River Readers

Layla Amin knew things weren't going to go well, when they had to put on the census that they were Muslim, essentially creating a registry. Soon, Muslims around the country were put on restrictions for jobs, curfews and more. It all came to a head when Layla and her family were arrested and taken to Mobius, the first internment camp for Muslims.

Bri wants to be a rapper. Growing up in Garden Heights, the daughter of the legendary underground rapper, Lawless, Bri has a lot to prove. Her daddy was murdered, a victim of gang violence, and her mama lost it after she lost him. Driven by her grief into drug addiction, Bri and her brother, Trey, lived with their grandparents for a time. Jay, Bri's mom, fought hard to win her kids back but the struggle is still real, they are all fighting just to exist. Then the other shoe drops and Jay gets fired from her job. Bri want her rapping to save them.

After Viji and Rukku escape their abusive father, they find themselves struggling to survive under an abandoned bridge in Chennai, India. They bond with two boys also on the bridge and together they eek out an existence pilfering the trash pits in and around the city.

Molly and her brother, Kip, are desperate. Their parents are gone and they are on their own. They have exhausted all their options save for the promise of work at an old English manor house. When they arrive they soon discover that all is not as it seems.

This book is wonderfully creepy, mystical and engaging. I don't usually like books like this book found myself riveted in Molly and Kip's story. This is the second of Jonathan Auxier's books I've read and loved. I am anxious to pick up another.

Jasmine and Chelsea go to a progressive high school in New York City where they study social justice. They are growing tired of the hypocrisy and double standards they see within their school that is supposed to be a model of inclusivity and intersectionality. When the after school clubs they are required to be a part of tries to pigeon hole them into the stereotypes the school supposedly doesn't adhere to, the girls respond by forming their own club to promote feminism, equality and justice.

I wanted to like this book. It just didn't work for me.

Princess of Glass is the second in The Princesses of Westfalin Trilogy. This take on the fairy tale of Cinderella, finds Princess Poppy visiting the kingdom of Breton. After vowing never to dance again, Poppy finds herself enjoy the company of the handsome princes and enjoying the occasional card game at the many balls. That is until a mysterious servant girl, who goes by Ellen, appears. Things start to go awry and Poppy is sure that there is magic afoot.

This Promise of Change is the story of Jo Ann Allen Boyce who was one of the Clinton 12 who fought for the right to be allowed to go to the same high school as the white students in Clinton, Tennessee. It takes place right after the Brown vs. The Board of Education decision by the Supreme Court. The school district made the decision to desegregate and follow the letter of the law. Things start with just a few minor protests but as word gets out and outsiders come in the protests grow and become violent. Jo Ann becomes the unwitting spokesperson of the students involved.

Jordan Banks is going to be the new kid at his elite private school. Known for its academic rigor, Jordan is one of a few kids of color in his school.

Dear Sister is a heartwarming telling of a brother's "love" for his baby sister. It is told by letters and pictures he writes/draws for her. I loved it so much and it perfectly describes the sibling dynamic as they grow older.

Boy is a servant whose life is unexpectedly upended when a mysterious pilgrim purchases his services for a search of holy relics related to Saint Peter. Set in the fourteenth century, this book examines the relationship of Secundus (the pilgrim) and Boy as well as the search for relics and their importance of the time period.

This memoir tells the poignant story of Tillie, an aspiring skater. It chronicles her years in the sport, how it changes her and her search for who she wants to be. It is a good coming-of-age graphic that explores the trials and tribulations of being a teen.

Essie Hicks is the youngest child from the reality television show Six for Hicks. The Hick's father is an evangelical preacher of a mega church so when Essie found out she was pregnant her mother went into "damage control" mode. Decisions were being made without any discussion with Essie as if she were just a commodity for the show. That's when Essie decided to take matters into her own hands.

This book was fascinating and I really enjoyed the character arcs of Essie and Roark. I thought the unwinding of Essie's story was riveting and made you want to keep turning the pages.

In this second of the Truly Devious series, Stevie finds herself back at Ellingham Academy after striking a deal with Edward King, the loathsome senator that stands for everything Stevie hates. Their deal involves King's son, David, who he thinks Stevie can influence to make better decisions.

The academy is still reeling from the events that happened prior to Stevie's exit and return. Stevie is determined to get to the bottom of the events from the past and the ones in the present.

The third in the Court of Thorns and Roses series finds Feyre back in the Spring Court feigning loyalty to the Spring Court and Tamlin but in reality she is spying on him and Hybern. Prythian is on the brink of war with Hybern and since he has the Cauldron, the High Lords are scrambling to find a way to defeat him but that means an alliance with Courts that are sworn enemies.

As summer returns, Phoebe finds herself at summer camp with Max (her friend from school) and Sue (her friend from music camp). Marigold, however, has other plans. She is planning to spend some time with her sister and Phoebe is lonely.