Reviewed by Makenna J.
Grade: 9

All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown is a unique book. Surely a post-apocalyptic book can’t be anything other than death and despair, right? Contrary to what one might think, this book was filled with comedy, a touching romance, and suspense, along with the very real situation that threatened to happen because of COVID-19. Although the book was not meant to be an alternate universe of what might’ve happened with COVID, nor was it the focus as there was just a brief mention of it in the character’s history, it might hit pretty close to home for some readers because of the pandemic, but also other reasons as well.

This book started off with main character Andrew getting injured by a bear trap and seeking shelter at a cabin he found in the woods. To his surprise, the home was inhabited by a boy his age who pointed a gun right at Andrew’s head. The boy, Jamie, eventually let him stay and helped him with his wounds. Together, they left the cabin after a scuffle with another group of people that also survived the bug and made their way north in hopes of Europe coming to save them. Unfortunately, the rumors they heard were lies, and they wouldn’t be saved. Along the way, they meet an old woman whose daughter might be alive in Florida and another group of survivors who might not be what they seem. All the while, the two boys start to develop feelings for each other that leave them both struggling with their emotions during their travel.

I felt that this book was more of a journey than anything. Yes, there was the initial plot, but the end goal changed multiple times throughout the story as they ran into different kinds of trouble. It’s not a bad thing at all, though. I very much enjoyed seeing how the two main characters managed to push through their hardships even though the world ended. They had each other to lean on, which brings me to another point. This book had a great representation of the LGBTQ+ community, which isn’t shown a lot in post-apocalyptic stories. The comedy balanced perfectly with the suspense and the very real-life experiences that some readers could relate to.

I thought this book was very interesting because of the plot and characters, but the main thing that jumped out at me right away was the author’s style. There are two main characters and each chapter switches between their points of view. The story is also written in first-person, which I personally don’t like, as it was a little weird to constantly switch between both characters’ minds. After a few chapters, though, I was able to get used to it and it didn’t bother me as much. Along with the author’s choice of points of view, the way he wrote it felt like I was really in the minds of both characters. Their feelings came alive and I enjoyed seeing their realistic views of their situation.

For people who enjoy comedy and thrilling suspense, I would definitely recommend this book. The first paragraph might scare some people—as it did me—because it’s a little confusing, but I don’t have anything that I really hated about the story. I’m pretty bad at figuring out themes and lessons of stories, but I did like the positive message that even if the world ends, there’s still hope. This was demonstrated very well with the characters who had each other to rely on and their heartwarming relationship.

I personally have not read either of these books, but I’ve seen many people compare All That’s Left in the World to What If It’s Us by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli and They Both Die at the End also by Adam Silvera. 

A little more about the author’s style because I just find it very fascinating: there weren’t any big words or lengthy detailed sentences, but instead it was a simple but deep, straightforward but complicated, and an overall very intriguing story that leaves the reader with a sense of fulfillment.

Lulu and Milagro's Search For Clarity by Angela Velez

Reviewed by Anna M.
Grade 10

For me, this book got off to a rough start immediately. The second I saw the title: Lulu and Milagro’s Search for Clarity, I was not expecting it to turn out good. Personally, I don’t think a title should be the quick answer to a summary. I mean, if we wanted to just end this review, you might ask, “What’s this book about?” and I could just say, “Lulu and Milagro’s Search for Clarity.” That’d be the end; however, even with the irritating title, the novel wasn’t horrible.

The story begins with two girls who live in Baltimore with their single mother. Each sister has a goal they want to accomplish over spring break. Lulu, the youngest (and more mature), wants to go on her school’s cross-country college trip AND complete her interview for a summer internship program at Stanford, her dream school. Milagro, the middle sister, wants to do “it” for the first time with her jerk boyfriend, Pablo. Both girls face HUGE obstacles before they even get a chance to start. Their mom begins asking Lulu not to go away to Stanford for the summer. The oldest daughter, Clara, went off to college, and when she returned, she was an entirely different person. Mami and Clara now aren’t speaking. Mami doesn’t what happened with Clara to happen with her other two daughters. However, it’s Lulu’s dream to go to Stanford and work in conservation biology and staying in Baltimore could be sacrificing that dream forever. In order to get her mom to let her go and show her being away doesn’t change anything, Lulu must find a way to fix Clara and Mami’s relationship. While this is all going on, Milagro is being called in the principal’s office and as a result, finds out one of the honors students dropped out. Shockingly, Milagro, who’s not the D-minus student you’d expect her to be, is next in line.

Milagro, however, DOES NOT want to go. She simply has no interest in college and doesn’t see the point. Not to mention, it would wreck all her plans with Pablo. Her mother ends up forcing her. With no other choice but to go, Milagro invites Pablo over early. Nevertheless, before they do anything, she sees evidence of Pablo cheating on his phone. She breaks up with him and sends the punk on his way. Milagro must find a way to get over the breakup with her “perfect” boyfriend or find a way to get him back. The extremely opposite girls must accomplish completely opposite tasks with extremely opposite trials. However, on the journey, they might just find out they’re not that different after all and how important sisterhood will be throughout their lives.

Once you get past the title and the unbelievably aggravating boyfriend, the book isn’t terrible. It has a very important message of celebrating family differences AND the importance of sisterhood. However, even with the excellent messages, I couldn’t help but feel the coming-of-age/going-to-college storyline is a bit overdone. I also felt the story and actual author’s style was dumbed down.

In conclusion, this novel had many excellent morals, and I think it conveyed the coming-of-age storyline well. Still, if you’re looking for a book with quality and something you’ll remember for being an amazing book, you should pass. If you’re looking for just another stereotypical teenage novel, this is a good book for you. Angela Velez wasn’t a terrible writer, and I hope to see a little more creativity, growth, and substance in her next novel.

Layoverland by Gabby Noone

Reviewed by Anna M.
Grade 9

Layoverland by Gabby Noone SHOULD HAVE been a great book. It had all the characters: the spunky and opinionated, not-like other girls, Converse-wearing main-character; the quirky best friend/roommate who doesn’t seem to know what personal space is; and the adorably stupid love interest that’s not “supposed” to happen but always does. Not only did the novel have all the characters…it also had an interesting plot as well. However, there is a reason why I wrote “SHOULD HAVE” at the beginning because even with all the story development…it was still just an incredibly “meh” book.

While most YA books begin with a teen’s life, this one began with death, the death of a seventeen-year-old girl named Beatrice Fox. After a huge argument with her younger sister, Bea dies in a car accident on December 12, 2019, 9:19 p.m., at the intersection of Huntingdon Pike and Susquehanna Road, Northwood, Pennsylvania. The big plot twist is even with her life being ended; her journey has really just begun. Bea doesn’t go to heaven, but she doesn’t go to hell either; instead, she goes to “the airport.” In this fictional world Noone created, good people go to heaven. Bad people go to hell. And in-between people go to the airport. The airport is where the in-between people watch their lives through a “memstractor” in order to find the reason they’re being kept out of heaven. Once they have a realization and a redemptive moment, they get to move on to heaven. Since Bea was such an unkind person on Earth, her punishment is to help 5,000 souls decipher through the “memstractor” why they’re being kept out of heaven. When she does this, she gets to move on herself. However, when she has to help Caleb Smith, her very own murderer, get to heaven, she decides to do whatever she can to make him suffer and keep him out of heaven. Though as she gets to know Caleb, she realizes he’s actually a really nice guy…and on top of that…begins to fall for him.

Sounds like a great book, right? Wrong. Very, very wrong. Layoverland was just boring, and I didn’t really find myself rooting or even sympathizing with ANY of the characters. All of them were really entitled and spoiled. Even though the plot was unique, reading this book just felt like reading any other teen drama/romance. Not to mention, Noone put many stereotypes in it, not trying to dismantle them in any way. I wouldn’t say it’s the worst book I’ve ever read, but I’d definitely say it’s exactly like ever other bad one I’ve read. It’s simply not special.

In conclusion, I would absolutely NOT recommend this book. I’m not trying to down the author or even the people who probably liked this story…that’s your own personal opinion. However, if you’re looking for a good book to read, keep looking! This is not the book for you!

Indestructible Object by Mary McCoy

Reviewed by Sienna V.
Grade 11

Mary McCoy’s Indestructible Object is an enthralling love story that illustrates how artwork and love are one and the same. This book did not fail to grab the reader's interest with its lovable plot. With many twists and turns this book will leave you wanting more.

Lee and Vincent are both “artists in love” who ran a podcast under that name. When Vincent gets accepted into Howard University and has to move to Washington D.C, he has to make the hard decision to break up with his true love. This leaves Lee in shambles but she can't help but be happy for him. As time goes on her best friends Max and Risa are by her side. Lee is told that her dad may not actually be her biological father, so her best friend Max suggests a podcast to document their time trying to find out the truth. Will Lee and Vincent ever get back together? Is Lee going to solve the mystery of her parents?

I thought the plot of this book was amazing. I really enjoyed the layout that McCoy made to differentiate the podcast recording from the normal perspective. There were a few cheesy lines, but what's a good love story without them? This story has many diverse characters and a great representation of the LGBTQ+ community. I think that is very important to have and made this book much more realistic and interesting.

I enjoyed this book a lot and recommend it to someone who is also into romance novels. I really liked the author's writing style and how she developed the characters. The characters in this book reminded me a lot of my own friends and family which was nice. I would definitely recommend this book!

The Iron Raven by Julie Kagawa

Reviewed by Lauren M.
Grade 12

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

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

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

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

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

What I Carry by Jennifer Longo

Reviewed by Amy P.
Grade 10

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

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

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

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

Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach

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

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

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

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

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

All These Bodies by Kendare Blake

Reviewed by Anna M.
Grade 10

expected publication: September 2021

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

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

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

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

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

Also by Kendare Blake - Anna Dressed in Blood

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

Reviewed by Amy P.
Grade 10

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

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

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

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

The Summer of Tails & Tales

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

    

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

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