Got the wintertime blues? These books will distract you…
Sorcery of Thorns
Margaret Rogerson
Even if you’re not a fantasy fanatic, don’t immediately disregard Sorcery of Thorns! If you’ve ever had to read a book for school or a book club, I’m sure you may not have picked each suggestion out for yourself. This was my situation with Sorcery of Thorns, but I was pleasantly surprised when the book turned out to be amazing. Along with making the main character a young and strong female (immediately grabbing my attention), Sorcery of Thorns was so action packed I couldn’t put it down. Its descriptive imagery and engaging text transported me to Margaret Rogerson’s world of magic. One of the best parts about this book, though, was that it was set in a world that evolved around stories—and if you can’t tell already from this article, I love books!
Here’s To Us
Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
If you are looking for an adorable and cheesy love story that will probably have you crying tears of happiness in the end, Here’s to Us is for you. Any book written by my favorite author, Becky Albertalli, is one I can rave about nonstop—but I will keep this short. This book is the sequel to What If It’s Us, the story of a meet-cute set in NYC in the summertime. Becky Albertalli has an incredible way with words that makes me think she is a teenager at heart. Her references to musical theater and modern pop culture help make her books relatable and hilarious. I received this book the day it came out on December 28 and finished it four days later, which just goes to say how much I loved this story.
Felix Ever After
Kacen Callender
On the back of this book there is a review from Mason Deaver, another YA writer, that sums up this story perfectly: “This is a story about friendship, finding first loves, and continuing to discover yourself even after you thought you had all the answers.” I loved this book so much. It was such an emotional rollercoaster that never gave my heart a rest. To me, this story is one that needs to be told. I feel it can speak to every person in this world who’s struggling to figure out who they are at any age; because they need to know that they are not alone.
Firekeeper’s Daughter
Angeline Boulley
This book has so many different themes playing out in, I find it difficult to place it in one genre. Firekeeper’s Daughter is an action-packed story containing murder mystery, grief, friendship, romance, and culture. If you’ve never read a book told from the perspective of a Native American teenage girl living in modern times, you might find this interesting. This book was very entertaining but also educational. It gave me an insight into modern Native American reservation life and the issues they face.
Happy reading!
About Anna Gross
Anna Gross is a Sophomore in the Pre-IB program at Richwoods High School. She is involved in Student Council, Student Leadership Team, speech, tennis, and Spanish Club. Outside of school she loves to travel, bake, and perform as a singer, dancer, and actress!
About Qaasaani Little
Qaasaani Little is a freshman at Richwoods High School. Little is a member of Student Leadership Team and Student Council. She has loved art for as long as she can remember, including painting and drawing. Little’s artwork is for sale. She also loves animals, after school activities, and is inspired by her mom for always pushing her to do my best.