Reviewed by T.L. Grade 12

I recently finished reading the suspenseful novel titled Percy Jackson and the Olympians The Lightning Thief. Just let me say, this story really kept me on my toes. With every turned page, there was another mythical mystery occurring. This book is a perfect match for individuals who enjoy the thrill of a magical adventure of a troubled teenage boy. It starts out with the main protagonist, Percy Jackson, living his normal life in Manhattan. As stated earlier, he is a troubled kid which makes school a difficult and boring place for him. Eventually, the story escalates and erupts into an intriguing story overflowing with magical twists and turns. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fantasy adventure through the ups and downs of family, friends and unthinkable monsters. Toward the middle of the book, Percy and his friends, Annabeth and Grover, are faced with many more obstacles, such as betrayal, hunger, putting their lives in jeopardy and much more. As I stated earlier, I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy a thrilling adventure! 

Reviewed by T.L. Grade 12

Five Feet Apart is a young adult romance novel involving two teens who build a strong connection with one another, but have to follow one crucial rule. Stella Grant and Will Newman suffer from a disorder that forces them to maintain a distance of at least six feet from each other at all times to avoid cross infection. Even with their unfortunate situation, and the two’s contrasting personalities, they continue to develop a deeper relationship. As time goes on, the pain and frustration relating to their separation becomes more and more difficult to deal with. This novel stands out due to its unusual ending, as well as its emotional story line. 

Reviewed by T.L. Grade 12

This novel follows two friends, Deja and Josiah, as they work their last night together at their local pumpkin patch. Here, they have spent past fall seasons running attractions, and taking in the beautiful scenery and atmosphere that surrounds them. As it is their last year before heading off to college, Deja is determined to help her friend Josiah talk to the girl who he has liked for years. The author takes us through their journey as they travel through the entirety of the patch, in search of this girl. It is a journey filled with nostalgia, fun, excitement, and ultimately ends with one shocking surprise.

Reviewed by A.M. Grade 11

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a classic novel that any young adult should read. It explores the complexities of human nature, particularly in the context of love, marriage, and societal expectations.

The main character in the novel is Elizabeth Bennet; she is intelligent, independent, and refuses to marry simply for financial security or social standing, which was a common expectation in her time period. Her intelligence and moral integrity makes her an amazing role model for young girls who are struggling to find their place in the world, and makes her a relatable character for those who have outgoing and unique personalities.

The central theme of the book revolves around the importance of understanding and personal growth. The evolution of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship is an exploration of how misjudgments and societal expectations can prevent understanding and how, through looking inward and self-awareness, people can come to realize their mistakes and grow from them.

In conclusion, Pride and Prejudice is an amazing novel that continues to resonate with readers of all ages, specifically teenagers and young adults. Jane Austen's ability to explore the complexities of human nature allows for readers to conduct self-exploration and learn things about themselves while they read the story.

Reviewed by C.N. Grade 9

If you're looking into a book that talks about the future, this could be for you. The book overall is lengthy, however if you spend the time reading it then it will be worth it. At first, the book doesn't seem too interesting, like any other book you'd normally find. However, after you get in a couple chapters, the book drags you in. Throughout the entire book, you are just being pulled further and further. The suspense just kills you, and then it's like you're obligated to read another chapter. The book will pull on emotions, and if you're into reading then you'll definitely enjoy this. It went from something I dreaded to start, to I dreaded that it would end soon. This is more under the sci-fi genre so if that's what you're into, then definitely read this book.

Reviewed by C.N. Grade 9

Scythe by Neal Shusterman - The book is placed to be in the future, where things are very different from now. This book is very action packed, and suspense can build up quickly. I definitely enjoyed this book and was glad to see that there was a full series that continued after it. The book was so good that even though I was supposed to read it with someone else I had finished it ahead of them. This is a very long book, but it is so captivating that it only took me three days to finish the entire thing, a week at most. The book is very suspenseful, has lots of twists and turns, and is an overall rollercoaster that you can't get off of. If I'm being completely honest, I never wanted to stop reading it, having the need to know what will happen next. Which is why I would 10/10 recommend this book.

Reviewed by G.B. Grade 9

My review is about Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. It is a romantic book filled with mystery, suspense, and teen romance. Twilight begins with a girl named Bella Swan who arrives in the town of Forks. She meets the mysterious and brodding Edward Cullen. At first Edward acts strange and indifferent around Bella Swan. Bella soon finds herself attracted to him and realizes he is a vampire. They develop strong feelings for each other and fall in love. They face the challenge of being in love while also being different and must try to understand each other and grow to care for one another. 

Reviewed by L.C. Grade 12

Mystery, drama, and chaos in high school-a mix of it all in this novel: One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus, where five students go to detention but come out alive with only four coming out. That is followed by a wild thrilling ride full of secrets, twists, and shocking moments that no doubt will have one turning page after page all through the night.

They all have their little personalities and problems, which makes it super relatable. It's like Pretty Little Liars smashed into The Breakfast Club-but into a dark mystery. With every chapter read, it gets even more suspenseful as you begin to wonder who is actually telling the truth and who is hiding something.

McManus has kept his readers in short, very intensive chapters and threw in those cliffhangers, which made one want to read "just one more." If you are into thrillers with big Whodunit vibes, then this is seriously a book for you-won't drop it.

Reviewed by L.C. Grade 12

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei represents a mighty strike of a graphic memoir-one telling the true story of the childhood of this actor when, together with his family, he was put in a camp for the internment of Japanese Americans during the time of the Second World War. Brilliant black-and-white illustrations breathe life into efforts, fears, and the resilience of thousands of innocent people who had been made to feel like enemies in their homeland.

The power of the book is how personal it makes it: Takei relating not the history but relating his feelings as a person at that time of his life 

Reviewed by L.C. Grade 12

If you’re into creepy horror with a slow-building sense of dread, The Shining by Stephen King is a must-read. The story follows Jack Torrance, a struggling writer who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel, bringing his wife and young son with him. But as the hotel’s dark history starts messing with their minds, things take a terrifying turn.

King is absolutely the master in making you feel the isolation and the creepy vibe of the Overlook. Something in this tautology-through creepy visions, unexplained noises, and psychological breakdowns-makes this book so scary; it's not about ghosts, but about terrors inside the human mind.

That means it starts off really slow, but from the part where everything turns bad, one wouldn't be able to put it down. If you go for psychological psychological horror with deeply developed characters and moments giving you chills, then "The Shining" is definitely a classic read for you-you should not read alone and at night probably!