Reviews written by Rachel Moulden, Staff Reviewer

The first installment of The Heights series is touted as Sweet Valley High (series) for a new generation. From the first couple of chapters, I could sense this as a reader familiar with the original books and appreciated how it takes the drama of that series and puts it under...

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is one of my favorite horror classics, so I was intrigued to see how Bayron would tackle the famous creature in this novel. Make Me a Monster is a spooky and thrilling read from start to finish. It keeps the readers on their toes through each chapter,...

What lighthearted and slightly spooky graphic novel that is a great read for any time of the year. Free Piano is a story that mixes elements of a retro vibe, musicality, and a coming-of-age story. Told from the perspective of the main character, Margot, readers follow her journey of self-discovery...

If you are looking for a story that will keep you glued to your seat this Autumn season, Through Our Teeth is one that you should add to your reading list! Taking cues from notable literary and movie thrillers (think I Know What You Did Last Summer), this novel promises...

Black History is Your History is an inspiring collection of personal stories from the author, Cassidy, while also educating its readers about influential Black History Makers. Already familiar with Cassidy’s online YouTube that follows some of the same formats this book with be a treat to fans of her content...

What a delightful read that is perfect for tween readers. Breaking the Ice is a coming-of-age story set at a local ice rink that is about growing up, forgiveness, and overcoming obstacles. The main character Harper is confronted with her fears of getting back on the ice when a new...

If I Could Go Back is an emotionally charged debut from Briana Johnson, that packs a punch from beginning to end. Following the main character, Aaliyah, is at a crossroads of her life as she goes through her senior year of high school. She has a lot of her plate...

For a debut novel, Williams absolutely stuns their audiences with adventurous middle grade fantasy novel. Rather than outright fantasy, this book is blended with many science fiction elements as well which makes it entertaining. Readers follow the main characters Glory who is bright-eyed and ever curious around the world that...

The Glade combines elements of the supernatural, a mysterious summer camp, and magic for its middle grade audience! Following the main character Pina, readers are treated to her journey of putting on her detective hat as camp isn’t what it seems to be. A strange glow lurks within the forest,...

The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon is a wonderfully illustrated story about a lion cub named Jin and a girl named Lulu who goes on a journey who must open a portal for the spirits. The novel illustrations not only help to immerse the reader in the story but...

What a fantastic debut novel from DeAndra Davis! All The Noise At Once is a gripping story that tackles race, social justice, and disability. While the subject matter in the story is a bit heavy, Davis handles these themes with care and also opens a larger conversation for readers to...

This contemporary YA novel follows the main character, Leena, as she discovers hidden family history and the changes it brings to her life. The story discusses many themes but focuses mainly on family, identity, and faith and how complex it can be. Leena has to decide on how to move...

And the Trees Stare Back is a folk-horror YA novel that takes place in the Soviet Union during the era of the Cold War. It gives readers a glimpse of history that they may be unfamiliar with and though historical fiction at its core it is rooted in the politics,...

Meet Me at Blue Hour is a story about the human memory and how life’s moments can hold such power over us. The novel asks readers if they had the chance to remove painful memories would they do so. The answer is not so simple as we navigate through the...

Till Death is an emotional angst-ridden book of grief, acceptance, and moving forward. I do enjoy a good vampire novel every now and then and while many of the YA vampires I've read in the past glamorize the life of vampires this story felt grounded in humanity and social justice....