Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. And when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life seems too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

I'm not a person who would willingly pick up a book and read but with this book in particular it was so hard to put down! Colleen Hoover has a way of writing that pulls you in from the first page. I highly recommend this book because the emotional rollercoaster of It Ends With Us will keep you hooked as it's a story that blends romance with deep, meaningful lessons and will have you reflecting on the choices you make in relationships. Lily’s experiences are similar to real life situations and it challenges you to think about love, boundaries, and the importance of self-respect.(Cynthia Nario)

From 1999 to 2009, U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle recorded the most career sniper kills in United States military history. His fellow American warriors, whom he protected with deadly precision from rooftops and stealth positions during the Iraq War, called him “The Legend”; meanwhile, the enemy feared him so much they named him al-Shaitan (“the devil”) and placed a bounty on his head. Kyle, who was tragically killed in 2013, writes honestly about the pain of war—including the deaths of two close SEAL teammates—and in moving first-person passages throughout, his wife, Taya, speaks openly about the strains of war on their family, as well as on Chris. Gripping and unforgettable, Kyle’s masterful account of his extraordinary battlefield experiences ranks as one of the great war memoirs of all time. (Amazon) 

I recommend American Sniper because I have a strong connection with the book due to my father being a US military Veteran. My dad served in the US Marine Corps Special Forces unit and this book shows what it is truly like being in the military. This book shows the hardship that the men and women in the military have to go through while in service and also portrays the hardship they face when they finally arrive home. The book focuses on the Navy Sniper, Chris Kyle, and how he served in the Iraq war being one of the most lethal men on the planet and finally arriving home to only be killed at a gun range by another military member struggling with PTSD. I am not a big fan of reading but this is one of the few books I have read fully and I strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the military and what they go through. (Blake Dominguez)

What if you couldn’t touch anything in the outside world? Never breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun warm your face . . . or kiss the boy next door? In Everything, Everything, Maddy is a girl who’s literally allergic to the outside world, and Olly is the boy who moves in next door . . and becomes the greatest risk she’s ever taken.(Amazon)

I would recommend this book to my classmates because it’s all about taking risks, finding love, and making the most of the limited time we have. This novel is one of my favorites because it keeps you engaged—there are always cliffhangers at the end of every chapter that makes you attached to the book that you never want to put down. 

The story relates to high schoolers since it is not only a romance novel but also one about personal growth and overcoming everyday obstacles. After reading the book, I suggest watching the movie to get a visual understanding of Maddy’s world and how she faced her fear of going outside which ultimately filled her life with love and new experiences. (Aliya Echevarria)

Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar—and maybe snag him as a prom date—even befriend Wes Bennet. The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor might seem like a prime candidate for romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz’s butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz’s in. But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love—and rethink her own ideas of what Happily Ever After should look like. (From Amazon.com)

I have read this book at least 10 times. I even got my whole family to read it! I am a huge movie buff, so I love how every chapter starts with a movie quote. Every character is so relatable yet still unique so this book can be enjoyable for many people. Although the concept is very cheesy, the writing and character interactions kept me so invested. This book is perfect for people who love romantic comedies and love music and movie references. There is even a music playlist in the back of the book, so I like to read the book with the songs on in the background. When I read this book I forget about everything else going on around me. If you enjoy this book, make sure to read the second book Nothing Like The Movies. (Makenzie Ashford)

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed.But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. (Goodreads.com)

I picked To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han because it was one book that kept me intrigued. It was easy to relate to due to the fact that it is a teenage romance novel. It not only has bits of drama, but it shows that relationships go through ups and downs. This book teaches young adult readers that sometimes kids in high school aren't how they seem to be. To All The Boys I've Loved Before is a great book for teens that are interested in romance and drama books. After reading this book I recommend watching the movie and seeing the tiny different details. (Ruby Colcol)

The Romance of Three Kingdoms is an epic Chinese novel set during the Han dynasty that dramatizes the lives of feudal lords and their retainers, recounting their personal and military battles, intrigues, and struggles to achieve dominance for almost 100 years. Part historical record and part legend, the novel covers the turbulent final years of the Han dynasty when China broke into three competing kingdoms, and delves into the politics of war, power, and diplomacy, causing it to be viewed not just as a great work of literature, but also as a guide for success in business and leadership. The most famous historical novel in China, it has inspired countless adaptations worldwide and remains one of the most beloved works of East Asian literature. (From Amazon.com)

I started reading this book last year and ever since I have never put it down, this book is an English translated, 600-page version of the original. Growing up, I loved learning about history, especially Asian history hence why I like history-related books. What I love about this book is that it is a historical fiction, easy to read book that is filled with many scenes of drama, action, and betrayal throughout the book. The book having 600 pages gives the author a lot of space to develop each character’s personality, traits, and kingdoms which makes the book more lifelike and more engaging to audiences that love history-related stories. This book appeals to people who love learning about the legends, wars, and culture of China, also for people who love reading a book that can last a very long time. I highly recommend this book! (Anthony Chan) 

In ultra-trendy Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four beautiful girls are hiding very ugly secrets. High school juniors Spencer, Hanna, Aria, and Emily have grown apart since their best friend Alison DiLaurentis went missing three years ago. But now someone is sending them anonymous notes, threatening to reveal their darkest secrets. There’s only one person who knows that much about them, but Ali’s gone . . . isn’t she? (From Amazon.com)

In ways the storyline is relatable. This book sheds light on relationships, drama, and the consequence to one's actions. I would recommend this book for an older [teenage] audience since in ways it can be “scary/ inappropriate”. I think others would like this book because everything that happens is so unexpected. There are so many cliffhangers but that's what kept me so interested in the book. (Ellie Wakamoto)

Mind Platter is a compilation of reflections on life as seen through the eyes of an educator, student, and human who experienced her early days in silence. It is written in the words of a woman who came from Lebanon to Canada at the age of sixteen and experienced what it was like to have fate push her to a place where she didn't belong. It is written in the voice of every person who has felt unheard, mistreated, misjudged, or unseen. The book contains over 200 one-page reflections on topics we encounter in our everyday lives: love, friendship, hurt, inspiration, respect, motivation, integrity, honesty, and more. Mind Platter is not about the words it contains, but what the reader makes of them. May this book give a voice to those who need one, be a crying shoulder for those who yearn for someone to listen, and inspire those who need a reminder of the power they have over their lives. (From Amazon.com)

This has been one of my favorite books I have ever read because it has a mixture of poetry and motivation. It's not like a normal adventure, fiction, or horror book you read and is an incredible read into real-life problems and super motivational. It opens up your eyes more about life and has many topics less than a page long each. (Eliana Gonzalez)

Jordan Romero climbed Mount Everest at age thirteen—and he didn’t stop there. In this inspiring young adult memoir that includes color photos, he tells how he achieved such great heights. On May 22, 2010, at the age of thirteen, American teenager Jordan Romero became the youngest person to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. At fifteen, he became the youngest person to reach the summits of the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents. In this energizing memoir for young adults, Jordan, recounts his experience, which started as a spark of an idea at the age of nine and, many years of training and hard work later, turned into a dream come true. (From BarnesandNoble.com)

Honestly, I hate reading books, but once I read this book I felt really inspired by Jordan’s story and it really made me feel like I could do anything in the world after seeing what obstacles Jordan overcame at such a young age. I usually don’t find the interest to finish any books that I start, but this wasn’t one of those. This book was a page turner for me and I 100% recommend this book to anyone, even those who don’t like reading just like me. (Mina Eskandar)

Blink is a book about how we think without thinking, about choices that seem to be made in an instant-in the blink of an eye-that actually aren't as simple as they seem. Why are some people brilliant decision makers, while others are consistently inept? Why do some people follow their instincts and win, while others end up stumbling into error? How do our brains really work-in the office, in the classroom, in the kitchen, and in the bedroom? And why are the best decisions often those that are impossible to explain to others?In Blink we meet the psychologist who has learned to predict whether a marriage will last, based on a few minutes of observing a couple; the tennis coach who knows when a player will double-fault before the racket even makes contact with the ball; the antiquities experts who recognize a fake at a glance. Here, too, are great failures of "blink": the election of Warren Harding; "New Coke"; and the shooting of Amadou Diallo by police. Blink reveals that great decision makers aren't those who process the most information or spend the most time deliberating, but those who have perfected the art of "thin-slicing"-filtering the very few factors that matter from an overwhelming number of variables. (From Amazon.com)

The reason I recommend this book is because it is about decision making happening as fast as the blink of an eye. The book likes to jump around from story to story, but they are all interconnected to the main theme of the book. Blink fascinated me on how much I do not understand the world around me, and showed me the way to think. But, this book is actually really challenging to read if you don't like to read or don't like the subjects presented. Still, I recommend that you read this book and learn something new. (Raymond Cordero)

My name is Amber Reynolds. There are three things you should know about me:

1. I’m in a coma.

2. My husband doesn’t love me anymore.

3. Sometimes I lie.

Amber wakes up in a hospital. She can’t move. She can’t speak. She can’t open her eyes. She can hear everyone around her, but they have no idea. Amber doesn’t remember what happened, but she has a suspicion her husband had something to do with it. Alternating between her paralyzed present, the week before her accident, and a series of childhood diaries from twenty years ago, this brilliant psychological thriller asks: Is something really a lie if you believe it's the truth? (From Amazon.com)

During the summer of 2020, all I wanted to do was read books. One day, I was at the library and I had no idea what book to pick. I came across the author Alice Feeney and it changed my life. This book is a must have. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading mystery because it will definitely leave you on the edge of your seat. The book is filled with a series of emotions that will leave you in shock. The imagery in this book automatically comes to life. I never expected to find a book that was so mesmerizing and intriguing. (Sema Ibrahim)

"The tragedies keep coming. As we reel from the latest horror . . . " So begins a new epilogue, illustrating how Columbine became the template for nearly two decades of "spectacle murders." It is a false script, seized upon by a generation of new killers. In the wake of Newtown, Aurora, and Virginia Tech, the imperative to understand the crime that sparked this plague grows more urgent every year.

What really happened April 20, 1999? The horror left an indelible stamp on the American psyche, but most of what we "know" is wrong. It wasn't about jocks, Goths, or the Trench Coat Mafia. Dave Cullen was one of the first reporters on scene, and spent ten years on this book-widely recognized as the definitive account. With a keen investigative eye and psychological acumen, he draws on mountains of evidence, insight from the world's leading forensic psychologists, and the killers' own words and drawings-several reproduced in a new appendix. Cullen paints raw portraits of two polar opposite killers. They contrast starkly with the flashes of resilience and redemption among the survivors. (from Goodreads.com)

Columbine is a story a lot of students would be interested to read while they're in high school. I wanted to see if my friends would be interested in this book and when I recommended Columbine by Dave Cullen they wanted to hear why they should read this book. I told them the book is based on a true story and most people find true stories really interesting. Columbine was a school shooting on April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School and two teens went on a killing spree. I liked the book because trying to figure out what would happen next and how would they get themselves out of certain situation just amazed me. Reading this book made me not want to stop. I read one chapter and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next so I couldn’t put the book down and I would just keep reading for hours. There was a point where I couldn’t sleep at night. I would usually watch Tv or Play video games but instead, I read Columbine all night. It was a really interesting book. Before I read this book, I  had only read like 2 books but ever since my brother recommended this book I wanted to keep reading and then I found the genre that I like to read “True Stories”. I recommend people to read this book at least once in their life because it might just change the way you think of books, like Columbine did to me. (Ashish Coorapati)

This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog's search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, this touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here?

Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey's search for his new life's meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8 year old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog. (Goodreads.com) 

I read this book during Christmas break and was astonished by its content. I had read the author's work before and believed this book would be boring. But unlike every other generic story about life from a pets point of view, this story had a lot of insight on dark subject matters like death, toxic households, bullying, and animal abuse. Unlike the film adaptation, A Dog’s Purpose had an ending that I could only describe as beautiful and deeply saddening. I think this is a wonderful recommendation for teenagers because many of us enjoy animals and darker stories.  (Emily Gomez)

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play is Kobe Bryant’s personal perspective of his life and career on the basketball court and his exceptional, insightful style of playing the game―a fitting legacy from the late Los Angeles Laker superstar.

In the wake of his retirement from professional basketball, Kobe “The Black Mamba” Bryant decided to share his vast knowledge and understanding of the game to take readers on an unprecedented journey to the core of the legendary “Mamba mentality.” Citing an obligation and an opportunity to teach young players, hardcore fans, and devoted students of the game how to play it “the right way,” The Mamba Mentality takes us inside the mind of one of the most intelligent, analytical, and creative basketball players ever.

In his own words, Bryant reveals his famously detailed approach and the steps he took to prepare mentally and physically to not just succeed at the game, but to excel. Readers will learn how Bryant studied an opponent, how he channeled his passion for the game, how he played through injuries. They’ll also get fascinating granular detail as he breaks down specific plays and match-ups from throughout his career.  (From Amazon.com)

The reason why I am recommending this book is because it talks about more than basketball. I read this book last summer and when I first picked it up, I was expecting some commentary on the games that Kobe played and how he overcame the challenges in his career, but I got so much more. The knowledge that Bryant put into his book can be understood and appreciated by anyone, not just basketball fans. You can take the lessons introduced in this book and twist them, and incorporate them into your everyday life. I came to realize that the "Mamba Mentality" isn't just a catchphrase, it is a way of life. It is the reason why Kobe became the player he is known as. I think this book is a must read for anyone in need of a motivation boost. (Jacob Moutes)

Nita doesn’t murder supernatural beings and sell their body parts on the internet—her mother does that. Nita just dissects the bodies after they’ve been “acquired.” Until her mom brings home a live specimen and Nita decides she wants out; dissecting a scared teenage boy is a step too far. But when she decides to save her mother’s victim, she ends up sold in his place—because Nita herself isn’t exactly “human.” She has the ability to alter her biology, a talent that is priceless on the black market. Now on the other side of the bars, if she wants to escape, Nita must ask herself if she’s willing to become the worst kind of monster. (Amazon.com)

I started reading this book after finishing its webcomic adaptation, and I don't regret it. What I find unique is that there are very noticeable turning points where Nita begins to become conflicted over her morality and her need to survive. As she goes through life-threatening situations and betrayals, she hardens her resolve to protect herself and bring down those who are hunting her. Although she has committed a good deed by helping someone, it ended up making her lose everything. The main character is not a hero who is setting off to help others, but a person who is struggling with all her might in order to survive. While I do enjoy reading hero stories, it is rare to come across a story where the protagonists focus more on helping themselves. Her decisions, while not something I always agree with, come across as more realistic than other protagonists who always choose selflessness. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading novels with well-written characters. (Abigail Sucup)

Twelve-year-old Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat. As a ghost, he observes the devastation that's been unleashed on his family and community in the wake of what they see as an unjust and brutal killing.

Soon Jerome meets another ghost: Emmett Till, a boy from a very different time but similar circumstances. Emmett helps Jerome process what has happened, on a journey towards recognizing how historical racism may have led to the events that ended his life. Jerome also meets Sarah, the daughter of the police officer, who grapples with her father's actions.

Once again Jewell Parker Rhodes deftly weaves historical and socio-political layers into a gripping and poignant story about how children and families face the complexities of today's world, and how one boy grows to understand American blackness in the aftermath of his own death. 

(From Amazon.com)

This has been one of those books I just kept wanting to read, and I never liked reading.This book is a reflection on how it really is in society. This book has a lot of action and emotion. I would definitely recommend this book to a high school student. The reason it caught my attention was because there was always something going on and talks about real life problems that still happen to this day. 

(Jasmin Ruiz)

They say Bethany Hamilton has saltwater in her veins. How else could one explain the passion that drives her to surf? How else could one explain that nothing—not even the loss of her arm—could come between her and the waves? That Halloween morning in Kauai, Hawaii, Bethany responded to the shark’s stealth attack with the calm of a girl with God on her side. Pushing pain and panic aside, she began to paddle with one arm, focusing on a single thought: “Get to the beach....” And when the first thing Bethany wanted to know after surgery was “When can I surf again?” it became clear that her spirit and determination were part of a greater story—a tale of courage and faith that this soft-spoken girl would come to share with the world.(from Amazon.com) 

This novel is so motivational and encouraging. I can connect the storyline to my life because when something goes wrong I remember God is on my side and to not give up. I would recommend this book for teens because Bethany is a teen which automatically gives people her age a connection. I think others may like this book because it is very intense and unexpected. There are so many emotions in this book and that's what kept me so interested in it. (Mia Millican)

No one ever said life was easy. But Ponyboy is pretty sure that he's got things figured out. He knows that he can count on his brothers, Darry and Sodapop. And he knows that he can count on his friends—true friends who would do anything for him, like Johnny and Two-Bit. But not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up on “greasers” like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect—until the night someone takes things too far. (Amazon.com)

I chose this book because it really catches my attention and you can imagine what's going on in the story with every line.It's super intense because you can feel your emotions change throughout the story, especially toward certain characters like Johnny and Ponyboy, who have to go through so much at such a young age simply because of the kind of society they were born in. It really makes you think about how some people are born differently than others, and how this prevents them from accomplishing things in life like improving themselves because they feel compelled to stay in one spot by their neighborhood and people around them and how one bad decision can change your whole life and how sometimes you can end up losing someone close to you. (Dakota Prince)

Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer—they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one wonderful and terrible summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along. (From Amazon.com)

I started reading this book at the beginning of the year and before then I never really read much. But once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. I’ve always been a summer person and enjoy traveling, that is probably why I enjoyed this book so much. The reason why I recommend this book is because it is almost summer time and who wouldn’t want to read a book about summer during summer time. This book is filled with emotions and thoughts that teenagers start developing as they get older and is filled with problems a lot of teenagers go through; like relationship problems, or having to watch parents get divorced. So I recommend this book to people who enjoy summer and who enjoy reading about romance. Once done with the book, I also recommend watching the show that is about to come out on June 17th. Hopefully you will enjoy the book as much as I did! (Lea Deneux)

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love. (Goodreads.com)

I had never had a book I was able to enjoy and call my favorite before I read this one. When Ms. Angell first introduced this book to me I was a bit skeptical at first, I'm not really into love stories so I wasn't sure if I would be able to get into it. I was wrong to say the least. This book has made me rethink my views on love stories and forever will be my favorite book. I believe all high school students should read this, not only to improve their reading skills, but also to learn that you can find love in the places you never would've guessed, if you just give it time and trust your gut, which to me, is an example of a perfect life lesson everyone should learn. (Morgan Payne). 

Kiko Himura has always had a hard time saying exactly what she’s thinking. With a mother who makes her feel unremarkable and a half-Japanese heritage she doesn't quite understand, Kiko prefers to keep her head down, certain that once she makes it into her dream art school, Prism, her real life will begin.

But then Kiko doesn’t get into Prism, at the same time her abusive uncle moves back in with her family. So when she receives an invitation from her childhood friend to leave her small town and tour art schools on the west coast, Kiko jumps at the opportunity in spite of the anxieties and fears that attempt to hold her back. And now that she is finally free to be her own person outside the constricting walls of her home life, Kiko learns life-changing truths about herself, her past, and how to be brave.

From debut author Akemi Dawn Bowman comes a luminous, heartbreaking story of identity, family, and the beauty that emerges when we embrace our true selves. (Amazon.com)

I was initially intrigued by the book cover and then the storyline. I love this book because of how relatable and realistic Kiko is. I felt very connected to her throughout the story as she has a hard time figuring out who she is, how she fits into this world. This book addresses social anxiety, self-identity, self-discovery, mental health, abuse, and so much more. The author does a really great job using a ton of imagery. It was nice seeing her finally break free from her toxic household and discover herself as well as understanding her Asian culture.  If you’re looking for a good read, I definitely recommend this book. 

(Marina Suzuki)

A gripping novel about the whirlwind rise of an iconic 1970s rock group and their beautiful lead singer, revealing the mystery behind their infamous break up. Everyone knows Daisy Jones & The Six, but nobody knows the real reason why they split at the absolute height of their popularity…until now. (From Goodreads.com)

In certain ways the storyline is relatable. This book focuses attention on relationships, drama, and a young teenager's irresponsible life. I would recommend this book for an older female teenage audience since in ways it can be “negatively influencing/ inappropriate”. Others may enjoy this book because the events are realistic and reveal how the actual world is flawed.  Rock and roll, drama, and fame are key elements in the novel which intrigued me to read the book. (Kirsten Obue)

Pay close attention and you might solve this.

On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention.

Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule. Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess. Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing. Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher. And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High’s notorious gossip app.

    Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention Simon's dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn’t an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he’d planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who’s still on the loose?

    Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them. (From Amazon.com) 

I picked this certain book because this is one of the few books that I just wanted to keep reading. I love watching documentaries and solving cases out and this is definitely a book like that. I especially love this book because it keeps you guessing and thinking on who the suspect really is. Each high schooler has a different personality and they all have secrets which they would do anything to protect themselves but the true question is how far will they go to keep their secrets. I think everyone should give this book a shot to read but you have to read to the end to find out who really was the killer. (Jasmin Ruiz)

Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of the night her family was forever altered.Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents could devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue loving her. (From Amazon.com)

I really liked this book and recommend it for people who like mystery and who enjoy reading things that they were not expecting. This book has a ton of shocking moments that will make you creep out and wonder why you started reading the book in the first place but that’s why I liked it so much. I recommend this book to people who like dark/scary stuff because this book definitely had it. It does include a bit of romance also but I wouldn’t say that was the major part of the book. It was a really good book to read and at the end it leaves you with a cliffhanger that you wouldn’t expect. If you do decide to read the book and are not scared of scary stuff then read it at night and it’ll make it way better and give the full effect of the book. (Elysa Pranada)

Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning. She doesn't remember it, but it changed her life forever. The zap gave her genius-level math skills, and ever since, Lucy has been homeschooled. Now, at 12 years old, she's technically ready for college. She just has to pass 1 more test — middle school!

Lucy's grandma insists: Go to middle school for 1 year. Make 1 friend. Join 1 activity. And read 1 book (that's not a math textbook!). Lucy's not sure what a girl who does calculus homework for fun can possibly learn in 7th grade. She has everything she needs at home, where nobody can make fun of her rigid routines or her superpowered brain. The equation of Lucy's life has already been solved. Unless there's been a miscalculation?.(Goodreads.com)

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl is a very good book, if you just want to have a warm and cozy feeling I recommend it . Lucy the protagonist was struck by lightning allowing her to be very good at math. Due to that  she was a child genius and was homeschooled because she was too smart for her grade. Lucy's grandma is determined to let her granddaughter to have at least one year of a normal middle school life; Lucy opposes this but she still has to go. I encourage you to join Lucy on her adventure on making friends going thru problems she hasn't faced and maybe even love. I won't spoil it but trust me it's worth the read. (Chikwado Chukwujindu)

Interspersed with Henry’s beautifully metaphorical illustrations, this is a great and easy-reading practical exploration of what kindness means in the modern world. (Amazon.com)

This book blew me away as I was reading it because it made me realize how horrible certain people are in my life. The illustrations inside the book beautifully portray messages of kindness but I really enjoy the illustrations and ideologies behind the ones relating to the LGBTQ+ community. One specific illustration that caught my eye was one where a baby whale asked it's mom how they know when they've crossed from one ocean to another. The mother's response to this is "We don't. Borders are socially constructed and you should be wary of anyone who takes them seriously". At first, I didn't fully understand what to take from what the mother had said. However, I came to realize that almost everything in today's world is social construct. What the mother had said really stood out to me because I have a present figure in my life who is so focused on conforming to socially constructed borders and shames, belittles, and fully disrespects anyone who doesn't follow these standards. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt like their voice/identity has actively been shunned and feel as though they're alone. I would also recommend this book to those who are extremely close-minded and have a disgusting attitude towards those who are different. (Jason Lin)

Myers was quick-tempered and physically strong, always ready for a fight. He also read voraciously—he would check out books from the library and carry them home, hidden in brown paper bags in order to avoid other boys' teasing. He aspired to be a writer.

But while growing up in a poor family in Harlem, his hope for a successful future diminished as he came to realize fully the class and racial struggles that surrounded him. He began to doubt himself and the values that he had always relied on, attending high school less and less, turning to the streets and to his books for comfort.

I started reading this book back in October and I fell in love with the book the more I got into the story. It made me obsessed with wanting to know what happens next with every event in this kid's life. What I find amazing about this book is that the author who wrote this book was telling us about his past life. The boy loved to read books even though he struggled with reading at a young age and throughout most of his life he kept on reading more books and even making small poems. To the people that dislike books and believe it's a waste of time, before you die I recommend all of you to read this book and it can change how you think of other books and possibly make you want to read more. (Breon Bradby)

France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world. But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name. (Goodreads.com)

The invisible life of Addie Larue follows a french girl, Addie, who makes a deal out of a moment of desperation with the devil. When she has been cursed for eternity, and suddenly meets a boy who remembers her name, she tells him the story of her life. Of how she has lived through wars, and how she fell in love with the devil. Despite her curse, she's determined to leave her mark on the world. This book falls under the fantasy-romance genre, and is a heartbreaking story that teaches you to be careful of what you wish for. This book has such a strong impact on a reader, that it could make you feel a deep and personal connection to each character. The ending had me contemplating all the possibilities of any future encounters. The love story that this book offers always kept me wondering what would happen next, and motivated me to pick up the book almost every day. (Crystal Ribble)

Jimmy Winter is a born star on the baseball field, and Seth Barnam can only dream of being as talented. Still, the two baseball fanatics have the kind of friendship that should last forever. But when Seth experiences an unthinkable loss, he's forced to find his own personal strength--on and off the field. (Goodreads.com)

I’ve always hated reading, and to be honest this book might’ve been the first book I read outside of required reading for classes. With that being said, I find this to be a great book. Since I play baseball it is easy for me to understand this book better than others, but I believe Carl does a great job making this book fun and easy to understand. The book is about a kid named Seth who isn’t very good at baseball but loves the game, and he meets a new friend named Jimmy. They become best friends and work together and have big dreams. But a tragedy occurs and Seth is forced to grow and do things on his own. With this being said, I really loved this book and recommend that anybody should read it if they get the chance. (Dylan Smith)

Lia and Cassie are best friends, wintergirls frozen in fragile bodies, competitors in a deadly contest to see who can be the thinnest. But then Cassie suffers the ultimate loss—her life—and Lia is left behind, haunted by her friend's memory, and feeling guilty for not being able to help save her. (Goodreads.com) 

This book is one that discusses several serious topics such as eating disorders, dealing with grief, and relationships with family, friends, and oneself. However, the main aspect about it that made me enjoy the story so much was how bluntly and transparently the narrator shares her thoughts and feelings as she experiences all these hardships. Reading this book felt as if I was simply having a conversation with a friend; it naturally provided me with a sense of comfort and reassurance. I highly recommend Wintergirls to fellow high school students because it covers a little bit of every issue a teenager might have (whether it be about personal, school, social, or family life) and renders solace to anyone who may need it. (Eunice Kim)

Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter. She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever. When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?  (Barnes&Noble) 

This book is recommended because it is full of romance and hope. Lara Jean has finally fallen in love with Peter this time, but just when you thought things couldn't get any better, Lara Jean's sister's ex-boyfriend Josh begins to show interest in her. Lara Jean starts talking to both boys and can't get enough of them. Only when Peter notices and becomes jealous. Lara Jean must then make an important decision: who will she choose? Peter? Josh? (Breanna Madrigal)

Nicholas Pileggi’s vivid, unvarnished, journalistic chronicle of the life of Henry Hill—the working-class Brooklyn kid who knew from age twelve that “to be a wiseguy was to own the world,” who grew up to live the highs and lows of the mafia gangster’s life—has been hailed as “the best book ever written on organized crime” (Amazon.com). 

Watching the movie Goodfellas for the first time made me want more from it, I wanted to know if there was a book out there with a more in depth storyline to this movie and this is exactly it. Wise guy is so fascinating and intimidating for it being a somewhat older book. The way it describes Henry Hill's life and the challenges he faced kept me reading. Although I am not a huge reader, I felt like turning the page because it got better every chapter. This book gave me a better insight on how mobsters have this mentality of being ruthless and having nonexistent morality. For it being a true story and going based off the movie everything about this book from the organized crime to balancing family life is an amazing read for a highschooler. (Giara Herrera)

Butterfly is the inspiring story of how one woman saved fellow refugees from drowning―and how she went on to become an Olympic swimmer.

When young Syrian refugee Yusra Mardini realized her boat's engine shut down as she was traveling from Syria to Greece with other refugees, there was no hesitation: she dove into the water. Surfacing, she heard desperate prayers and sobbing from the passengers in the sinking boat above her. Between the waves, her elder sister Sarah screamed at her to get back on the boat. But Mardini was determined. She was not going to let Sarah do this alone. Grabbing the rope with one hand, she began kicking up the black water, inching the boat towards the distant shore.(From Amazon.com)

To be honest I used to not like reading and I always thought it was boring, but after reading this book I can say that it made me love to read the stories of the people and what is unique about them. I was excited when they were excited and I was sad when they were sad. I felt like I was a part of their journey, and I also didn’t expect myself to tear up when they arrived to safety and when they felt the relief that they are not going to be chased by the police and there were people waiting for them and welcoming them. Having pictures in the book made it even more interesting and exciting to continue on reading and then watching Yusra achieving her goals and her dream of being at the Olympics. I recommend the students to read the book because it is very inspirational.

(Rand Alsayed).

The family film told from the dog’s perspective serves as the much-anticipated follow-up to the soulful story of one devoted dog who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love. After searching for his purpose through several eventful lives, Buddy is sure that he has found and fulfilled it. Yet as he watches curious baby Clarity get into dangerous mischief, he is certain that this little girl is very much in need of a dog of her own. (Amazon.com)

A Dog’s Journey is a very interesting book. It concludes that dogs have more than one life, and how a dog can have the same feelings as a human. In the different environments he lives in, he can see that the owners need to be comforted by himself. This book gives you a different perspective that you would have never thought about before reading the book. I recommend this book to audiences that like to see different, unique perspectives. (Andrew Aguilar)

Dante can swim. Ari can't. Dante is articulate and self-assured. Ari has a hard time with words and suffers from self-doubt. Dante gets lost in poetry and art. Ari gets lost in thoughts of his older brother who is in prison. Dante is fair skinned. Ari's features are much darker. It seems that a boy like Dante, with his open and unique perspective on life, would be the last person to break down the walls that Ari has built around himself.

But against all odds, when Ari and Dante meet, they develop a special bond that will teach them the most important truths of their lives, and help define the people they want to be. But there are big hurdles in their way, and only by believing in each other―and the power of their friendship―can Ari and Dante emerge stronger on the other side. (Goodreads)

This book is definitely one of the best I've ever read. It's so complex yet simple. There aren't really any words to describe it. It's full of poetry and passages that paint such vivid pictures you didn't know could exist. I hate to say "Just read it for yourself!", but you really have to. It's a very unique experience and I can only hope that it impacts you the way it did to me. (Fiona Gibson)

With courage, grace, and powerful insight, bestselling author Kristin Hannah captures the epic panorama of World War II and illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the women's war. The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France―a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women. It is a novel for everyone, a novel for a lifetime.

This book is a historical novel that will make you forget that you're reading. Jumping between the past and present, you get to see a new perspective on how these two sisters survived during World War II. I never thought that a historical fiction book could be so interesting, but everything about this book proved me wrong. The story line draws you in and doesn't let you go until the very end, with many plot twists and unexpected events. (Fiona Gibson)

This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that the perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. (Goodreads.com)

I started reading this book because a friend recommended it to me and honestly it really was worth it. The book is able to produce a storyline of a shy, introverted, teen who is reeling from the trauma of the deaths of important people in his life, and shows as how he finds the comfort in friendship as he begins to build strong bonds with those around him, he is able to come out of his shell and break free from his status as a "wallflower", as he would rather observe life rather than participate it in it. I found it really intriguing that the author was able to show how important friendship is and how people can blossom and change for the better when they are accepted for who they are and are given the love they have not received. I really do recommend this book to teens who also feel like they're misunderstood. (Natalie Cano)

When sixteen-year-old Tariq Johnson dies from two gunshot wounds, his community is thrown into an uproar. Tariq was black. The shooter, Jack Franklin, is white. (Amazon.com)

I recommend reading this book because it’s different from any other chapter book. You get to see the thoughts and perspectives of different people. You also get to see situations that happen in real life being handled. (Mayumi Sugimoto)

From America’s most beloved superstar and its greatest storyteller—a thriller about a young singer/songwriter on the rise and on the run, and determined to do whatever it takes to survive. Every song tells a story. She’s a star on the rise, singing about the hard life behind her. She’s also on the run. Find a future, lose a past. Nashville is where she’s come to claim her destiny. It’s also where the darkness she’s fled might find her. And destroy her. Run, Rose, Run is a novel glittering with danger and desire—a story that only America’s #1 most beloved entertainer and its #1 bestselling author could have created. (From Goodreads.com)

A novel of intense power and intrigue, Jane Eyre has dazzled generations of readers with its depiction of a woman's quest for freedom. Having grown up an orphan in the home of her cruel aunt and at a harsh charity school, Jane Eyre becomes an independent and spirited survivor-qualities that serve her well as governess at Thornfield Hall. But when she finds love with her sardonic employer, Rochester, the discovery of his terrible secret forces her to make a choice. Should she stay with him whatever the consequences or follow her convictions, even if it means leaving her beloved? (Amazon.com)

We all need a place to escape the real world. For Divya and Aaron, it’s the world of online gaming. While Divya trades her rising-star status for sponsorships to help her struggling single mom pay rent, Aaron plays as a way to fuel his own dreams of becoming a game developer—and as a way to disappear when his mom starts talking about medical school.

After a chance online meeting, the pair decides to team up. But they soon find themselves the targets of a group of internet trolls, who begin launching a real-world doxxing campaign, threatening Aaron’s dream and Divya’s actual life. They think they can drive her out of the game, but Divya’s whole world is on the line…

And she isn’t going down without a fight. (From barnesandnoble.com)

At first I did not think this book would be worth the read, but by the end I could not put it down. This novel is about an online streamer named Divya who is very popular among fans of the game Reclaim the Sun, her main motivation for streaming is to support her mom’s education. In the midst of dealing with the hectic hours of streaming, sponsorships, and being hate crimed she meets Aaron, another online gamer. They grow closer while playing the game together and through an unexpected uncoordinated collaboration they work together to take down the hate group after Divya. (Nathan Espiritu)

Thou shalt kill. A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery. Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now scythes are the only ones who can end life– and they are commanded to do so in order to keep the size of the population under control. Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe– a role that neither wants. As they learn the art of killing, Citra and Rowan realize that there are many players in the game that they have been thrown into. (Amazon.com)

I would really recommend the Scythe to any student who is interested in the fictional utopian category. This book is honestly my favorite fiction book that I have read in my life. Before I even began to read it I thought it to be another boring utopian novel with little to no problems, but this book is far from that. With the amount of action, it's very hard to believe that life in this world is perfect and always has you wanting to know what happens next. I have personally read all the books in the series 5 times and always seem to come back to the first book as it's so fun to watch all the characters develop on top of all the messed up things that happen in the "perfect" world. If you enjoy Scythe I would recommend the 3 books Thunderhead and The Toll which complete the series and Gleanings which is the prologue. (John Guilfoyle) 

Most know Carlos Boozer as the beloved power forward whose dazzling basketball career spanned two decades. But few know the dramatic, poignant and powerful story behind his meteoric rise. Now, for the first time he's ready to open up about a traumatic incident from his childhood that forever altered the trajectory of his life and shaped him into the man he is today."(Amazon).

I would highly recommend this book to my classmates because it talks about an athlete's work ethic and the importance of being passionate about your sport. I initially picked this book for my Individual Memoir Reading assignment and was hooked from the very first page. It turned out to be an incredibly motivational and inspiring book, which helped me see the struggles people go through to make their name big.

Although I had never been a fan of basketball and thought I might not enjoy the book, I quickly realized it was so much more than a story about a basketball player. It’s a powerful narrative about strength, resilience, and overcoming immense challenges.

If you love sports and enjoy reading, this book is a must-read. (Vijval Kapoor)

Can you love someone you can never touch?

Stella Grant likes to be in control—even though her totally out of control lungs have sent her in and out of the hospital most of her life. At this point, what Stella needs to control most is keeping herself away from anyone or anything that might pass along an infection and jeopardize the possibility of a lung transplant. Six feet apart. No exceptions.

The only thing Will Newman wants to be in control of is getting out of this hospital. He couldn’t care less about his treatments, or a fancy new clinical drug trial. Soon, he’ll turn eighteen and then he’ll be able to unplug all these machines and actually go see the world, not just its hospitals.

Will’s exactly what Stella needs to stay away from. If he so much as breathes on Stella, she could lose her spot on the transplant list. Either one of them could die. The only way to stay alive is to stay apart. But suddenly six feet doesn’t feel like safety. It feels like punishment.

What if they could steal back just a little bit of the space their broken lungs have stolen from them? Would five feet apart really be so dangerous if it stops their hearts from breaking too?(Barnes & Noble)

I would recommend the book Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott to my classmates because it is one of those books that keeps you captivated and you'd never want to put the book down. This book was easy to connect with because it not only had small bits of drama, but it showed how relationships can be both beautiful and very challenging in tough situations. This book teaches high schoolers that when life throws a curveball in their relationships, the deep love that they have for each other will help them when going through those difficult challenges. Five Feet Apart is a good book for teenagers who are interested in drama and romance with a little twist. From watching the movie and reading the book, some key details are different but all point to the same idea of never giving up on the person you love. (Aliya Echevarria)

The definitive biography of Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, examining the genesis of his brilliance, his epic quest to win the World Series, and his singular place within the evolving baseball landscape—based on exclusive interviews with Kershaw and more than 200 others. (Amazon.com)

As I grew up and played baseball throughout my entire life, I was able to relate to this book a lot. The book explores the life and career of Clayton Kershaw, a Cy Young award winner for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Not only does this book include details of his journey as a young player in Texas to an MLB player, but it also showcases his mentality and efforts that he took to become such a successful athlete. The sacrifices and work ethic Kershaw had while also balancing his life outside of baseball is reflected in the book. I would recommend this book to students because there are many student athletes that I feel can learn something from this book and use the approaches Kershaw took to apply it in their lives to be successful both in and outside of sports. (Ryu Uchida)

This story from the acclaimed author of The Closest I’ve Come unflinchingly examines steroid abuse and male body dysmorphia. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Matt de la Peña.

"David Espinoza is tired of being messed with. When a video of him getting knocked down by a bully’s slap goes viral at the end of junior year, David vows to use the summer to bulk up— do what it takes to become a man—and wow everyone when school starts again the fall.

Soon David is spending all his time and money at Iron Life, a nearby gym that’s full of bodybuilders. Frustrated with his slow progress, his life eventually becomes all about his muscle gains. As it says on the Iron Life wall, What does not kill me makes me stronger.

As David falls into the dark side of the bodybuilding world, pursuing his ideal body at all costs, he’ll have to grapple with the fact that it could actually cost him everything." - Barnes and Noble 

I read this book my Junior year, and as a person who regularly lifts weights for sports, and for personal reasons, it really shines a light on the dark side of bodybuilding or just fitness in general. If you aren't careful and if you don't have the patience to do it right and naturally, you can fall victim to steroids or PED (Performance Enhancing Drug) abuse in general which may permanently alter your life for the worse just like what happened to David Espinoza. (Triton Prichard)

The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant. When sober, Jeannette's brilliant and charismatic father captured his children's imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and how to embrace life fearlessly. But when he drank, he was dishonest and destructive. Her mother was a free spirit who abhorred the idea of domesticity and didn't want the responsibility of raising a family.

The Walls children learned to take care of themselves. They fed, clothed, and protected one another, and eventually found their way to New York. Their parents followed them, choosing to be homeless even as their children prospered.

The Glass Castle is truly astonishing--a memoir permeated by the intense love of a peculiar but loyal family. - Barnes & Noble

The Glass Castle offered me insight into the many things that I take for granted in life that other families don’t have.  There is a constant sense of hope throughout the book despite the circumstances that the Walls family faces, which serves as a reminder of how important hope can be during the bad situations that we go through.  Even though I don’t relate to the novel personally, I recommend it because it has opened my eyes and made me a more grateful person.

(Rudy Guzman)

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weight survival against humanity and life against love. (Goodreads.com)

The book The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is amazing, from the heart-jerking moments to its inspirational standpoints. If you love books about survival, rebellion, or love plots, this is the book for you! Many people may recognize this book from the movie series, but the book versions are so much better. In the book, you get to visualize Katniss Everdeen from a first-person point of view and her thoughts on what it's like to be in the games. I was able to picture myself in the intense scenes. Even with the other tributes, you can see the damage these games cost them, with so much more detail put into it than in the movie, which misses some key information and parts. I'll put it this way: they even included the perspectives of the Capitol, Snow, and Gamemakers! In the movie, they skipped over these parts, so it really made me feel like I was a part of it. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to classmates. (Audrey Lopetegui)