Format: Young Adult

HappyHead (HappyHead #1)

HappyHead (HappyHead #1)HappyHead by Josh Silver
Published by Rock the Boat on March 16, 2023
ISBN: 0593812026
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Horror, LGBTQ+, Mental Health, Psychological thriller, Romance, Suspense
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

When 17-year-old Seb is offered a place on a radical retreat designed to solve the national crisis of teenage unhappiness, he is determined to change how people see him and make his parents proud. When the assessments at HappyHead get increasingly more disturbing and dangerous, Seb finds himself wondering what is really going on and how far he’s willing to go to be ‘happy.’

This first novel in the HappyHead duology by debut author, Josh Silver, features strong character development, a well-developed plot, suspense, horror elements, LGBTQ+ relationships, and steady pacing. The HappyHead series is recommended for fans of Squid Games and the Hunger Games series and features similar elements of survival in extreme circumstances. This series is recommended for YA readers.

Reviewed by Sarah Hartje, Lewiston Public Library, Lewiston Maine

five-stars

All’s Fair in Love and Field Hockey

All’s Fair in Love and Field HockeyAll's Fair in Love and Field Hockey by Kit Rosewater
on May 6, 2025
ISBN: 0593898451
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
four-stars

All’s Fair in Love and Field Hockey

By Kit Rosewater

All’s Fair in Love and Field Hockey is a sweet, sapphic romance about two rival hockey players. It’s also largely about Evelyn’s grief after her mother’s passing and her trying to work through the tension between what she thought her future should be and what she might want it to be. Evelyn and her mother loved field hockey–her mom almost went pro–but when her mom is dying Evelyn promises to carry on her legacy and play field hockey at Duke. However, now in her senior year, Evelyn realizes that all she really has is field hockey and as she starts to spend more time getting to know the soccer player turned (forced) field hockey player Rosa from a rival team, she realizes she might not want that anymore–but can Evelyn live with herself for making her own future? I appreciated all of the complex discussions the characters had, how they tried to navigate their lives, and the queer rep (Evelyn’s brother is also trans). I do think Evelyn and Rosa’s relationship moved very fast (spoiler aler,t but they had sex the second time they kissed); I don’t think this is necessarily atypical of high school/teenage relationships but I also think it made their romance feel a little mis-paced (they hadn’t even been talking that long when they were previously arch rivals). Their friendship didn’t really make sense (Evelyn drove to Rosa’s school–and somehow got through security–just to tell Rosa off, and then they essentially fell into friendship). I appreciated Evelyn’s “queer crisis” (her brother’s words, not mine) and how the characters talk about sexuality. I really liked that we find out that Evelyn’s mother wasn’t perfect–and neither is her father–and while those things don’t get resolved, we see Evelyn actually dealing with things in a way she hasn’t in a long, long time. I think this book could be triggering if you’ve lost a parent or loved one, but otherwise I think it’s a solid sports/romance read for high schoolers and will be adding this to our 9-12 library collection. This was four stars for me because of the representation and important conversations.

Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

four-stars

These Vengeful Gods

Genres: Fantasy
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
five-stars

These Vengeful Gods
By Gabe Cole Novoa
These Vengeful Gods is a dystopian story with Hunger Games-like competition and action, inclusive and thoughtful representation, and fantastical magic and mythical gods. Crow is a trans and disabled fighter who lives in The Shallows--the lowest rung of society that is constantly flooded, and people live in poverty and strife. We discover that Crow lives with his uncles after the death of his father and a falling out with his mother, who is now the president of Crow's country. When Crow's uncles are arrested for helping "death children," Crow enters a competition (much like the Hunger Games) to win money and a favor from the gods (which he hopes will be his uncles' freedom). In Crow's world, the president rules in consultation with the gods who wield mythical powers--but, a very long time ago, the gods voted and decided to kill off all of Death's children because they could potentially kill. Some of Death's children made it out alive and the descendants -- "death children" were made illegal and, if found, would be killed to prevent their powers. Only a few gods voted against this, but not enough to keep it from happening. As Crow continues on in the competition, he learns more about why the world is the way it is and who's behind it -- all while fighting for greater systemic equality and change and fighting opponents. Anyone who likes dystopian reads like The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, Divergent, etc. will enjoy this read, but what sets it apart is Novoa's characteristic representation and use of storytelling to fight for systemic change. I particularly appreciated how Novoa uses magic to accommodate Crow's transition and use of testosterone and shares how otherwise this would be logistically and financially challenging for people transitioning in the Shallows. This would be a great addition for any secondary library especially those who serve populations with a strong interest in dystopian literature.
Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

five-stars

Cruel is the Light

Cruel is the LightCruel Is the Light by Sophie Clark
on January 21, 2025
ISBN: 0593810724
Pages: 496
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
two-stars

Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark

Selene, also known as the “Butcher of Rome,” is an exorcist working for the Vatican city in a VERY bloody battle against demons.  Jules, a talented Vatican soldier,  is an orphan with a mysterious background.  The two are forced to join together in an unusual alliance where Jules pretends to be Selene’s estranged fiance.  Together, they track down one of the most powerful demons wreaking havoc on the city, only to find out that not everything they have been taught to believe is true.  

This YA romantasy is advertised as an epic love story.  It has all tantalizing ingredients to make readers prepare to be amazed: war, forbidden love, religious turmoil, mysterious twists. Yet, it just doesn’t deliver.  The writing seems chaotic and it is very easy to lose track of what is happening.  The double point-of-view third person becomes tricky to follow.  The “dream” sequences come out of nowhere and the reader can’t determine if one is happening or not.  Constant backtracking is needed to keep things straight.  The pacing is all over.  There are ten pages of an index like handbook to introduce the reader to the world, the war, the characters, etc, only to have some of those characters killed off in the first three pages.  The amount of blood and gore is excessive to begin, and then the war fizzles out to attempt the romance plot line.  Of all the narrative structures, the romance is the most successful, but it’s still almost forced to the point of being false.  

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

two-stars

Grin

GrinGrin by D.W. Gillespie
Published by Delacorte Press on August 26, 2025
ISBN: 0593814886
Genres: Horror, Psychological thriller
Format: Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult
Goodreads
four-stars

Middle schooler Danny can’t believe his mom is actually going to let him stay with his uncle Bill for a week. Bill owns a retro-style arcade, full of every 80s and 90s game imaginable, and Danny has high hopes of beating them all. When Bill shows Danny the new game he managed to track down, Grin, Danny realizes it’s the same one his favorite YouTuber has just described as being rumored to be haunted. As Bill falls deeper and deeper under Grin‘s trance, Danny has to figure out how to save him and destroy the game, once and for all.

Gamers will love this thriller and its numerous references to old school games. The suspension of disbelief is easy enough to roll with thanks to Grin‘s pace and setting, and Gillespie does a good job making Bill menacing while possessed but ultimately redeemable. Suitable for both middle and high school readers.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday

The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a TuesdayThe Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday by Kelsey B. Toney
ISBN: 0593811518
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday” is a young adult realistic fiction novel by Kelsey B. Toney. Delia is a teen who has very painful menstrual periods. When her period starts early and she desperately needs to go into school to stay in her program, she tries a THC tincture that ends up getting her expelled. We follow Delia as she goes to a public school and as she learns that there may be a reason behind the extreme pain she feels (beyond the dismissive “periods stink” mindset). This humorous coming-of-age story will appeal to teens, especially those with chronic illnesses. The parts about chronic illness and interacting with doctors felt very realistic (which makes sense that the author has experienced life with endometriosis). A recommended purchase for YA collections. For ages 12-18.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

Capitana

CapitanaCapitana by Cassandra James
on February 4, 2025
ISBN: 0063345617
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Capitana” is a young adult adventure romance (first in a duology) by Cassandra James. Ximena is a teenager in a prestigious school to become a pirate hunter. Her parents were executed as pirates, so she is really trying to prove that she is different from them. When a legendary long-dead pirate reappears, Ximena sees her chance to prove herself, but she is in competition with an annoying (yet handsome) classmate. An interesting pirate adventure with romance. The characters felt a little flat, but the action and plot twists keep things moving. Readers looking for a swashbuckling adventure with a female lead will enjoy the ride. Aimed at ages 14-18, this is an additional purchase for young adult collections, especially where pirates are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

Kirby’s Lessons For Falling (in Love)

Kirby’s Lessons For Falling (in Love)Kirby's Lessons for Falling [in Love] by Laura Gao
on March 4, 2025
ISBN: 006306779X
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Graphic Novel, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Kirby’s Lessons for Falling (in Love)” is a young adult graphic novel by Laura Gao. Kirby Tan is a teen rock climber (one of the best at her school), but after an injury, she is sidelined and needs to join a different after school activity for extra credit. She ends up in the newspaper club and is partnered with Bex Santos to be in charge of a romance advice column. Bex and Kirby are total opposites, but they work together to go the extra mile to help their classmates find love (sometimes with unfortunate results).

Readers will enjoy the two main characters, who feel and act like real teens, and their relationship issues. Some of the situations felt a little over-the-top, but the genuine emotions move the plot along. Illustrations are mostly black and white with limited colors and the style is simple, but interesting and active. A recommended purchase for YA graphic novel collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

Fitting Indian

Fitting IndianFitting Indian by Jyoti Chand, Tara Anand
on May 13, 2025
ISBN: 0063237539
Genres: Immigrants, Mental Health, Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Fitting Indian” is a YA graphic novel by Jyoti Chand and Tara Anand. Nitasha is an Indian American teenager who feels like she is letting down her more traditional Indian parents and will never live up to the example set by her doctor older brother. She drinks alcohol and cuts herself to deal with the pain. When a drunken moment is shared virally, Nitasha feels like she has disappointed everyone and tries to kill herself. We see Nitasha get help through therapy and from her friends and family and learn how a culture of ignoring mental health continues harming generations. The book deals with a lot of serious topics and is a powerful and needed story. This is a recommended purchase for YA graphic novel collections.

There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the graphic novel about the serious topics covered, which is helpful. The illustrations are  bright and beautiful and do an excellent job capturing the character’s facial expressions.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

Every Borrowed Beat

Every Borrowed BeatEvery Borrowed Beat by Erin Stewart
on March 11, 2025
ISBN: 0593710665
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Every Borrowed Beat” is a young adult contemporary romance by Erin Stewart. Teen Sydney received a donor heart in a transplant months ago and thinks that she has found out who her donor was. She travels to her memorial to learn about her, while pretending to be an online friend of Mia (her possible donor). She meets Mia’s friends and learns a lot about who Mia was, but she is still hiding that she might have Mia’s heart. Stewart does an excellent job portraying the complicated feelings that come with receiving transplants, especially from donors that died.

Author Stewart details in her acknowledgements (and thanks) all of the people who helped her create a realistic and comprehensive novel involving organ transplant, including a transplant coordinator, Donor Connect, and a heart transplant survivor. This book is a suggested purchase for YA collections where realistic fiction is popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars