After going through The Hollowing, a large group of people now need human flesh to keep their humanity intact but a synthetic flesh has been created as a substitute. When four girls go to a music festival one of the group goes feral and eats someone. They must figure out why this is happening and how to stop it before it's too late.

I liked this book a lot because of the combination of mystery and romance. The author's writing style gave the reader a glimpse of each character's experience with the hollowing and I found that to be helpful in understanding the characters' motivations.

The book is good for people who aren't bothered by blood and gore. I would also recommend this book to those looking to read LGBTQ+ romance.

Cambrie, 14

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Ash is a genderfluid person who feels pressured to stay as one gender rather then who they are. While finding out how to be themselves, Daniel, who has a love for dogs, takes in a new pup companion (in secret). The dog's name is Chewbarka, and he saved her from being put down. This lovable dog brings the two close together with the same hope to save Chewbarka.

I found this book a heartwarming story filled with the joy of animals. It is a great representation of what it is like to be someone who is coming out and I found it refreshing to find a book that related to those struggles.

I would definitely recommend it to animal lovers and those of the LGBTQIA+. It is beautifully written and switches perspective.

Cambrie, 14

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Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy tells the story of Ramona, a teenage girl who is navigating her identity and relationships in a small town after Hurricane Katrina. While the book explores important themes of self-discovery, family dynamics, and sexual orientation, I personally found it to be lacking in depth and character development.

I had mixed feelings about Ramona Blue. While the book tackles important topics and addresses the complexities of identity, I felt that the plot lacked cohesion and direction. The pacing was slow, and the characters felt underdeveloped, making it difficult for me to fully connect with them.

I would cautiously recommend Ramona Blue to readers who appreciate coming-of-age stories and are interested in exploring themes of identity and sexuality. However, I would also suggest being prepared for a slower-paced narrative and characters that may not resonate as strongly. It's important to approach this book with an understanding that personal opinions may vary, and some readers may find deeper meaning and connection within its pages.

Jane, 13

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Jade War continues the story of the Kaul family, the prominent members of the No Peak clan. This time the clan involves in a global war that risk their reputation and political power. While they are dealing with that, the Mountain Clan, No Peak's nemesis, uses the war to their advantage and one-upping No Peak, continuing their long-standing conflict.

I would give this book a 10 out of 5 stars if I could. Jade War is phenomenal. It is far superior than the first book in every aspects. The plot is thickening with all of the political game and back-stabbing shenanigans. The characters are extremely real. They are morally complex and emotionally relatable. You will cry, cheer, and get mad at these fictional people, and that's a win from Fonda Lee. The magic is expanding more this time around, with jade being established as a valuable resources and a major player in the conflict. The theme of family is both heartwarming and tearjerker materials, the loyalty and love between the members are sincere and profound. There are a few nitpicks or mixed aspects, the pacing is a little bit off at the beginning and middle, and Bero's storyline is not going to be liked by everyone, excluding me. But as a whole, this book is a well-done work of art and I love it.

I would recommend Jade War to fans of the first one, because it continues the storylines and the themes steadily with some fresh ideas sprinkled in it. It is one of the great sequels. If you don't like Jade City, I think it is hard for you to like this book, especially if one of your problems is Hilo and his moral.  This is one of my best-reads, and I would love for new readers to discover this series and enjoy it like I did.

Minh, 16

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The children of rival restaurants. They both face the dilemma of the shops that they love so dearly being sold due to the new restaurant, 'World Fusion Cafe' stealing their recipes and customers. They both begrudgingly have to work together but can they save their restaurants or will they find something deeper within themselves?

Cafe Con Lychee is an amazing book. The book really gets in the mind of the protagonists and feels as though you are immersed in their world! The plot is wonderful ( I LOVE THE FORCED PROXIMITY TROPE + THE ENEMIES TO LOVERS) and the different supporting characters that go through typical issues that high schoolers would face which I love as a high schooler right now.

I would recommend as someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ Community and being Hispanic, the lessons that are brought up are really important and hit close to home. I found comfort in the characters, which I feel like other people can connect to, or without identifying with such.

Jocelyn, 17

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The son of the president of the United States, and the son of the England Monarch do not see eye to eye. After a mishap with the press, the two families force the two to be best friends to clear the air for the rest of the world. What happens when they don't need to pretend anymore? Will the world approve of their love or will they have to diminish their fiery passion for each other?

I loved this book, the push and pull of these two were absolutely cheesy and kept me reading. This read took me two days to complete on a road trip and I was so disappointed that there was not a sequel to this book :( .I did love the writing and almost anyone could pick this up and have a wonderful time getting to know Prince Henry and Alex.

I would recommend this book! It's a relatively beautiful and fulfilling read. The banter and the chemistry is something to die for! I have re-read this book many times and I have truly come to appreciate it more each time. The book may have some parts in which it can be slow but also contain some scenes with spice so please beware lol. I have given this book to a friend who doesn't favor reading as I do, and she was HOOKED I tell you!!

Jocelyn, 17

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This book follows Charlie as he ventures into highschool after the loss of a close friend. It is written as a diary and in Charlie's perspective. He creates new friends and new experiences. Along the way, he discovers more about himself, and his past.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a perfect, modern, coming of age book. I liked how real it was, and how it could even be relatable at points.

It's a very interesting and very short read. I 100% recommend. Easy to understand and captivating. Very entertaining and hard to put down.

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Grettel, 18

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This book is told in the perspective of a boy named Patroclus, who is a Greek Prince, and is exiled by his father and is taken in by a king and his son, Achilles who he develops a very close bond with.

I loved it! What I liked about this book was that I wasn't once bored of the storyline and how the author is very descriptive in her writing.

Yes, I would recommend this book to young adults who want to learn more about Greek mythology.

Victoria, 17

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Gabi's high school life life is stressful. She faces many external struggles like her father's meth addiction, a friend's pregnancy, another friend's sexuality struggles, and her own body image issues, all the while helping or hurting her relationships.

I loved Gabi's personality from her vulnerability, her loyalism, and her fierceness. I also loved the author's interpretation of Gabi's bilingualism. Gabi's fluency goes so far so that she feels confident in it. When she paraphrases a meaning or expands upon a sentence in different languages, it adds an extra layer of authenticity to her character.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has any form of doubts surrounding their relationships, whether it be with with family, friends, or lovers. Gabi shares her vulnerable parts, so it doesn't make one feel uncomfortable for having their own intrusive thoughts or insecurities. For me, it made me feel validated to have second thoughts or "what if" moments. Definitely worth a second read!

Lucia, 14

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This book follows the perspective of a gay, transgender brujo, Yadriel, who wishes to be accepted into his community. Throughout this story Yadriel struggles with the gender roles in his community.

I Loved it! I really like how the author goes about telling this story, it doesn't feel too slow or fast, it's just the right pace.

I would recommend this book to teenagers or young adults in the LGBTQ+ community.

Victoria, 17

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Death-cast is an organization of sorts that alerts people that they are going to die in the next 24 hours. Mateo and Rufus are given the call. They are total strangers.

I loved it! Even though the title may seem like a big spoiler, I really enjoyed reading this futuristic novel. I really loved how in the book you read about different perspectives of people who have received the call.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good heart-wrenching novel.

Victoria, 17

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This YA novel is about a young Black girl becoming terminally ill and coming of age. I picked it up a few weeks after listening to M. NourbeSe Philip in an episode of the Commonplace poetry podcast and heard her voice and poetry. Hearing her speak about Trinidad, my interest was piqued. Subsequently, I checked in on bookramble on YouTube and saw her bomb Bad Bunny tag, wherein she briefly discussed this book and mentioned that Trinidad played a part in it.

I was immediately enchanted by Audre, the main character, because I assumed that Audre was a shout out to Audre Lorde, and the novel later confirmed this suspicion of mine! Audre loves listening to rock by people of color and most other genres too, with a special affinity for Whitney Houston.

Moreover, the tenderness, healing, touching prose, fleshed out characters, magical realism, name dropping (namedropping Haruki Murakami, for example, and also referencing Biggie and James Baldwin in the same sentence), and immersion in a safe world for people of color and of strong women alongside sweet men made me feel warmth and security with myself.

I admire that this novel took a lovely anti-colonial stance, not shying away from denouncing mass incarceration and the endless discussion of white heteropatriarchs in places of education.

I would recommend this book to sensitive people of color of all ages. It is not too long, and worthwhile to read, if only for an excuse to bop to samba jazz, reggae, Aretha, Fishbone and many other creators this book introduced me to as I read it, and as I have continued to do since finishing it.

Mya, 15

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Welcome to Miss Quinzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types! Follow the adventures of five girls: Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley as they go on countless fantastical excursions and unlock secrets about their camp as they explore. They're all determined to have an awesome summer, and they won't let supernatural occurrences get in their way!

AMAZING SERIES. I've read almost all the books this library has to offer, and I crave more! It's the most action-packed, captivating, and one of the most comedic graphic novel series I've ever read! There's, like, nothing to hate about this series. Seriously, it's amazing.

I would recommend this to young teens, older teens, anybody! There's no harsh language, but there's a bit of romance, but nothing over the top. It's also jam-packed with LGBTQ themes, featuring a transgender girl as one of the main characters, and a nonbinary side (maybe a side character? I'm not really sure) character. There is a lesbian relationship between two of the main characters, so if you're not supportive of the LGBTQ community for some reason, then I don't recommend this series.

Ofel, 13

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