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Recommend this book:
Children of the Sun
Harry Allen
2026 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
In Harry Allen’s YA novel, Children of the Sun, Ra Eun Seo is a gifted singer in a poor North Korean town who dreams of performing at Pyongyang’s Festival of the Sun. She and her friends, the guilt-ridden Nari and the resourceful Min, stumble upon a banned radio that broadcasts South Korean music. Seo wins a trip to the capital but smuggles the radio with her. This leads to her arrest by the bloodthirsty Colonel Nam. A brutal interrogation forces her to betray her teacher, Madam Lim, and she is condemned to Camp 6, together with her friends, where they must face starvation, ideological torture, including the hanging of their teacher, Mr. Chi, and mining. They receive help from Old Man Park, a neighbor-turned-prisoner, and plan an elaborate escape. What can go wrong in their attempt at freedom?
Children of the Sun is a novel about human grit against the backdrop of a totalitarian system, and it delivers well-sculpted characters and pathos that tug at the reader’s heart. Seo’s voice is a combination of the fragile and the defiant; Nari feels the pain of forced betrayal; Min is the mental engine of the group; and Iseul is feral in innocence, calling the guards “crushers” and engaging in other mischievous acts. The meticulous worldbuilding allows readers to feel the oppressive air at Camp 6, the electrified fence, and the hollow concrete shells. Harry Allen uses premonition to create suspense and tension; you always have a feeling that something bad could happen any moment as the story progresses. Apart from the irresistible first-person narrative voice, the complex characters, and the elegant prose, this book delivers dystopia steeped in detail, where engineered confessions, self-criticism sessions, and personality cult underpin totalitarianism.
In Harry Allen’s YA novel, Children of the Sun, Ra Eun Seo is a gifted singer in a poor North Korean town who dreams of performing at Pyongyang’s Festival of the Sun. She and her friends, the guilt-ridden Nari and the resourceful Min, stumble upon a banned radio that broadcasts South Korean music. Seo wins a trip to the capital but smuggles the radio with her. This leads to her arrest by the bloodthirsty Colonel Nam. A brutal interrogation forces her to betray her teacher, Madam Lim, and she is condemned to Camp 6, together with her friends, where they must face starvation, ideological torture, including the hanging of their teacher, Mr. Chi, and mining. They receive help from Old Man Park, a neighbor-turned-prisoner, and plan an elaborate escape. What can go wrong in their attempt at freedom?
Children of the Sun is a novel about human grit against the backdrop of a totalitarian system, and it delivers well-sculpted characters and pathos that tug at the reader’s heart. Seo’s voice is a combination of the fragile and the defiant; Nari feels the pain of forced betrayal; Min is the mental engine of the group; and Iseul is feral in innocence, calling the guards “crushers” and engaging in other mischievous acts. The meticulous worldbuilding allows readers to feel the oppressive air at Camp 6, the electrified fence, and the hollow concrete shells. Harry Allen uses premonition to create suspense and tension; you always have a feeling that something bad could happen any moment as the story progresses. Apart from the irresistible first-person narrative voice, the complex characters, and the elegant prose, this book delivers dystopia steeped in detail, where engineered confessions, self-criticism sessions, and personality cult underpin totalitarianism.
Recommend this book:
Lexie Diamond and The World’s Greatest Virtual Romance
Victoria Foyt
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite
Lexie Diamond’s love of code and her nerd status set her apart from her peers. She’s an introvert genius, perhaps a little neurospicy and definitely lonely. But she’s also the humble guardian of a door to the afterlife, and is responsible for the frantic, sorry souls seeking eternal forgiveness before they can move on. Lexie takes submissions from the newly deceased and fixes the earthly problems they left behind. What began as a way to connect with her mother has become a blessing and a curse. When the virtualbelievers' doorway is hijacked by an innocent-seeming ghost, desperate for reconnection with his lost son, Lexie decides to help. Feeling rejected and isolated by her tiny friendship group of three, she breaks her own rules and ventures out alone, rewarded by meeting the charismatic Romeo. What teenage girl wouldn’t want a handsome boyfriend, and who wouldn’t fall headfirst in love when he offers it? Lexi will end up fighting for more than just her sanity. Her door to the Beyond is also in imminent danger in Lexie Diamond and The World’s Greatest Virtual Romance by Victoria Foyt.
I loved the depth of Lexie Diamond’s character. Victoria Foyt does an amazing job of translating Lexie’s view of life into tech-speak, which was engaging and clever. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing her perception of the world, and especially the disconnect between her and her father. I now can’t get the idea of faces as B Monitors out of my head. The pertinent theme is the notion that the characters feel undeserving of love or success. This is especially clear with both Lexie and her father. His disastrous choices in the pursuit of validation and self-worth through unsuitable partners have already cost her. Lexi’s relationship with Romeo is an ironic mirror of that same destructive pattern. Foyt effectively utilizes the dynamic personality system of the Enneagram to frame the storyline. The plot is exciting and constantly shifting, and I felt very invested in the outcome for Lexie. The humour is subtle but hilarious. Negballs and Posballs are my new favourite labels. Lexie Diamond and The World’s Greatest Virtual Romance is a brilliant novel for young adults struggling to reconcile with their place in life.
Lexie Diamond’s love of code and her nerd status set her apart from her peers. She’s an introvert genius, perhaps a little neurospicy and definitely lonely. But she’s also the humble guardian of a door to the afterlife, and is responsible for the frantic, sorry souls seeking eternal forgiveness before they can move on. Lexie takes submissions from the newly deceased and fixes the earthly problems they left behind. What began as a way to connect with her mother has become a blessing and a curse. When the virtualbelievers' doorway is hijacked by an innocent-seeming ghost, desperate for reconnection with his lost son, Lexie decides to help. Feeling rejected and isolated by her tiny friendship group of three, she breaks her own rules and ventures out alone, rewarded by meeting the charismatic Romeo. What teenage girl wouldn’t want a handsome boyfriend, and who wouldn’t fall headfirst in love when he offers it? Lexi will end up fighting for more than just her sanity. Her door to the Beyond is also in imminent danger in Lexie Diamond and The World’s Greatest Virtual Romance by Victoria Foyt.
I loved the depth of Lexie Diamond’s character. Victoria Foyt does an amazing job of translating Lexie’s view of life into tech-speak, which was engaging and clever. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing her perception of the world, and especially the disconnect between her and her father. I now can’t get the idea of faces as B Monitors out of my head. The pertinent theme is the notion that the characters feel undeserving of love or success. This is especially clear with both Lexie and her father. His disastrous choices in the pursuit of validation and self-worth through unsuitable partners have already cost her. Lexi’s relationship with Romeo is an ironic mirror of that same destructive pattern. Foyt effectively utilizes the dynamic personality system of the Enneagram to frame the storyline. The plot is exciting and constantly shifting, and I felt very invested in the outcome for Lexie. The humour is subtle but hilarious. Negballs and Posballs are my new favourite labels. Lexie Diamond and The World’s Greatest Virtual Romance is a brilliant novel for young adults struggling to reconcile with their place in life.
Recommend this book:
The Elephant in the Ivy
Alexander Greengaard
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Elephant in the Ivy by Alexander Greengaard is set in a private university, where Alison Ashe is recruited into Chaturanga, a secret competition run by faculty in which academic departments act as rival teams in a controlled spy game. Students serve as operatives, steal guarded objects, track opponents, and remove rivals from play under formal rules. Each faction protects an ivory figurine called a Raja, and possession determines standing. When Alison’s handler, Anthony Keane, is killed during a staged retrieval, she learns the Elephant faction engineered the attack. Alison takes command of the Theater Department team and brings in Paige Hall, a fellow student drawn into the game for the first time. As campus spaces become contested ground, Alison and Paige have to juggle all things alliance and betrayal in escalating operations that push the game into public view.
The Elephant in the Ivy by Alexander Greengaard is, hand over heart, absolutely brilliant. I love the exaggerated nods to college life, and the book is funniest when it treats espionage like paperwork, with pins logged, permissions negotiated, and faculty advisers offering guidance that sounds suspiciously like committee advice. Alison Ashe’s double life as student, operative, and fight director creates scenes where rehearsal etiquette collides with covert planning, and Greengaard utilizes that collision for sharp effect. A planning meeting can feel more dangerous than a field operation, and a stage note can carry more authority than a threat. The prose stays brisk and unsentimental, letting the logistics do the talking. What makes the novel work is its confidence in specificity, from how rules are enforced to how power quietly changes hands. The result is a smart campus novel that finds its comedy in systems, not speeches, and trusts readers to notice.
The Elephant in the Ivy by Alexander Greengaard is set in a private university, where Alison Ashe is recruited into Chaturanga, a secret competition run by faculty in which academic departments act as rival teams in a controlled spy game. Students serve as operatives, steal guarded objects, track opponents, and remove rivals from play under formal rules. Each faction protects an ivory figurine called a Raja, and possession determines standing. When Alison’s handler, Anthony Keane, is killed during a staged retrieval, she learns the Elephant faction engineered the attack. Alison takes command of the Theater Department team and brings in Paige Hall, a fellow student drawn into the game for the first time. As campus spaces become contested ground, Alison and Paige have to juggle all things alliance and betrayal in escalating operations that push the game into public view.
The Elephant in the Ivy by Alexander Greengaard is, hand over heart, absolutely brilliant. I love the exaggerated nods to college life, and the book is funniest when it treats espionage like paperwork, with pins logged, permissions negotiated, and faculty advisers offering guidance that sounds suspiciously like committee advice. Alison Ashe’s double life as student, operative, and fight director creates scenes where rehearsal etiquette collides with covert planning, and Greengaard utilizes that collision for sharp effect. A planning meeting can feel more dangerous than a field operation, and a stage note can carry more authority than a threat. The prose stays brisk and unsentimental, letting the logistics do the talking. What makes the novel work is its confidence in specificity, from how rules are enforced to how power quietly changes hands. The result is a smart campus novel that finds its comedy in systems, not speeches, and trusts readers to notice.
Recommend this book:
Those Alien Skies
A Collection of Galactic Encounters of the Mysterious Kind
Clayton Graham
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
Those Alien Skies by Clayton Graham is a collection of three partially related science fiction novellas. These take readers on an extraordinary journey to Mars and beyond into a world of vastly superior beings and technology that can only be dreamed of in an author’s imagination. The first story is set on Mars, where Elias Weber, a systems software engineer, is determined to escape what he sees as his forced compliance on Mars and return to Earth, where he can link up with his former rebel leader, Damien Dayananda, and hopefully resurrect the anti-exploration movement known as Tellurian. Stories two and three will transport readers into the depths of space, to new planets, new species, and new conflicts. Even among the advanced civilizations inhabiting the universe, it would appear that conflicts, territorial disputes, and philosophical disagreements are as real and dangerous as ever. The difference now is that entire galaxies, races, and even universes are at risk,
Those Alien Skies is a mind-bending and immersive entry into the world of science fiction and the many possibilities and characters that deep space can conjure up. Author Clayton Graham is someone whose work I have read in the past, so his vivid imagination and intensive character development come as no surprise. By linking all three stories together through their characters, the collection gains continuity that might have been otherwise missing. Certainly, the first story is more recognizable as it plays between Mars and Earth, but what impressed me about the next two stories was the author’s ability to juggle complicated plots with creatures and species that literally were out of this world. Despite the thrilling, heart-pumping action that defines the stories, I loved that there were moments of reflection, solemnity, and thoughtfulness that I found truly inspiring. Certainly, the captivating message from Stella to her robot Orx was touching and moving. I would add that the wonderful illustrations in the stories just added to my reading pleasure. I enjoyed this read and highly recommend it.
Those Alien Skies by Clayton Graham is a collection of three partially related science fiction novellas. These take readers on an extraordinary journey to Mars and beyond into a world of vastly superior beings and technology that can only be dreamed of in an author’s imagination. The first story is set on Mars, where Elias Weber, a systems software engineer, is determined to escape what he sees as his forced compliance on Mars and return to Earth, where he can link up with his former rebel leader, Damien Dayananda, and hopefully resurrect the anti-exploration movement known as Tellurian. Stories two and three will transport readers into the depths of space, to new planets, new species, and new conflicts. Even among the advanced civilizations inhabiting the universe, it would appear that conflicts, territorial disputes, and philosophical disagreements are as real and dangerous as ever. The difference now is that entire galaxies, races, and even universes are at risk,
Those Alien Skies is a mind-bending and immersive entry into the world of science fiction and the many possibilities and characters that deep space can conjure up. Author Clayton Graham is someone whose work I have read in the past, so his vivid imagination and intensive character development come as no surprise. By linking all three stories together through their characters, the collection gains continuity that might have been otherwise missing. Certainly, the first story is more recognizable as it plays between Mars and Earth, but what impressed me about the next two stories was the author’s ability to juggle complicated plots with creatures and species that literally were out of this world. Despite the thrilling, heart-pumping action that defines the stories, I loved that there were moments of reflection, solemnity, and thoughtfulness that I found truly inspiring. Certainly, the captivating message from Stella to her robot Orx was touching and moving. I would add that the wonderful illustrations in the stories just added to my reading pleasure. I enjoyed this read and highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Displaced
David Korson, Nicole Korson
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
It had been four years since Beatrice “Bea” Cooper, now seventeen, had lost her father. His death had not been easy on either her or her stepmother and sole guardian, Mary Cooper. Their relationship was as strained as their financial situation. Apart from school and her love for Disc Golf, Bea did not have much going on in her life. While participating in an important Disc Golf tournament, in which she is on the verge of winning the grand prize, she is surprised and curious when Mary drags her away over an urgent issue. Bea soon learns that her reclusive grandfather, Professor Zachariah Cooper, had died a year earlier and had left his estate to her. She is baffled to find that her inheritance is not a lump sum of money, but is a joint deposit box containing a strange gadget. However, the gadget is about to send her into a new world, where she will not only learn secrets about her family but also meet love. Find out how it all goes down in Displaced: Timerift Book 1 by David Korson and Nicole Korson.
If you are looking for a young adult sci-fi novel packed with adventure, drama, time travel, action, suspense, spell-binding cliff hangers, and plot twists, Displaced by David Korson and Nicole Korson is a must-read. Drawing me in with a captivating introduction that sets the stage for the mystery and stakes in the plot, the authors weave a compelling tale that lives up to its initial hype and delivers more. The narration features dynamic prose, lively conversations, and witty introspective commentary, balancing the characters’ personal lives and the story development. It is done so well that I couldn’t help turning page after page. The impressive world-building plunged me into Bea’s world, allowing me to tag along on her adventure from my seat. I could see both the modern setting of her real world and the Kingdom of Charrbrunia, which blends a Wild West and Renaissance backdrop. In Charrbrunia, Bea must survive betrayal, a witch hunt by a cult, and a dangerous villain, if she is ever going to find her way home. This gripping read is an incredible debut in the Timerift series. I loved it. I can’t wait to lay my hands on the next book.
It had been four years since Beatrice “Bea” Cooper, now seventeen, had lost her father. His death had not been easy on either her or her stepmother and sole guardian, Mary Cooper. Their relationship was as strained as their financial situation. Apart from school and her love for Disc Golf, Bea did not have much going on in her life. While participating in an important Disc Golf tournament, in which she is on the verge of winning the grand prize, she is surprised and curious when Mary drags her away over an urgent issue. Bea soon learns that her reclusive grandfather, Professor Zachariah Cooper, had died a year earlier and had left his estate to her. She is baffled to find that her inheritance is not a lump sum of money, but is a joint deposit box containing a strange gadget. However, the gadget is about to send her into a new world, where she will not only learn secrets about her family but also meet love. Find out how it all goes down in Displaced: Timerift Book 1 by David Korson and Nicole Korson.
If you are looking for a young adult sci-fi novel packed with adventure, drama, time travel, action, suspense, spell-binding cliff hangers, and plot twists, Displaced by David Korson and Nicole Korson is a must-read. Drawing me in with a captivating introduction that sets the stage for the mystery and stakes in the plot, the authors weave a compelling tale that lives up to its initial hype and delivers more. The narration features dynamic prose, lively conversations, and witty introspective commentary, balancing the characters’ personal lives and the story development. It is done so well that I couldn’t help turning page after page. The impressive world-building plunged me into Bea’s world, allowing me to tag along on her adventure from my seat. I could see both the modern setting of her real world and the Kingdom of Charrbrunia, which blends a Wild West and Renaissance backdrop. In Charrbrunia, Bea must survive betrayal, a witch hunt by a cult, and a dangerous villain, if she is ever going to find her way home. This gripping read is an incredible debut in the Timerift series. I loved it. I can’t wait to lay my hands on the next book.
Recommend this book:
Blue Miracle
Blair Harton
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Blue Miracle by Blair Harton tells a moving story of love, loss, and unexpected second chances against the picturesque backdrop of Monterey, California. This young adult romance follows the journey of Natalie and Grayson, whose intense summer romance ends in heartbreak, only to reignite years later when their paths unexpectedly cross again. As they navigate their rekindled connection, they must confront not only their past feelings but also surprising revelations that challenge their present. Harton weaves a compelling narrative that explores how time and experience shape our understanding of love while capturing the unique beauty of California's central coast and the universal experience of growing up and learning to trust again.
Author Blair Harton has created an immersive read through well-crafted prose that brings all the drama and Monterey's coastal beauty to life in vivid detail. What jumps out immediately from the novel is how Harton's characters feel wholly real, struggling with relatable challenges that go far beyond typical romance tropes and dive deep into the issues that Natalie and Grayson are facing. The natural dialogue is smoothly penned to offer the attitude and nuance of each character, revealing their personalities through conversations that flow with authentic emotion and wit. I particularly appreciated how Harton balances the freshness of young love with more mature themes of personal growth and healing. The way she describes the ocean's role in Natalie and Grayson's story is a really interesting core metaphor exploring how nature often mirrors our emotional journeys. There are many moments of brilliant atmospheric language, mood-enhancing metaphors, and comparisons, and Harton's careful attention to emotional detail makes every interaction between the characters feel significant and true to life. Overall, Blue Miracle is a captivating read that will appeal to anyone who believes in the possibility of second chances, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.
Blue Miracle by Blair Harton tells a moving story of love, loss, and unexpected second chances against the picturesque backdrop of Monterey, California. This young adult romance follows the journey of Natalie and Grayson, whose intense summer romance ends in heartbreak, only to reignite years later when their paths unexpectedly cross again. As they navigate their rekindled connection, they must confront not only their past feelings but also surprising revelations that challenge their present. Harton weaves a compelling narrative that explores how time and experience shape our understanding of love while capturing the unique beauty of California's central coast and the universal experience of growing up and learning to trust again.
Author Blair Harton has created an immersive read through well-crafted prose that brings all the drama and Monterey's coastal beauty to life in vivid detail. What jumps out immediately from the novel is how Harton's characters feel wholly real, struggling with relatable challenges that go far beyond typical romance tropes and dive deep into the issues that Natalie and Grayson are facing. The natural dialogue is smoothly penned to offer the attitude and nuance of each character, revealing their personalities through conversations that flow with authentic emotion and wit. I particularly appreciated how Harton balances the freshness of young love with more mature themes of personal growth and healing. The way she describes the ocean's role in Natalie and Grayson's story is a really interesting core metaphor exploring how nature often mirrors our emotional journeys. There are many moments of brilliant atmospheric language, mood-enhancing metaphors, and comparisons, and Harton's careful attention to emotional detail makes every interaction between the characters feel significant and true to life. Overall, Blue Miracle is a captivating read that will appeal to anyone who believes in the possibility of second chances, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Mahina Rises
John Blossom
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Mahina Rises by John Blossom is a young adult novel that blends a thrilling magical realism adventure with a powerful message of hope. The story follows thirteen-year-old Mahina Moemoea, who lives on a Hawaiian ranch and has extraordinary flying dreams. Her grandmother, Tutu, warns her against exploring the family's special powers, believing they caused Mahina's parents' deaths. However, when her mother's spirit leads her on a dangerous journey, Mahina must embrace her abilities to fulfill her family's destiny of spreading aloha and combating climate change.
Author John Blossom has created a beautifully family-centric story that combines effortless magical realism with environmental themes in a story that's both enchanting and deeply meaningful for its YA audience. The vivid descriptions bring the Hawaiian setting and its mystical elements to life, immersing readers in Mahina's world with multi-sensory details from the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of the lush surroundings. This same treatment and level of atmospheric detail also extends into the character development, bringing each figure that Mahina meets into being as they leap off the page to greet you. Tutu was such a strong figure with a lot of different layers of protectiveness and tradition at play, and the dialogue around family superstitions and the environment was such a natural way of unveiling the upcoming plot. Blossom's exploration of generational conflict adds further emotional depth to a relatable and poignant struggle, but this is never too heavy or harmful, making the message of hope timely and inspiring. Overall, I would certainly recommend Mahina Rises to fans of immersive and heartfelt YA fiction that is perfectly pitched between fantasy and reality for its audience.
Mahina Rises by John Blossom is a young adult novel that blends a thrilling magical realism adventure with a powerful message of hope. The story follows thirteen-year-old Mahina Moemoea, who lives on a Hawaiian ranch and has extraordinary flying dreams. Her grandmother, Tutu, warns her against exploring the family's special powers, believing they caused Mahina's parents' deaths. However, when her mother's spirit leads her on a dangerous journey, Mahina must embrace her abilities to fulfill her family's destiny of spreading aloha and combating climate change.
Author John Blossom has created a beautifully family-centric story that combines effortless magical realism with environmental themes in a story that's both enchanting and deeply meaningful for its YA audience. The vivid descriptions bring the Hawaiian setting and its mystical elements to life, immersing readers in Mahina's world with multi-sensory details from the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of the lush surroundings. This same treatment and level of atmospheric detail also extends into the character development, bringing each figure that Mahina meets into being as they leap off the page to greet you. Tutu was such a strong figure with a lot of different layers of protectiveness and tradition at play, and the dialogue around family superstitions and the environment was such a natural way of unveiling the upcoming plot. Blossom's exploration of generational conflict adds further emotional depth to a relatable and poignant struggle, but this is never too heavy or harmful, making the message of hope timely and inspiring. Overall, I would certainly recommend Mahina Rises to fans of immersive and heartfelt YA fiction that is perfectly pitched between fantasy and reality for its audience.
Recommend this book:
Long Since Buried
A Dakota Killer Thriller Book 1
Angela Grey, Paige Peterson
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Long Since Buried by Angela Grey and Paige Peterson follows Laci O’Neil, who arrives in Watertown, South Dakota, searching for her birth mother, only to discover she had a twin sister, Sydney Bisak, who was murdered 30 years ago. Laci is determined to uncover the truth behind Sydney’s death, which was officially ruled a suicide but surrounded by suspicions of foul play. As Laci investigates, she meets those who knew Sydney, including former classmates, school officials, and townspeople, many of whom viewed Sydney negatively. As more contemporary mysterious circumstances crop up, and with an understanding that Sydney feared for her life before her death, Laci untangles the lies, hidden relationships, and past traumas that point toward abuse and corruption. The deeper Laci digs, the more danger she finds herself in.
Long Since Buried by Angela Grey and Paige Peterson is an emotionally charged mystery that hitches itself to a mixed bag of secrets, and it’s pretty hard to set the book down once Laci realizes that everything she thought she knew about herself is gone. I like the alternating first-person point-of-view shifts between Sydney and Laci, and both have completely distinct voices, each speaking with an authenticity that feels earned and real. The writing itself is tight and shows the restraint that can only come from the pens of seasoned authors, with just enough detail to keep the story moving forward without being melodramatic. The way Sydney’s hardships are bread-crumbed through a rather quiet inner monologue contrasts well with Laci’s more investigative, determined perspective. The execution feels fresh and the authors breathe life into the lasting impacts of neglect and poverty. This is a solid first entry into their series. Very highly recommended.
Long Since Buried by Angela Grey and Paige Peterson follows Laci O’Neil, who arrives in Watertown, South Dakota, searching for her birth mother, only to discover she had a twin sister, Sydney Bisak, who was murdered 30 years ago. Laci is determined to uncover the truth behind Sydney’s death, which was officially ruled a suicide but surrounded by suspicions of foul play. As Laci investigates, she meets those who knew Sydney, including former classmates, school officials, and townspeople, many of whom viewed Sydney negatively. As more contemporary mysterious circumstances crop up, and with an understanding that Sydney feared for her life before her death, Laci untangles the lies, hidden relationships, and past traumas that point toward abuse and corruption. The deeper Laci digs, the more danger she finds herself in.
Long Since Buried by Angela Grey and Paige Peterson is an emotionally charged mystery that hitches itself to a mixed bag of secrets, and it’s pretty hard to set the book down once Laci realizes that everything she thought she knew about herself is gone. I like the alternating first-person point-of-view shifts between Sydney and Laci, and both have completely distinct voices, each speaking with an authenticity that feels earned and real. The writing itself is tight and shows the restraint that can only come from the pens of seasoned authors, with just enough detail to keep the story moving forward without being melodramatic. The way Sydney’s hardships are bread-crumbed through a rather quiet inner monologue contrasts well with Laci’s more investigative, determined perspective. The execution feels fresh and the authors breathe life into the lasting impacts of neglect and poverty. This is a solid first entry into their series. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Woodland
Family Portrait
Art Lionson
2025 Silver Medal
588 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Woodland: Family Portrait is a work of fiction in the urban science fiction, adventure, and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is intended for the young adult reading audience and was penned by author Art Lionson. In the year 2043, the Woodland brothers, already grappling with the challenges of urban life, face an unexpected crisis when their younger sister, Mia, falls seriously ill. Seeking solutions, they unwittingly step into a complex web of events triggered by a seemingly simple job. As they navigate the intricacies of their choices, a hidden undercurrent of manipulation and inevitability begins to unravel. The story highlights their unyielding devotion to core human values amidst adversity, as well as the unwavering friendship of their loyal dog, Spark.
Author Art Lionson has crafted a highly compelling work that really taps into its emotional core of family bonds and the lengths we would go to for the ones we love. The narrative weaves together action-packed sequences with vivid cinematic descriptions, unexpected twists, and realistically narrated human dramas, all centered around themes of justice, camaraderie, and resilience. Lionson's storytelling captures the essence of human emotions, depicting the Woodland brothers' journey through pain, loss, and anxiety. I especially enjoyed the dialogue exchanges between the brothers, each showcasing unique attitudes to the issue at hand but in compatible harmony to get the job done. The book explores the bonds of family, friendship, and the pursuit of justice in a gripping narrative that holds readers' attention until the very last page. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Woodland: Family Portrait to fans of action-packed YA urban drama everywhere.
Woodland: Family Portrait is a work of fiction in the urban science fiction, adventure, and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is intended for the young adult reading audience and was penned by author Art Lionson. In the year 2043, the Woodland brothers, already grappling with the challenges of urban life, face an unexpected crisis when their younger sister, Mia, falls seriously ill. Seeking solutions, they unwittingly step into a complex web of events triggered by a seemingly simple job. As they navigate the intricacies of their choices, a hidden undercurrent of manipulation and inevitability begins to unravel. The story highlights their unyielding devotion to core human values amidst adversity, as well as the unwavering friendship of their loyal dog, Spark.
Author Art Lionson has crafted a highly compelling work that really taps into its emotional core of family bonds and the lengths we would go to for the ones we love. The narrative weaves together action-packed sequences with vivid cinematic descriptions, unexpected twists, and realistically narrated human dramas, all centered around themes of justice, camaraderie, and resilience. Lionson's storytelling captures the essence of human emotions, depicting the Woodland brothers' journey through pain, loss, and anxiety. I especially enjoyed the dialogue exchanges between the brothers, each showcasing unique attitudes to the issue at hand but in compatible harmony to get the job done. The book explores the bonds of family, friendship, and the pursuit of justice in a gripping narrative that holds readers' attention until the very last page. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Woodland: Family Portrait to fans of action-packed YA urban drama everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Art of Giving A Crap
You Never Know What Someone is Going Through
Young Author Project
2025 Gold Medal
520 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
The Art of Giving a Crap by Natalie Wilkinson and the Young Author Project is an unflinching look at the complexities of teen life, written with a sincerity that can only come from those who live it every day. Wilkinson and her students have crafted a book that doesn’t shy away from the tough topics—bullying, anxiety, loneliness, and the pressure to conform. Yet, the story is never bleak. Instead, it is filled with moments of hope, healing, and the powerful reminder that change can start with the smallest act of kindness.
The Art of Giving a Crap by Natalie Wilkinson and the Young Author Project is heartwarming and painful as students speak of their mistakes, face their demons, and ultimately find their voices. Beyond the storyline, The Art of Giving a Crap serves as a reminder to adults—parents, teachers, and mentors—that teens aren’t simply "going through a phase." Their emotions are real, their struggles are significant, and their need for guidance, love, and understanding is more critical than ever. The book offers practical insights into how to listen, support, and truly be there for young people who often feel like they’re navigating life’s challenges alone. Wilkinson and her students teach us that giving a crap isn’t just about intervening in crises; it’s about the small, everyday moments of connection that can create a ripple of change in a teen’s life. This is a must-read for adults and teens. It’s powerful and carries a message that must be heard. It’s worthy of all the stars in the sky.
The Art of Giving a Crap by Natalie Wilkinson and the Young Author Project is an unflinching look at the complexities of teen life, written with a sincerity that can only come from those who live it every day. Wilkinson and her students have crafted a book that doesn’t shy away from the tough topics—bullying, anxiety, loneliness, and the pressure to conform. Yet, the story is never bleak. Instead, it is filled with moments of hope, healing, and the powerful reminder that change can start with the smallest act of kindness.
The Art of Giving a Crap by Natalie Wilkinson and the Young Author Project is heartwarming and painful as students speak of their mistakes, face their demons, and ultimately find their voices. Beyond the storyline, The Art of Giving a Crap serves as a reminder to adults—parents, teachers, and mentors—that teens aren’t simply "going through a phase." Their emotions are real, their struggles are significant, and their need for guidance, love, and understanding is more critical than ever. The book offers practical insights into how to listen, support, and truly be there for young people who often feel like they’re navigating life’s challenges alone. Wilkinson and her students teach us that giving a crap isn’t just about intervening in crises; it’s about the small, everyday moments of connection that can create a ripple of change in a teen’s life. This is a must-read for adults and teens. It’s powerful and carries a message that must be heard. It’s worthy of all the stars in the sky.
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