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

   

Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Book: Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Rating: 4 Stars 

Review Writer: Ava P.

Powerless by Lauren Roberts is a gripping dystopian fantasy set in a world where power defines fate. Paedyn Gray, a ‘Powerless’ girl in a society ruled by the powerful Elites, hides her lack of abilities to survive. When she is thrust into the deadly Purging Trials, she must outwit lethal enemies and dangerous allies. With romance, secrets, and rebellion brewing, Paedyn’s fight for survival could change everything.

I really enjoyed the witty banter that was often used in exchanges between the two main characters, Paedyn and Kai. This made me laugh so many times while I was reading it, and really added a comedic element to the story.

On the other hand, I did not like how the author left readers on a massive cliffhanger at the end of the first book and I feel that she could have tidied the ending up just a little bit.

I would recommend this book to people who enjoy reading fantasy or enjoyed the book The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins as Powerless has a similar plot in terms of those game-like scenarios.

Overall, I rate this book a 4/5 stars.

Lightlark by Alex Aster

Book: Lightlark by Alex Aster

Rating: 3 Stars 

Review Writer: Ava P.

In Lightlark by Alex Aster, Isla Crown joins the Centennial, a deadly competition held once every hundred years, where rulers of cursed realms fight for survival and the chance to break their curses. Each realm hides secrets but Isla’s is the most dangerous and game-changing of them all. As alliances form and betrayals unfold, she must navigate lies, love, and sacrifice. With her realm’s fate on the line, Isla must decide who to trust—and who to destroy.

I really liked how well the author described the setting, it really made the book feel immersive and made me really imagine the setting in a clearer way. I felt transported to this mythical place.

I did not like how the book ended as it ended on a weird cliffhanger which I personally did not enjoy. I would have preferred more closure and definitive and clear ending.

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading fantasy but like huge plot twists that always keep you guessing.

Overall, I rate this book a 3/5 stars.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Rating: 5 Stars 
Review Writer: Teodora B.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a novel told through a series of letters written by a shy and observant high school freshman named Charlie. From the very beginning, the book pulls readers into his inner world as he navigates friendships, love, and the overwhelming emotions that come with growing up.

Charlie isn’t like any typical main character—he’s quiet, thoughtful, and incredibly introspective. Through his eyes, we get to see the honest experiences of someone who feels like an outsider. What makes this book stand out is how it handles heavy topics such as mental health and grief, while also showing the importance of close friendships and relationships. Charlie’s friends, Sam and Patrick, help him break out of his shell and start to participate in life.

I really liked how real the writing felt. It’s simple, but powerful:  the depth of his words and emotions is what makes the story so memorable. Even though the book takes place in the early 90s, the feelings and struggles are still relatable and relevant to teens today. One thing to note is that the pacing is slower and more reflective, so if you're looking for a fast-paced plot, this might not be the book for you. But if you like character driven books that will really make you think, this is the right book for you.

I’d recommend The Perks of Being a Wallflower to any and every teenager. I strongly believe that it is a book everyone should read. Its  powerful messages about identity, friendship, and healing will resonate with every teen that reads it.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Book: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Rating: 4 Stars 

Review Writer: Ava P.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber is a magical fantasy about Scarlett Dragna, who escapes her abusive father to attend the legendary Caraval—an immersive, magical performance where the audience participates. Invited by the mysterious Master Legend, Scarlett must solve a series of clues to find her missing sister, Tella. But in this world of illusion and secrets, nothing is as it seems. As danger blurs into reality, Scarlett must decide what’s real before it’s too late.

I enjoyed how the book always had me on the edge of my seat - in the world of Caraval anything could happen at any given moment and you just could really never know what was coming next. The only thing I didn’t like about this book what that there wasn’t much character development of Scarlett and I think the story could’ve been more intriguing with more background and depth on this central character. I would recommend this book to fantasy readers who want to read something new and exciting. Overall I rate this book a 4/5 stars.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Book: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Rating: 5 Stars 
Review Writer: Ava P.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes tells the story of Avery Grambs, an ordinary teen who suddenly inherits a fortune from a dead billionaire she’s never met. To claim the money, she must live in the Hawthorne mansion and compete in a series of mysterious challenges against the billionaire’s four grandsons. As secrets unravel and alliances shift, Avery must figure out why she was chosen, all while navigating a web of danger and deceit.

I really enjoyed the witty banter that Avery often engaged in, it made me laugh out loud while I was reading the book. Additionally, it always kept me guessing as it had many fun plot twists. The only thing I disliked about the book was that it didn’t dive in deep into Avery’s past as I feel that would have helped me better understand certain her background and character. I would recommend this book to readers who love solving mysteries and enjoy books with romance plots.

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli

Book: Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli 

Rating: 4 Stars 

Review Writer: Vihaan J.

Rebel Witch: The Crimson Moth: Book 2 by Kristen Ciccarelli is a wild, heart-pounding sequel that picks up right where the first book left off, plunging you into a chaotic world where magic, betrayal, and forbidden love collide. In this book, Rune Winters is forced to make impossible choices as she finds herself on the run, caught between survival and the guy she once loved, Gideon Sharpe, who is now torn between his duty and his undeniable feelings for her. The tension between them is electric, and their enemies-to-lovers dynamic is as captivating as ever. I loved how the book blended fast-paced action with romance—each chapter left you wanting more. The dialogue feels real, and the characters are so relatable, even when the plot gets a bit predictable or rushed in parts. While I wish there was a deeper dive into the emotional fallout of their choices, the overall ride is intense and addictive. If you’re into epic fantasy worlds with high stakes and complicated relationships that keep you guessing, this book is worth checking out.