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Teen SRC 2020 – Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Written by Rosie
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Between Shades of Gray

Hey guys! I’ll be reviewing Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys today, a YA historical fiction book.

This story takes place during the Holocaust, in Lithuania, also known as the Baltic genocide. A 15-year-old girl, Lina Vilkas, is arrested alongside her mother, Elena, and her little brother, Jonas. They are shoved onto a train by the Soviet Secret Police (The NKVD) alongside many other Jews, heading towards a concentration camp. To document what is happening to her, Lina draws pictures detailing everything she goes through in hopes of later showing the world.

I really, really enjoyed this book. To be fair though, I don’t think I’ve ever disliked a historical fiction, it’s just an extremely good genre. I appreciate the effort Sepetys puts into researching each of her books and it really reflects when one reads them. This story is definitely not a light read and it will probably make you cry at some point but I would still recommend it to anyone. I think reading about the terrible things that have happened in history is a key part of never repeating it in the future, and if you happen to like reading, historical fiction is a great way to educate yourself.

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Teen Book Review – Frankly in Love by David Yoon

Written by Rosie
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Can we just appreciate this gorgeous cover for a sec?

Frankly in Love by David Yoon

Quick Spoiler-FREE Summary: Frank Li is a senior in high school. Like many Korean-Americans, his parents have rather traditional beliefs. So, when he discovers that he really likes a girl, he’s forced to date her in secret all because she’s white. His close family friend also has the same problem so together, they decide to “fake-date” each other for their parents’ sake. Don’t worry, this story is a lot more than fake dating schemes so read on for my thoughts!

Where do I even start? I loved this coming-of-age novel so much I don’t think I can even describe how much I related to it. Being of Asian descent as well, I felt Frank’s pressure from his parents’ expectations, I felt his need to do well, his helplessness as he tried to sway his parents from their false beliefs and his wanting to freely say the words “I love you” to his parents without getting weird looks. My parents aren’t racist, but they do have many beliefs that are old-fashioned and it’s very difficult to say I love you to them not because I don’t, just because it’s not something we say often at all. This book is far from a light romance. It was very touching and there were so many parts that really hit my heart. It shocked me how much I found bits of myself in this book. Towards the end, I was sobbing so hard, I could barely read past my tears. My little brother literally told my mom about me crying, that’s how bad it was. I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone and anyone, it doesn’t matter your age, gender or race, this is the book for you. Full 10/10 stars because frankly, I’m in love with Frank Li.

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TeenTober 2019 – The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Written by Rosie
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The first time I tried reading this book, I got to about page 7 before I gave up and returned it. My 12-year-old self just did not like the perspective the story was written from, she found it too boring and not action-filled enough. In Grade 9, I tried it again and now it’s one of my favourite books, ever.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak takes place during the Holocaust, centred around a girl named Liesel, who has just lost her brother and is now living with foster parents. What sets the story apart immediately is that it’s told from Death’s perspective, who meets Liesel just 3 times in her life but finds her incredibly intriguing. Liesel’s story is one of laughter and one of tears but it’s also one that everyone should read.

I would recommend The Book Thief to absolutely everyone and anyone. Although it’s definitely not a light read, you won’t regret taking some time to fully process it. This is one of those rare books that made me truly cry. Cry with tears streaming down. Death really does have a way with words… The plot, the world, the characters, everything is so well written that you just can’t help but fall in love with it all. The final rating is a 100000000000/10, read it and then comment on this post, we’ll cry together :’)

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Teen Book Review – Far From the Tree by Robin Benway

Written by Inshal
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Far From the Tree - Benway, Robin

Far from the Tree by Robin Benway. tells the story of three siblings that were put up for adoption by their biological mother.

Grace, the middle child, knew she was adopted, but was never interested in finding out anything about her biological family, not until she had to give up her own daughter for adoption. Now, she aches for the hole Peach (her daughter) has left behind and wonders if her bio mom felt the same way after giving her up all those years ago.

Maya, the youngest sister, had always felt a bit like an outsider; the only brunette in a prominently red-headed family. Her parents adopted her three months before they found out they were pregnant with Lauren, her younger sister. She used to be close to Lauren, but now everyone feels like they’re drifting apart. Of course, the fact that she has an alcoholic mother, and parents that can’t be in the same room for five minutes without yelling doesn’t help matters.

Joaquin, the older brother never got adopted. Being a boy, and half-Mexican might have something to do with it. His latest set of foster parents are perfect, though, maybe too perfect. So is Birdie, Joaquin’s now ex-girlfriend. Joaquin knows he will ruin everything, he knows that he will manage to hurt them. He doesn’t deserve them, and trying to explain that to them will hurt too much. So Joaquin does what the years in foster care has taught him to do; keep his secrets and fears close to himself, and not get too attached.

This book was wonderful to read. It touched important topics, such as foster care systems, teen pregnancies, racism, and the need to belong. Parts in this book made me want to cry, while some made me laugh. It was written in three different perspectives, which is my favourite style of writing, because it feels like reading three different books at the same time. The only thing about this book I didn’t like was the predictability of the plot and the characters. Other than that, AMAZING. I give it a 9/10.

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Teen SRC 2018 – The Fault in our Stars by John Green

Written by Rebecca
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The Fault in our Stars is written by John Green.

Narrated by Hazel Grace, 16-year old girl who has Cancer, The Fault in our Stars is a novel about love, friendships, and the struggles and restrictions of living with cancer. Finished high school early, and now pursuing college, Hazel is someone who people call antisocial. Hazel’s mom decides that she is depressed, and sends her to a Support Group, along with a bunch of kids who also lives with cancer. Soon she meets and befriends, Augustus Waters, a cancer survivor, who lost his right leg to osteosarcoma. Gradually, they both share a bond, with the both, sharing each other’s favorite book. As Hazel’s favorite book finished without a conclusion, Augustus is determined to find the author and find out about the ending of the book. Hazel is at first, reluctant, but then discovers it is possible, they both take a trip to Amsterdam, to meet the author in real life. At Amsterdam, Augustus confesses his love for Hazel. At Amsterdam, the both of them discover and the journey of their lives and learn to step outside of their comfort zone.

I would rate this book a 5/5 as it has a great plot and it is one of those books that will make you want to laugh and cry.

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Teen SRC 2018 – The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Written by Ashleigh W
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The Fault in Our Stars is about two teenagers that fall in love after meeting at a cancer support group. Hazel Grace was diagnosed with lung cancer and Augustus Waters, a cancer survivor. They both fall in love and go on a mission in Amsterdam to find Peter Van Houten, author of their favourite book, An Imperial Affliction. The book was full of love, laughter, and tears.

I am not a huge fan of romance novels however I did manage to enjoy this book. The happiness that these two characters find within their sad tragedies is quite wonderful. This book was very emotional so keep that in mind before reading this book.

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Teen SRC 2018 – An Abundance Of Katherines by John Green

Written by Ashleigh W
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An Abundance of Katherines is about a boy named Colin Singleton. What makes him special is that he is drawn to girls named Katherine. After being dumped for the 19th time, him and his best friend, Hassan, go on a road trip. Colin tries finding a possible mathematic formula to predict the future of his romantic relationships.

This book was quite enjoyable however it was a slow book to read. There was nothing that made me continue reading non stop. I still enjoyed the characters and plot and would highly recommend others to read this book.

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Teen SRC 2018- A Long Walk To Water by Linda Sue Park

Written by Joy Qian
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A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story

Nowadays, we don’t really struggle to live a good life, but it hasn’t always been like that. I read this book a quite long time ago, so here’s what the book says:

“A Long Walk to Water begins as two stories, told in alternating sections, about a girl in Sudan in 2008 and a boy in Sudan in 1985. The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is two hours’ walk from her home: she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the “lost boys” of Sudan, refugees who cover the African continent on foot as they search for their families and for a safe place to stay. Enduring every hardship from loneliness to attack by armed rebels to contact with killer lions and crocodiles, Salva is a survivor, and his story goes on to intersect with Nya’s in an astonishing and moving way.”

There are some stories that need to be told regardless of how sad or horrifying they might be. This is one of those stories. It shows the perspective of two kids fighting for a good life. 🙂

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Teen SRC 2018 – Elena Vanishing by Elena Dunkle and Clare B. Dunkle

Written by Joy Qian
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Elena Vanishing by Elena Dunkle

“Where does thin become fat? Where does success become failure? Where does a great future become a horrible past full of heartache and regret?”

Elena VanishingThis book seriously triggered some emotions-okay. A lot. It shows a girl’s life with an eating disorder that has been slowly eating (Hah. Eating) her up day by day. In addition, she has a voice in her head telling her what to do-put on makeup, don’t eat this meal, you’re so ugly, etc. This girl’s name is Elena. Told from her perspective, it shows her struggles to fit in and be skinny. At the end, when I read the author’s note, I was shocked to find that this book is actually a true story about herself. I should have realized this sooner-a main character named Elena and an author named Elena? That’s too much of a coincidence. So, to sum it all up, this book is technically a memoir of the author’s life. Her mother, Clare, actually helped her write this book (hence the two authors in the title) 😛 I loved this book so much! But here’s a tip: If you don’t like rape or self-harm, DON’T READ THIS BOOK!

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Teen SRC 2018 – Breaker by Kat Ellis

Written by Joy Qian
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Breaker by Kat Ellis

It all starts with a notorious serial killer nicknamed, The Bonebreaker. Quite original. I Breakerknow. But, things aren’t REALLY about this killer. This book is based on his son. Oh and:

¡EXTREMELY POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD!

Okay. Now, from here on, read at your own risk. The famous ‘son’ I’ve been talking about earlier is kind of the ‘main character’ or this novel. But then again, not really. Kyle Henry is his…..name. But really, his name WAS Kyle Bluchevsky-son of a notorious serial killer named Robert (Bobby) Bluchevsky. But Kyle’s dad has been killed in a death sentence, and it only leaves Kyle himself and his mom. So, he changes school, name, and most of all, his life. But even after his dad’s death, he’s still haunted by his father in the creepiest ways possible. Not soon after, he realizes that he recognizes one of the girls at his new school-in a bad way. Her mother was murdered by Kyle’s dad. But the girl, Naomi, is very soon intrigued by Kyle’s mysteriousness, all the while immune to the fact that this boy’s father was the killer of her mother. But as they open up to each other, secrets float up to the surface.

I finished this 334 page book in one sitting from 8:30 in the morning to who knows when. I just couldn’t stop my hands from turning the crisp pages. The writing is incredibly gifted and she has a way of making her characters stay with you long after you are done with the book. I honestly don’t want to return this book to the library. I might as well buy a copy from Indigo! 🙂 Guys, read this! 😛

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