Teen Book Reviews

Wolf by Wolf is a historical fiction book about a Jewish girl named Yael who survives a German death camp. But being a survivor comes with a cost, as she now has the ability to change her appearance. She joins the resistance and her mission is to kill Hitler during a motorcycle race called the Axis Tour. It’s such an action-packed and fast-paced novel with lots of twists and suspense - you won’t put it down.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves “what if” questions, historical fiction, and honestly to just about anyone who enjoys unique novels. It is set in an alternate timeline in history where the Axis powers won World War II. This type of setting creates a sense of strangeness because the book is so bold to stretch the idea of how history would have been different. Another thing that has the novel so compelling is its strong female protagonist. Yael is a complex and certainly a well-developed character in this story. Her vengeance drives the book into full gear, letting us delve deep into the storyline and will stay with you after you finish reading it. The author, Ryan Graudin, writes this novel so well since she puts in thought-provoking themes throughout her story. This is a must-read for fans of all genres with its engaging and adventurous plot.

The School for Good and Evil Book #1 is a New York Times bestselling book by Soman Chainani. This book is about 2 girls, and a prince. Sophie and Agatha are best friends, and all their lives, they’ve known nothing but comfort. But while Agatha is content with their happy lives, Sophie wants more. You see, every year, the wicked schoolmaster from beyond the woods comes to their humble little village, and kidnaps 2 kids. A good one, and a bad one. And Sophie is the perfect candidate for the good one, and she knows it. Meanwhile, with the appearance of a witch, Agatha makes the ideal choice for an evil kid, even though she’s not. Sure enough, the 2 girls get taken, but only to find, their roles are reversed. Agatha is sent to the pretty pink castle, while Sophie is sent to the haunted fortress. The girls must find a way to switch back, and more importantly, to survive.

Have you ever wondered where fairy tales come from? Well this book explains it all! If you love fantasy books, but have unfortunately run out on all the good ones, don’t fret, because this book is here to save the day! I would recommend The School for Good and Evil to kids 11 years of age and older. This book is full of humor and suspense and overall a great story. However, there is some mild language in the book, but luckily no inappropriate parts. If you are one of those people who read something, and can’t stop, then this book is for you. Once you finish reading the first one, you’re in luck because there are 6 more books waiting for you! This seven part book series is full of magic and wonder. I can say with 100% certainty that once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop.

All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman is about seven families who reside in the small town of Ilvernath. Every twenty years at the Blood Moon, they send seven teenagers, one per family, to participate in a tournament. The object of the tournament is to kill all the other players, and the prize is access to the “High Magick,” a source thought to be long extinct.

I thought this book was a fantastic read, and I enjoyed it a ton. These two authors are extremely talented, and you can almost bet that anything they write will be a success. They combine multiple points of view, a complicated history, and magical elements into a wonderful story that sweeps the reader up and away into the mysterious world of Ilvernath. A few things that could be improved are the ending, which was a bit confusing, and the diversity of the characters. When there are more diverse characters, it is easier for us teenagers (the audience) to relate to the story. Other than those two details, the book is constantly surprising you and is never too predictable. The competitors are secretive and dynamic, and they will never let you know their next move. If you enjoyed The Hunger Games series, this is the book for you.

Caraval is about Scarlett Dragna, the daughter of an abusive father. She and her sister Donatella (Tella) have always dreamed of attending Caraval, the wondrous game run by the mysterious Legend, but when Donatella gets captured as a part of the game, Scarlett must side with the suspicious Julian to win the game and get her sister back, but the game is not as simple as it seems and every new discovery uncovers another mystery.

Caraval is a whimsical and fantastical adventure! You can never tell what's going to happen next, and every character is masterfully designed. I really enjoyed Caraval and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in books full of mystery, intrigue, and magic. Scarlett's character changes beautifully throughout the story in a way that is very relatable. Each plot twist made my jaw drop a little farther as the story looped back on itself so frequently. It truly is one of those books you would give anything to become a part of or just meet your favorite character, whoever that may be because they are all amazing. There are just enough humorous moments to balance out the dark atmosphere the book carries. A word of warning before you choose to read this amazing adventure, don't trust anything or anyone. And above all, Remember, it's only a game.

Rules is the story of a twelve-year-old girl named Catherine, who is torn between caring for her autistic brother David and finding her own place to find friends and expand her mind and life. Catherine spends a lot of her summers making lots of rules for David, and a few include "Say 'excuse me' after you burp" or "You can yell on the playground, but not during dinner." Then she meets Jason at one of David’s appointments, who has a disability and is in a wheelchair, which completely changes her outlook on life and friendships.

Rules is a heartwarming story about friendships, finding a true path, and inner acceptance. I love Rules because of the heartwarming story. Once I found this perfect book, it was incredibly difficult to put it down because the author makes me want to know more, even though sometimes it is sad. This book made me laugh and also made me cry. Because of the excellent writing, it is really easy to feel the family’s pain, love, and happiness together. Catherine and her brother David’s bond grows stronger over time. Becoming friends with Jason, who is unable to speak other than using cards, Catherine realizes that her brother David could be thought of more as a brother than a burden. Jason is a true friend to Catherine, unlike some of her other friends, which teaches Catherine what real friendship should feel like. Similar to Rules is Fish in A Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, and it would be another great book.