his unique lens but is a situation not uncommon to the Cold War landscape. This demonstrates how Sepetys blends real events with the fictional elements of the story, which not only enriches the narrative but also provides a deeper understanding of the characters' motivations and actions.

For me, the most captivating aspect of this book is the author's way of writing, which will leaves readers immersed in both the story and the characters. Her use of symbolism and foreshadowing adds layers of complexity to the plot and allows the tension to build steadily. This creates a sense of urgency within the reader that makes it difficult to put the book down. As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a rollercoaster of emotions which is significantly improved by Sepetys’s voice.

As a whole, I Must Betray You is an excellent read that combines a compelling hook, engaging storytelling, and a rich web of plot details. Sepetys crafts a narrative that never fails to entertain and leave a lasting impact. For me, this book was a must read and for fans of historical fiction or mysteries in general, this is also a must read. 

A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo

Reviewed by Yusmibel L.
Grade 11

When a scandalous photo causes Aria’s life to explode she’s exiled to her grandmother’s home in the Bay Area. Fresh out of her senior year and miles away from anyone who knows her,  Aria buckles down for a boring summer. However, when she meets her grandmother’s new gardener, her expectations quickly change. Old memories resurface and the lives of her friends begin to entangle in hers, causing her to question herself and her life’s perspective on art, sexuality, and family.

One of the best parts of this book is the introspection provided through the formatting of the chapters. In several instances there will be a moment the flow of the story is broken up for a flashback. For instance, when Aria’s life hits a major turning point, the blur of days is reflected through short one page chapters. The way the story is written is logical--everything feels like it builds up to the epilogue. 

It isn’t a particularly surprising book. There weren't any major plot twists or turns that you couldn’t predict, but it still progressed so nicely that it was just as worth it to enjoy the journey.

I recommend this book, it was comforting but not without conflict. It grew on me as I read and I hold a lot of fondness for the feelings expressed. Not a single character could even begin to reach perfect but instead were written to be complicated and genuinely human. I hold great fondness for Malinda Lo’s past work, and A Scatter of Light made me a fan.

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

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. 

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Reviewed by Kana C.
Grade 11

Audrey Rose is not your typical 1800s woman. She was born into a life of wealth and privilege. But other than attending tea parties and other typical events that ladies do, Audrey studies the gruesome art of forensic medicine.

When a string of brutally murdered corpses continue to show up in her uncle’s lab, Audrey gets drawn into the investigation. As she follows the clues, they bring her closer to her sheltered world. Audrey Rose is the girl who loved Jack the Ripper.

This book was amazing, with so many twists that I never saw coming. Kerri Maniscalco really brought the story to life with her amazing and very descriptive writing. Once I got into the story I couldn’t put the book down. Stalking Jack the Ripper is not for the faint hearted, Kerri Maniscalco goes deep into her explanations of the dead bodies and the forensic medicine process.

If you like a girl determined to be pretty, smart, and fierce and a witty, sarcastic, caring British boy involved in one gruesome mystery, mixed with a little bit (ok maybe a lot) of secrets, then Stalking Jack the Ripper is perfect for you. Maybe you can figure out who Jack the Ripper is before Audrey can. This is the story of the girl who loved the Ripper.

Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

Reviewed by Lauren M.
Grade 11

Stacey Lee’s Under a Painted Sky is an enchanting tale of daring and adventure in the Old West. Heartwarming, engaging, and amusing, it follows a young Chinese- American as she struggles for freedom and equality, and is a true tribute to the strength of women.

Samantha Young lives with her father in 1849 Missouri. After a horrific tragedy leads to a shocking crime, she bands together with a runaway slave named Annamae and they set out on the Oregon Trail for California. As they each search for the missing ties to their pasts, they find unexpected allies in a band of cowboys. But with bounty hunters and the law closing in, how long will they be able to keep up their lies?

I loved this book. The worldbuilding was as realistic and believable as the plot. I also found the story to be immersive and compelling, and even in parts challenging to society’s long-held beliefs about equality and race. Samantha was realistic--since she’s so young, she struggles through the usual teenage dramas albeit with unfortunate doses of danger and tragedy mingled in with them. Nevertheless, through it all she was strong and had the benefit of a supportive community, namely her friends. Said friends were also firmly developed, especially Annamae, who was as loyal as she was incredibly spirited. Although I would have liked to see/know more about the Old West, there was just enough information to keep the reader happy.

I would absolutely recommend this book. It is humorous, adventurous, and a very fun story. If anyone likes a historical western, this is definitely for them. A natural reading choice for Women’s History Month, Under a Painted Sky receives a 5 out of 5 star rating.

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!

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.

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

Reviewed by Lauren M.
Grade 11

What lengths would you go to in order to achieve your dream? This is the central question of Sherri L. Smith’s novel, Flygirl, which takes place in the early 1940s. In a land plagued by Jim Crow laws, one courageous girl takes to the skies against all odds.

A bright, eighteen-year-old named Ida Mae Jones is working as a housemaid and saving money for flight lessons in Chicago. Because of her light-skin, she has been afforded with alternatives to being colored, known as “passing”, even though it goes against her morals. When she hears about the WASP program, she seizes the opportunity to become a pilot for the Army and begins passing to make her dream happen. However, she encounters more problems than she planned for, including discrimination against women. Now she is forced to make a choice: will she turn against her own people and self in order to not get caught? Or will she be true to herself, no matter what?

I found the struggle in this book to be compelling. I was able to identify with the character and the struggles she went through as she battled with herself, asking where the line is drawn between right and wrong. However, I found the author’s style to be a bit light-hearted, and she skipped around the weightier matters that would have given the characters in the book more depth. Ida Mae is kind and honest, and she bonds quickly with people, but because the narration mostly told instead of showed, I was not able to properly understand and get to know the side characters other than on a superficial level. For example, the reader never really sees Walter Jenkins, but he is an important fixture in the book. In addition, the plot has promise but likewise was not as developed as I thought it would be. Although she comes into conflict because of her skin tone, Ida is generally focused on the war, as others around her are. There is a little conflict about women’s rights, but that too went mostly unexplored, which is a shame because it would have added a bit more nuance to the book. 

Overall I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars. Despite limited character development and conflict, the plot has promise and the conflict is powerful. Ida Mae really grows and comes into her own, and I loved how she stayed true to her values. Because of this I would recommend this book to others and I sincerely hope they enjoy it. 

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

Reviewed by Anna M.
Grade 8

When I checked out the book The Healer’s Apprentice at the library, I was immensely interested by the beautiful cover. Though as I read the first few chapters, I started to fade. Getting into this long story took quite a while. I cannot say that reading this book was a total waste of time, but it was not a page turner. Don’t expect to be up all night reading it.

The protagonist of this book is a seventeen-year-old girl living in the Middle Ages. Rose, the woodcutter’s daughter, finds herself an apprentice of the town’s healer, Frau Geruscha. Rose is repetitively ordered by her mother to marry rich, old bachelors, and constantly denies her mother’s requests. Rose wants to marry a man she loves. Meanwhile the Duke of Hagenheim’s sons, Lord Hamlin and Lord Rupert, return from two years at Heidelberg’s university, and Rose finds herself falling in love with Lord Hamlin, who is betrothed to a mysterious Lady Salomea. Unfortunately, Lord Hamlin injures his leg, and Rose must sew the wound. Rose frequently finds herself getting into situations where Lord Hamlin must save her.

Reading this book, I could tell the author put much work into the plot. Rose was a very brave character, who is willing to do what is right even when it gets tough and even if it means losing the people she loves and cherishes. All the characters’ lives in this book worked out perfect except the main two, and that was unrealistic in my opinion. Like all fairy tales, it had the happily ever after ending; however, I felt that after all the hardship that had occurred the ending just happened out of nowhere, with no warning.

If you are bored, then The Healer’s Apprentice is not a terrible way to fill your time. The book did have many positive messages and was clean. I could also relate to the main characters. However, if you are looking for a page-turner, I would not bother to read this book. I personally did not like the author's style, and the rhythm of the book was dreadfully slow.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Reviewed by Melvi A.
Grade 11

Many stories attempt to bring to life the gloomy years of The Great Depression, yet few do it as well as Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. This book tells the heart-wrenching story of two incompatible characters. George is small, witty, and intelligent, while Lennie is big and frightening, but has the mind of a small child. What makes them even stranger is the fact that they stick together at one of the loneliest times in history.

The book opens with George and Lennie stopping at a small pond to take a break. They are traveling to the farm they are going to work on next. At their previous farm, George and Lennie had to flee because Lennie got them in trouble, and George is still mad at Lennie about that. When they arrive at the farm, they meet Candy, Slim, and Curley. Candy and Slim are friendly to them, but Curley, the boss’s son, is jealous of Lennie’s size and picks on him. Curley’s wife is very flirtatious around everyone, and Lennie does his best to ignore her. One day after work, George reminds Lennie that they are saving money to buy their own farm, where they are going to raise their own livestock and crops. Lennie wants George to tell this to him as much as possible, because in this farm he wants to raise his own rabbits. Candy hears the story and tells them that he can help them collect the money, as he wants to live with them because he is becoming useless at the farm due to his old age. Now their dream seems as close as ever, but Curley’s constant bullying and his wife’s flirtations threaten to get Lennie in trouble, and ruin their American Dream.

I think the reader gets very emotionally attached to George and Lennie, which makes them remarkable characters. The plot is truly a mix of hope and desperation, which really brings to life those dark times. For example, George and Lennie’s hope is their own farm, but they are stuck working 11 hours a day for someone else. What eventually happens at the end was inevitable, but the author’s style of writing throughout the story convinces you otherwise.

I highly recommend this book to all readers. It tells you a lot more about The Great Depression than any textbook ever could, since it makes you understand it emotionally. It teaches the reader how loneliness can make a society so divided, so bitter, and so intolerant.

Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh

Reviewed by Gianna M.
Grade 9

The line "In the beginning, there were two suns and two moons" makes the reader want to find out what this means, and what/who the suns and moons are. This opening is effective in catching the reader and making them want to continue reading.

Hattori Mariko is the daughter of a powerful man in ancient Japan. While she is on her way to meet her betrothed, her caravan is attacked and lit on fire. After escaping the assassins, Mariko is kidnapped by the Black Clan, and has to disguise herself as a boy to remain safe. But is everything she knew about her family really the truth?

Flame in the Mist has very interesting and well-rounded characters, such as Hattori Mariko. Mariko is a disgraced member of a powerful Japanese family, and does not give in to anything or anyone. She is characterized as strong-willed and brave when she remains seated inside a blazing carriage to avoid being detected by assassins. After escaping them, she is caught by a dirty man who is attracted to her, and she stabs him in the eye with her hair pin. Hattori Mariko acts with regard for her morals, and values all lives equally.

Flame in the Mist by Reneé Ahdieh is a very entertaining novel with a positive, clear message. This book is a great read for young girls, as it is a story of female empowerment, but can be enjoyed by anyone of any gender. I would give it a four out of five, and I am planning on reading the sequel, Smoke in the Sun. This is also an excellent book to read for anyone interested in Japanese culture, history, and/or folklore. The author's heavy usage of Japanese terms such as 'shinobi no mono' and 'kagemusha' can provide the reader with a better understanding of the Japanese language and terminology.

Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman

Reviewed by Ben F.
Grade 12

Kate Thompson arrived home one evening to find her home burnt to the ground, her every possession destroyed, and her father hanging in the front lawn, a bloody rose carved into his forehead. The villainous Rose Riders killed him for a single book, a journal Kate finds is her only clue to the circumstances behind her pa’s murder, holding old secrets and whispers of gold.

Fueled only by the desire for revenge, Kate tracks the Rose Riders down under disguise, slaughtering them one by one with her inherited pistol, but her hatred has blinded her caution; a quick way to die on the brutal Western plains. Reluctantly enlisting the aid of some old family friends, Kate and company set off to end the Rider’s reign of terror, avoiding devious traps, savage Indians, and struggling to outwit the crafty gang. As the group becomes a family, Kate begins to question her motives; How far can this vengeance road take her?
I picked this book up as part of the Winter Park Public Library’s ‘Pitch Perfect’ collection, in which a book is assigned a theme song that sums up the overall plot. The cooperative song was Imagine Dragon’s anthem hit “Demons”, a piece that elegantly sums up the inner turmoil inside our heroine, as she finds her heart shifted by the handsome ranch hand whose help she so hesitatingly accepted.

The book itself is extremely well written, and the Western frontier has never felt more gritty, hard, and alive. While many of the stories elements may seem predictable to those familiar with the traditional Western novel (a rowdy barfight, or an Indian ambush), the plot remains elusive, and the final twist was refreshingly intriguing.

As a Young Adult book, and due to its theme of bloody murder and justice, Vengeance Road is recommended to more mature teens over 13. Fans of western dramas, renegade heroes, Westworld, or cowboy shootouts will particularly enjoy this in-your-face justice run.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Reviewed by Ben F.
Grade 11

A Small Fact: You are going to die. So begins the tale of Liesel Meminger, the Book Thief, narrated by Death himself; the story of a girl in Nazi Germany whose world will never be the same.

Liesel is an orphan in a world at war, adopted by warm-hearted accordionist Hans Hubermann and his stringent wife Rosa into their life on Himmel Street. Liesel's only possession is a book taken from the tomb of her brother, The Gravedigger’s Handbook. Set apart by her ancestry in a post-World War I Germany, Liesel finds friendship with neighborhood scoundrel Rudy Steiner, and education through her adoptive father. Being taught in secret by Hans to read her stolen books, she soon develops an immense appreciation for words and their descriptive power. But everything changes once the Hubermann’s must hide Max, a Jewish fist-fighter, from their Nazi community, a man who will define the way Liesel sees her world. As the years go by, Liesel and Max become close friends and their secret is kept, but every secret must come to an end. Death, after all, forgets none.

I have read few historical fiction books in my time, and even fewer as influential as The Book Thief. As a story told through Death’s eyes, I gained a compelling window into the lives of a family that must constantly mask its beliefs from those of their Nazi-supporting neighbors. The stress of a warring nation is mirrored in the little people of Himmel Street; a much clearer picture than any history text. Death is a simple narrator, patient, agreeable, but painfully straightforward in the passing of characters.

Readers can expect to be emotionally pulled and prodded through every page of this heart-wrenchingly honest tale. Needless to say, The Book Thief is not for the young, with intense themes and provoking questions that only adolescents and above will comprehend and appreciate. Despite the turmoil of the era, violence and bloodshed are minimal, and the higher age rating is due simply to the intellectual age of the book itself. Recommended to readers of historical fiction, books about the Holocaust, dramas, and those who seek other ways to look at the world.

Spoiler Alert Mini-Review: Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics

Daughters Unto Devils
Coming soon to WPPL

When sixteen-year-old Amanda Verner's family decides to move from their small mountain cabin to the vast prairie, she hopes it is her chance for a fresh start. She can leave behind the memory of the past winter; of her sickly ma giving birth to a baby sister who cries endlessly; of the terrifying visions she saw as her sanity began to slip, the victim of cabin fever; and most of all, the memories of the boy she has been secretly meeting with as a distraction from her pain. The boy whose baby she now carries.

When the Verners arrive at their new home, a large cabin abandoned by its previous owners, they discover the inside covered in blood. And as the days pass, it is obvious to Amanda that something isn't right on the prairie. She's heard stories of lands being tainted by evil, of men losing their minds and killing their families, and there is something strange about the doctor and his son who live in the woods on the edge of the prairie. But with the guilt and shame of her sins weighing on her, Amanda can't be sure if the true evil lies in the land, or deep within her soul.





Spoiler Alert reviewer: Victoria
1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 5
How vivid was the setting? 2
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 4
How well did the book hold your interest? 5
How well did the author's language add to the book? 3
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 5

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 5
How readable was this book? 5
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 5

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 5
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 5
How memorable was this book? 5
How did you feel about the ending? 3
How creative was this book? 5

Marketing
How well does the cover match the story? (ARC did not include final cover)
Rank the jacket blurb. 5
Rank the title. 5
How well does the title match the story? 5
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Horrific

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: More knowledge of the demons and how Amanda fought them

Pick 5 words to describe this book: Intense, scary, sisterly, demonic

Spoiler Alert Mini-Review: The Falconer by Elizabeth May

The Falconer by Elizabeth May (coming in May 2014)
Spoiler Alert Reviewer: Victoria

1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 3
How vivid was the setting? 2
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 4
How well did the book hold your interest? 4
How well did the author's language add to the book? 4
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 5

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 5
How readable was this book? 5
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 5

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 4
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 3
How memorable was this book? 4
How did you feel about the ending? 5
If you did not finish, how did you feel about the beginning?
How creative was this book? 2

Marketing
Rank the cover (only if the final cover version has been released).
How well does the cover match the story? 3
Rank the jacket blurb. 3
Rank the title. 5
How well does the title match the story? 5
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Intense

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: Needs to show more steampunk and be more descriptive of people.

Pick 5 words to describe this book: Emotional, aggressive, strong, girl power

Okay For Now by Gary D. Schmidt

Reviewed by Rylee M.
Grade 7

1968. The Vietnam War is raging. Joe Pepitone is playing for the New York Yankees, and the Apollo space missions are under way. At this time there were lots of families with soldiers overseas. Being in New York, which is not the safest city, there are a lot of broken up families. Would you like to live like this? How would it make you feel if your oldest brother was off in the war and your other brother was accused of robbery? Doug, the main character in Okay For Now, goes through this when he moves to upstate New York.

Doug Swieteck lives in a small apartment that he personally calls "dump." His father is a drunk, but his mother is one of the most caring and thoughtful mothers there is. Doug's older brother is off in the Vietnam War, and his other older brother was accused of a robbery. Doug does not have the ideal family life. One of the more positive things Doug focuses on is baseball. Doug is a huge new York Yankees fan. Joe Pepitone, the Yankees' star player at the time, had even signed a hat and a jacket for Doug. Although valuable things don't last long in his house, so he lost his hat on the side of the road, and his brother took his jacket. With practically nothing left he decided to pay a visit to the library, where he meets sassy Lil Spicer, the daughter of the deli owner. The two of them form a surprising alliance as Doug's older brother comes home.

Even though I'm usually not interested or entertained by books that are historical fiction or realistic fiction, I like Okay For Now. I absolutely could not put it down! It was very good overall and very well written. I really liked how the author put the story together and the word choice in this book. I would highly recommend this book to readers of all kinds!