Teen Book Reviews

Twelve-year-old Charlie Thorne knows she will change the world. Her mind is a superpower. She's capable of solving mathematical equations at a speed that can rival Einstein's. She is a genius, and in Charlie's opinion, unstoppable. That is, until Charlie is recruited by the CIA and put through a test that no 12-year-old should ever have to undertake: how to save the world. To succeed, Charlie must decipher a secret equation that Einstein himself has concealed. This equation contains information that in the wrong hands could end the world. Charlie must learn how to rely on others, determine who she can trust, and survive a mission that for the first time, leaves Charlie in-over-her head.

This book’s many plot twists and action packed scenes will leave you hanging from chapter to chapter. Charlie’s adventure takes you across the world, and Stuart Gibbs skillfully blends many cultures and historical facts throughout the narrative. I recommend this book for anyone aged 10 and up. Gibbs does an outstanding job of balancing an exciting story, while presenting difficult topics to his target audience in a way that is very memorable to read, and presents a complex narrative about trust, strong morals, and self-reliance.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea is about a young girl named Mina, who lives in a village that gets devastating storms hurting the people living there. To try to stop the storms and appease the Sea God, the village sacrifices one girl into the water every year. Mina decides to sacrifice herself and gets taken to a spirit realm where she sets out on her own adventure to try to save everyone.

Axie Oh based this book on a Korean folk story called “The Tale of Shim Cheong” and I think that the mythological aspect of this book is one of the reasons I loved it. I highly recommend reading it, especially if you are a fan of mythology and the Studio Ghibli movie, ‘Spirited Away’. It was filled with vivid imagery and descriptions, making you feel like you were right next to Mina trying to figure out how to navigate the spirit realm. There are a lot of found family and friendship themes which was just so heartwarming. There is also a subplot of romance, however, I didn’t love how it was written. I wish that it had more depth instead of it happening almost immediately. But that’s my only complaint because this book was so good!

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.

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.