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by J. D. Salinger
Fiction
Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger is a book from a teenage boys perspective highlighting the challenges of growing up and being a teenager. This book teaches you that there is no true way to escape the climb to adulthood and it is important to embrace your weaknesses and try your best.
summary and review written by Marley
Book: BCCLS
by Angie Thomas
Fiction
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas, is one of my favorite books. It is a thought provoking novel that teaches important messages about the stereotypes of society and the everyday struggle that teenagers go through, while still keeping the reader engaged and hooked on what is going to happen next.
summary and review written by Marley
Book: BCCLS
by Sherman Alexie
Fiction
The semi-autobiographical novel titled, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, written by Sherman Alexie, tells the story of a quirky 14-year-old hydrocephalic named, Arnold Spirit Jr, who’s life is hindered by the many deficiencies and deformities that he unfortunately obtained at birth. Junior, which is what he goes by, is often bullied by his peers on the Spokane Indian Reservation, or the rez for short, and also suffers seizures every now and then. The novel essentially follows Junior and his hampered life, specifically focusing on his struggles with identity, poverty, racial discrimination, bullying, optimism, isolation, and conflict of cultures. Overall, this book is perfect for someone who is looking for an enjoyable, easy read. Firstly, the sense of humor in this novel is truly unprecedented. The book is also very engaging as the main character, Junior, is a scrawny little kid who is very genuine but has a rough life, and so you really want him to succeed, yet he doesn’t always do so. That’s what makes it exciting. And this book isn’t intimidating at all, as it is relatively short, and the vocabulary used by Alexie is not abstruse or elaborate in any way. On the whole, I would highly recommend this truly unique novel. It’s simply genius!
summary and review written by Jacob
Book: BCCLS
by Lynn Painter
Fiction
This new release is as thrilling as Lynn’s previous works—it is a passionate novel encompassing love, dating, and it contains the loved friends to lovers trope. This is a sequel to Mr. Wrong Number, another of Lynn’s books. Jack and Hallie, two helpless romantics fresh out of relationships, meet at the wedding of Jack’s sister and best friend, Olivia and Colin, who are the main characters of Mr. Wrong Number. There is an immediate connection between Jack and Hallie which leads them to make some reckless decisions! However, they finally realize their true feelings for one another. Read the Love Wager to find out what happens!
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Lynn Painter
Fiction
Emilie has always dreamt of the perfect Valentines Day. However, the day doesn’t go to plan at all. She goes to go to bed on the 14th with hopes to have a better day tomorrow, but her calendar is set to Valentines Day, again! Emilie seems to be stuck in a never-ending loop for multiple days, until she decides to have a day where she does whatever she wants. Things start to get complicated when she has to deal with the consequences when the clock resets and she wakes up to February 15th.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Chris Collfer
Fiction
The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell is the first book in its series, and follows a pair of twins, Alex and Conner, as they accidentally stumble upon “the fairy tale world”. This book is fantastic for people of all ages and keeps the reader engaged and curious throughout.
summary and review written by Ellie
Book: BCCLS
by Stephen King
Fiction
It, by Stephen King, details the lives of 7 middle-schoolers (and later adults) as they seek to understand and defeat the evil entity haunting their town and claiming lives, one by one. This book is excellently written, incredibly engaging, and well-detailed without feeling overwhelming. Definitely recommend!
summary and review written by Ellie
Book: BCCLS
by Jennings Michael Burch
Nonfiction
They Cage The Animals At Night is a sad story about a boy named Jennings whose mother becomes sick and has to leave him at an orphanage. Jennings doesn’t understand what is happening because he is too young and thinks his mom will come back the next day. Once Jennings learns the truth he starts learning the rules and befriends a kid named Mark who becomes his best friend throughout the story. This story is truly heart-wrenching and sad it tells the struggle of kids who are confused and unsure of what their purpose in life is.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Jerry Spinelli
Fiction
Stargirl is a coming-of-age novel in which the main character Leo arrives on his typical first day of high school at Mica Area High. Mica Area High School is an ordinary high school where all of the students dress the same, talk the same and act the same. However, throughout his first day, all the students talk about a girl named Stargirl. They say she has a pet rat, plays the ukulele, and wears extraordinarily bright clothes. This book will take you on the journey of finding your identity, who you are, and the people you want to be around.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Lisa Fipps
Fiction
Lisa Fipps’s “Starfish” is a book that inspires people everywhere to be confident with their body. The main character Ellie is a beautiful 12-year-old girl, but she needs help realizing that. Her mom wants her to lose weight and she is constantly bullied at school. However, with the help of her new friends and her therapist, she learns to starfish, take up her space and embrace herself as she is.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Endo Tatsuya
Fiction
A spy, an assassin, and psychic with pink hair? All brought together to play family so they can achieve their seprerate missions. This book was fun to read and very engaging. After reading it, I read the whole manga series.
summary and review written by Summer
Book: BCCLS
by Carl Hiaasen
Fiction
When Noah’s father sinks the Coral Queen because he suspected it was dumping tons of waste into the ocean and is sent to jail, it’s up to Noah to prove his father’s innocence via evidence. The fight for environmental justice makes Flush a good novel that’s hard to put down!
summary and review written by Lily
Book: BCCLS
by Lois Lowry
Fiction
The subtle descent from a utopian rule-free to a dystopian society makes The Giver all the more thrilling. With everything picked out for children, Jonas needs to navigate through his entire life being hand-picked for him such as his job and who he marries.
summary and review written by Lily
Book: BCCLS
by Kohei Horikoshi
The first volume of “My Hero Academia”, is very engaging and fun for the readers to read. There is a lot of character growth in Izuku (main character). He shows readers, if goals want to be achieved, you must work and strive toward them.
summary and review written by Summer
Book: BCCLS
by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon
This book is such a short and simple read, yet it’s so well written, especially since there are so many authors. This books follow multiple BIPOC romances set in New York City. All authors provide us with well rounded characters and dynamics that allow us to be engaged in the stories of these couples.
summary and review written by Paige
Book: BCCLS
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This intriguing and entertaining book is about an Old Hollywood actress named Evelyn Hugo who is partnering with a journalist on her autobiography. Evelyn takes the risk of going through her whole occupational journey, revealing unknown details and secrets about her rise to Hollywood stardom. This is all in the name of showing people, “the Real Evelyn Hugo”. The thing is, is she ready to tell the truth?
summary and review written by Paige
Book: BCCLS
by J.K. Rowling
Fiction
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix shares that many in the wizarding community do not know the truth of his encounter with Lord Voldemort. Delores Umbridge is appointed to defend against the Darks Art Teacher. But Harry gathers others to defend against the rising tide of evil.
summary and review written by Arielle
Book: BCCLS
by J.K. Rowling
Fiction
In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the book explores the past of the boy wizard’s nemesis, Lord Voldemort, and Harry’s preparations for the final battle against Voldemort alongside his headmaster and mentor, Albus Dumbledore.
summary and review written by Arielle
Book: BCCLS
by Jason Reynolds
Fiction
Ghost is about a boy named Castle Cranshaw. When he was young his father tried to shoot him and his mother. They ran away from him, and ever since then Castle has been running. He got on a track team through a chance encounter and now he has to work hard to not get in trouble and stay on the team. The book follows his struggle to distinguish between good and bad, and decide who he is as a person.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Chris Collfer
Fiction
Alex and Conner lost their dad when they were kids. Their dad was a magical man who told them stories and fairytales, and always cheered them up when they were sad. Their lives have always been empty ever since he was gone. When their grandmother comes to visit, she gives them the “Land of Stories” book that their dad used to read to them. Alex and Connor fall through the book and end up in a fairytale world, except the takes don’t have the “happily ever afters” we all know. Can Conner and Alex escape the fairytale world before the many dangers kill them?
summary and review written by Oliver
Book: BCCLS
by James Dashner
Fiction
Set in a world 150 years in the future, “The House of the Scorpion” follows a young Mateo Alacran who was not born, but harvested from a cow. He is a clone of El Patron, the 140 year-old drug lord of Opium, a land that was once Mexico. The world hates clones, and Mateo must guide his way through the dangerous world of people who hate him and the many secrets of the Alacran family.
summary and review written by Oliver
Book: BCCLS
by James Dashner
Fiction
The Gladers have escaped the maze and appear to have reached a safe haven, but their struggles aren’t over. In this sequel, Thomas and his friends encounter a “scorching” trial set by mysterious Creators, taking them outside of the safety of walls. This book has a twist at every corner.
summary and review written by Ben
Book: BCCLS
by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Fiction
The ambitious student Victor Frankenstein is obsessed with giving life to a dead body. After years of hard work, he ultimately achieves his goal, but his creation is so hideous he abandons his creature. Little does Victor know that he just changed the trajectory of his life by doing this. The novel speaks about issues such as how one’s image can impact how they are treated and the mistreatment of advanced technology. Shelley’s spellbinding grip on the reader left them enthralled as she develops the complex relationship between the creature and its creator.
summary and review written by Kristen
Book: BCCLS
by Harper Lee
Fiction
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a novel written by American author Harper Lee. It is set in the 1930s in the South. The story is narrated by Scout Finch, one of the main protagonists. The novel focuses on the trial of a black man. His word is challenged by the word of an white man in the rural South.
summary and review written by Kaan
Book: BCCLS
by Endo Tatsuya
Fiction
This is a cute book about a spy who puts together a makeshift family for an undercover mission. But he does not know that his new wife is an assassin and his new daughter can read minds. It follows the family through their life together as they try to be a normal family not knowing each others secrets.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Chinua Achebe
Fiction
Things Fall Apart is an amazing book about pre-colonial life in southeastern Nigeria and the main characters Okonkwo’s life. It looks at the culture and traditions of the Ibo people and what happens when those traditions become lost. I recommend this book as it has a surprise ending and good characters.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Scott O’Dell
Fiction
The story of the Black Pearl is set in La Paz with the main character (Ramon) setting out on a quest to find his dream black pearl. With help from one of his customers, he sets out to find it, but it’s always lurking in the waters, watching, waiting.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Raina Telgemeier
Fiction
Drama is a graphic novel following the main character (Callie) and her love for drama. Even though her singing ability lacks she still joined her middle schools play Moon Over Mississippi as a set designer. This story takes you on a journey of how she makes scenes good enough for Broadway and a very constrictive budget.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by S. E. Hinton
Fiction
“The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton is a drama about two sides: the Greasers, who are the poor, and the Socs (socials), who are the rich. This story is about the feud between the two, and the issues they both face. This story holds some of the craziest people and holds the most emotional hurdles the main characters have to face. This book was electrifying and made me never want to put it down!
summary and review written by Alma
Book: BCCLS
by Livia Bitton-Jackson
Nonfiction
In “I Have Lived a Thousand Years”, Elli Friedmann, a 13 year old girl loses her brother and father when they are away to work in labor camps. Elli is taken around Czechoslovakia and Poland and sent to many different camps, including Auschwitz . Throughout the story, Elli grows and gets closer to her mother as they navigate every hardship they overcome. I thought the book was very emotional and enthralling, as it is almost like you are with Elli as you read the book.
summary and review written by Alma
Book: BCCLS
by Anne Frank
Nonfiction
This book is a wonderful representation of the human spirit along with the horrors of the human spirit. This book is about a young girl, Anne Frank, whose family is in hiding during the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
by Livia Bitton-Jackson
Nonfiction
I Have Lived a Thousand Years is a true story about a Jewish girls struggle to stay alive and protect her mother in the Holocaust. This interesting book has likable characters and after a few chapters I was attached. It’s scary at times and handled serious topics but I’d recommend it for anyone in middle school. After reading it I felt like I’d learned a lesson about life, history, and the importance of kindness.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Terri Libenson
Fiction
This graphic novel is about Bri, a teen Jewish girl who is struggling to juggle school, social life, divorced parents and planning her bat mitzvah. Bri hates the spotlight but soon she will have to give a huge speech in front of many people. Why did she agree to this? This is the question Bri wonders throughout the story. This story heartwarming yet hilarious story will keep you routing for Bri at every obstacle she faces.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Lily LaMotte and Ann Xu
Fiction
The graphic novel Measuring Up is about a twelve year old immigrant who is struggling to find her place in her new home. Cici misses her grandmother in Taiwan more than anything, but unfortunately her family does not have enough money to fly her to Seattle for her seventieth birthday. Cici figures out a way, but it takes a lot of work…and cooking! This graphic novel is a beautiful heartwarming story.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Marjane Satrapi
Nonfiction
This is a coming of age story about a girl raised in Iranian warring times. She has to grow up facing struggles both within and outside of herself, and learns that she needs to mature quickly during these times.
summary and review written by Tyler
Book: BCCLS
by Jonathan Auxier
Fiction
Sweep is historical magical realism, taking place in nineteenth-century England. Nan Sparrow, an eleven year old girl, is the helper of a chimney sweep. When her most prized possession gets caught in a chimney fire, she realizes that it wasn’t just a piece of coal, but really a golem. Sweep is beautifully weaved tale that will make you smile and cry.
summary and review written by Evie
Book: BCCLS
by Christian McKay Heidicker
Fiction
Scary Stories for Young Foxes is an excellent story featuring normal things re-imagined in the view of foxes. A scary, tricky book filled with many unexpected twists, this wonderful tale will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
summary and review written by Evie
Book: BCCLS
by Frederick Douglass
Nonfiction
This book is an amazing autobiography of one of the most important people in African American history. It touches on the struggles he faced during his time as an enslaved person, and his eventual escape to freedom.
summary and review written by Tyler
Book: BCCLS
by Rick Riordan
Fiction
Percy Jackson isn’t a normal kid. He has ADHD and dyslexia, and he’s half god. Percy goes to a camp for others like him, but when he becomes involved in a quest to take him to the underworld, things become dangerous. This is an addicting entrance to the Rick Riordan universe.
summary and review written by Ben
Book: BCCLS
by Maurene Goo
Fiction
The Way You Make Me Feel left me… unsure of how to feel. Having read some of Maurene Goo’s other books, I wanted to like this one too. Clara, the main character, is an Asian American struggling with who she is and how to operate in the world. Clara’s choices in the book make me question her judgment and although it was not my favorite book, I do not believe that it is reflective of Goo overall as an author.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Michael Fry
Fiction
This story follows a kind and well-mannered kid surrounded by villains who encourage him to become just like them. As he follows his supervillain master, he learns more about himself and others along his journey to become evil like he was always meant to be.
summary and review written by Tyler
Book: BCCLS
by J.K. Rowling
Fiction
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second book of the Harry Potter series. This book continues Harry Potter’s journey at Hogwarts in his second year, where he will solve a school mystery and face more supernatural foes and creatures with his friends.
summary and review written by Tyler
Book: BCCLS
by J.K. Rowling
Fiction
A boy named Harry Potter seems to be normal until his 11th birthday. There a man named Hagrid reveals the secrets of Harry’s life. He explains how Harry is truly a wizard instead. Jump into the thrill ride of Harry’s experience learning in the wizard school of Hogwarts.
summary and review written by Miles
Book: BCCLS
by S. E. Hinton
Fiction
The Outsiders follows a group of boys who come from a low-class part of town called the Greasers. Ponyboy (the main character) faces many decisions throughout the story when the line between wrong and right blurs. Throughout reading the book you’ll see how these choices will affect his way of life as he knows it.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Livia Bitton-Jackson
Nonfiction
Livia was just a normal girl until her world flipped upside down. Her belongings, rights, and identity were stolen. All because she was Jewish. This is a true story filled with lots of emotions, and heavy information. You will experience what it was like to be Jewish during the Holocaust.
summary and review written by Miles
Book: BCCLS
by Daniel Keyes
Fiction
Flowers for Algernon follows the main character Charlie and his journey following an experimental surgery for excelled intelligence. Though this intelligence is beneficial, how far is too far? Will it last forever? I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It makes you question the pros and cons of advanced technology.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Kelly Barnhill
Fiction
Simon Spier is a 16 year old boy. He’s a junior in high school, he lives in Georgia, and he does this schools theatre productions. And he’s gay. When his secret is threatened, he scrambles to find a solution. And maybe find love too.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Kelly Barnhill
Fiction
In “The Girl Who Drank the Moon,” a girl named Luna gains magical powers from a witch and must use them to save her village from a corrupt ruler. Along the way, she discovers her own strength and courage.
summary and review written by a Montclair Public Library Teen Volunteer
Book: BCCLS
by Shannon Hale & LeUyen Pham
Fiction
Shannon has been best friends with Adrienne since they were in kindergarten. But as Adrienne gains popularity and makes new friends, Shannon is worried that her friendship with Adrienne is in jeopardy. A coming of age graphic novel that will take you on the journey of finding your REAL friends.
summary and review written by Izzy
Book: BCCLS
by Terri Libenson
Fiction
Emmie and Katie don’t really know each other. But their paths cross and their lives change after a love letter Emmie writes gets leaked. A clever illustrated and written book, this is a coming of age story you’ll be sure to like.
summary and review written by Izzy
Book: BCCLS