Contemporary

Hope Ablaze / Sarah Mughal Rana

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Hope Ablaze
By: Sarah Mughal Rana, Farah Kidwai (Narrator)
Genre: YA, Magical Realism
Number of Pages: 384
Published: February 27, 2024
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Dates Read: July 10, 2025 - July 11, 2025
Format: Library Book / Audiobook

Trigger Warnings: Islamophobia, racism 

Nida is known as Mamou Abdul-Hafeedh’s niece – the poet who was wrongfully incarcerated during the war on terror. Nida’s poetry letters are her heart and sharing them with the world is not an option.

When Nida is illegally frisked at a Democratic Senatorial candidate’s political rally – a rally she wasn’t even trying to go to, she was heading to the mosque to pray – she writes a heated poem about the politician, never expecting the letter to go viral weeks later. Nida is shocked to find out the poem has won first place in a national contest, a contest she didn’t even enter. After her quiet life is upheaved Nida loses her ability to write poetry. She also struggles with the balance of the expectations of her mother, her uncle, and her Muslim community with who she truly wants to be.

As a white woman, this gave me an opportunity to see not only what hijabi wearing women go through on a daily basis, but also what they had to go through especially after 9/11. This book was also a passionate and emotional journey – Nida had anger she was carrying as well as the feeling of hopelessness, her story was both moving and eye-opening.

I was a little shocked about the magical realism of the novel, but it wasn’t anything offputting to me or anything, just wasn’t expecting it.

Overall, this is an important read that gives the perspective of what it was like to be a hijab-wearing Muslim teen in post 9/11.

*Thank you Wednesday Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Judgement of Yoyo Gold / Isaac Blum

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The Judgement of Yoyo Gold
By: Isaac Blum
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Number of Pages: 304
Published: October 15, 2024
Publisher: Philomel Books
Dates Read: December 21, 2024 - December 25, 2024
Format: Library Book / Hardcover / Audiobook

Yoyo Gold has always been the perfect Jewish daughter of the rabbi – she keeps Kosher, watching her siblings, volunteers at the local food bank, she even respects and encourages others to observe their Orthodox faith. But when her best friend is sent far away from her community for what Yoyo feels like is a seemingly innocent transgression, Yoyo’s eyes (and ears) begin to open to her neighbor’s hypocrisies.

As Yoyo’s frustration with the secrets builds, so does the pressure to speak out. She finds release by posting anonymously on TikTok, an app forbidden for her. But when one of her videos goes viral, Yoyo’s decision to post not only affects her life, but also the relationship with the boy she is falling for, and her world is thrown into mayhem. She is forced to choose a path, not only for her community, her family, but most importantly for herself. 

I don’t know how I found myself reading about teenagers who begin questioning their relationship with religion, but I guess that’s a part of growing up isn’t it? Though this book is about an Orthodox Jewish teenager, anyone who has struggled with the pressures of doing what you’ve always been told to do and with the desire to be your own person, you’ll relate to this book.

I grew up Baptist. I can’t say if I met anyone who practiced the Jewish faith until I was well into college. I also can’t say if this book is a good representation of the modern Orthodox Jewish experience or not as I don’t know. But, I do think there’s a voice in here for many to feel seen.

*Thank you Philomel Books and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky / Josh Galarza

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The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky
By: Josh Galarza
Genre: YA
Number of Pages: 313
Published: July 23, 2024
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Dates Read: October 21, 2024 - October 27, 2024
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Trigger Warnings: Eating disorder, fatphobia, body dysmorphia, body shaming, underage drinking, parent with cancer, mentions of self-harm

Ever since Brett’s adoptive mother was diagnosed with cancer, he’s been slowly losing his grip on reality. To cope, Brett fuels all of his anxieties into fiction, including his intergalactic Kid Condor comic book series. When Brett’s journal and deepest insecurities are posted online for the whole school to see, he realizes he can no longer avoid his issues, especially with the coping mechanism he has been using. As his eating disorder escalates, Brett must be honest with not only himself and those closest to him, but also his new friend Mallory, who seems to know more about Brett’s issues than he does.

This book is definitely needed, even though it’s a tough read. There’s not a lot of books out there about boys with eating disorders or about boys really struggling with body image. This novel also features Brett and Reed’s relationship that challenges the traditional masculinity of boys’ friendships, processing a parent’s battle with cancer, and so much more. It takes all of these difficult topics and shines a light on them without sugarcoating anything, making the conversations and actions all the more realistic and raw.

I would highly suggest this read to anyone, but with a great deal of caution. Disordered eating is what Brett is dealing with most, but there are a lot of other sensitive topics addressed that could be triggering. Please read with caution.

*Thank you Henry Holt and Co. and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Tig / Heather Smith

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Tig
By: Heather Smith
Genre: Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 160
Published: September 3, 2024
Publisher: Tundra Books
Dates Read: September 2, 2024
Format: ARC / eBook

Trigger Warnings: Child abandonment, alcoholic parent, abuse

After months of living without electricity or parents, Tig and Peter are forced to move in with their Uncle Scott and his partner, Manny. The transition from on your own, to picture perfect is rough. Tig, along with Peter’s support, decides to make it messy, with daily arguments and stubbornness, and plans to become a competitive cheese racer.

This is a heartbreaking, and heartwarming, middle grade novel that I was not expecting to make me cry, but here we are. Tig is one of those characters I will think about for a long time (if not forever). I also think I will be rereading this at some point as well for reasons you may understand after reading it.

Tig is a heavy book, but still written well for middle grade readers. Tig herself is going through a lot of trauma and you’re seeing this new environment through her eyes as she goes through it and sometimes even processes/revisits trauma she’d experienced before. She is really blessed with supportive and empathetic adults like her Uncle Scott and Manny.

This novel is a short, but terrific read. Tig will grab your heartstrings and race you down the hill with them.

*Thank you Tundra Books and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Twenty-Four Seconds From Now… / Jason Reynolds

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Twenty-Four Seconds from Now…
By: Jason Reynolds
Genre: YA, Romance
Number of Pages: 256
Published: October 8, 2024
Publisher: Atheneum / Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Dates Read: September 1, 2024
Format: ARC / Paperback

Twenty-four months ago: Neon gets chased by a dog at his grandfather’s funeral. He’d love to forget that moment, but not the dog’s owner, Aria…

Twenty-four weeks ago: Neon’s dad talks to him about tenderness and intimacy. Neon and Aria definitely love each other, and are talking about taking the next big step.

Twenty-four days ago: Neon’s mom finds her bra in his room. The hooks are complicated! He figured he’d need to practice, especially since the special day is only a month away.

Twenty-four minutes ago: Neon leaves his shift at his dad’s bingo hall, chicken tenders for Aria in a bag. They’re not caviar, but they’re her favorite.

Right this second? Neon is locked in Aria’s bathroom, mid panic attack because twenty-four seconds from now, he and Aria are about to… well… they won’t do anything if Neon can’t get out of his head!

Oh my goodness, I really enjoyed this novel. A book from the guy’s perspective about doing “it” for the first time. But also, this is about healthy Black teens, in a healthy relationship, talking about and discussing sex in a healthy and positive manner with members of their family and friends – though of course there are some friends who may over exaggerate what it is they’ve actually done.

Every conversation Neon had with members of his family, though he may have been hesitant to voice his anxiety and fears, his family was always very supportive and honest with him. His sister corrects misconceptions and emphasizes communication. His mom talks about allowing himself feelings and for checking Aria’s as well (in such a funny way). And his dad talks about his relationship with his mom and how he’s made mistakes, some from advice from bad role models, and how he wants better for Neon.

Overall, this novel is a sweet story about young love and first times, filled with awkwardness, reassurance, and anxiety. I can definitely see this becoming one of those staple coming-of-age novels like Judy Blume’s Forever.

*Thank you Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Other Side of Disappearing / Kate Clayborn

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The Other Side of Disappearing
By: Kate Clayborn
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Number of Pages: 373
Published: March 26, 2024
Publisher: Kensington
Dates Read: June 1, 2024 - June 6, 2024
Format: Library Book / Audiobook

Hairstylist Jess Greene has spent the last decade raising her younger half sister, Tegan, after their mother ran away with a boyfriend she’d only known a few months. Jess has also been keeping a huge secret – the boyfriend her mother ran off with, was an accomplished con man who was also the subject of a wildly popular podcast, The Last Con of Lynton Baltimore.

Right before Tegan hits her eighteenth birthday, Jess figures out her sister’s plan to do what she’s always feared – go on the search for their mother. But she’s not doing it alone, instead she’s accompanied by the host of the podcast and her producer, Adam Hawkins. Unwilling for her sister to go alone, Jess reluctantly joins them.

Together, the four make their way across the country, uncovering pieces of the mystery as to where her mother and her boyfriend disappeared to and why.

So first off, I don’t know how I missed this being a romance, because it’s not like it’s not marketed as romance. I think I was more focused on the true crime podcast aspect of it over everything else. And, to be honest, I don’t think the novel needed the spicier scenes to it. I totally understood and felt Jess and Adam’s connection, no need for the horniess. But, maybe that’s just me being a reader who doesn’t read much romance above a two spice level, so don’t take my opinion on this bit too personally.

I loved the mystery of this novel and the adventure the group went on – but I still didn’t care for the romance of it. I also had a bit of a hard time connecting with anyone. Everyone had a lot of feelings that were deeply explored, but I didn’t feel as much connection as I do with others.

Overall, I can see people still enjoying this. Just because I didn’t care for the romance bit of it, doesn’t mean the story itself wasn’t still good!
*Thank you Kensington and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Coyote Lost and Found / Dan Gemeinhart

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Coyote Lost and Found
By: Dan Gemeinhart
Genre: Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 282
Published: March 5, 2024
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Dates Read: May 26, 2024 - May 29, 2024
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

*Trigger Warnings: Grief, remembering death of parent and siblings, Covid-19

It’s been almost a year since Coyote and her dad settled down in a small Oregon town. But just as their lives were being close to “normal”, Coyote finds a box containing her mom’s ashes that was hidden in the bus and she thinks she’s ready to say goodbye. When Covid-19 hits and school is canceled, it’s the perfect time. The only problem – Coyote doesn’t know where her resting place is supposed to be. Her mom wrote it in a book of poetry that Coyote mistakenly sold last year on the road. Now, it’s up to Coyote to find the book so she can tell her dad where her mom’s resting place should be – all without her dad knowing she lost the book in the first place. Firing up their trusty bus, Yager, Coyote and her dad are ready to hit the road with some old friends and ready to discover some new ones.

Ah – Coyote and her dad have held a special place in my heart since reading about their first adventure. When I saw there was a sequel I immediately grabbed a copy as soon as I could.

This book is about moving on to the next chapter of your life and, even if it’s scary, accepting change, and finding things.

“…Finding ashes and finding books and finding friends and finding where you belong and finding clues and finding wings and finding a way and then, at the end, finding peace, Because we lose a lot, all of us on our journeys. There’s no way around that. But we find a lot, too, if we’re lucky. And I was.”

This book is aimed at middle grade readers, but I think those of all ages will enjoy it. Coyote is only thirteen in this novel, and she’s dealing with big emotions and grief of her mother and sisters death – so some may not like how she reacts to things – but, as someone who lost her dad at the age of twelve, the grieving process is weird and I hope think this novel will hope young readers in their own grieving processes. The characters will dig their way into your heart and you’ll think about them long after the last pages.

*Thank you Henry Holt and Co and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

What Happened to Rachel Riley? / Claire Swinarski

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What Happened to Rachel Riley?

By: Claire Swinarski

Genre: Middle Grade

Number of Pages: 352

Published: January 10, 2023

Publisher: Quill Tree Books

Dates Read: February 2, 2024 - February 3, 2024

Format: Library Book / Hardcover

rigger Warnings: sexual harassment, #MeToo

Anna Hunt is the new girl at East Middle School, but it doesn’t take her long to notice former popular girl, Rachel Riley, is now the social outcast no one talks to, or about. As a lover of podcasts, Anna decides to create her own podcast around the question, “What Happened to Rachel Riley?”. Told through first person narration from Anna, emails, texts, notes, podcast transcripts, letters, and flyers compiled together through Anna’s journal in finding out the truth.

I really enjoyed this book and the conversation it brings up for the middle grade readers. As Anna kind of discovers – harassment is still harassment, even if it’s meant to be “funny” or “a game”. This also gives these girls the courage to speak up and out about anything that’s not right.

I’m a little grippy about the ending though, cause I felt like it was super rushed <spoiler> and I wanted to know if Anna got into her podcast summer camp!</spoiler>.

Overall though, I will be recommending this novel to so many – middle grade, YA, and adult readers alike! It’s an important message, and with all the different types of format that the reader gets information from, it keeps your attention.

Red / Annie Cardi

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red

By: Annie Cardi

Genre: YA, Contemporary 

Number of Pages: 256

Published: January 30, 2024

Publisher: Union Square & Co.

Dates Read: January 9, 2024 - January 15, 2024

Format: ARC / eBook

Trigger Warnings: abortion, misogyny, religious bigotry, grooming, adult/minor relationship

After Tess’s mom loses her job, the two move in with her grandparents in Hawthorne. The one condition is that the two must attend church. Tess’s mom isn’t too happy about it, but Tess enjoys the community and quickly finds a place among the youth group and choir.

But after a very personal decision becomes public, Tess faces both harassment and rejection from the church community. After meeting some kids in the band room during lunch – the only place she’s able to find solitude, she learns to find her voice again with their support.

I like that this book had a religious theme, but it wasn’t overly preachy. Tess had a relationship with God before and she spends the duration of the book talking about that and how she wants to reconnect but isn’t sure how to do so.

I appreciated the fact that Annie Cardi addressed the subject of abortion and how it can still be considered controversial today but that it’s not so black and white that some people think it is. The fact that characters changed their views throughout the story was authentic and felt right – now granted, some still had a hard time “accepting” Tess’s decision but it was still nice to see.

This novel also shows how the act of grooming and abuse aren’t always so easily detectable. Predators can be anyone.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. This is unfortunately something that young women can go through and I feel like this will help a lot of girls feel seen.

*Thank you Union Square & Co. for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Evolving Truth of Ever-Stronger Will / Maya MacGregor

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The Evolving Truth of Ever-Stronger Will
By: Maya MacGregor
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Number of Pages: 273
Published: July 23, 2023
Publisher: Astra Books for Young Readers
Dates Read: November 22, 2023 - November 24, 2023
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Trigger Warnings: death of a patron, child abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, drugs, mentions of death by overdose

Will, an agender teen, is only a few months away from turning 18 – finally an adult, and finally able to have freedom away from their abusive, addicted mother. When their mother dies suddenly, Will is granted freedom earlier than expected, but her dying words haunt Will. Soon, their mother’s drug-dealing past comes back and threatens Will’s shiny new future, leaving them to scramble to find a past foster they haven’t heard from in years. And, they need to do this all before Child Protective Services finds out Will’s been left on their own.

I really enjoyed that this was written in second person. Besides fanfiction, I’ve never read a novel in this form and I’ve got to say, this works so well! And it makes perfect sense to use it for a character who is nonbinary or genderfluid. 

The imperfections of the characters of this novel is what made this novel so perfect. Not one single person was the most amazing person ever – they all had their faults, their traumas, their own realistic story, and that made this beautiful.

I’m excited for those to need this story to get their hands on it. And I’m excited for those who may not necessarily need this story, but can learn from this story, because it’s all so important. With the amazing writing that is from Maya MacGregor you get so much representation that isn’t forced at all, it’s just who they are and that’s that.

Overall, I will be highly recommending this book to so many people. Though I will give a bit of a heavy warning to check the Trigger Warnings and to be gentle with yourself.

*Thank you Astra Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review