The Sky Blues, by Robbie Couch
One of the books I read this summer was The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch. This was overall a very interesting book, and held my mind captive until the very last page. I would recommend this book for anyone passionate about LGBTQ+ rights, and anybody who struggles to feel like they belong/ are accepted for who they truly are.
--submitted by Rose M.
Her Royal Highness, by Rachel Hawkins
Her Royal Highness is the perfect feel good love story only about a princess and a girl from Texas. This is the kind of book that I would pick up for a quick read to get me through finals or the start of the school year since it definitely helps romanticize academics. The book is set at a picturesque but rigid prep school made for the best of the best in the highlands of Scotland. It’s very plot driven and fast moving, but, though it made me want to travel to Scotland, I would've loved a little more description to help me visualize the beautiful setting. I do however absolutely love the LGBTQIA+ representation. I thought it was very well done and it one of the few books without a stereotypical LGBTQIA+ couple. Though the characters were a little under developed at times, they were very lovable and accurately represent the awkwardness yet tenderness of first love.
--submitted by Julia L.
Truly Devious, by Maureen Johnson
Truly Devious, a YA mystery novel, is a remarkable, fast-paced read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Two mysteries, one novel: Stevie Bell seeks to uncover the true identity of Truly Devious, who kidnapped Iris and Alice Ellingham, the wife, and daughter of Albert Ellingham, in 1936. However, Truly Devious returns, and Stevie, an aspiring detective, may be the only one who can save Ellingham Academy, the site of the murder of her classmate. Published in 2018, this is the first installment in the Truly Devious series.
--submitted by William K.
The Inheritance Games, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Inheritance Games is a YA mystery book by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. The Inheritance Games was interesting the whole way through, and it was a quick read. It was fast-paced and fresh. It’s story surrounds the main character Avery Grambs and an unexpected inheritance of billions from a complete stranger. Avery is suddenly surrounded by prickly disinherited boys and puzzles left behind from the deceased billionaire. Avery has to use her own smarts and find her own resources to follow clues, trails, and secrets that only lead to more puzzles. This book has very fun characters and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
--submitted by Aimee K.
Young Mungo, by Douglas Stuart
Young Mungo gets 5 stars from me because it was really good in all aspects. Its storytelling and writing was well done and pulled you right away into the story. The plot was fascinating and always keeps you wondering what happens next. It was a pretty heavy book but it handled topics like homophobia and sexual assault very well. Overall, an extremely good book.
--submitted by Stephanie K.