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Recommend this book:
To H-1B or Not To Be
Debate Continues...
Hitesh A Dev
2026 Finalist
160 Pages
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by S. Mathur for Readers' Favorite
To H1-B or Not To Be by Hitesh Dev is a timely and powerful book. Amit Khanna is a young Indian student who pursues his dreams and ambitions, like many others of his generation, through higher education in the U.S. The foreign student experience, the gradual dawning of the nature of racism, and the tricks and strategems used by consulting firms to hire and trap young graduates are all vividly described. Hardest to bear are the years of separation from his family due to work and visa restrictions. But, like thousands of others, Amit finds that hard work and talent are not enough. As the American Dream crumbles under the weight of scams masquerading as misfortunes, he must hold on to his integrity. When success finally appears in his life, it is in a form he could not have imagined earlier.
One of the things I liked best about To H1-B or Not To Be is that it tells the story in a voice that is hardly ever heard. In Amit Khanna, Hitesh Dev has created a likeable protagonist, who takes the hard knocks but gets back up each time to fight for his dreams. The book doesn’t flinch away from the seamier sides of immigrant life and has realistic accounts of the worlds of drugs, human trafficking, and domestic abuse. It has some important lessons for young people just starting out in life and for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others who create the conditions under which these lives are lived. It deserves to be widely read and discussed. Highly recommended.
To H1-B or Not To Be by Hitesh Dev is a timely and powerful book. Amit Khanna is a young Indian student who pursues his dreams and ambitions, like many others of his generation, through higher education in the U.S. The foreign student experience, the gradual dawning of the nature of racism, and the tricks and strategems used by consulting firms to hire and trap young graduates are all vividly described. Hardest to bear are the years of separation from his family due to work and visa restrictions. But, like thousands of others, Amit finds that hard work and talent are not enough. As the American Dream crumbles under the weight of scams masquerading as misfortunes, he must hold on to his integrity. When success finally appears in his life, it is in a form he could not have imagined earlier.
One of the things I liked best about To H1-B or Not To Be is that it tells the story in a voice that is hardly ever heard. In Amit Khanna, Hitesh Dev has created a likeable protagonist, who takes the hard knocks but gets back up each time to fight for his dreams. The book doesn’t flinch away from the seamier sides of immigrant life and has realistic accounts of the worlds of drugs, human trafficking, and domestic abuse. It has some important lessons for young people just starting out in life and for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others who create the conditions under which these lives are lived. It deserves to be widely read and discussed. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Good Kids, Bad Choices
Shanti Hershenson
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Good Kids, Bad Choices by Shanti Hershenson sees Lena Hackett being disciplined for attempting to present a history project on gender-based pay inequality at Littlewood Charter School. Her treatment leads her to discover a pattern where other kids who also complained about harassment and discrimination were brushed aside or punished by school administrators. Lena pulls together classmates who've experienced the same thing. She also gets Natalia Malone, a former student expelled after raising concerns years earlier, on board. The two start examining first-hand accounts from students who say they feel unsafe, silenced, or targeted, ramping up outreach with an online presence and social media. As these accounts circulate, the school responds with harsher punishments and public denials, pulling the wider community into a fight against institutional power that escalates dramatically.
Good Kids, Bad Choices by Shanti Hershenson does a fantastic job of painting a picture in prose about institutional harm. I don't think it needs to be said that there is an eerie resemblance to what is playing out in real life, but here we are, in a space where there are no more isolated incidents. Instead, there are in-your-face signals of how authority is exercised. Hershenson is especially effective in depicting student relationships under pressure, particularly through the shift between Lena Hackett and Lisa O’Connor, after Principal Johnson insisted that a student disclose their sexual orientation to their parents. Hershenson's writing style is direct, matching the tone of her antagonists and the administrative language and policy used to deny responsibility, all while disciplining dissent. Overall, the book is a brilliantly blunt examination of discrimination and retaliation, and it is absolutely worth the time spent reading. Very highly recommended.
Good Kids, Bad Choices by Shanti Hershenson sees Lena Hackett being disciplined for attempting to present a history project on gender-based pay inequality at Littlewood Charter School. Her treatment leads her to discover a pattern where other kids who also complained about harassment and discrimination were brushed aside or punished by school administrators. Lena pulls together classmates who've experienced the same thing. She also gets Natalia Malone, a former student expelled after raising concerns years earlier, on board. The two start examining first-hand accounts from students who say they feel unsafe, silenced, or targeted, ramping up outreach with an online presence and social media. As these accounts circulate, the school responds with harsher punishments and public denials, pulling the wider community into a fight against institutional power that escalates dramatically.
Good Kids, Bad Choices by Shanti Hershenson does a fantastic job of painting a picture in prose about institutional harm. I don't think it needs to be said that there is an eerie resemblance to what is playing out in real life, but here we are, in a space where there are no more isolated incidents. Instead, there are in-your-face signals of how authority is exercised. Hershenson is especially effective in depicting student relationships under pressure, particularly through the shift between Lena Hackett and Lisa O’Connor, after Principal Johnson insisted that a student disclose their sexual orientation to their parents. Hershenson's writing style is direct, matching the tone of her antagonists and the administrative language and policy used to deny responsibility, all while disciplining dissent. Overall, the book is a brilliantly blunt examination of discrimination and retaliation, and it is absolutely worth the time spent reading. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Lightning People Play
Tim Cummings
2026 Bronze Medal
257 Pages
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Lightning People Play by Tim Cummings is a young adult novel that mixes elements of magical realism with deeply grounded emotion. Kirby Renton is a 14-year-old boy trying to hold his family together. His younger brother Baxter suffers from intense seizures and begins talking about mysterious beings known as the 'lightning people' who visit him during episodes. As the family's stress mounts and relationships fray, Kirby throws himself into an ambitious plan to stage a backyard play to raise funds for a seizure-alert dog. But what starts as a creative escape becomes something much more magical when strange symbols appear, otherworldly portals shimmer open, and Kirby starts to question where the line between performance and reality lies. Set in the lush and slightly enchanted town of Weirville, this is a story of sibling love, artistic power, and the magic that sometimes hides in plain sight.
Author Tim Cummings writes with a sensitivity and poetic rhythm that makes every moment sparkle, even the hard ones, and that's a special quality indeed for a young adult story. I was swept up in Kirby’s emotional journey, with close narration focusing on his fear, his fierce loyalty, and his fragile hope. The mix of theater, magic, and real-life stakes is just so beautifully done. Baxter was one of the most tenderly portrayed characters I’ve come across in YA, and I especially liked the way his vulnerability plays against the central mystery of the story. I also loved how the author let magical elements flow organically from emotional truths, going hand in hand and making everything feel credible and realistic. Overall, The Lightning People Play is a beautiful, brave novel about love, loss, and creativity, perfect for readers who believe that stories can heal, and that sometimes the impossible is closer than we think.
The Lightning People Play by Tim Cummings is a young adult novel that mixes elements of magical realism with deeply grounded emotion. Kirby Renton is a 14-year-old boy trying to hold his family together. His younger brother Baxter suffers from intense seizures and begins talking about mysterious beings known as the 'lightning people' who visit him during episodes. As the family's stress mounts and relationships fray, Kirby throws himself into an ambitious plan to stage a backyard play to raise funds for a seizure-alert dog. But what starts as a creative escape becomes something much more magical when strange symbols appear, otherworldly portals shimmer open, and Kirby starts to question where the line between performance and reality lies. Set in the lush and slightly enchanted town of Weirville, this is a story of sibling love, artistic power, and the magic that sometimes hides in plain sight.
Author Tim Cummings writes with a sensitivity and poetic rhythm that makes every moment sparkle, even the hard ones, and that's a special quality indeed for a young adult story. I was swept up in Kirby’s emotional journey, with close narration focusing on his fear, his fierce loyalty, and his fragile hope. The mix of theater, magic, and real-life stakes is just so beautifully done. Baxter was one of the most tenderly portrayed characters I’ve come across in YA, and I especially liked the way his vulnerability plays against the central mystery of the story. I also loved how the author let magical elements flow organically from emotional truths, going hand in hand and making everything feel credible and realistic. Overall, The Lightning People Play is a beautiful, brave novel about love, loss, and creativity, perfect for readers who believe that stories can heal, and that sometimes the impossible is closer than we think.
Recommend this book:
 by Stacy A. Padula, Taylor Dunkin’s life is in turmoil, and it’s hard to see a clear way out. He used to be a college football star with everything going for him, but a knee injury ended it all and pushed him into painkillers and dangerous ties with the Bilotti crime family. What he gets involved in ends u...){kind=link}
Gripped
Part 6 The Dunkin Legacy
Stacy A Padula
2026 Silver Medal
266 Pages
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Ibrahim Aslan for Readers' Favorite
In Gripped (Part 6: The Dunkin Legacy) by Stacy A. Padula, Taylor Dunkin’s life is in turmoil, and it’s hard to see a clear way out. He used to be a college football star with everything going for him, but a knee injury ended it all and pushed him into painkillers and dangerous ties with the Bilotti crime family. What he gets involved in ends up dragging his whole family into danger as the mob closes in. His brothers, Marc and Jordan, scramble to keep the family together while their cousin, Chris, faces his own struggles with partying and sobriety. Taylor isn’t just “caught between the mob.” He’s actively being hunted and nearly killed, while undercover FBI agent Jimmy St. James works to protect him and bring down the criminal organization. Can Taylor move forward without losing himself or the people he loves?
Gripped by Stacy A. Padula is a grounded YA tale about family, faith, and survival during tough times. It maintains a steady pace while exploring how Taylor's family responds to ongoing challenges. There are moments when Taylor and his brothers have to face their past mistakes and complicated relationships, which adds tension to the story. It also connects Taylor's choices to bigger forces like the mob and the police, while still keeping the focus on the family behind it all. Even additional story arcs, like Chris working on himself, are meaningful because they remind you that not everything is falling apart in Taylor's family. Hope still exists. Danger and faith thread steadily through the book, and it’s the kind of story that lingers. Readers who like crime novels mixed with realistic family drama, spiritual growth, and redemption will be hooked from start to finish.
In Gripped (Part 6: The Dunkin Legacy) by Stacy A. Padula, Taylor Dunkin’s life is in turmoil, and it’s hard to see a clear way out. He used to be a college football star with everything going for him, but a knee injury ended it all and pushed him into painkillers and dangerous ties with the Bilotti crime family. What he gets involved in ends up dragging his whole family into danger as the mob closes in. His brothers, Marc and Jordan, scramble to keep the family together while their cousin, Chris, faces his own struggles with partying and sobriety. Taylor isn’t just “caught between the mob.” He’s actively being hunted and nearly killed, while undercover FBI agent Jimmy St. James works to protect him and bring down the criminal organization. Can Taylor move forward without losing himself or the people he loves?
Gripped by Stacy A. Padula is a grounded YA tale about family, faith, and survival during tough times. It maintains a steady pace while exploring how Taylor's family responds to ongoing challenges. There are moments when Taylor and his brothers have to face their past mistakes and complicated relationships, which adds tension to the story. It also connects Taylor's choices to bigger forces like the mob and the police, while still keeping the focus on the family behind it all. Even additional story arcs, like Chris working on himself, are meaningful because they remind you that not everything is falling apart in Taylor's family. Hope still exists. Danger and faith thread steadily through the book, and it’s the kind of story that lingers. Readers who like crime novels mixed with realistic family drama, spiritual growth, and redemption will be hooked from start to finish.
Recommend this book:
To Save One
Kimberly Fiese Yule
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Zahid Sheikh for Readers' Favorite
To Save One by Kimberly Fiese Yule is a deeply touching narrative about grief, resilience, and hope through the eyes of a young woman named Evylyn and her close-knit group of friends. It portrays the emotional journey Evylyn undergoes as she navigates the painful loss of her friend Briggs and the impact it has on her life and those around her. The narrative explores themes of friendship, mental health awareness, and the courage to carry on despite overwhelming sadness. From moments of everyday interactions and school life to profound reflections on loss and healing, the book offers a heartfelt look at how community and kindness can be powerful forces in times of pain.
Kimberly Fiese Yule’s writing style is honest and clear, drawing readers into the raw emotional experiences of the individuals. The pacing is thoughtful, striking a balance between quieter moments of introspection and impactful scenes that keep the narrative engaging. The characters feel authentic and relatable, making the themes of hope, grief, and friendship resonate strongly without feeling overwhelming. I found the author’s approach to mental health and healing to be compassionate and uplifting, offering a message that is both personal and universal. The inclusion of supportive relationships and small, meaningful gestures throughout the book adds warmth and depth. The narrative reminded me of the time my brother lost a friend to suicide and how the support of his friends and small acts of kindness helped him slowly find hope again. To Save One feels like a sincere conversation with a friend who reminds you that you are not alone.
To Save One by Kimberly Fiese Yule is a deeply touching narrative about grief, resilience, and hope through the eyes of a young woman named Evylyn and her close-knit group of friends. It portrays the emotional journey Evylyn undergoes as she navigates the painful loss of her friend Briggs and the impact it has on her life and those around her. The narrative explores themes of friendship, mental health awareness, and the courage to carry on despite overwhelming sadness. From moments of everyday interactions and school life to profound reflections on loss and healing, the book offers a heartfelt look at how community and kindness can be powerful forces in times of pain.
Kimberly Fiese Yule’s writing style is honest and clear, drawing readers into the raw emotional experiences of the individuals. The pacing is thoughtful, striking a balance between quieter moments of introspection and impactful scenes that keep the narrative engaging. The characters feel authentic and relatable, making the themes of hope, grief, and friendship resonate strongly without feeling overwhelming. I found the author’s approach to mental health and healing to be compassionate and uplifting, offering a message that is both personal and universal. The inclusion of supportive relationships and small, meaningful gestures throughout the book adds warmth and depth. The narrative reminded me of the time my brother lost a friend to suicide and how the support of his friends and small acts of kindness helped him slowly find hope again. To Save One feels like a sincere conversation with a friend who reminds you that you are not alone.
Recommend this book:
Endless Fall of Night
J. M. Erickson
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite
In Endless Fall of Night by J.M. Erickson, by 2041 the global oligarchs, the elite among the elite, had taken over Earth's governments. Steps were taken to clarify the distinctions and privileges between the various socioeconomic groups, now known and ranked top to bottom as patricians, plebians, surfers, and slaves. There was no confusion or pushback; everyone knew their place and stayed there until a hundred years later, when Cassandra XI, a patrician and first-class citizen, questioned the established social order. Tried, convicted, and sent to prison, she is "saved" when Captain Bennett of the spaceship Jefferson Davis is charged with investigating the disappearance of the Martian colony New Georgia and the message, 'Bring Cassandra Kurtz.'
Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness serves as an excellent foundational reference for this fascinating dystopian novel by J.M. Erickson. Far into the future from Conrad's 1899 setting in Africa or 1969 Vietnam, Erickson's Endless Fall of Night takes place in a future where the colonies of Mars are 'going dark,' and no one knows why. The expedition to investigate is filled with scenes of racial, sexual, and class abuse of lower-class servants and slaves by the upper-class crew and ship officers. Cassie works hard at resisting these insults while straddling the fence between the elite and the downcast; all of which leads to an exciting, danger-filled adventure once the ship arrives on Mars. Erickson's unparalleled sense of reality in scenes, science, and characterization creates a world that is both familiar and alien, drawing readers in with its vivid details. A comparison to not only Conrad but also Orwell is unavoidable. The surprises come fast and furious as new and dangerous life forms emerge among a rebel Mars society intent on saving the lower classes while creatures from hell attack the ship's crew. While Endless Fall of Night comes to a solid conclusion, there is no doubt that the story will be continued for at least one more edition. I can't wait to read it!
In Endless Fall of Night by J.M. Erickson, by 2041 the global oligarchs, the elite among the elite, had taken over Earth's governments. Steps were taken to clarify the distinctions and privileges between the various socioeconomic groups, now known and ranked top to bottom as patricians, plebians, surfers, and slaves. There was no confusion or pushback; everyone knew their place and stayed there until a hundred years later, when Cassandra XI, a patrician and first-class citizen, questioned the established social order. Tried, convicted, and sent to prison, she is "saved" when Captain Bennett of the spaceship Jefferson Davis is charged with investigating the disappearance of the Martian colony New Georgia and the message, 'Bring Cassandra Kurtz.'
Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness serves as an excellent foundational reference for this fascinating dystopian novel by J.M. Erickson. Far into the future from Conrad's 1899 setting in Africa or 1969 Vietnam, Erickson's Endless Fall of Night takes place in a future where the colonies of Mars are 'going dark,' and no one knows why. The expedition to investigate is filled with scenes of racial, sexual, and class abuse of lower-class servants and slaves by the upper-class crew and ship officers. Cassie works hard at resisting these insults while straddling the fence between the elite and the downcast; all of which leads to an exciting, danger-filled adventure once the ship arrives on Mars. Erickson's unparalleled sense of reality in scenes, science, and characterization creates a world that is both familiar and alien, drawing readers in with its vivid details. A comparison to not only Conrad but also Orwell is unavoidable. The surprises come fast and furious as new and dangerous life forms emerge among a rebel Mars society intent on saving the lower classes while creatures from hell attack the ship's crew. While Endless Fall of Night comes to a solid conclusion, there is no doubt that the story will be continued for at least one more edition. I can't wait to read it!
Recommend this book:
Eco Reign
Warning: The Barriers Burn
L. Galuppo
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Eco Reign by L. Galuppo is a gripping young adult sci-fi novel that explores what happens after Earth loses the war against a superior alien force. When the Invaders take control, they imprison humanity and impose an environmental reset, claiming to save the planet. For 14-year-old Lauren, captivity is compounded by separation from her family until the aliens discover her telepathic potential. Gifted and repurposed for their mission, Lauren is caught between obedience and rebellion, a pawn in a game she barely understands. As she navigates moral dilemmas, extraordinary abilities, and dark secrets, she must choose whether to risk everything for the hope of freedom. With themes of eco-crisis, identity, and resistance, Eco Reign offers a dystopian vision laced with wonder, menace, and a glimmer of hope.
Author L. Galuppo has a masterful control of worldbuilding that is on display from the very first page of this chillingly plausible post-invasion world brimming with depth and danger. The description goes beyond the cinematic into multi-sensory terms, but it’s also deep on a psychological level as the powerful environmental themes unfold naturally amid a compelling, character-driven story. I enjoyed seeing the world from Lauren’s perspective, and I felt the narration was a great balance between the wide-eyed discovery of a teen protagonist and the sophistication we need to understand the alien threat in all its terror. The dialogue and inner thoughts that Galuppo narrates are raw and endearing, making Lauren a fierce and relatable heroine whose journey is as emotional as it is epic. Overall, Eco Reign is a highly recommended read that stands out in YA sci-fi for its vivid worldbuilding and timely message of resistance.
Eco Reign by L. Galuppo is a gripping young adult sci-fi novel that explores what happens after Earth loses the war against a superior alien force. When the Invaders take control, they imprison humanity and impose an environmental reset, claiming to save the planet. For 14-year-old Lauren, captivity is compounded by separation from her family until the aliens discover her telepathic potential. Gifted and repurposed for their mission, Lauren is caught between obedience and rebellion, a pawn in a game she barely understands. As she navigates moral dilemmas, extraordinary abilities, and dark secrets, she must choose whether to risk everything for the hope of freedom. With themes of eco-crisis, identity, and resistance, Eco Reign offers a dystopian vision laced with wonder, menace, and a glimmer of hope.
Author L. Galuppo has a masterful control of worldbuilding that is on display from the very first page of this chillingly plausible post-invasion world brimming with depth and danger. The description goes beyond the cinematic into multi-sensory terms, but it’s also deep on a psychological level as the powerful environmental themes unfold naturally amid a compelling, character-driven story. I enjoyed seeing the world from Lauren’s perspective, and I felt the narration was a great balance between the wide-eyed discovery of a teen protagonist and the sophistication we need to understand the alien threat in all its terror. The dialogue and inner thoughts that Galuppo narrates are raw and endearing, making Lauren a fierce and relatable heroine whose journey is as emotional as it is epic. Overall, Eco Reign is a highly recommended read that stands out in YA sci-fi for its vivid worldbuilding and timely message of resistance.
Recommend this book:
A Summer to Treasure
Leslea Wahl
2025 Bronze Medal
308 Pages
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Jefto Pierre for Readers' Favorite
A Summer to Treasure by Leslea Wahl revolves around Luke, Celia, and Austin, three siblings who aren’t remotely keen on spending their summer vacation together during a family road trip. But when their vivacious grandmother—who may be nearing the end of her life—suggests they reenact an outing from her childhood, they eventually comply. Luke, who is getting ready to enter his senior year, is unhappy he won't be with his girlfriend and friends. Celia, who experienced a tough freshman year, feels overlooked. Austin, the youngest sibling, only wants connection and peace between him and his brother and sister. As the trip progresses, their grandmother plans a surprising treasure hunt that is connected to her past. As events unfold, family stories start to emerge, altering how Luke, Celia, and Austin view each other, their parents, and their grandmother. What begins as a dubious road trip turns into an experience far more unique and priceless.
A Summer to Treasure by Leslea Wahl is an engrossing Catholic faith-based narrative that invites readers on a road trip with teen siblings who are undergoing different personal challenges of their own. Even though Luke, Celia, and Austin find themselves unwillingly pulled into a summer trip they never anticipated, their character development and distinct experiences will all seem very relatable, especially to a contemporary, youthful generation. Each of the siblings convincingly navigates their struggles and the various tensions that unfold during the narrative. This story is a thought-provoking YA novel that I highly recommend to fans of the genre. Touching, candid, and brimming with charm, it presents the natural dynamics of family life with depth and affection. Wahl depicts the emotions and thoughts of teens with incredible realism, demonstrating a deep tenderness for what it means to come of age. Read it when you can. I guarantee you will love it.
A Summer to Treasure by Leslea Wahl revolves around Luke, Celia, and Austin, three siblings who aren’t remotely keen on spending their summer vacation together during a family road trip. But when their vivacious grandmother—who may be nearing the end of her life—suggests they reenact an outing from her childhood, they eventually comply. Luke, who is getting ready to enter his senior year, is unhappy he won't be with his girlfriend and friends. Celia, who experienced a tough freshman year, feels overlooked. Austin, the youngest sibling, only wants connection and peace between him and his brother and sister. As the trip progresses, their grandmother plans a surprising treasure hunt that is connected to her past. As events unfold, family stories start to emerge, altering how Luke, Celia, and Austin view each other, their parents, and their grandmother. What begins as a dubious road trip turns into an experience far more unique and priceless.
A Summer to Treasure by Leslea Wahl is an engrossing Catholic faith-based narrative that invites readers on a road trip with teen siblings who are undergoing different personal challenges of their own. Even though Luke, Celia, and Austin find themselves unwillingly pulled into a summer trip they never anticipated, their character development and distinct experiences will all seem very relatable, especially to a contemporary, youthful generation. Each of the siblings convincingly navigates their struggles and the various tensions that unfold during the narrative. This story is a thought-provoking YA novel that I highly recommend to fans of the genre. Touching, candid, and brimming with charm, it presents the natural dynamics of family life with depth and affection. Wahl depicts the emotions and thoughts of teens with incredible realism, demonstrating a deep tenderness for what it means to come of age. Read it when you can. I guarantee you will love it.
Recommend this book:
If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor
Barbara Ehrentreu
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite
The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. How many times do we hear this in a lifetime? Jennifer Taylor seems to have it all. The money, the looks, the grades, the boy… Carolyn Samuels has lived in Jennifer’s shadow throughout school and now, with the pivotal move to senior high, the trend shows no sign of going away. “Breathe, Carolyn, breathe” is a mantra that follows her into high school and, with the first day of school upon her, their alphabetical arrangement promises to continue the agony. But when Carolyn finds herself linked to Jennifer in an immoral pact of secrecy, her life changes in ways she never could have imagined. Balancing a fine line between her best friends Becky and Janie on one side and Jennifer on the other, Carolyn learns the true value of loyalty and the importance of appreciating a life she always imagined as sub-par.
If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor by Barbara Ehrentreu is the quintessential tale of adolescence. While Carolyn experiences the need to be accepted at the popular table, the “pretty people” fall deeper into their own hidden insecurities. Carolyn realizes the value of being true to herself as she struggles with the need to be accepted. Combined with a respectful sub-plot of realistic issues with weight, emotional acceptance, and the growing pains of first love, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor captures the very essence of teenage angst in this clean YA novel. My heart aches for Carolyn and my head nods in sympathy.
The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. How many times do we hear this in a lifetime? Jennifer Taylor seems to have it all. The money, the looks, the grades, the boy… Carolyn Samuels has lived in Jennifer’s shadow throughout school and now, with the pivotal move to senior high, the trend shows no sign of going away. “Breathe, Carolyn, breathe” is a mantra that follows her into high school and, with the first day of school upon her, their alphabetical arrangement promises to continue the agony. But when Carolyn finds herself linked to Jennifer in an immoral pact of secrecy, her life changes in ways she never could have imagined. Balancing a fine line between her best friends Becky and Janie on one side and Jennifer on the other, Carolyn learns the true value of loyalty and the importance of appreciating a life she always imagined as sub-par.
If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor by Barbara Ehrentreu is the quintessential tale of adolescence. While Carolyn experiences the need to be accepted at the popular table, the “pretty people” fall deeper into their own hidden insecurities. Carolyn realizes the value of being true to herself as she struggles with the need to be accepted. Combined with a respectful sub-plot of realistic issues with weight, emotional acceptance, and the growing pains of first love, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor captures the very essence of teenage angst in this clean YA novel. My heart aches for Carolyn and my head nods in sympathy.
Recommend this book:
The Neverborn
A Young Adult Dystopian Novel
B.B. Brighton
2024 Finalist
230 Pages
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
The Neverborn by B. B. Brighton is a gripping dystopian novel set in the year 2048, where every newborn receives a chip containing their social security number and identification. Kekoa, however, is a Neverborn—saved by an abortionist without his mother's knowledge or consent. Raised secretly on the island of Kauai, Kekoa's life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers his true origins during a pig hunt in a remote canyon. To protect the couple who raised him, he must flee into a world he is ill-prepared for, having only been trained in wilderness survival. Faced with the dangers of thieves and murderers who wish to exploit him, Kekoa grapples with the choice of becoming a fugitive or fighting in a brutal war. His journey demands immense courage and faith as he strives to carve out a life and find love in a perilous world.
B. B. Brighton's The Neverborn excels in weaving a taut, compelling narrative that explores profound themes of identity, survival, and resilience. The plot is richly layered, combining intense action with deep emotional undertones, ensuring readers remain engrossed from start to finish. Kekoa is a complex and relatable protagonist, whose internal struggles and external challenges are portrayed with depth and sensitivity. The supporting characters add further richness to the story, each bringing their own unique perspectives and emotional weight. The world-building is exceptional, vividly depicting a dystopian society where technology and human rights intersect in unsettling ways. The harsh realities of Kekoa's world are rendered with striking detail, immersing readers in his journey. The Neverborn is a standout in dystopian fiction, offering a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching tale that will resonate with fans of the genre.
The Neverborn by B. B. Brighton is a gripping dystopian novel set in the year 2048, where every newborn receives a chip containing their social security number and identification. Kekoa, however, is a Neverborn—saved by an abortionist without his mother's knowledge or consent. Raised secretly on the island of Kauai, Kekoa's life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers his true origins during a pig hunt in a remote canyon. To protect the couple who raised him, he must flee into a world he is ill-prepared for, having only been trained in wilderness survival. Faced with the dangers of thieves and murderers who wish to exploit him, Kekoa grapples with the choice of becoming a fugitive or fighting in a brutal war. His journey demands immense courage and faith as he strives to carve out a life and find love in a perilous world.
B. B. Brighton's The Neverborn excels in weaving a taut, compelling narrative that explores profound themes of identity, survival, and resilience. The plot is richly layered, combining intense action with deep emotional undertones, ensuring readers remain engrossed from start to finish. Kekoa is a complex and relatable protagonist, whose internal struggles and external challenges are portrayed with depth and sensitivity. The supporting characters add further richness to the story, each bringing their own unique perspectives and emotional weight. The world-building is exceptional, vividly depicting a dystopian society where technology and human rights intersect in unsettling ways. The harsh realities of Kekoa's world are rendered with striking detail, immersing readers in his journey. The Neverborn is a standout in dystopian fiction, offering a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching tale that will resonate with fans of the genre.
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