OUR FAVORITES
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS BY MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Summerland
Mr. Grant Goldstein
Written by Michael Chabon
While it’s totally unfair to ask an English teacher to name a favorite book, this beloved children’s story effortlessly combines ancient mythologies with the world of baseball — the closest modern American culture has come to mythmaking. Young Ethan Feld, the worst player in the Clam Island Little League, must form a team to play a ballgame with the fate of the world hanging in the balance, and his perilous journey through the multiple worlds of the Summerlands tests the bonds of family, friendship, and self-confidence. Though marketed as a “children’s fantasy book,” the layers of this tale make for enchantment for every member of the family.
Ender's Game
Annie Guo
Written by Orson Scott Card
Ender's Game is a military science fiction novel is set in the future, where interstellar exploration has expanded to lightspeed travel and the world is united to fight against an alien species. Ender Wiggin, a brilliant third child, must leave behind his family to study and train to fight the Formics, becoming part of a young generation of soldiers. This exciting novel is a good read for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking stories.
Looking for Alaska
Ayellet Aharonovich
Written by John Green
Looking for Alaska is a a young adult fictional novel that tells the story of Miles Halter, or "Pudge," who is fascinated with last words. Miles goes to a boarding school in search of "the Great Perhaps", an idea based on the final words of Francois Rabelais. After the mysterious death of his friend, Miles tries to find the missing details. This intriguing novel is perfect for readers looking to contemplate themes of death, the meaning of life, and independence.
Animal Farm
Brandon Sookoo
Written by George Orwell
Animal Farm is an allegorical novel that tells the story of farm animals living on Manor Farm. After becoming inspired by a speech, the animals decide to mount a rebellion against their farmer and create a farm of equality, freedom, and happiness. However, on Animal Farm, things begin to fall apart and worsen after betrayal and dictatorship. Read this if you are looking for a politically satirical and thought-provoking novel.
The Space Between Us
Bela Santos
Written by Courtney Peppernell and Zack Grey
A collaborative collection of poems that navigates the highs and lows of long distance relationships. This heartwarming collection of poetry connects readers to the loved ones they miss and The Space Between Us is a great read for anyone who needs a reminder to hold on to what they believe in.
Flowers for Algernon
Elizabeth Welbeck
Written by Daniel Keyes
Flowers for Algernon is a science fiction novel written in a series of progress reports. The story follows Charlie Gordon, a man with a developmental disability. After undergoing an experimental brain surgery to increase his IQ, Charlie reaches a genius level and begins to recall lost memories from his life. Readers can see the difference in Charlie's writing as his intelligence changes. However, Charlie quickly realizes that intellect isn't everything he hoped for.
Jane Eyre
Hannah Lee
Written by Charlotte Bronte
This Victorian novel, set in the early 1800s of Northern England, tells the story of a young woman named Jane Eyre: she begins as a lonely, mistreated orphan, and ends up as the governess of Thornfield Hall, under the eye of the gloomy and sardonic Edward Rochester. An unexpected love unfolds between the two—until a disaster and the discovery of a terrible secret changes everything. With moving and clever prose, Brontë explores themes of womanhood, equality, love, and identity in a remarkable way for her time.
The Infernal Devices
Joey Lien
Written by Cassandra Clare
The Infernal Devices is a fantasy trilogy series that tells the story of a race called the Shadowhunters and Tessa Gray, a 16-year-old orphan who discovers she has the power to shapeshift. Tessa Gray learns to control her powers as she navigates through life in the London Institute with the Shadowhunters. The Infernal Devices is a series for anyone looking for an action-packed young adult fantasy.
Girl in Pieces
Marissa Boucher
Written by Kathleen Glasgow
Girl in Pieces is centered around Charlotte “Charlie” Davis, who is seventeen and has nothing. Released from a psychiatric hospital after years of self-harm and a suicide attempt, Charlie is left to forge her own path in Tucson, Arizona. This novel discuss serious topics of substance abuse, homelessness, and mental illness. Read this book if you’re looking for a heartbreaking story about losing everything and rebuilding.
The Book Thief
Natalie Weger
Written by Markus Zusack
This heart-wrenching tale takes place in 1939, just before World War II has started. It centers around a young girl named Liesel Meminger, who moves to Nazi Germany when her brother dies and she is separated from her mother. Written from the point of view of death himself, this story is about "a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery."
Aru Shah and the End of Time
Rushi Jain
Written by Roshani Chokshi
Think Percy Jackson, but with Hindu Mythology. The first in the fantasy adventure series by Rick Riordan is a must read for fans of mythology. The story follows middle schooler Aru Shah who just wants to fit in, and may stretch the truth just a bit to do so. However, in an effort to prove herself to some classmates, Aru accidentally releases a demon into the world. An action-packed novel that is sure entertain any reader.
The Night Circus
Zaida Bowsher
Written by Erin Morgenstern
There is something strange about Le Cirque de Rêves. It might be the fact that it arrives without warning, or how it is only open at night. Or maybe it is the tents that seem to defy reality itself. For although the visitors do not know it, behind the scenes, two magicians are locked in a fierce competition, and the circus is their arena. Join Celia, Marco, and the circus performers in this incredibly unique page turner, full of suspense, danger, and a bit of magic.
The Memory Police
Vismaya Mohindra
Written by Yoko Ogawa
On an unnamed desolate island, objects are slowly disappearing, but the inhabitants don’t seem to mind. The island is controlled by the Memory Police, who remove the objects and the people who recall them. A young novelist finds herself entangled with the Memory Police, as she struggles to protect her editor, who recalls everything, from them. An incredible commentary on the power of memory and the trauma of loss, The Memory Police is an exciting contemporary novel that is sure to evoke some tears.
Singles
THE BOOK THIEF
Written by Marcus Zusak
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This heart-wrenching tale takes place in 1939, just before World War II has started. It centers around a young girl named Liesel Meminger, who moves to Nazi Germany when her brother dies and she is separated from her mother. Written from the point of view of death himself, this story is about "a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery."
THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER
Written by Stephen Chbosky
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Read about Charlie's experience of growing up in high school. This memorable, coming-of-age story tells Charlie's unique and eye-opening perspective of surviving the teenage years. Each of Charlie's letters touches its readers in the heart. By the end of the novel, Charlie will feel like a friend and his high school experiences will make you hold your own more dearly to the heart.
FIRE
Written by Kristin Cashore
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Where beauty is a monstrosity. Fire is a young woman with a dark past and is hated for the beauty bestowed upon her from her monstrous lineage. The only one of her kind, she hides from the world, who all either want to love her or kill her. Or both. A novel of friendship, love, and war. The three ingredients for an ultimate classic.
THE HATE U GIVE
Written by Angie Thomas
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Starr Carter, a teenage girl balances her life between two worlds- the impoverished neighborhood where she resides and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. When her friend, Khali, dies in front of her eyes at the hands of police brutality, her world takes a different turn. Now, Starr must decide whether or not to speak up about the racial injustices and what she does-or doesn't- say has a bigger effect than she thinks.
duologies + trilogies
SIX OF CROWS
Written by Leigh Bardugo
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Join Kaz Brekker, a young criminal prodigy, and his five other friends on attempting a deadly heist for a huge reward. These complex and morally grey characters each offer their own pasts and perspectives, making the story one of a kind! Leigh Bardugo knows how to combine the elements of action, suspense, romance, and world-building, to craft the perfect story for young adult fantasy readers.
THE INFERNAL DEVICES
Written by Cassandra Clare
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Tessa Gray moves to Victorian England after her brother goes missing. There, she gets entangled in the interesting world of Will and Jem, two demon-hunting boys who live in a supernatural world. Soon, they find themselves up against demons, vampires, warlocks, and scary clockwork creatures in a fight to save the Shadowhunter world. This powerful story of sacrifice and love will move your heart and leave every reader bittersweet.
SERIes
the mortal instruments
Written by Cassandre Clare​
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A story with so many plot twists your mouth might never close. Clary Fray finds her world turned upside down after she runs into Jace Lightwood, a mysterious boy with supernatural abilities, at a night club. She discovers the world of demons and Shadowhunters and is pulled into the danger when her mother goes missing. Before she knows it, Clary becomes the key to saving everyone she loves.
percy jackson and the olympians
Written by Rick Riorden​
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This series is an absolute favorite to readers around the world. It follows a Demi-God named Percy Jackson, who fights monsters and goes on thrilling adventures with his friends. Each book contains life lessons and creates memories that will last a lifetime, all topped off with Greek Mythology! The story of Percy Jackson is an unforgettable experience and a heart-wrenching favorite to all.
throne of glass
Written by Sarah J. Maas
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The Throne of Glass is a series of twists, turns, tears, and trials. Celaena Sardothien, a renowned assassin, has finally been caught by the darkness of her past and does everything she can to save the ones she loves. When the horrors of her world finally show their true colors, she is forced to face the fate that she desperately tried to outrun and everything takes an unexpected turn. This breathtaking story will undoubtedly move you to tears.
harry potter
Written by J.K. Rowling​
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The Harry Potter series is an absolute classic .Reading the story of Harry Potter is a rite of passage for all readers, no matter their age. A story about The Boy Who Lived, whose parents sacrificed themselves so he could live in two worlds. One, where all knew his name, and the other, where he was nothing but an orphan. Oh, what we would give to be able to relive the magic of Harry Potter for the very first time.