It is always so hard to decide what were my favorite books of the year. I try to only choose 12, but there were so many powerful and diverse titles that I expanded my list to 14. This year even more diverse stories are being shared and celebrated, and I have enjoyed reading such rich stories of strong women and fresh new voices. Hope this list leads you to some books that will make you laugh, cry, swoon, imagine, and think. Here is a link to the full reviews of each book: https://teenreadingrocks.weebly.com/best-books-of-2019.html. Let me know what you think is the best books of 2019 in the comments!
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NInth House by Leigh Bardugo For years, the world has been fascinated with Yale's Skull & Bone society and other secret groups like it. There are all kinds of rumors about what happens in these elite and mysterious groups. However, no one could ever guess that their source of power is magic. These societies are some of the last in the word with a direct link to magic, and each group can perform different dark rituals to gain power. Due to a few "unfortunate" deaths in the past, these societies are now supervised by the Ninth House, the society whose job it is to make sure that their magic is not used to hurt others. Darlington is the student in charge of Ninth House. His new second is Alex Stern, a girl whose life has been defined and destroyed by her ability to see and communicate with ghosts. This gift has almost killed her, but it also was the reason why she was given a full-ride to Yale to work for Ninth House. Alex has been living on the streets of LA, using, and barely surviving high school, and now she is trying to survive ivy league coursework and the society's dark workings, a world she doesn't fit in with. Just as Alex is starting to find her footing, Darlington disappears and a local girl is found dead on Yale's campus. All the societies claim they weren't involved, and Alex is told not to investigate. However, Alex's instincts are screaming at her that this is exactly what the Ninth House should investigate and that perhaps even Darlington's disappearance is tied to the case. She is willing to use any means necessary to get justice for this forgotten girl and bring Darlington home, and it is sure to get bloody. This dark and atmospheric mystery builds slowly at first as you are introduced to Alex and her dark past, Darlington and his love of magic, and the dark rituals of the different secret societies. The action and suspense really pick up when Alex starts actively investigating the murder. Bardugo has filled the plot with dark and surprising twists that will make your zip through the second half of the book. The damaged Alex Stern reminds me a lot of Stieg Larsson's Liz Salender; both survived unspeakable tragedy to become fierce defenders of the defenseless. Both are powerful women who are willing to die to get the truth. Both make you fall in love with them even though they are sure to break you. By the end of the book, you will be dying for the next one, which doesn't release for at least another year. Bardrugo has always been a master of atmospheric language to build mood and complex and compelling characters, and this, her first adult work, cements her reputation. Highly, highly recommended! Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds When the school bell rings at 3:00, that is when the best stories happen. Stories about the power of spare change, the importance of watching where you are going, the security of having a friend who always has your back, and more. In a series of vignettes, Reynolds gives us 10 tales covering the complicated lives of kids who live on 10 blocks in the same neighborhood. Each story is a brilliant gem that shines a light on the real lives of kids. Some tales will make you chuckle, and others will have you reaching for a tissue. Reynolds, a genius storyteller, has once again created a book that appeals to all ages: upper elementary, middle school, high school, and adults will not be able to help stepping into the shoes of each of these characters. It is also whiplash fast read that you cannot put down. Jason Reynolds is magic, and this latest work reinforces this. Highly, highly recommended! |
AuthorMs. Smith has been the librarian at Washington HS in Sioux Falls, SD, since 2005. She enjoys reading, watching K-Dramas, Harry Potter and hanging out with her family. Archives
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