Reviews written by Amalie Jahn, Staff Reviewer

I’ve been a big fan of both Craven and MacQueen for many years so when I heard they were collaborating on a book, I immediately requested an ARC. Although THE F WORD tackles quite a few difficult topics—loss, grief, self-identity, young love, and bullying—I was so impressed...

Fans of Karen McManus will enjoy the twists and turns in WHAT HE HIDES. When Lauren’s mom becomes the prosecuting attorney in Bowie’s mom’s murder trial, Lauren should know better than to get involved. But her long-standing crush on Bowie makes staying away nearly impossible. ...

TWO LIKE ME AND YOU is a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming story that fans of John Green will adore. Edwin gets dumped and is having a hard time getting over his ex, but when he’s partnered in class with the new girl, Parker, they end up setting off on...

BREAKOUT by A.M. Rose is an edge-of-your-seat, YA dystopian adventure that will have you turning page after page well past bedtime. Lezah was imprisoned for a crime she didn’t remember committing, and with six days left until her execution, decided it was time to escape. With help...

This book stole my entire heart in the best possible way. I laughed, I cried, and I pulled so hard for Lock and West page after painstaking page. What I loved best about this book, told in dual POVs, is the authenticity of both MCs voices. Lock literally jumps off...

This novella about Ella, a girl who's lost her passion for music, and Damon, the guy who helps rekindle it. A quick, fun read with relatable characters, will they / won't they tension, and hidden romance, I enjoyed this offering from Key. Lots of good chemistry between the two MCs...

In the interest of full disclosure, the only reason I picked up this book is because my father actually WAS the marching band director for Dulaney high school WAAAAAYYYY back in the day. That connection made me open the front cover, but the story kept me turning the pages. ...

There are lots of points to love about this book: a slow burn 'friends to lovers" romance and a great friend group. Regan is a likable, albeit emotional, teenage girl whose only focus is her educational future. Boys cannot be part of the equation which is why she's chosen to...

In this Rapunzel retelling, Ms. Lynn takes the childhood damsel in distress you know and love and turns her into a strong protagonist you’ll be rooting for from the start. In this version, Etta has a magical ability she’s unable to use since magic is illegal. On top of that,...

Ink and Ivy is a quiet contemporary which thoughtfully explores having the courage to become the person you were meant to be. When Ivy meets Julian unexpectedly in an antique store, she begins to see herself in a new light—quite different from the one her parents have always imagined for...

Wild Blue Wonder traces the aftermath of Quinn's best friend Dylan's death. The book is told in alternating chapters: the present, told in first-person from Quinn's perspective, and the past, told in letters written to Dylan she's never able to send. As the book progresses, we are given glimpses into...

Tamani takes us on a journey from Taja's middle school years all the way through college--a true coming-of-age novel. Throughout the book, which is so lovingly crafted, we see Taja struggling to conflate the many discrepancies in her life: Christianity and sexuality, love and lust, sinner and saint. Tamani does...

I'm a huge YA fan and completely loved this latest offering from Rebecca Phillips which follows the life of Dara Shepard both before and after the tragic death of her best friend Aubrey. The novel is told in alternating chapters, bringing the reader closer and closer to the actual...

Although TWBL starts as a simple buddy adventure, it quickly morphs into a coming-of-age journey including budding sexuality and the fine line between friendship and romance. Cooper and Cady head off for a weekend of firsts and homeless Eli quickly joins the fold. As they continue crossing off the items...

I'm a huge fan of issue-driven contemporary fiction so I was excited to start reading Seeking Perfect. Books like this tend to be written in first-person to give readers the most insight into the character's worldview, so I was surprised when this offering was written in third-person instead. Unfortunately, I...