Reviews by Category: Teens

When Tintin stumbles upon a seemingly innocent empty can of crab meat, he has no idea he’s about to be dragged into a dangerous web of crime. His search for answers leads him trapped aboard the KARABOUDJAN, a cargo vessel led by the highly unpredictable and often intoxicated Captain Haddock. With danger at every turn - hazardous storms, desert treks, and ruthless criminals, Tintin, Haddock, and Snowy must work together to get to the bottom of a sinister drug-smuggling plot.

Spare Parts by Joshua Davis is a true story based on four illegal Mexican immigrants - Oscar, Luis, Cristian, and Lorenzo. Upon journeys across the border, they settle into Carl Hayden High School in Arizona. They find themselves hungry to learn and experience a different life from what they had in Mexico. Joined by two enthusiastic teachers, the squad embarks on a mission to build an underwater robot and compete against top-tier colleges such as MIT, despite their lack of finances and available resources.

In the final book of the Harry Potter series, Harry and his two closest friends - Ron and Hermione - set off on a mission to destroy the dark forces that are terrorizing the wizarding world. Their objective is to hunt down and eliminate Voldemort’s Horcruxes, so they have a chance of beating the dark lord once and for all. Along the way, they will uncover secrets about the past, face life-threatening challenges, and learn about the mysterious legend of the Deathly Hallows.

This historical biography encapsulates the life story of a boy, Joe Rantz, who joins the University of Washington rowing team in order to get his life back together in the midst of an economic depression. Boys in the Boat not only illustrates the physical and emotional toll being a rower at a high-level program has on an individual, but also how competing in such a taxing sport can be so rewarding and fulfill voids that are missing in one’s life.

In a beautifully scripted book, this story tells the tale of a royal family who go through intense drama within their kingdom. It starts with the death of King Hamlet, his son, prince Hamlet, is devastated and approaches a spirit. The spirit claims to be the soul of King Hamlet and informs Hamlet of the cause of his death and who did it. After finding out that it was Claudius, King Hamlet’s brother who killed his brother, Prince Hamlet goes out to avenge his father's death. Claudius soon becomes king after marrying Prince Hamlet’s mother, the Queen.

Written by Scott Fitzgerald and taking place in Long Island, NY during the roaring twenties, The Great Gatsby is a very lively read. The story follows main character Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire who tries to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. This book is interesting, as it is narrated by a character named Nick Carraway, who also appears in the storyline. The novel explores themes of desire, greed, class, and the corrupting influence of wealth.

George Orwell’s 1984 was a novel I was required to read for my English class. I didn’t expect, though, to enjoy it as much as I did. 1984 is a dystopian novel where a totalitarian future society is led by a figure known as Big Brother. The main character, Winston Smith is a member of a lower class in society, and he seems to feel different from everyone else around him. He begins to dig deeper into the world around him, and the further he digs, the more dangerous and scared he becomes.

The Fault in Our Stars is a heartbreaking yet beautiful book that explores love, loss, and the search for meaning. The story is about Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16-year-old girl with thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs, and Augustus Waters, a 17-year-old in remission from osteosarcoma. They meet at a cancer support group, where they quickly form a deep connection, bonding over literature, philosophy, and their shared understanding of how life is temporary.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley envisions a future dystopian society meticulously controlled by technological advancements and a rigid caste system. The protagonist, Bernard Marx, begins to question his world after meeting John, a "Savage" raised outside of this structured society, revealing the stark contrasts and hidden truths of their existence. 

Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days follows Greg Heffley as he tries to have the perfect summer—one filled with video games, air conditioning and zero responsibilities. Unfortunately for him, his mom has other plans, pushing him to spend more time outside, bond with his family and even get a job. From disastrous trips to the beach to a failed lawn care business with Rowley, Greg’s summer quickly spirals into one awkward and hilarious misadventure after another.