Young Adult Book Reviews

The Clock in My Head Never Stops by Daniel Rush

The Clock in My Head Never Stops by Daniel RushA raw account of a teenage boy battling the relentless weight of anxiety, The Clock in My Head Never Stops by Daniel Rush is a relatable and detailed portrait of silent struggle.

Readers follow Billy’s steps through a typical day of high school, where he overthinks every step of the way, from nerve-wracking moments of class participation and awkward upperclassmen crushes to the self-doubt of team sports and emotional disconnection from seemingly oblivious parents. His unwanted and obsessive focus on time, expectations, potential disappointments, failures, or embarrassment goes beyond the typical worries of most teenagers, crossing into the realm of […]

2024-11-05T13:13:18+02:00November 5th, 2024|Categories: New Releases|Tags: |

Review: The Keepers of the Light by Trevor A. Dutcher

The Keepers of the Light by Trevor Dutcher

A coming-of-age adventure shining a light on the goodness and grace that makes the world go round, The Keepers of the Light by Trevor A. Dutcher is a riveting new YA read, and an entertaining first book in the Logan LeVec series.

Logan LeVec is navigating all the perils of sixth-grade life, from persistent bullies and paralyzing crushes on his neighbor to clumsy lunchroom disasters and embarrassing oral reports, but his seemingly normal life is about to change in ways he never expected. Though Logan’s parents would never believe or approve, the wild stories that his grandfather has been telling […]

Review: The Evolution of Nora O’Brien Pacheco by Kevin O’Flaherty

The Evolution of Nora O'Brien Pacheco by Kevin O'Flaherty

An international coming-of-age novel, The Evolution of Nora O’Brien Pacheco by Kevin O’Flaherty tells the story of a brilliant and ambitious Basque girl whose life is upended by a startling revelation. Straightforwardly written, but still profound in its emotional scope, the novel can inspire young readers to achieve what they want in life, while also delving into important topics such as education, family, friendship, and grief.

Nora is a seventeen-year-old girl from Bilbao who, as the title suggests, is going through a time of great change not only in the plans she has for her own future, but also in […]

2024-10-02T09:26:49+02:00September 6th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: |

Review: Ugly by Kelly Vincent

Ugly by Kelly Vincent

A raw and poignant exploration of a teenager’s quest for identity, Ugly by Kelly Vincent is a potent study of the harsh realities of high school social hierarchies and personal uncertainties.

At the heart of this contemporary YA novel is Nicole Summers, a fifteen-year-old from a small Oklahoma town who becomes the embodiment of anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or misplaced. Nicole, or Nic as she prefers, is not your typical high school protagonist – overweight and often cruelly labeled as an “ugly lesbian” despite her interest in boys, Nic’s challenges are compounded by her best and only friend […]

2024-07-26T11:58:49+02:00June 13th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: , |

Review: Uglier by Kelly Vincent

Uglier by Kelly Vincent

In Uglier, Kelly Vincent captures the poignant journey of Nic Summers, a 16-year-old artist who dares to navigate the tumultuous waters of identity and acceptance in a new environment. As the second installment in Vincent’s powerful YA series, the novel not only continues the narrative of growth and self-discovery, but also deepens the exploration of pressing social issues faced by those who defy traditional gender norms.

Vincent’s protagonist, Nic, leaves the stifling confines of a small town in Oklahoma for a seemingly progressive private academy in suburban Oklahoma City. Nic’s expectations soar as she yearns for artistic growth and […]

2024-07-25T12:04:16+02:00June 13th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: , |

Review: The Last Refuge by Christina Bacilieri

The Last Refuge by Christina Bacilieri

In a once-magical realm now ruled by an iron fist, one young woman must liberate the forces within to change the world, and save those she loves, in The Last Refuge by Christina Bacilieri. A rebellious YA fantasy thriller with an apocalyptic edge, this first installment of the Stealing Sanctuary series is a stunning foundation for what’s to come.

Over a century ago, magic was outlawed and shuttered away behind the forbidden borders of Etabon by the Founding Ruling Board, who claimed that the elimination of magic would save the planet from constant war and an age of darkness. However, […]

Review: Whirlwinds, Waves, and Willow by Flo Dombey

Whirlwinds, Waves and Willow by Flo Dombey

Unexpected romance, deadly betrayals, and the perils of complex families swirl madly together in Whirlwinds, Waves, and Willow by Flo Dombey, the second emotional installment of The Willow Chronicle.

Willow’s life has been turned upside-down by the reappearance of a biological father she thought long dead, making every decision feel unsteady for the headstrong 17-year-old, despite having some of the best sea legs in Port Townsend, WA. The mysterious suicide of her wealthy stepfather adds another devastating blow, further distancing Billie from her mother, whom she blames for the lifetime of secrets that led to this tragic collision of […]

Review: A Place of Vengeance by David Lafferty

A Place of Vengeance by David Lafferty

Gypsy curses, gym class crushes and ghostly visions haunt the pages of A Place of Vengeance: Tales from Windward Cove by David Lafferty, a clever piece of supernatural teen drama.

An aspiring young psychic trying to find his way in life by getting in touch with the afterlife, Ben Wolf is the humbly cool protagonist of this wild tale, boasting the perfect blend of self-deprecation and untapped potential. High school is hard as a new kid in town, and while Ben’s noble nature and crew of summertime friends make things a bit easier, something paranormal is going on at Silver […]

2024-02-18T15:42:58+02:00December 22nd, 2023|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: , |
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