This novel, which was inspired by the college admission scandal that put two famous actresses in jail (not for long, but they did serve time), really captures so much beyond the intrigue of that scandal. Life’s not fair, and the college admissions process is not a perfect one.
Category: YA Contemporary
That’s Not What Happened
I came across this young adult novel while searching for thrillers. So when I started reading it, I was surprised at the plot. However, although this deals with one of our society’s greatest tragedies–school shootings–this story was urgent and moving.
Dark and Shallow Lies
If you like mystery and intrigue with a side of psychic powers and magic, then this book truly is for you. Being able to twist the story around and around, until the reader feels desperate to get to the final pages, is truly an art, and this story does that and more.
A Monster Calls
I have been remiss in not giving this book a posting earlier. A Monster Calls paints a dark and beautiful narrative of what it feels like for a child to watch a parent struggle with terminal illness.
Talon
Talon offered me everything I was seeking in a good dragon-inspired YA novel. Thrilling action, well-designed intrigue, and star-crossed romance kept this plot humming. The main characters, who tell the story in alternating first-person voices, were tough and vulnerable all at once, and I think that takes great skill to write well.
The Cousins
McManus does a fine job here, giving us insight into each character and winning us over so we feel like part of the team. As the past and the present collide, this book will keep you guessing about the final outcome–will the cousins restore the relationship with their grandmother and gain back the family inheritance?
Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment
I now understand why my daughter’s fifth-grade teacher recommended the Maximum Ride series to her. The series has a perfect mix of adventure, science fiction, intrigue, and romance (which is minimal, but just present enough). The story focuses on children and young teenagers who have been turned into flying mutants, and it gives X-Men franchise a run for its money.
An Abundance of Katherines
Quirky is the only word to describe Green’s An Abundance of Katherines. From the main character-narrator, to the story itself, it’s a quirky good read with moments of emotional depth and poignancy.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
If you enjoy cracking the case right alongside the character, then this is your book. Although a larger novel, the book is definitely hard to put down. The pages seem to turn themselves to each dark discovery. And I feel fairly confident it will keep even the best reading detectives in the dark up to the last few chapters.
One of Us Is Lying
By Karen M. McManus Published: 2017 AR level: 5.1 AR points: 14.0 Word count: 91,844 I suggest: 7th grade+ I love a good murder mystery, and Karen McManus delivers an intriguing read with One of Us Is Lying. Secrets, lies, and even a little romance all stack up to make a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down read. I…
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
I’d never read anything by Sherman Alexie before. The book was funny, heart-wrenching, and at times, shocking. Only a Native American could write such an honest piece with any authenticity, and I am forever grateful for the recommendation.
What Light
This book by Thirteen Reasons Why author Jay Asher is a different kind of story from the hard-hitting bestseller. This light and beautiful Christmas story is classified as a middle grade plus, making it appropriate for young middle schoolers, all the way through high school.
Kid List 