A Mango-Shaped Space

A Mango-Shaped Space, by Wendy Mass [YA Fiction]

by Shreya, 8th grader

This is such a unique, heart-warming book. Its topic of synesthesia is interesting to read about, especially since the author describes the main character’s “symptoms” throughout the book. Even though I had a good idea of what the character, Mia, was going through, I felt more like her parents, who were seeing her world for the first time. (which I technically was). The book kept you intrigued on Mia’s day to day life as a synesthetic and even during her tragic time. A Mango-Shaped Space will show you the new world of synesthesia, and how some things, no matter how weird, make you who you are.

Jumper

Jumper, by Steven Gould [YA Fiction, we don't own, but we will soon]

by Loan, age 15

This science-fiction novel was recommended to me by a sci-fi obsessed friend. I am now obsessed. It is about a teenage boy who suddenly discovers he has the power of teleportation. I’m really into powers discovered late in life. Learning to control his newfound ability, the main character sets off to create a life away from his abusive father and sorrowful life — eventually finding love and a purpose in life.

Bossy Bear

Bossy Bear, by David Horvath [children's picture book]

by Wendy, age 17

Bossy Bear is a book for young children, but I loved it all the same. Bright blue cover, simplistic pictures, and the universal theme of sharing makes it appeal to everyone. You’ll all love the bug-eyed teddy.

I’d Tell You I Love You, but Then I’d have to Kill You

I’d Tell you I Love You, but Then I’d Have to Kill You, by Ally Carter [YA Fiction]

by Trisha, 7th grader

This book is about a girl named Cammie who is a spy. She goes to what seems to be a normal, regular, private school. But when Cammie falls in love with a normal boy who isn’t a spy, things start to go crazy. Cammie makes up a different life for him, where she is just a boring, regular girl. Will Cammie be able to pull this lie off? Will he find out? I definitely recommend this book. It is funny, witty, and interesting.

Summers at Castle Auburn

Summers at Castle Auburn, by Sharon Shinn [YA Fiction, we don't own]

by Marina, age 14

An amazing book set in the time of kings and queens. Learn about the inner workings of the high class while having fun with devious Rosie. A must read, especially for highschoolers.

Princess Bride

Princess Bride, by William Goldman [YA Fiction]

by Christine, age 17

The Princess Bride is sort of a story-within-a-story. It is written as if it’s an abridgement of a classic “Florinese” novel. Florin is a country in the book, but the entire time that the story is being told, the author writes as if it is real. The book is so well-written that I had to go look it up online to see if it was true.

The story is about a girl named Buttercup who falls in love with a boy named Westley. Although the story is about their relationship, romance is not the focus of the book. It is much more a comedy or fantasy. I would recommend this book to anyone not intimidated by length. It’s a wonderful read.

Airborn

Airborn, by Kenneth Oppel [YA Fiction]

by Wendy, age 17

Zeppelins and sky-pirates, winged cats and a deserted island — it’s like a novelized Hayao Miyazaki film. Airborn takes place on (or above) an alternate earth during a Victorian-esque era, aboard an airship named the Aurora. Matt, a fifteen-year-old worker aboard the ship, is turned upside down by a wealthy patron named Kate De Vries, who is chasing mysterious animals mentioned in her grandfather’s journal. So many things could go wrong, right, and everywhere in between. For fantasy and sci-fi lovers. 12 and up.

Deathnote

Deathnote, by Tsugumi Ohba  [Manga, on order!]

by Marina, age 14

Light is an average guy, living a boring, average life. Then, one day, a mysterious notebook falls into his hands. When you write a name in it, the person will die. Very suspenseful and intriguing. The battle of good and evil — but who is which? A great new series, but only for mature middle schoolers and up.

Among the Hidden

Among the Hidden, by Margaret Peterson Haddix [YA Fiction]

by Ryan, 12th grader

In an alternate future, the world is overpopulated, and there is a law enforced by the government’s population police, limiting everyone to only being allowed to have two children. Luke Garner is a shadow child — a child hidden from the rest of the world because he is his family’s third child. Luke’s life changes forever when he thinks he sees another shadow child living next door…

Prep

Prep, by Jake Coburn [YA Fiction, we don't own]

This was possibly the worst book I’ve ever read. I do not know what the author was thinking about when he decided to write this book about drugs, drugs…and yes, drugs. Apparently the author was on drugs. He seemed to think profanity was needed in every sentence. People who would like to preserve their brain cells should avoid Prep at all costs.