Revolution
Author: Deborah Wiles

Plot Summary:

"Revolution" by Deborah Wiles is a historical fiction novel set in Mississippi during the summer of 1964, a time of great turmoil and change in America. The story is narrated by Sunny, a young white girl who is initially sheltered from the racial tensions and violence that surround her. However, when her mother takes in a group of civil rights workers for the summer, Sunny begins to see the world in a different light.

As the Freedom Summer unfolds, Sunny is exposed to the realities of segregation, discrimination, and violence against black Americans. She witnesses the bravery and sacrifice of civil rights activists, but also the brutality and hatred of those who oppose them. Along the way, she discovers the power of her own voice and the importance of standing up for what is right.

"Revolution" is a unique blend of fiction and non-fiction, with documentary-style images, quotes, and documents interspersed throughout the text. These elements provide a deeper understanding of the historical events and figures that shaped the Civil Rights Movement. The novel also includes a glossary, bibliography, and notes for further reading, making it a valuable educational resource.

Through the eyes of Sunny, "Revolution" offers a powerful and emotional journey of self-discovery, as she learns to confront her own biases and prejudices. The novel is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice in America, and an inspiration to readers of all ages to stand up for what is right and just.

What did you think about the book?:

I enjoyed the realistic aspects of this book, and how it connected to actual American history through the use of historic primary sources. I also enjoyed the connection the readers were able to have with Sunny. Personally, there was nothing I really didn't like about this book; I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book.
The Young Elited
Author: Marie Lu

Plot Summary:

This book follows the journey of Adelina Amouteru as she discovers her true potential. This fictional story takes place in 1361, immediately after the blood fever. The blood fever is a dangerous disease that kills people brutally. However, some people got markings and got powers that connected the realm of the gods and the human world. The “normal” people thought that these people were a bad omen and called them “malfettos”. The Inquisition are people who seek to kill these “malfettos”.

Adelina kills her father due to his abusiveness and negligence. Teren Santoro, the leader of the Inquisition Army, arrests Adelina for killing her father. As she is about to be set on fire in public, another “malfetto” named Enzo set her free. Enzo, a former prince, created “The Dagger Society'' for people like him.

Enzo takes Adelina to the place of the Dagger Society and trains her. During training, Adelina gets tested for her powers. Every “malfetto” has powers. Adelina’s power is to create illusions. Enzo’s power is to control fire.

As Adelina attends a dance, she gets accepted into the Dagger Society, and Teren sneaks in and forces her to work as a spy for him. Something mind-boggling is that Teren is an Elite. He has the power to heal and not be affected by any wounds. In the climax, Enzo, Adelina, and Teren are in a fight. Adelina accidentally distracts Enzo with her power and Teren kills him. The Dagger Society exiles her and she vows to come back with her own army.



What did you think about the book?:

I liked the book because the author hooked me into the book from the first page. Also, the feeling of suspense that they gave is literally bone-shivering.
One of Us Is Lying
Author: Karen M. McManus

Plot Summary:

Five Bayview High School Students from different friend groups: Bronwyn, Nate, Simon, Cooper, and Addy wind up in detention after school after being caught having their phones in their backpacks. But it's not just your normal detention when one of your classmates die. When Simon is announced to be dead, the four other students in detention in Bayview High are the immediate suspects of a murder case. No matter how much each one tries to prove their innocence, no one believes them. Instead, the four of them find themselves joining up together, while keeping an eye out for each other, to solve the murder of Simon and prove their innocence.

What did you think about the book?:

I quite liked the storyline and mysterious tone this book has. As well as how the book first started and introduced all these characters and didn't delay to get the plot started. My least favorite part of the book is that it felt like the pages would go on for so long as there was a lot of information being thrown at you at once. But still it helps engage the reader into the novel.
Stan Lee: The Man Behind Marvel; Young Adult Edition
Author: Bob Batchelor

Plot Summary:

A biography on Stan Lee, the man who created a whole Marvel world. Stan Lee created his first comics of Captain America in 1941 at age 18. He enlisted in the Army Signal Corps where he used his skills there as well. He went on to create so many superheroes and a movie franchise that would take over the world. The Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, and the X-Men Universe are just a few favorites that are in this book. In 2018 at 95 years of age, Stan Lee passed away but his legacy will live on forever.

What did you think about the book?:

This biography had some great information on Stan Lee's life as well as all the great superheroes he created through the years. I enjoyed learning more about him since I do love a lot of his creations.

I did not like that at the end of Stan Lee's life he was a victim of elder abuse.
The Betrothed
Author: Kiera Cass

Plot Summary:

The story takes place in a dystopian era and follows a young girl named Hollis. Hollis struggles to make the right decision: should she listen to her heart or her head? As she tries to decide, her parents, friend, and experiences continue to sway her decision every which way. In the end, she has to live with the results of her choice, whether a blessing or a curse.

What did you think about the book?:

I enjoyed this book and found that it was well- written and a good mix of conflict and bliss. Every situation that Hollis experienced, whether good or bad, was entertaining and caught my attention and heart. With a series of plot twists, truths uncovered, obstacles, and positive times, I remained invested in the story and constantly wanted to read more and find out what Hollis would do next.
The chandler legacies
Author: Abdi Nazemian

Plot Summary:

Five teenagers from very different backgrounds join a prestigious writing group at their prestigious boarding school in THE CHANDLER LEGACIES. The pupils discover many things about themselves, other classmates, and long-kept mysteries at their school. As part of the creative process, their writing group mentor encourages the students to tap into their most profound truths. These activities compel the children to confront their problems and traumas. They discover that there are many different types of trauma, anxiety, and sadness that people can experience. The reader gets a comprehensive view of the boarding school experience because each chapter is written from the perspective of a different student. How the children feel about their time

What did you think about the book?:

I think it is a good book, but can have a few changes and few of the lines in the book should be changed up to be a little bit more friendly for all readers. I do like the plot of this book, and how characters from all different backgrounds. Join a group and work together to face, many different problems and challenges. Meanwhile, learning about each other at the same time.
Goodbye Days
Author: Jeff Zentner

Plot Summary:

Carver Briggs, a 17-year-old high school student, recently learned that his three closest friends had perished in a terrible vehicle accident. Carver's closest pals were Thurgood Marshall ("Mars"), Eli Bauer, and Blake Lloyd. The "Sauce Crew" group of boys were getting ready to start their senior year at Nashville Arts Academy. Mars was responding to a text message that Carver had sent at the time of the collision, and Carver holds himself responsible. The narrative is delivered from Carver's perspective, providing an intimate glimpse into the boy's emotional recovery from this traumatic event.

Carver struggles with loneliness and guilt after the event while also experiencing grief. The fact that he is held accountable by some of the families of the slain lads only intensifies these emotions. Judge Edwards, Mars's father, even requests that the district attorney launch an investigation into the incident. As a precaution, Carver's parents retain legal counsel to defend him. Carver might face a charge of criminally negligent homicide, the attorney explains. In this way, Carver manages his stress in addition to the shame and anguish he already experiences.

The story traces Carver's emotional development as he adjusts to the loss of his companions. The narrative is based on a sequence of goodbye days, during which Carver spends time with each of the deceased boy's family members to remember him. The reader can get to know each of the dead lads personally through the stories their loved ones share about them on each goodbye day.



Carver's mental turmoil, which is shown through internal dialogue, dreams, flashbacks to his pals, and fictitious discussions with the murdered boys, sets the scene for the final days. Panic attacks are a bodily manifestation of Carver's sorrow and remorse. Carver also starts feeling attracted to Jesmyn Holder, the woman Eli was seeing prior to his passing. These emotions only make him feel guiltier.

In the end, Carver's involvement in the disaster is not further investigated. Carver succeeds in clearing his name of his culpability as well as clearing his name in the eyes of the law. Carver reframes his perception of the accident with the aid of his therapist, Dr. Mendez. He discovers that trying to assign a reason for every occurrence in a chaotic environment is foolish and even harmful. By the end of the novel, Carver has been able to come to terms with the accident and seems to be moving on with his life.

What did you think about the book?:

My favorite part of the book was when Carver finally found himself at peace because it resolved the conflict of the story in such a nice way.

My least favorite part of the book was when Carver had to go to each of the funerals for his three friends, because it was so tragic and heartbreaking to know Carver's inner thoughts.
The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage
Author: Philip Pullman

Plot Summary:

Young Malcolm Polestead led an ordinary life until a mysterious child, Lyra, was taken in by the nuns across the river. Two opposing organizations are on the hunt for Lyra and will do anything to stop whoever gets in their way. Through a startling chain of events, Malcolm finds himself in possession of the child, fighting for both of their lives in order to bring Lyra safely to her father.

What did you think about the book?:

I really enjoyed this book because it seemed as if I was living in the story with the characters. Philip Pullman's writing transports the reader right into the book and makes them experience everything the characters face as if it were happening to them. My favorite part is how no detail goes to waste; every single thing in the book connects to each other, even though the connection might not be clear at first. I love when a book does this because it enhances both the writing and the reading experience by making the reader think about the connections between seemingly different things.
Hiroshima
Author: John Hersey

Plot Summary:

This book follows six survivors of the bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. These are normal people who share their experiences with the author. The first person, Reverend Kiyoshi Tanimoto, is a beloved priest. On August 6, he wakes up early to help his friend move some heavy furniture to another house. At 8:15 am, a bright light flashes across the sky, and the force of the explosion throws Tanimoto to the ground. However, he survives without any serious injuries. Another woman living in Hiroshima, Hatsuyo Nakamura, wakes up very early on August 6. Nakamura is a widow who sews for a living. When the bomb explodes, Nakamura’s house is reduced to rubble. She is able to crawl through the rubble and save her three young children. Another Hiroshiman, Dr. Masakazu Fujii, is sitting on the porch behind his home, reading the paper. The force of the explosion rips the porch out from the building and throws it into the river below. Fujii is able to wade out of the river. A German priest living in Hiroshima, Father Wilhelm Kleinsorge, is sitting in his chapel during the blast. The young doctor Terufumi Sasaki is working in the Red Cross Hospital when the explosion rips apart some of the building’s walls. Sasaki is uninjured, and he immediately begins tending to the victims of the explosion. The final main character in the book, a young clerk named Toshiko Sasaki, is sitting in her office; in the explosion she is crushed under a heavy bookcase. These six characters' experiences were fleshed out in the book to bring the awareness of the damages the bombing caused, also making the book more interesting.

What did you think about the book?:

The book was interesting and emotional. It involved many parts where people felt lots of emotion. For example when Mrs. Nakamura was searching for her children right after the bombing, while they are crying for help. Scenes like this portray the aftereffects of the bombing of Hiroshima, and how it affected their lives in the future too in Chapter 5. The evolution of each character in the future. These emotional parts of the book help make this book a great book. The idea to brin awareness about the bombing of Hiroshima made this book interesting, and people should definitively read it.
The Son of Neptune
Author: In the Son of Neptune, the continuation of the Lost Hero, Percy Jackson from the Percy Jackson series is revealed to be alive, and just like Jason Grace, has also lost his memory. After running away from the gorgons, at the start of the book, is revealed that there is a Roman camp that contains demigods, just like camp half-blood, called Camp Jupiter. Percy Jackson loses his power of the river Styx by crossing the river Tibet when saving an old lady called Juno. In camp Jupiter, he meets up with the two other main characters, Frank Zhang, and Hazel Levesque. They eventually get a quest to free the Greek god of death, Thanatos after everyone stops being able to die.

Plot Summary:

In the Son of Neptune, the continuation of the Lost Hero, Percy Jackson from the Percy Jackson series is revealed to be alive, and just like Jason Grace, has also lost his memory. After running away from the gorgons, at the start of the book, is revealed that there is a Roman camp that contains demigods, just like camp half-blood, called Camp Jupiter. Percy Jackson loses his power of the river Styx by crossing the river Tibet when saving an old lady called Juno. In camp Jupiter, he meets up with the two other main characters, Frank Zhang, and Hazel Levesque. They eventually get a quest to free the Greek god of death, Thanatos after everyone stops being able to die.

What did you think about the book?:

I like how the book reintroduces old ideas and characters while adding new lore and characters that can explain unanswered questions in the Percy Jackson Series.