Here are the picks from January’s Teen Collection Connection (TCC) meeting! Check out the reviews, and find the recommended TCC books in our catalog…
Emma S. recommends:
“Shatter Me” by Tahereh Mafi
Rating: 5 stars
An amazingly witten dystopian-romance novel. A very unique story with characters just as unique. The author didn’t dissapoint.It is a series. The book was very intriguing and had me reading it for hours on end. I was immersed in the world that the author created.Juliette was thrown in an asylum after not knowing touch for 265 days and she gets a new cellmate. We follow Juliette, her touch is fatal and no one knows why. She has been told she is a monster. Abandoned. She doesn’t change who she is because others want her to. Once I finished this book I immediately ordered the next one.
“Unravel Me” by Tahereh Mafi
Rating: 4.5 stars
A part of the shatter me series, This book was shocking with so many twists and turns. I enjoyed how the author explained more about juliette ability. Once again Tahereh didn’t disappoint with this book. I had to take a .5 off because it was a little chaotic but still able to understand. Im looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
“The Body in the Woods” by April Henry
Rating: 5 stars
This was a beautiful book. I loved the murder mystery theme that the author dug herself into. The characters are all signed up to do a club together but they dont know eachother. During one of their meetings they find a body in the wood and they have to figure out who did it or one of them might be next. This is definitely one of my favorite´s.
Haddie M. recommends:
“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carrol
While most people know the story of young Alice, the book itself is extremely underrated. The story goes through Alices’ adventure after she fell into a rabbit hole. Follow her as she goes into a world of adventure, myth, and magic. A great lead up to the sequel Through The Looking-Glass.
“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs
Jacob Portman hasn’t been the same since his grandfather and best friend tragically died by a so called “animal attack”. Jacob’s grandfather always told him stories of his time at an orphanage for peculiar children, stories he always believed in. When his parents are concerned about a mourning Jacob they travel to where his grandfather grew up and finds a new world full of adventure and his grandfather’s past.
“Half-Blood Academy” by Meg Xuemei X
The series is about Marigold, a new student at “Half-Death Academy”; they call it that because only half the students survive. As she tries to follow her self rules of survival her forbidden powers awaken. She’s going to make sure that the four students who rule the school never mess with her again.
Isa B. recommends:
“Maybe This Time” by Kasie West
It was cute and interesting but I think that it was a bit too close to a few other books I have read before. (Not by Kasie West) I think that it’s a nice flick for being in between books, definitely a teen romance-like story. Out of five stars I think I would give it a 3. It was interesting but the content was very superficial in a sense and did not really have a deeper meaning to it.
“Blood Heir” by Amelié Wen Zhao
This book was very good. It is incredibly unique in content and I have never seen a book about this topic written like this. I would give this book five stars out of five. It really has a deeper meaning if you choose to interpret it and is also just beautifully written. It is a bit dystopian in a sense, it doesn’t really have a romance aspect and focuses more on bringing justice within this/a kingdom. I would highly suggest this book to anyone who has enjoyed the series The Hunger Games and/or Truthwitch. Given the chance, I would read this book again.
Lilah A. recommends:
“The City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau
The City of Ember is a book about an underground city with no way out. The characters are Lina and Doon. Lina does not have parents, and Doon does not have a mom. They are friends that try to look for a way out. The book has mysteries to uncover and a good storyline. I think readers will enjoy it as much as I did.
“Enola Holmes” – Netflix
Enola Holmes is about the sister to the detective Sherlock Holmes. On her birthday her mom goes missing, so she calls upon her brothers Sherlock and Mycroft. The adventure begins once she decides to make her own decisions. She endures many challenges and meets some slightly strange companions along the way. This book is a true page turner and jaw dropper. You will decipher ciphers and codes. This is a five star for sure.
Maddi S. recommends:
“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
This is such a good book, especially if you love greek mythology. It is written from the perspective of Patroclus, an exiled prince that goes to Phthia. It is set before and during the Trojan war. I highly recommend it, it is well written and emotional.
“Love and Gelato” by Jenna Evans Welch
Love and Gelato is an amazing book, and it’s based in Tuscany, Italy. The protagonist, Lina, goes to Tuscany after her mom dies, as it’s her mom’s last wish. Incorporating romance, adventure, and mystery this book was a wonderful read from start to finish.
“Valkyrie” by Kate O’hearn
I absolutely love this whole series; it’s a spin off of norse mythology, but in current times. If you liked any of Rick Riordan’s mythology books, you will love the Valkyrie series. The story is centered around Freya, a black winged valkyrie who goes to Earth to check in on a soldier’s family that she reaped, and her adventure on Earth from there. 10/10 an amazing read, and an overall series.
Robert S. recommends:
“Pioneer Girl” by Bich Minh Nguyen
Pioneer Girl is a heartwarming and heart wrenching story about a Vietnamese girl troubled with learning about her family’s connection to Laura Ingall Wilder’s “Little House on the Prairie”, and their connection both to American and Vietnamese culture. The struggle of being in a family immigrated from Vietnam, and wanting to fit in to the people around her is strangely relatable and slightly comforting.
“Kira-Kira” by Cynthia Kadohata
Kira-Kira is an incredibly sad book about a little girl who feels tasked with keeping her old-fashioned Japanese together. When her sister (and idol) gets sick, Katie notices her entire family getting distant and sad, and she always tries to find something positive about the world. If anyone is looking for a good book to cry to, or a book about Asian-American struggles, “Kira-Kira” would be perfect for you.
“Glee” – available on DVD
Let me set this straight. One on hand, Glee is not a good show. On the other hand, Glee is one of the best shows to ever grace american television. If you have ever been looking for a sign, any sign, to watch Glee, this is it. The first time I watched Glee was only a couple of years ago, yet watching it again I’m realizing that I’ve somehow completely and fully forgotten the plot. Glee is kind of so funny and kind of so catchy, while simultaneously being incredibly cringy and uncomfortable. So, if you haven’t seen it and want to, or have seen it and forgotten it (like me) Glee is such a good show to waste your time and brain cells 🙂
What is the TCC? TCC is a volunteer group of teens that love to read and discuss books, movies, and music. Every month they get together to pick books for our teen collection and write short book reviews. Want to join? Then apply today!
– Contributed by Renée, Librarian – Teen Services