#7th-12th

Genre or category

Science Fiction Target Age Group 12+ years, 7th-9th grade Summary Scythe is set in a future where death has been eliminated by advanced technology and follows teenagers Citra and Rowan as they are chosen to apprentice under a scythe, an individual responsible for population control through “gleaning.” As they are trained in this role, they begin to question the morality of the system and the people who uphold it. Their journey exposes the tension between duty, power, and what it means to take a life in a world without natural death.

Justification I selected Scythe for a Science Fiction read because I was drawn to the premise and how it explores ethical questions within a futuristic society. The idea of a world without death immediately raises moral considerations, especially when individuals will be killed purposefully. I also enjoyed how the novel balances the action-packed storytelling with the philosophical themes.

Evaluation For this review, I will be evaluating characters, plot and setting

The characters in Scythe are a major strength of the novel, particularly in how they reflect different perspectives on morality and power. Citra and Rowan function as the protagonists and each respond differently to their apprenticeship. Citra is analytical often questioning the system and striving to maintain her sense of ethics. Rowan, however, becomes increasingly conflicted as he struggles with how others perceive him and how he begins to see himself within the system. Their differing responses create an interesting dynamic, especially as they are placed in direct competition. Scythe Faraday serves as a moral anchor early in the story, modeling a compassionate and thoughtful approach to gleaning, while Scythe Goddard represents the opposite treating death as spectacle and power as something to be exercised without restraint. These contrasting characters deepen the novel’s exploration of ethical responsibility,

The plot of Scythe is driven by both external conflict and internal moral questioning, which keeps it engaging while also allowing for deeper reflection. The apprenticeship structure provides a clear framework, guiding readers through the rules and expectations of the scythedom. As the story progresses, the stakes increase through turning points, such as the shift in mentorship, the escalation of competition between Citra and Rowan, and the exposure of corruption within the system. The inclusion of journal entries from different scythes adds another layer, offering insight into varying philosophies and reinforcing the complexity of the world. The climax and resolution avoid easy answers, instead emphasizing that morality is shaped by choices rather than systems, which entices the reader to read the next book in the series.

The setting of Scythe is a distinctive elements, presenting a utopian world with dystopian undertones. In this future, humanity has conquered disease, aging, and natural death, largely due to the presence of the Thunderhead, an all-knowing artificial intelligence that governs society. This world appears ideal at first at is safe, stable, and free from suffering. But the existence of the scythedom introduces a necessary but troubling contradiction: death must still occur, but it is now controlled by individuals rather than nature. This creates a setting that feels both advanced and unsettling. Locations such as the training environments, public gleanings, and the broader MidMerican society all reinforce the tension between order and control. The contrast between a perfected world and the imperfect humans tasked with maintaining balance is what gives the setting its depth.

Genre or category Graphic Novel, Digitally Target Age Group 13+ years, 8th-9th grade Summary The book follows a shapeshifting girl who becomes the sidekick to the villain Ballister Blackheart. As the duo takes on a powerful institution and its celebrated hero, Sir Goldenloin, their story evolves into something more complex than a battle between good and evil. As Nimona’s past is revealed, the book explores identity, power, and trust and the notion that not all heroes are heroes. Justification I selected this book for the graphic novel teen selection because of its unique premise and art. I was drawn to Nimona's blend of humor with a complex theme. The idea of a main character who identifies as a villain immediately stood out to me, because of the way it challenges traditional story roles. I was particularly interested in the dynamic of questioning whether the “hero” is truly heroic, and how that perspective might reshape the reader’s understanding of morality within the story. I chose to read the book digitally because I thought it would help to further analyze the art of the book, as I would be able to zoom in for closer inspection of the work. Evaluation For this review, I will be evaluating characters, plot and illustrations.

The characters in Nimona resist clear categorization of good and evil as they surpass traditional story roles, which makes them so dynamic. Nimona is an exciting, round protagonist whose shapeshifting abilities mirror her sense of identity, a notion she struggles with throughout the novel. Early on, she is chaotic, she turns into a shark during a break-in and suggests destruction, but her chaotic nature shifts as the story progresses. Her willingness to escalate violence contrasts with Blackheart's controlled, principled approach to villainy. This causes some tension between the characters when Blackhearts pushes back against her methods, the reader begins to see the deeper issues Nimona has. Nimona's unpredictable nature begins to have more meaning. Blackheart is as interesting as Nimona as a villain, as he follows a moral code. His history with Goldenloin shows that the characters cannot be defined as good or bad.

The plot of the books shifts from lighthearted to emotional as the story progresses. In the beginning, the story is riddled with familiar tropes. There are dramatic villain monologues, elaborate evil plans, and comedic action sequences. As the story continues to unfold, emotional stakes develop. Nimona's backstory begins to surface, her identity is questioned and her past transformations hint at her trauma. Nimona and Blackheart also experience a breakdown of trust, which serves as a pivotal scene in the story. The climax shows Nimona transform into something far more destructive and uncontrollable which highlights a central conflict of the novel. What happens when someone is repeatedly treated as a monster?

The illustrations of the book communicate both tone and meaning, and this becomes especially noticeable when reading the text digitally. Stevenson’s art style is expressive shifting between comedic exaggeration and emotional intensity. Nimona’s initial transformations, turning into various animals' mid-scene, are drawn with energy and humor, while later transformations are heavier and more unsettling in the artwork, visually reinforcing the shift in tone. Facial expressions are particularly effective, as changes in Blackheart’s posture or Nimona’s expression often communicate emotional shifts without the need for dialogue. Panel layout also plays a key role in pacing. Action sequences use tighter panels to create momentum, while more emotional moments use more space. When reading digitally, the experience can feel more guided, as panels are often viewed in a fixed sequence, which can enhance clarity and ensure readers follow the intended pacing. This format can limit the ability to fully take in entire page spreads, which is an important aspect of graphic novel storytelling. But the digital format can make transitions between panels feel smoother and readers are able to zoom in on important details as they wish. Doing a comparison with the physical copy of the book, I preferred reading digitally to zoom in and out of the panels and examine the art more closely.

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Genre or category Novel in Verse- Audio Target Age Group 12+ years, 8th-9th grade Summary This novel follows Xiomara Batista, a Dominican American teen growing up in Harlem who feels unheard in her strict religious household. As she navigates family expectations, identity, and first love, she discovers slam poetry as a way to express herself. Through writing and performance, Xiomara begins to claim her voice and define who she is. Justification I selected this book as both my teen Novel in Verse because of the issues that are addressed in the book. Identity, culture, religion and self-expression are poignant and pivotal topics in a teenager's life, making the book a relatable, resonating read. The book being a novel in verse allows for the content to be easily digested, as the style is more approachable for teens who might not enjoy full chapter formatting. I also chose to listen to this book on audio narrated by the author because I felt there would be added emotional depth to the verse. Verse is meant to be heard aloud; I would encourage a simultaneous audio and visual read for full effects. Evaluation For this review, I will be evaluating theme, plot, and format.

The theme of the book focuses on voice, identity, and self-expression, in the face of silence and restriction of oneself. Xiomara’s journey is not just about finding poetry, it is also about finding the courage to speak and be heard. Xiomara grapples with being told to be quiet, whether through direct instruction or through cultural expectations about how she should behave. Poetry becomes her outlet, a space where she processes her thoughts and begins to define herself on her own terms. The novel also touches on themes of faith, gender expectations, and cultural identity, which may resonate with different readers, making this book a story that goes beyond a single experience.

The plot of the novel is driven more by emotional and personal growth. The story unfolds through a series of moments, through family conflicts, school experiences, and Xiomara’s involvement in a poetry club, these moments build toward her participation in a slam poetry performance. The dynamics that are explored through family conflict and her experience show the realities of what all teens may go through. There a couple turning points in the novel like her decision to attend the club and finding the courage to perform her work that the reader will enjoy because we have seen her internal development. There is not overall resolution of the conflicts that she experiences with her family, but there is progress in how she expresses herself, to where the reader will feel satisfaction in Xiomara's new chapter of life.

Experiencing the book as an audio format added a powerful layer to the storytelling. The performance was done by the author herself. Hearing the poems performed emphasizes the rhythm, pacing, and emotion of the novel. Moments of anger, vulnerability and confidence are shaped through tone and delivery, making Xiomara's voice and conflict feel even more personal and relatable. Pauses and emphasis in the narration highlight key lines that might be interpreted differently on the page. Elements that would have been experienced visually like breaks and spacing are experienced through performance, which can shift how the meaning is processed. The audio, overall, creates a more immersive experience as the audience hears the emotion and cadence of Xiomara and her journey.

Reference:

Genre or Category:

Banned Book

Target Age Group:

16-18, 10th-12th Grade

Summary:

This memoir follows George M. Johnson as they reflect on their experiences growing up Black and queer in America. Through a series of personal essays, the book explores identity, family, relationships, and the challenges of navigating societal expectations. It highlights both moments of struggle and resilience as Johnson comes to understand and embrace who they are.

Justification:

I selected this book for the banned book category after reading a KERA article on how it over "29 school districts" had banned the book over the course of a couple of years in 2022. (Advani & Treisman, 2022). The book is a conversation starter as it shows the real experiences of someone growing up Black and queer. The book is honest and unfiltered, which is not something that many teens may encounter. The book is important for representation and may help other teens feel seen in their own journey.

Evaluation:

For this review, I will be evaluating theme, style/language, and tone.

The theme of the book centers on identity, self-acceptance, and the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality. What makes this memoir especially powerful is that it does not present identity as something simple or easily resolved. Instead, Johnson walks readers through moments of discovery, confusion, and growth, which shows that identity is shaped over time and through experience. The essays that explore their childhood, family dynamics, and early understandings of masculinity highlight how expectations are often placed on young people before they fully understand themselves. The book also addresses moments of trauma and vulnerability which shows the reality of navigating a world that can be both affirming and harmful. The book emphasizes that self-acceptance is not a single moment, but an ongoing process supported by community, language, and reflection.

The style and language of the memoir are intentionally conversational, direct, and deeply personal, which makes it feel less like a narrative and more like a series of honest conversations. The essay format allows each chapter to focus on a specific moment or theme, such as family, relationships, or coming-of-age experiences. This structure makes the book easily accessible for teen readers, as it can be read in sections rather than as one continuous narrative. The language carries emotional weight without being too complex. Johnson often uses clear, straightforward phrasing to describe their experiences. It feels like being trusted with someone’s story as there is a sense of openness that invites reflection rather than telling us what to think.

The tone of the book shifts throughout the memoir, reflecting the range of lived experience it represents. Some essays are reflective and introspective. Others are honest and unfiltered, particularly when addressing difficult topics such as discrimination or personal trauma. There are also moments of humor and celebration, especially when Johnson reflects on chosen family, self-expression, and community. This variation in tone is important because it mirrors real life. What remains consistent, however, is an underlying sense of resilience and honesty. Even in its most difficult moments, the tone is not hopeless. It emphasizes survival and growth. For readers the tone of the book encourages empathy while also highlighting the importance of being true to yourself.

Reference:

Advani, R., & Treisman, R. (2022, October 25). George M. Johnson's 'All Boys Aren't Blue' is banned from dozens of districts. NPR. Retrieved April 12, 2026, from https://www.npr.org/2022/10/25/1130433140/banned-books-all-boys-arent-blue-george-johnson-lgbtq-ya

Rachel Hartman's Nebula Award Nominee novel Tess of the Road is only a piece of the fantastical world Hartman's crafted for some of her stories, and is one that follows the defiance of what's expected of those in this world.

Cover

Genre

The genre of the story is YA fantasy. I read this book as an ebook, and it wasn't unpleasant. I would've preferred to read this as a physical copy to be able to flip back and forth between the pages.

Target Age Group

The target age group is listed as 12-17 years old and has a set grade level of 7th-9th.

Summary

Tess isn't what the kingdom of Goredd expects of a lady and she's well aware of it, especially when she screws up majorly at her sister's wedding. Faced with the fact that her family has deemed the only option for her is to go to a nunnery, Tess chooses to carve her own path out on the road and follow it to wherever it leads to, which just so happens to be an old friend that's full of determination.

Justification

This book didn't seem like much to me when I was skimming through the Nebula award's list, and I took it upon myself to look at the summary of each book that was nominated. Out of all of the books, the story of this one stood out to me, especially with the fact that Tess cuts her hair and disguises herself as a boy for her journey. This is something I've seen sometimes in books, and I was curious how this one would be written out.

Evaluation

The three criteria used for evaluation are Style and Language, Plot, and Character.

The style and language of the novel matches up to the medieval setting it’s been placed in. There’s a noticeable lack of modern terms and slang, and even typical exclamations or swears you’d hear today have their replacements that fit the story’s setting. The pacing of the sentences are pleasant as well, nothing feels rushed unless there’s a panic within Tess. The story moves how she moves, and it keeps the reader from ending up overwhelmed with an overload of information. 

The plot is well written, even if the conclusion is a bit puzzling. However, it’s a series with a second novel already out, so the final conclusion will most likely be reached in that novel. As for this one, the conflict is already laid out, that Tess doesn’t fit in with the standards and expectations of the world she lives in, and challenges it by masquerading as a boy and taking an unknown path of her own. There appears to be a lack of a clear question that drives the plot forward because there could be multiple, such as asking if the road will lead Tess to somewhere she belongs or if the world will end when her and Pathka find Anathuthia. Despite the lack of a clear question, the plot is still pleasant and has its ups and downs, not rushing or taking too long.

The characters of Tess of the Road felt a bit flat to me at first, but the more I read, the more I began to see that the little details that didn’t seem to add much when I started reading ended up adding a lot to the characters. The bits about Jeanne towards the beginning of the story helped me understand how she reacted when we see her for the last time in it, for example. There’s deep layers to them, especially with Tess constantly having to grapple with what she was taught in her upbringing and what happened to her when she was growing up, her past nagging and pulling her back. It’s a realistic depiction of healing, and there’s plenty of other realistic examples of complex relationships that can exist within families.

Reference

Sadie by Courtney Summers is a Edgar Award winning YA thriller and mystery novel that follows two point of views at the same time, both revealing the same story. It flows in the form of a podcaster and his transcripts, as well as the journey of Sadie herself.

Cover

Genre + Format

The genre of the story is YA mystery and thriller, and I listened to this as an audiobook.

I figured that with the podcast segments, it would be an interesting book to hear as an audiobook and I gave it a shot. As much as I did enjoy the podcast bits being read aloud and the way they incorporated the setting sounds into the reading, I did not find myself enjoying the audiobook experience as a whole. I prefer to have the book in my hands because I read at a quick speed, and without a way to speed up the book, I sat there for about 8 or 9 hours listening to a story I could've read in one or two. Ultimately, this is just a personal preference and I did see the appeal of this as an audiobook, but it just wasn't my cup of tea once I gave it a whirl.

Target Age Group

The target age group is listed as 13-17 and the grade level is placed at 7th-9th.

Summary

Sadie is a 19-year old girl with a murdered little sister, on the run and hunt for the man who killed her so ruthlessly with only a picture and some memories guiding her path. West McCray gets a call from her surrogate grandmother pleading for him to find her, and it leads him on a wild chase he never thought he'd ever go on. But the clock is slowly ticking and running out, for West to find Sadie, and for Sadie to find and avenge her little sister Mattie.

Justification

I needed to find a mystery/thriller book to review, and I turned to look at the Edgar award list to see what was awaiting me there. The simple title caught my eye, and then the cover and premise of the story. The lure of the podcast segments and the availability of it as an audiobook had me ready to give this book a shot and see what it held for me.

Evaluation

The three criteria used for evaluation are Style and Language, Plot, and Character.

The style and language of the book is incredibly descriptive and does a wonderful job with painting pictures of the scenes, settings, and characters, and hones in on details and voices. The language seems to match up with the suggested age and grade level for the novel, but it was a bit harder to determine it when listening to the book instead of reading it for myself. However, it sounds like everything was nicely paced and spaced out on the page and I could practically hear the sentence breaks in the audio. Despite the fact it was an audiobook, I think I could still find a solid grasp on the way the style and language was executed, and it was done well.

The plot started out incredibly strong and provided the main missions for each set of alternating views, and ultimately gave us the question “Where’s Sadie?” as that’s the first and main point of the novel in my opinion. The plot follows West trying to find where Sadie went, and Sadie’s own journey, giving us the clues before West does. I was disappointed with how the novel ended because it felt like that question was left unanswered, and it left me with more questions upon finishing the book. The lack of a solid conclusion ultimately harmed the plot for me because it felt like we reached the climax, and then the story ended with no real resolution, except for the definitive answer of who killed Mattie.

To me, the characters were the best part of the novel because of how much detail was placed into making them feel so real. Details of appearances and voices were not overlooked, and they were made to feel realistic, acting in a way someone today would if confronted with the different things each character, major or minor, were faced with. One of my favorite details is Cat, the hitchhiker, who realistically discusses how someone would feel or react when finding a bloody shirt stashed away in a stranger's car which would be falling on edge and wanting to leave the car as soon as possible. There’s a level of grittiness to them that helps keep the serious tone of the novel in place that doesn’t try to lighten the mood, because this isn’t meant to be a happy story.

Reference

Reverie by Ryan La Sala is a book that's found on the ALA's Book Resume for being a challenged book, due to the LGBTQ+ themes and characters that are prominent within the story. It carries a story of trying to regain memories, finding who you are again, and magic.

Cover

Genre

The genre of the story is Fantasy, and I read the book as a physical copy. I greatly enjoy reading books as physical copies, so I liked reading through this story with the book in my hands.

Target Age Group

The target age group is listed as 14-18, and the grade level is 8th-12th.

Summary

Kane Montgomery has been fighting after being in an accident a few weeks ago, his memory failing him as he fails to remember just what happened that day. But then weird things start happening around his town and he starts meeting old and new faces, Kane has to fight to do what's right, and hope that he's making the right choices.

Justification

Reverie stood out to me on the ALA Book Resume for the bright colors of the cover and the premise of magic sprinkling into the real world. I've always loved stories that contain LGBTQ+ themes and themes of fantasy, so this novel caught my eye. I was curious what worldbuilding had been done for this novel as it seemed to be ingrained in some level of reality, with the magic sprinkling in.

Evaluation

The three criteria used for evaluation are style and language, plot, and character.

The style and language of the novel is fitting for a YA novel and does a phenomenal job of using it to describe the scenery and settings placed in the novel. The dialogue flows naturally and fits the way teenagers would talk. The way fantastical scenes and realistic ones are able to be differentiated is remarkable as well, with the way the scenes of the reveries carry an extra air of whimsy to them.

The plot of Reverie is one I found myself enraptured by, and the underlying question of if Kane is going to remember the accident, what happened, carries it along. There’s additional details such as wondering what’s going on with the world and the existence of magic, as well as who one of the characters, Posey, is and what their main objective is. The way the problem is established and solved feels like it fits right into place, and the epilogue of the story ties up any loose ends that remain after the main story wraps up.

The characters of this novel are some of my favorites, not just because of the diversity, but the moral grayness that exists with them. It’s unclear who’s in the right or who’s in the wrong towards the start of the novel, and the progression of them reveals the true colors lying underneath them. It feels like we’re unraveling the characters as Kane is, and it feels realistic and like they could very well be people you saw on the side of the street.

Reference

Molly Knox Ostertag's graphic novel The Girl from the Sea was on the ALSC's Graphic Novel Reading List for 2022, and details the emotional journey as Morgan and Keltie fall in love and hold their own secrets close to their chest. I was able to get this book as a physical copy and loved seeing the illustrations on paper.

Cover

Genre

The genre of the story is fantasy fiction, and is a graphic novel. I've chosen this to be for the graphic novel portion of the list.

Target Age Group

The target age group is listed as for ages 10 and up, or a grade level of 7th and up.

Summary

Morgan has a secret, that she wants to kiss girls, and she can't wait to get away from the island so she won't even have to risk facing rejection or disappointment from her friends and family. It all changes when she almost drowns and is saved by a selkie named Keltie, and as their romance blossoms, they both realize their secrets might just ruin what they have.

Justification

When it comes to graphic novels, I've only read a couple, so I needed to find a list that would help me locate a good graphic novel to pick out. The ALSC had a graphic novel reading list, and I did some looking to find one that caught my eye. Nothing was looking good as I read through the synopses, and I was getting ready to find a new list when I spotted this one, and decided to give it a shot.

Evaluation

The three criteria used for evaluation are Style and Language, Plot, and Illustration.

There isn’t much to say about the style and language as it’s a graphic novel, but the dialogue is a good base to go off of when evaluating it. It feels natural and like what you’d expect from teenage conversations. The segments where texts are exchanged between the four friends are one of my favorite parts of the book because so much is told in those small pieces with the dynamics between the characters.

The plot of this graphic novel was one I enjoyed greatly because it was simple and moved along nicely. Personally, for graphic novels, simpler plots work better because the readers need to follow along with photos and illustrations, and trying to execute complex plots can lead to getting lost and needing to go back and reread. The big question is a bit muddled, as it can either be asking if Morgan will be accepted for being gay or if the seals will get saved, but no matter which question it is, it still gets answered and the conflict is resolved. The plot was moving at a fair pace and it didn’t feel rushed or slow either.

The illustrations of the graphic novel are probably my favorite thing about it because the artstyle is just right. It’s not too cartoonish like a younger one would be, but it’s also not so realistic like one geared towards older audiences would be. It’s the perfect mix and provides good visuals that carry the plot along. A lot can also be learned about the characters through their mannerisms that are illustrated, and there’s a whole section towards the end of the book where Ostertag dives into certain choices made when illustrating.

Reference