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(309) 243-5716
Teen Patron Reviews
The views and opinions expressed are those of the reviewer and do not necessarily represent the views of the library.
Fouth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is a fantasy romance novel published in 2023. The book centers around a 20-year-old girl named Violet Sorrengail. Violet has trained her whole life to be a scribe at Basgiath War College, but her mother, a general, unexpectedly forces Violet to enter the Riders Quadrant. This quadrant focuses on coaching cadets to fight, strategize, use magical powers, and ride dragons. However, due to Violet’s sudden switch of focus, she is not equipped for the Riders Quadrant and must work hard to prove herself. To further this, Violet’s family has a reputation for their excellence and brutality. Due to General Sorrengail, Violet’s mom, many other cadets are out to get revenge on Violet. One of these people, Xaden Riorson, swears his hatred for her. However, as the story progresses, Violet and Xaden’s relationship grows and they soon find that they care for each other more than they ever could have anticipated. Reading Fourth Wing, I felt a strong connection to Violet, and I love how powerful of a character Violet is. As a rating, I give the book 4.5/5 stars. It was truly a riveting read, and I felt like I could not put the book down. – Molly S.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Scarlet Letter is a book published in 1850 with a strong message about forgiveness and sin. Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author, starts the novel by explaining the main character, Hester Prynne, and her sin. Hester lives in a Puritan society where sin is heavily punished, and punishments are usually carried out until death. When Hester comes to the New World, she waits for her husband to arrive. However, Hester’s husband does not arrive until around two years later. During this time, Hester has an affair with someone she refuses to name. From the affair, Hester gets pregnant and has the secret man’s child. The situation is seen as a huge scandal, and local leaders decide Hester must wear a scarlet letter on her chest for the rest of her life. And, when Hester’s husband arrives to see Hester’s scarlet letter, he vows to seek revenge on the mysterious “other person”. Throughout the story, readers learn about Hester’s character growth and how secrecy can negatively affect an individual. Full of symbolism, this story is a good introduction to older, classic works. The novel is extremely descriptive and a bit of a harder read to understand. I had to focus on it and could not read mindlessly. Due to this, I give The Scarlet Letter 3.5/5 stars. – Molly S.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah is a memoir focusing on the struggles the author faced growing up as a colored descendant in South Africa during and right after the time of apartheid. The author tells these struggles through short, humorous stories with a clear lesson in each chapter. Sometimes, the lesson is about life in general, but other times the lesson would be about racial struggles, domestic abuse, and other serious topics. All in all, Trevor Noah elucidates his themes through fun stories about his life to teach others about apartheid, family, and more. 4 stars – Lucas H.
American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar
Book Summary: Lekha Divekar is the only Indian American in her small town. She constantly has to hide her culture at school and is always teased for it. One day, a new Indian girl moves to her town but isn’t afraid to express her culture. When Lekha faces a racist incident, she must choose to stick up for herself, or hide her true self forever. She must choose the right friends and realize who she is.
Review: I would give this book 4.5/5 stars. It has amazing character development, and details that actually make sense to the plot! Lekha isn’t perfect from the start, which makes her much more relatable. Every side story is a chance for Lekha to grow and reflect on herself, making the story much more dramatic. Unlike other stories, there aren’t a lot of useless events. It’s a page turner, and perfect for people who love realistic fiction, drama, and interesting characters. This book also teaches people to express themselves that isn’t too cheesy. Overall it is a great book to read! – R. Tuppal
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Summary: Fahrenheit 451 is a novel about a dystopian future where firemen burn books and start fires rather than putting them out. Guy Montag, a normal fireman, meets a girl who questions these ethics. Soon, he is stuck between deciding which is right, burning books or saving literature. He goes on a self-journey and later decides what’s right. He meets many new people and sees many new perspectives. In the end, Montag was astonished with what he saw.
Review: I would give this novel 2/5 stars. It is stretched out and much of it is either just details about certain things or unnecessary fluff that get in the way of the plot. These details are mostly uninteresting as well and don’t make sense to the plot. The plot itself isn’t as exciting as you would think it is and it can be difficult to understand where you are in the story or what the character is doing. The book does teach good morals and gives a good view on how technology can affect people’s lives, but it is extremely boring to read through! – R. Tuppal
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones is a fantasy novel that was later adapted into a Studio Ghibli film in 2004, originally published in 1986. The main protagonist, Sophie, is the eldest of three sisters, meaning she is destined to have the worst luck out of all of them. She works at a hat shop her father owned until he died, leaving it to her step mom. One day after endlessly making hats, the Witch of the Waste shows up and casts a terrible curse on her, forcing her to leave home or be ridiculed. After walking up the huge hills, Sophie finds herself facing the infamous Wizard Howl’s castle. Being too tired to walk any further, she enters the castle and sets a bargain with a fire demon so she can stay for the night. Sophie goes through a series of challenges in her new home and realizes Howl and the rest that live there may be more than just the nasty rumors she heard at home. Thrown into the world of magic, Sophie is determined to break her curse while she learns more about the others and herself. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars. The plot is certainly entertaining as there are countless adventures and challenges Sophie and the others who live in the castle go through. All of the characters are lovable and have their own unique charm. Although it is a hefty book, if you are looking for an interesting, unique fantasy novel, I would highly recommend it. Plus, the movie adaptation is whimsical as the art and music that Studio Ghibli produces is on another level. Anyone into fantasy should certainly check this book out. – Olivia P.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson was published in 2019 and is a mystery novel that follows the story of Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a high school senior, as she embarks on a school project that turns into an actual investigation. Her project centers around the closed case of Andie Bell, a high school student who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, five years earlier. The case was closed after Sal was found dead, presumed to have committed suicide out of guilt. Pippa is not convinced by the official narrative and decides to dig deeper into the case. Pippa uncovers a series of secrets and lies that suggest the true story is far more complex than it appears. She encounters danger several times through her investigation, risking her safety to reveal the truth about what really happened to Andie Bell. I would give this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars as the plot continuously kept me on my feet, each page turn resulted in another suspenseful plot twist. The book is very well written down to each and every intricate detail. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of mystery novels. –Amrutha D.
Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
“Good Girl, Bad Blood” by Holly Jackson was published in 2020 and is the sequel to “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.” In this follow-up, Pippa Fitz-Amobi, who previously solved the mystery of Andie Bell and Sal Singh, has sworn off investigating. She is now focusing on producing a true-crime podcast based on her previous case, which has garnered considerable attention. However, Pippa is drawn back into the world of investigation when Jamie Reynolds, a friend of her brother, goes missing. Jamie’s disappearance is dismissed by the police, who believe he ran away voluntarily, but his brother Connor is convinced otherwise and seeks Pippa’s help. Pippa reluctantly agrees to take on the case. As Pippa and her friends dig deeper, they unravel a web of secrets and lies that suggest Jamie’s disappearance might be connected to something far more sinister. I would give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. The mystery itself is intricately crafted, with enough plot twists to keep readers guessing. The stakes feel even higher than before with a quick paced plot and an unexpected story spiraling out of control. -Amrutha D.
As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson
“As Good As Dead” by Holly Jackson was published in 2021 and is the thrilling conclusion to the “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” trilogy. The story follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi as she faces the aftermath of her previous investigations. Pippa is preparing to leave for college, but her life is far from normal. She is haunted with paranoia, receiving threatening messages from an unknown stalker. Pippa’s new investigation begins when she connects her stalker to a series of disappearances and murders that share a chilling pattern. She uncovers shocking connections that hint at a conspiracy involving people she once trusted. The stakes are higher than ever, and Pippa must confront her darkest fears. As Pippa races against time, she finds herself in greater danger than she ever imagined. The lines between good and evil blur, and Pippa must navigate through deceit and betrayal to survive and protect those she loves. I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars because the plot continues to stay engaging and the ending is one that stays engraved in the reader’s head.Pippa’s resilience and determination are inspiring, and her moral dilemmas add layers of complexity to her character, one of the driving forces, to a chaotic story. -Amrutha D.
Five Survive by Holly Jackson
“Five Survive” by Holly Jackson was published in 2024 and is a tense thriller that revolves around a group of friends on a road trip that turns into a nightmare. The story follows six friends: Red, Simon, Oliver, Maddy, Arthur, and Reyna, who are traveling together in an RV. Their journey takes a dark turn when they find themselves lost in a remote area with no phone signal and a broken-down vehicle. As night falls, the friends realize they are not alone. A mysterious sniper begins targeting them, turning their trip into a deadly game of survival. The group must work together to outsmart the sniper and find a way to escape. Tensions rise as secrets are revealed, and the friends must confront their pasts and each other to survive the night. The story unfolds in real-time, heightening the suspense. With each passing hour, the stakes become higher. I would give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars because it is a thrilling and suspenseful book keeping you on the edge of your seat with unexpected plot twists that will leave you shocked. -Amrutha D.
Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi
The novel Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi is the third novel in the Shatter Me series. Published in 2014, this book starts with Juliette back with Warner where they share what happened and their history. They sort out their differences and he tells her about his past as well coming out with the revelation of what had happened to their friends and home. This novel explores more on Juliette’s struggle to become the best version of herself while harnessing her powers and keeping her friends and personal relationships by her side. The fight for freedom has become all the more dire and Juliette finds her way across her dangerous world and makes decisions that question her head and her heart. The character development of Juliette through this third novel explores how she deals with danger, betrayal, and the uncertainty that hangs her life in the balance. With the help of her rebel friends and the new-found companion she has found in Warner, Juliette evolves in ways that she never thought she could. I give this book a 4.7 out of 5 stars because it shows how Juliette grapples with her identity and the extent of her powers introducing her to new sides she didn’t know she had. – Mahek S.
Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi
The novel Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi is the fourth novel in the Shatter Me series. Published in 2018, this book begins with Juliette now in charge of Sector 45 with her newfound victory over the last supreme commander. She has her friends and Warner by her side, what could go wrong? She quickly realizes that she is still the underconfident and inexperienced teen who had lived in an asylum just some time ago, not a person ready to lead an entire country. Her self-doubt and newly discovered truths can destroy her when tragedy finally hits. This novel is told from the point of view of both Juliette and Warner with the aftermath of the revolution now a responsibility in Juliette’s hands. This book involves less action than the previous books have but presents readers with a different take on how Juliette molds herself to fit the role of a commander especially with prying eyes all around. I give this book a 4.2 out of 5 stars because there is less action but the plot takes a winding road with a heart-wrenching cliffhanger at the end. – Mahek S.
Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
The novel Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi is the second novel in the Shatter Me series. Published in 2013, this equally thrilling book continues from the previous with Juliette now at Omega Point with her comrades. Under the guidance of Castle she tries to cultivate her power and control it but keeps facing dejection as her powers are different and don’t have the ability to heal but do quite the opposite. The others inside the bunker fear her because she is deadly. Castle doesn’t give up on her, as he still believes that Juliette can learn to come in control with her abilities and help Omega Point battle the Reestablishment. The only place Juliette feels at peace is with Adam who is dealing with his own half of struggles that he doesn’t tell Juliette. Overcome with emotions Juliette harnesses a power unlike anything people have seen and that’s when she decides to become serious with her training because the weight of the rebellion lies on it. When Juliette comes to know that some of her friends are in danger, she goes on a mission to save them where she learns truths about people she cares about that could change everything. I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars, as it has a great plot and character development. – Mahek S.
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
The novel Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi was published in 2011 and is about a girl named Juliette who’s been trapped in an asylum for most of her years. The unexpected visit from who she realizes is a friend changes her entire life and gives her a chance towards freedom. Once liberated, she comes back to a broken world that has changed due to the Reestablishment who have been using her powers as a weapon and she realizes just how important her powers really are. She is taken to Sector 45 which is not far from what we call Los Angeles and is one of the key bases of the Reestablishment. There, she meets Warner, the young man in charge of the Sector who is extremely intrigued with Juliette. Eventually, she finds a way to escape with the help of an old friend and tries to reach a sanctuary. A place where her powers can take their true form. Juliette faces love, heartbreak, dejection, freedom, but most importantly gains a family who-like her-have a goal. Stop the Reestablishment. Overall I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s a great Dystopian book that I believe many teens can resonate with in one way or another. – Mahek S.
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
A Farewell to Arms follows Lieutenant Fredric Henry, an ambulance driver and officer at the Italian front of world war 1. While at the front, Henry starts a relationship with a nurse, Catherine Barkley, and forms friendships with the other soldiers and a priest before tragedy strikes. Join Henry and Catherine as they are forced to contend with the tough realities of the war and face the consequences of trying to start a relationship where anyone and everyone can fall.
The book is a great read for students entering high school and gives a good idea of what high school literature will be like. It tackles some mature themes and gives grounded lessons about the reality of bravery, the cost of distractions, and the power of relationships during times of struggle. Hemingway’s writing style makes the scenes of action some of the most tense and interesting I have ever read, with incredibly realistic dialogue between characters like Henry and Catherine. 4.3/5 – Kaarthic A.
Wings of Fire: The Brightest Night by Tui T. Sutherland
Wings of Fire: The Brightest Night acts as the climactic finale of the first arc of Wings of Fire as it follows the last dragon of the Dragonet prophecy: Sunny. The story follows Sunny as she is kidnapped by nightwings and held for ransom for Queen Glory. After escaping the nightwings, Sunny finds her way to the desert and discovers her true family and her true role in saving all of Phyrria.
The Brightest Night acted as a perfect conclusion to this arc of wings of fire, leaving area open for the second arc while giving a satisfying conclusion to the current one. Getting to see Sunny’s point of view was great and the interactions between her and the characters, new and old, was wonderful. The wings of fire series as a whole is perfect for young teens, with fun characters, an interesting central plot, and great world-building throughout the entire series up to this point. Going through the series for the frist time was one of my fondest memories, and I would highly recommend giving it a chance. 4.8/5 – Kaarthic A.
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a teen romance that stars Rowan Roth and Neil McNair. They are academic rivals who have hated each other since freshman year of high school. Whether it be academic or club-related, the two would constantly try to one-up each other. The two go to a high school in Seattle that has a yearly tradition of holding a game, called Howl, for their seniors. Rowan feels more vengeful than ever as she enters the game with the intent to beat Neil for the final time. However, the two find themselves an unlikely team as they plan to destroy everyone else, until it is just them left. After pairing up, they start learning more about each other, delving into their personal issues and insecurities. This enemies to lovers romance is an interesting book with many unexpected twists and turns. The issues and problems the main characters face are relatable and recognizable to any high school out there. I would give this novel 4 out of 5 stars. The plot is engaging and unique as Rowan and Neil learn more about each other while also healing along the way. Published in 2021, the fast paced romance is completed in just 24 hours as the two find their way. – Olivia P.
The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton is a realistic fiction that is told from the perspective of a fourteen-year-old Greaser: Ponyboy Curtis. In just 180 pages, the story depicts the frustration and bitterness of many teenage social settings through a gang rivalry. The Greasers are known as the poor, hood kids while the Socs, their rivals, are known as the rich, smart kids. Ponyboy’s family consists of his two brothers, Darrel and Sodapop, and he is faithful and loyal to his gang, as are his brothers. As tensions rise between the gangs and unexpected events occur, Ponyboy is forced to confront his own issues, such as his morals, goals, and family struggles. Although the audience may not experience his exact situation, his thoughts and actions resonate with many teenagers as his confusion and fear are familiar to most.
Reading The Outsiders, I felt sympathetic to the characters, especially Ponyboy. Hinton wrote in his perspective perfectly so that I could see and relate to his struggles, challenges, and emotions, even though I have never been in any similar events. Despite being published in 1967, the topics covered in the novel are still relevant today. The adversity the two gangs feel against each other are reminiscent of adversity in current high schools or groups in general. I would give The Outsiders a 5 out of 5 stars. The plot and characters develop in such a unique and personal way so that the audience feels a true connection with them at the end. I would highly recommend everyone, especially teenagers, to read this book.
Ground Zero by Alan Gratz
Ground Zero by Alan Gratz is a realistic fiction that explores the tragedies of 9/11. The story, published in 2021, has a unique structure that uses alternating points of view to show the different effects of 9/11. Ground Zero explores two different worlds, one in 2001 in New York and the other in 2019 in Afghanistan’s mountains. Gratz depicts these perspectives through two main characters: Brandon, a nine year old in New York, and Reshmina, an eleven year old in Afghanistan. Brandon goes to the North Tower on a whim after getting suspended from school. Through Brandon’s point of view, readers see the trauma of not only being in 9/11, but also the lasting impacts of it. The imagery places the audience in Brandon’s shoes as he experiences challenges that no one should ever face. Reshmina lives in a village near the mountainside, where the Taliban reside. Although she dreams of peace and a world of freedom, she struggles with her twin brother’s desire to join the Taliban and the constant warfare surrounding her. Uniquely, Ground Zero goes into the more recent conflicts that 9/11 has caused in Afghanistan, emphasizing the bombing and conflict between the U.S. and the Taliban. Through Reshmina’s point of view, the audience can understand the everlasting effect 9/11 has had internationally. The novel interlaces the two events, eighteen years apart, to show the severity of 9/11 and educate others on what happened both then and now. Overall, I would give Ground Zero a 4.5 out of 5 stars. The two perspectives highlight the different conflicts and enlighten the audience on 9/11’s influence. – Olivia P.