Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

Book: Ghosts: A Graphic Novel by Raina Telgemeier 

Rating: 4.5 Stars 

Reader: Samuel C. 

Ghosts: A Graphic Novel by Raina Telgemeier explores the themes of family, love, and loss. The story follows the journey of a young girl named Catrina, who moves with her family to the coastal town of Bahía de la Luna, where the air is filled with the scent of the sea and the promise of ghosts. The novel is beautifully illustrated, with Telgemeier's signature style of clean lines and bright colors. The characters are all unique and well-developed, and readers will find themselves easily drawn into the story. The story is told from Catrina's perspective, and readers will be able to relate to her struggles to fit in and make friends in her new town. One of the strengths of Ghosts is how it deals with the subject of death and the afterlife in a sensitive and nuanced way. The novel explores the Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of those who have passed away. Through the eyes of Catrina and her younger sister Maya, readers learn about the rich cultural traditions and beliefs that surround this holiday. The novel also deals with themes of illness and the impact it has on families. Maya has cystic fibrosis, a chronic illness that requires her to be constantly monitored and hospitalized. The novel shows how this impacts not only Maya, but also her family, who must navigate the challenges of caring for a sick loved one. Overall, Ghosts is a powerful and emotional graphic novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. It's a beautifully illustrated story that deals with complex themes in a sensitive and thoughtful way. Telgemeier's storytelling and artistic abilities are on full display in this novel, making it a must-read for anyone who loves graphic novels, stories about family and loss, or stories about the supernatural

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

Book: Sisters by Raina Telgemeier 

Rating: 4.5 Stars 

Reader: Samuel C. 

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier explores the complexities of family dynamics and sibling relationships. The story follows Raina, a preteen girl who is excited about the prospect of a new sister. However, when her sister Amara arrives, Raina quickly discovers that things aren't quite as easy as she had hoped. The two sisters struggle to get along, and the family's road trip to a family reunion only serves to exacerbate their tensions. The graphic novel is beautifully illustrated, with Telgemeier's signature style of clean lines and bright colors. The characters are all unique and well-developed, and readers will find themselves easily drawn into the story. The story is told from Raina's perspective, and readers will be able to relate to her struggles to fit in and find her place in her family. One of the strengths of Sisters is how it deals with the complexities of family relationships. The novel doesn't shy away from showing the challenges that siblings face, and how difficult it can be to navigate these relationships. The tension between Raina and Amara is portrayed realistically, and readers will appreciate the honesty of the novel's depiction of sibling dynamics. Overall, Sisters is a heartwarming and relatable story that will resonate with readers of all ages. It's a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that deals with complex family relationships in a realistic and honest way. Telgemeier's storytelling and artistic abilities are on full display in this novel, making it a must-read for anyone who loves graphic novels, family dramas, or stories about the bonds between siblings

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Book: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee 

Rating: 5 Stars 

Reader: Samuel C. 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a classic American novel that was first published in 1960. It is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression, and follows the story of a young girl named Scout Finch and her brother Jem, as they learn about racism and prejudice in their community. The novel is narrated from Scout's point of view, and it is through her innocent eyes that we see the events of the story unfold. Scout is a tomboy who prefers playing outside with her brother and their friend Dill, rather than conforming to the expectations of her gender. Their summer adventures lead them to encounter the mysterious Boo Radley, and eventually, to the trial of a black man named Tom Robinson who is falsely accused of raping a white woman. The story is a powerful commentary on the deep-seated racial prejudices of the South during that time period. Through the trial of Tom Robinson, the author exposes the injustices of the legal system and highlights the ways in which society perpetuates prejudice and discrimination. One of the most striking aspects of the novel is the character development of Scout and Jem as they come to understand the complexities of the world around them. The lessons they learn about empathy, tolerance, and the importance of standing up for what is right make the novel a timeless classic. Overall, To Kill a Mockingbird is a beautifully written and powerful novel that has become a staple of American literature. Its themes of justice, compassion, and the struggle against prejudice continue to resonate with readers today, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of the United States.

Spy School British Invasion by Stuart Gibbs

Book: Spy School British Invasion by Stuart Gibbs

Rating: 4 stars

Reader: Oliver G.

Spy School British Invasion by Stuart Gibbs is the 7th book in the Spy School series where Ben Ripply, Erica Hale, and Catherine Hale (Erica’s Mom) go to the U.K to try and put an end to the CIA’s rival organization SPYDER. Highly recommend reading the previous books in order to get backstory on all the characters and organizations. Before they travel to the U.K the CIA needs to rescue Ben from being stuck in Mexico. I really enjoyed this book because every page was different whether it being a different event, a different character, it was always different keeping you interested. The introduction of new characters was super exciting as well. This book was really interesting addressing a lot of themes such as love, friendship, sacrifice, danger, and so many others. The one thing I didn’t like was the pace of the book. I felt like it wasn’t very steady. It would be super fast and interesting at some points then be slow but still interesting at others.  I would recommend this book to middle schoolers and up. It was a really good book, just violent at some points which is why I wouldn’t recommend it to younger audiences.

Spy School Revolution by Stuart Gibbs

Book: Spy School Revolution: by Stuart Gibbs

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Readers: Oliver G.

Spy School Revolution by Stuart Gibbs is the 8th book in the series where Ben Ripply and his family are told that they need to go into Witness protection after Ben destroyed the CIA rival organization SPYDER. While the CIA agent and Ben’s family were talking they were bombed by someone you would not expect. To find out more about what SPYDER is read the series in order. Every event that happened was amazing; also giving some educational history. The characters were incredible displaying multiple themes and challenges. I could not stop reading this book, I would be up late reading and reading until I got to the end. The one thing I didn’t like was that they left with a huge surprise that I did not expect. Spy School Revolution was different from every other book in the series which made it way more interesting. This book is a little bit of a trickier read than other books in the series but I would recommend it to anyone 11 years old and up. Although it is more of a harder read, Spy School Revolution is a great book and if someone is a strong reader then this is a perfect book for them.

Spy School at Sea by Stuart Gibbs

Book: Spy School at Sea by Stuart Gibbs
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reader: Oliver G.

Spy School at Sea by Stuart Gibbs is the 9th book in the Spy School Series, about Ben Ripply and his partners attempting to stop Murray, his old friend and now enemy. Ben, Erica, Mike, Catherine (Erica’s Mom), and Alexander (Erica’s Dad) are undercover as a family on The Emperor of Seas (the biggest cruise ship in the world) where the CIA believed Murray was hiding. Murray and Ben go back all the way to the beginning of the series which I recommend you start reading there. Also If you liked this book as much as me don’t worry there are 9 others to read.  Reading it was very amazing considering how mysterious this book is and always keeps you on your toes. The way the characters are described make you seem like you’ve known them for your whole life. Not once did this book fail to keep me interested through the dialogue, the clues, the drama, the events, the new characters, etc. The only thing I disliked about this book was the cliffhanger at the end left me wanting the next book instantly .

Overall this book was amazing and I would recommend it to any level of readers regardless of age this whole book series would be a delight to read.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Book: Fahrenheit 451

Ray Bradbury 

Rating: 5 Stars 

Reader: Samuel C. 

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is a classic dystopian novel that explores the dangers of a society that suppresses free thought and independent thinking. The story is set in a future where books are banned and "firemen" are tasked with burning any books that are found. Bradbury's writing is both poetic and haunting, and his ability to create vivid imagery and atmosphere is truly impressive. The novel's protagonist, Guy Montag, is a fireman who begins to question his role in a society that values conformity above all else. The themes of censorship, knowledge, and the power of literature are woven throughout the novel, and Bradbury's commentary on the dangers of a society that seeks to limit free thought and expression is still relevant today. The characters in Fahrenheit 451 are complex and multidimensional, and their struggles with the oppressive society they live in are both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. Bradbury's use of symbolism and metaphor is also noteworthy, adding depth and nuance to the story. Overall, Fahrenheit 451 is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that has stood the test of time. Its themes and messages are just as relevant today as they were when the book was first published, and its impact on the genre of dystopian literature

The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho

Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho 

Rating: 4.5 Stars 

Reader: Samuel C.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a captivating and inspirational novel that tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who embarks on a journey to fulfill his personal legend. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and meets several interesting characters who help him discover the true meaning of life. Coelho's writing is simple yet profound, and his storytelling is both engaging and thought-provoking. The novel's central themes of following one's dreams, listening to one's heart, and trusting in the universe are universal and resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The characters in The Alchemist are well-developed and relatable, and Santiago's journey is both inspiring and relatable. Coelho's use of symbolism and metaphor adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a rewarding read. Overall, The Alchemist is a timeless classic that has sold millions of copies around the world. Its message of hope, perseverance, and self-discovery has touched the lives of countless readers, and its impact on popular culture cannot be missed.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Book: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan 

Rating: 4.5 Stars 

Reader: Samuel C. 

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is the first book in the popular young adult series, "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," written by Rick Riordan. The book follows Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old boy with dyslexia and ADHD who discovers that he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is whisked away to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods like him. The plot revolves around Percy's quest to retrieve Zeus' stolen lightning bolt and clear his name after he is accused of stealing it. Along the way, he is joined by his new friends Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, and Grover, a satyr. Together, they face numerous challenges and obstacles, including fighting monsters from Greek mythology and overcoming personal doubts and fears. Riordan's writing style is engaging and entertaining, and he does an amazing job of incorporating Greek mythology into the story in a way that is both educational and enjoyable for young readers. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the action and adventure keep the reader engaged throughout the book. One of the strengths of the book is the way it tackles important themes such as friendship, identity, and belonging. Percy struggles with feeling like an outsider and finding his place in the world, which many young readers can relate to. The book also promotes acceptance of differences, as Percy and his friends come from diverse backgrounds and have unique abilities. Overall, "The Lightning Thief" is a fun, fast-paced adventure that will appeal to both children and adults who enjoy mythology, fantasy, and action-packed stories.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Book: Wonder by R.J Palacio 

Rating: 5 Stars 

Reader: Samuel Coronado 

Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel that follows the journey of a young boy named August Pullman. August was born with a facial deformity that has made him an outsider his whole life. The novel explores themes of acceptance, kindness, and the power of friendship. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including Auggie, his sister Via, and his classmates. This allows the reader to see how Auggie's condition affects those around him and how they learn to empathize and appreciate him for who he is. Palacio skillfully portrays the different characters' struggles and triumphs, making them relatable and complex. The novel is a quick read, but it leaves a lasting impact. It is a beautiful reminder to look beyond physical appearance and to treat others with kindness and understanding. It also highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult. All in all the book Wonder is a touching and inspiring novel that is suitable for readers of all ages. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to be reminded of the power of empathy and the importance of acceptance in our society.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Book: Hatchet - Gary Paulsen 

Rating: 5 Stars 

Reader: Samuel C.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is a gripping and emotional survival story that follows 13-year-old Brian Robeson, who finds himself stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Armed with nothing but a hatchet, Brian must learn how to survive on his own in the wilderness, facing challenges such as hunger, thirst, and the dangers of the natural world. Paulsen's writing style is simple and straightforward, which allows the reader to feel like they are experiencing the wilderness alongside Brian. The story is told from Brian's perspective, and Paulsen does an excellent job of capturing the emotions and thoughts of a young boy forced to grow up quickly in order to survive. The book is filled with tense moments that keep the reader on the edge of their seat, from Brian's encounters with wildlife to his struggles to find food and shelter. But Hatchet is not just a survival story. It is also a story about personal growth, as Brian learns to rely on himself and become more self-sufficient. Overall, Hatchet is a well-written and engaging novel that is perfect for young readers who enjoy stories of adventure and survival. It is a timeless classic that will continue to captivate readers for years to come.