About Louisville Public Library's Review Crew

The library’s Review Crew offers local teens in grades 6-12 the opportunity to earn community service hours for school or other organizations by reviewing teen books or adult books with teen appeal. We hope to provide local teens with great reading recommendations from their peers while also providing a flexible means of earning volunteer credit.

To join the Crew, please email Teen Services Librarian, Jessica Schwartz, at jschwartz@louisvilleco.gov for more information and review writing guidelines. You will be asked to write a sample review. If your review is accepted, you will be eligible to earn one community service hour for every review submitted. 

Ratings are out of 5 stars:

·         1 star = didn't like it

·         2 stars = it was ok

·         3 stars =  liked it

·         4 stars = really liked it

·         5 stars  = it was amazing

   

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

 
Title: One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus
Rating: 4 stars
Review Writer: Teodora B.

 

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus follows an intriguing plot that will hook readers in instantly. 5 students walk into detention. 4 leave. Who murdered the 5th? 

 

Each student - Bronwyn, the brain; Addy, the beauty; Nate, the bad boy; Cooper, the athlete - has their own story, and fair share of secrets. But most importantly, they all have their own reasons for wanting Simon, the school’s most notorious gossip blogger, gone. When he dies under suspicious circumstances, they all become suspects. As the investigation unfolds, tensions rise, friendships are tested, and the truth becomes harder to hide. 

 

I really enjoyed this book, because the characters are all relatable. There’s such diversity in their backgrounds and personalities, that everyone can find a character they connect to. I also like how each chapter is written from a different character’s perspective. It really allows you to understand where they are each coming from, and their reasons for doing certain things or behaving a certain way. It also has a very unexpected ending, so if you usually instantly guess who did it, this will be much harder for you to figure out. However, one thing I wasn’t a huge fan of was the pacing. The book has a slower pace as compared to other murder mystery books. Some of the scenes seem unnecessary, as they do not contribute to the plot. Overall, I would recommend One Of Us is Lying to fans of murder mystery novels, and thrillers. 

 

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni

 

Title: The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
Rating: 5 stars
Review Writer: Ava P.

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni follows Kiva, a skilled healer locked away in the dangerous prison in Zalindov. When the Rebel Leader arrives and is near death, Kiva is forced to treat her or face execution. Knowing that the Rebel Leader will not survive the trials set before her, Kiva volunteers to face the deadly trials in her place.  While fighting to survive, she uncovers dangerous truths about the prison and her own past. In a world where survival is a constant struggle, Kiva must make impossible choices to save herself—and perhaps everyone else. 

I really enjoyed how there were so many plot twists and mysteries which have the reader at the edge of their seat throughout the book.  It was a page turner! The only thing I disliked about the book was that it was in third person which didn’t allow me to really connect with the main character. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy but also like reading mystery. Overall, I rate this book 5/5 stars.

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

Title: Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Rating: 4 stars
Review Writer: Ava P.

Heartbroken Evangeline Fox makes a desperate deal with the mysterious Prince of Hearts, Jacks, to stop her true love from marrying another. The bargain leads her into a world of magic, dangerous curses, and tangled secrets. As she journeys through enchanted realms, Evangeline must outwit cursed princes, face treacherous enemies, and confront her own heart’s desires. Along the way, she discovers that the price of her wishes may be more than she ever imagined.
 
I enjoyed how the author creates such an unusual world with so many intricate and intriguing characters who are unlike any that I have read about before. I really liked that the storyline is so unique and really fun and light-hearted. The only thing I disliked about the book was that it had a slower start which made it harder for me to get pulled into in the beginning.
 
I would recommend this book to readers who are looking for a fantasy that is light-hearted and adventure-filled with strong and unique characters. Overall I rate this book a 4/5 stars.
 

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

 

Title: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Rating: 4 stars

Review Writer: Ava P.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black follows Jude, a mortal girl living in the treacherous world of Faeries, where deception and power struggles define everyday life. When she and her sisters are brought to the realm of Faerie, Jude must navigate its dangerous politics and cruel inhabitants, including the charming but ruthless Prince Cardan. Determined to earn a place in the faerie court, Jude faces unimaginable challenges that test her loyalty, ambition, and strength. I liked the complex and detailed descriptions of the book’s settings - it really gives the reader a clear view of what the unusual world of Faerie looks like and helps the reader understand and almost see how magical the mysterious world is. Additionally, I really liked how Holly Black made Jude so empowering.  Jude is fearless, strong, and incredibly cunning which I really liked because it made the story more entertaining. One of the only things I disliked about the book was how sometimes the plot was a little hard to understand as it was so intricately written - at points, I was very confused about what was going on. In addition to that, not much information is given at the beginning which makes it even more confusing as readers almost have to figure out certain parts on their own. I would recommend this book to readers who like political fantasies and plot twists on every page with a very small romance subplot. Overall I rate this book 4/5 stars.

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

Title: Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

Rating: 4 stars

Review Writer: Ava P.

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace is a fantasy about Signa, an orphan who has a strange connection to Death himself. When she is invited to her remaining relatives’ secluded estate, she uncovers dark secrets about her family and it all ties to Death. As she grapples with newfound powers and the dangerous secrets they uncover, Signa must navigate the new world she has been accepted into while uncovering the truth about her mysterious past. I liked how the author was very detailed in her descriptions and had complicated characters throughout the book. The characters are intricately written which makes it harder to determine who is behind the mysteries Signa must uncover. The only thing I disliked about the book was how at times, it felt rather rushed and too fast-paced for my taste. Otherwise the story was really thrilling and exciting to read. I would recommend this book to people who like to try and solve mysteries themselves when they are reading a book, this particular book has so many twists and turns that it will always keep them guessing. Overall, I rate this a 4 out of 5 stars.

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo

Title: The Beatryce Prophecy

Rating: 4 stars 

Review Writer: Quinn T.

“The Beatryce Prophecy” by Kate DiCamillo takes place in a medieval setting, centered around a young girl named Beatryce, who has no memory of her life and is said to be involved in an ancient prophecy. In her adventures, she becomes acquainted with Brother Edik, a monk, along with a lion and a young boy. Together, they embark on a mission to discover Beatryce’s secret identity. Along the way, she begins to visit sites that cause her to recollect her past; I think the author weaves these moments into the story beautifully, and each character is written in a unique way. Despite the peculiar setting, the protagonists in this story are relatable and distinct. Though DiCamillo is more well-known for “The Tale of Despereaux” and “Because of Winn Dixie”, I think her less prevalent novels, such as “The Beatryce Prophecy” are equally enticing and worth reading. Though the plot of this story could be viewed as cliche, I think it is well written and memorable. I recommend this novel to fantasy and historical fiction readers, along with fans of Kate DiCamillo. This story has relevant, timeless, magical themes and amazing imagery.