mrsclappreads's reviews
338 reviews

Under All the Lights by Maya Ameyaw

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

 I hadn't read anything by this author before, but I enjoyed this book and could see it being a valuable addition to our library. The discussion of therapy was open and conveyed the message that seeking help isn't a sign of being 'crazy,' but rather a way to learn skills for better functioning. This could be a helpful perspective for students to explore and discuss.
I also noticed that my copy seemed to 'end' abruptly, which made me wonder if there was an issue with the copy 
  As a parent of a child with special needs, I understand that finding the right medication can be a process of trial and error to get the right balance. 
The The Headmasters by Mark Morton

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

 This sci-fi novel, though a bit lengthy, was quite engaging. I enjoyed the characters and the memories from the
previous host. 
  Discovering that the protagonist wasn't alone and seeing her muster the courage to persevere was truly inspiring. The vivid descriptions of food scarcity were particularly unsettling (perhaps a reminder for me to eat lunch), but they realistically depicted a post-apocalyptic world. Overall, it was a decent read and has the potential to be a strong contender. 
Dead Girls Don't Say Sorry by Alex Ritany

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 This book is packed with a lot of intense themes: LGBTQ+ issues, teen emotions, narcissism, sabotage, backstabbing, cliques, and death. I appreciated the way it flipped between the past and the present, keeping the mystery of Julia's death at the forefront of my mind. It was compelling to watch Nora grapple with 
  the loss of her best friend while also coming to terms with Julia's darker side. Nora's attempts to move on were sometimes unhealthy, 
  but who hasn't made mistakes during their healing process? I think this book sheds light on the gaslighting and narcissism that teens may face with certain friends or romantic partners, opening the door for important conversations. 
Zombie Apocalypse Running Club by Carrie Mac

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

 
I enjoyed this book, especially as a fan of zombie shows.
 
I appreciated the LGBTQ+ representation and how it highlighted that even during an apocalypse, discrimination persists. The portrayal of the main character's struggles with their stifling family and finding a chosen family was compelling. The romantic scenes were handled tastefully. While the language was a bit rough, it's nothing teens haven't heard before. The depiction of the virus spreading felt relevant, particularly with experiencing parallels to the beginning of COVID-19, such as blaming other races, and the idea of having to live with the virus and a vaccine cure.
 
The writing style was straightforward, not overly complex, but enjoyable. It's a book I'll recommend to my reluctant readers. 
Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams by Shari Green

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dark emotional informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

 
I liked the book, but it took me a while to figure out when it was set. Initially, I thought it was about the start of the Holocaust, but the mention of the Stasi made me wonder if it was set in Russia. Eventually, I realized it was about the Berlin Wall and East Germany under Communist rule. I enjoyed the passion of the story told in prose (is that the word?) it felt more realistic, it had feeling. The emotion the MC was feeling being a teen in an era where people were killed over the smallest thing, even kids younger than her made her small world a bit bigger.
 
This is the only book I’ve read that talked about that timeline in my life. My paternal great-grandparents escaped Germany in the early 1930s with nothing but clothes on their backs, and they lost many family members during the war and after, especially those in East Germany. No one in the family talked much about it, but I remember my great-grandmother, when she was dying in the hospital, saying she never thought she would live to see the Berlin Wall fall. She passed away shortly after that. That sentence stayed with me for years, occasionally resurfacing in my thoughts. Reading this story helped me connect with her words in a new way.
 
To be honest, I wasn't sure if I would like this—200 pages of poetry, it seemed like a lot—but I ended up enjoying it more than I expected. However, I doubt my students would choose to read it on their own. Still, it could be a great book for literature circles in English or history classes.
Skater Boy by Anthony Nerada

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 I enjoyed this book, but I agree with others that it can be a bit over the top. The representation was wonderful, and the emotions were touching. The depiction of mental health struggles felt genuine. However, the ending seemed rushed, as if the author hurried to provide a happy conclusion. The part where
a minor flies to New York to win back an ex seemed unrealistic, especially since, as a pilot's spouse,
  I know how unlikely that scenario is. I did enjoy the skateboard references, especially with skateboarding being in the Olympics this summer. 
The Ones Who Come Back Hungry by Amelinda Bérubé

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dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 I love a good vampire story and was intrigued by the premise, but the execution left me wanting more. While the horror elements were enjoyable, something felt lacking. I couldn't connect with the characters as much as I expected, and I skimmed through chapters just to finish, hoping it would improve. I can see students discovering this book, but IMO, I don’t know if it will be compelling enough for them to want to finish it. 
Tender Beasts by Liselle Sambury

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 28%.
 I had such high hopes for this one! I judged the book by its cover and was disappointed in it. I just couldn’t get into it. The characters didn’t catch me at all, the action was ok but seemed a bit too exaggerated IMO. DNF. 
Gorgeous Gruesome Faces by Linda Cheng

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Thriller/horror is a genre I particularly relish.
 
The narrative is punctuated with gripping moments that compelled me to keep turning the pages, and there was one scene that repeatedly elicited audible 'OMG' reactions from me. The exploration of the maiden lore and its resolution were particularly engaging.
 
The alternating perspectives between the past and present were skillfully executed, maintaining my interest throughout. While I lack familiarity with K-pop idol culture, I believe many of my students will find this book captivating.
 
Additionally, the depiction of the challenges these girls face in show business—such as evading paparazzi and navigating personal issues like nude photo leaks and romantic entanglements—added a compelling layer to the story.
 
The conclusion hints at the possibility of a series, yet it stands solidly on its own. Not every story needs serialization.

Lockjaw by Matteo L. Cerilli

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

 I initially judged this book by its cover and thought it wouldn't be interesting, but I was completely wrong. It's like a mix of 'Stranger Things' and 'IT' but tailored for a young adult audience. I'm recommending it to my reluctant readers, especially in the 2 high schools I work at. The story maintains a constant sense of suspense, even during the slower, less action-packed parts. I love a good thriller/horror book, and this one has made it to the top of my list.