Next Read

This beautifully written novel in verse explores how Omid strives to find a way to say all of the things he has always found impossible to say. No matter what situation he is in, he feels he is never as smooth as his best friend Sammy or his brother Amir. It is only when he is introduced to the rhymes and rhythms of rap music,  Shakespearian plays, his Iranian grandfather, and Emily (his love-interest) that he finally starts to gain the courage to find his voice. What happens when these things start to slip away? You'll have to read to find out!   

-Dr. Gott

Are you fascinated with the occult? Do you like to watch horror movies? This new book by Krystal Sutherland doesn’t disappoint. She delves into everything from invocations that tether demons to women in exchange for powers, to bringing people back from the dead. This twisting and turning tale follows three unlikely friends as they track a serial killer. And they are all surprised to find out who it is and how they have to use their powers to protect each other.

If you like Sutherland’s House of Hollow, this new book will not disappoint.

   -Dr. Gott

In this novel in verse, Amina, a girl with a strong fighting spirit, has her life unravel after she is assaulted by the pastor of the church her family attends. Throughout this story, Amina struggles as she tries to find her voice and her strength to stand up against her abuser as her community is divided. Through her actions, she inspires others who were also abused to stand up and tell their stories.

The beauty of the verse captures the complexity of this issue and draws the reader in.

   -Dr. Gott

Cerulean is a non-binary female navigating thier frustrations with the rigid rules and expectations of thier public high school, which is in direct contrast to thier loving and free-spirited home life. After a dispute with a teacher, Cerulean makes a choice that will affect them, their entire family, and possibly the freedom that Cerulean so badly craves. Written as a novel in verse, each page flows from poem to poem to lay out a rather complicated story.

-Mrs. Sage

Based on the true story of Elizabeth Wilkinson, an 18th century woman living in London who loves to bare-knuckle box. She challenges all of the stereotypes about female boxers and earns her way to some matches that can earn her the much needed money to pay off her sister's debt and keep them safe. However, she must face some choices about how far she is willing to go to protect her sister when that comes into conflict with staying true to herself. This was an engaging graphic novel!

-Dr. Gott

This powerful novel in verse is about two Bribri American brothers, Max and Jay, who have always relied on each other to survive their abusive father and protect their mother. When they hear a friend in trouble in the woods, they step in to protect her by beating up their high school's star soccer player. Their actions start a series of consequence that make Max and Jay question everything about themselves and their relationship with each other. This is must-read is told in alternating points of view so you can understand both Max and Jay's struggles.

-Dr. Gott