The Arc of the Scythe Scythe by Neal Shusterman

This is the book of the year.  Any book by Neal Shusterman will be an intense story.  I would love to have him at a dinner party of authors and just sit back an listen to them talk.  His stories are dark and powerful and deadly.  It's a page turner.  Enjoy.

The Elementae Reign the Earth by A. C. Gaughen

I liked this book.  The audio book also very good.  I think this could be popular with high school libraries.  I would like to get for my high school library.  It's a good read.  Enjoy. Think a teen desert Game of Thrones.

Not Quite a Narwhal by Jessie Sima

It's a picture book.  I love narwhals so I read it.  I wasn't impressed.  But there are a lot of people who did love the book.  I was just not one of them.  It felt muddled and confused. 

Like Water by Rebecca Podos

I read this book under the recommendation of Michael Cart.  Would I get it for my high school library.  Probably not.  Would I recommend it to students, definitely yes.  It's not for everyone.  There  is some sex going on in case you need to know that.  But the layers of this young woman who has gone through the ritual of a high school graduation and now has the rest of her life to figure out and the relationships that she will have is a good story.

Austin Family Chronicles Meet the Austins by Madeleine L’Engel

I like this family and I wished they lived next to me.  They are sweet and kind and the story is set in a different time.  Is there diversity?  No, but there is a heart warming family that in this world sometimes can be rare for a child.  Enjoy.

The Raven Cycle Opal by Maggie Stiefvater

If you are a Raven Cycle Fan or a Maggie Stiefvater fan, you'll enjoy this novella about opal.  It's different in the sense that the boys are not the stars but Opal is.  Her relationship is a complicated one.  It's not romantic but maybe in a family way of the love that she has for them.  Enjoy.

Say You’ll Remember Me by Katie McGarry

It's fine.  Some rough language but a bit cheesy and predictable.  I would say entertaining and you do want to root for the two star-crossed kids.  Enjoy.

Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella

Yep there is some mature content but for an adult book, it's funny, sweet and revealing of family secrets.  The audio book is entertaining with an enchanting British accent.  It's a good read.  Enjoy. 

Suitors And Sabotage by Cindy Anstey

If you like teen regency novels, then you'll enjoy this.  I don't think this will have broad appeal.  I liked it but I adore Jane Austin so I'll read this time frame.  I wouldn't get for high school libraries but I can recommend it to those who like romance from another time.

Nightwoods by Charles Frazier

I loved this story.  The way Charles Frazier turns a phrase makes it seem simple but really it's just elegant.  I listened to the audiobook.  There is family dysfunction going on. There is a lot of intensity as well going on.  A must listen to.  Go back to another time and another place and have your heart touched.

The Girl of Ink & Stars by Kiran Milkweed Hargrave

I really liked this one.  Written beautifully with mystery and adventure, and of course danger.  It's a good read.  Enjoy.

Given Duet Given to the Earth by Mindy McGinnis

I think this book would be better for public libraries and private libraries.  There are a lot of layers.  I think it will interest some students but not all.  It's a fine story but I think it will entertain fantasy readers. 

Halo Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

I would skip this one for the library.  I'm going to say there's some sexy mature parts.  It's not bad for high school students but I think this book would better fit personal or public libraries. 

The Price Guide to the Occult by Leslye Walton

I was surprised that I liked the book.  It's okay.  Mommy dearest is very evil.  Nor must fight back for survival.  I think it's okay for high schools.  I would say read first before you buy.  It's a bit on the violent side. 

Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles

This is a story that sadly reflects the times that are happening now.  There is some language and content that is worth being aware of.  It's a good story and am glad that the public library carries the book.

Blood Rose Rebellion Lost Crow Conspiracy by Rosalyn Eves

I like this series.  It's a good series.  Strange but good. 

Project 1065 by Alan Gratz

Alan Gratz is now one of my favorite authors.  This book is also a page turner.  Pretty intense.  It's a good read.  Trust me.

Code of Honor by Alan Gratz

This is a page turner.  It is very good and I'm getting for my high school library.  Excellent.  Lots of action and fighting.  It's a good read.

Creekwood Leah on the Off Beat by Becky Albertalli

It's like the day of the life of a senior girl and her friends.  She has a crush on a girl who is her friend but it hurts so much that she can't hang out with her too much. 

Roald Dahl’s Autobiography Going Solo by Roald Dahl

I listened to the audiobook and this book is very good.  Hearing the author of Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory write about his life of being a young man in Africa and Greece.  Life before WWII and during.  It' a good read.