Strange The Dreamer By Laini Taylor

Review by Rowan Goldsmith

Strange the Dreamer follows a young man named Lazlo Strange (The main character), an orphan and junior librarian who is obsessed with the mystery of the lost city of Weep, but could never dream of exploring it.

However, an opportunity presents itself when the Godslayer and his troop of Tizerkane warriors arrive, looking for scholars to help them with a “problem” in their city. Taking the offer, Lazlo is swept along on a journey to another world, complete with a floating citadel, a blue-skinned goddess whom Lazlo met in a dream, ghosts, moths, and more. But what really happened in Weep all those years ago, and how can Lazlo protect the people he loves from the truth?

The writing style in this book is mystical, and everything is described with beautiful language. The characters are charming and mysterious; the book really keeps you on your toes. It was a bit slow at first, but once I got to meet more of the characters and really get into the plot, I fell in love with this story. It’s something so different from anything I’ve read before, and I recommend it to anyone who loves high fantasy and mythology.

Rating- 4.7/5 stars

The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas

Review by Renee Buda

Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old black girl lives in a poor neighborhood and goes to school in a rich fancy prep school. She tries to keep things separate until she is there when a police officer shoots and kills her best friend. Starr’s life then falls apart.

She is horrified and grief-stricken, and people are accusing her friend, Khalil, of dealing drugs, of being in a gang, and calling him a thug. People protest in the streets. Cops and other people caught up in the mess threaten Starr and her family. But what people really want to know is the truth about what happened that night. The truth about Khalil. And Starr is the only person that can answer that question.

But Starr has to choose what she reveals because what she says or keeps secret could put her and her community in danger. I really enjoyed this book. It was heart-wrenchingly beautiful, and it made me laugh and cry. It is very important and I think everyone should read it. 5 stars.

*It does have some mature topics and scenes, just a warning*

The Invention Of Hugo Cabret

By Ansel Nieydermyer

This book is about an orphan named Hugo Cabret being raised by his uncle living in a train station in 1930s Paris. His job is to oil and maintain the clocks throughout the train station. He is also working on a broken automaton started by his father who also left him a notebook with a drawing of the automaton for him to use to finish this invention.

Hugo steals mechanical parts from a toy merchant who is not who they seem.

The merchant has a daughter who has a necklace that is needed to power the automaton, but why would she have it? If you want to learn the reasons behind these mysteries, I highly recommend this book.