This is a story I knew vague details about, and I am so glad to now be more informed on the events of May 4, 1970. A powerful novel in verse that shares the events of that weekend from various perspectives. As I read this I thought of events happening in our world today, and how we must use our voices to speak loudly for what is right.

This award winning YA historical fiction novel tells the story of the inner battle a Chinese teen has between following her heart and doing what is expected of her. Set in San Francisco in the 1950s, highschooler Lily starts to get to know fellow student, Kath, and she develops feelings for her. She knows her parents would not approve but her feelings for Kath are real. Will she follow her heart or do what society, and her family, expect of her?

Such a great book!! Bree is starting her first year in an early-admittance program for gifted teens at UNC-Chapel Hill after having suffered the horrible loss of her mother. On her first night there she witnesses and experiences magic and at once is drawn into the world of a secret society dating back the King Arthur and his knights. Soon she discovers that she too has a connection to this society and that it may hold the answers to the questions surrounding mother’s death. As she meets the Legendborn, all descendants of King Arthur and his knights, she learns they are on the brink of a war of magic. Intricately crafted, this captivating story engages the reader with its connections to history, both to that of King Arthur and that of slavery in the south, and with a strong female protagonist facing this world and its battles. Sequel comes out in 2022.

I loved this book! Love, stardom, friendship all wrapped up in a fantastic story. 

A modern love story with a dark side. Highschooler Freddy (Frederica) is in love with super popular Laura Dean and feels so lucky that a popular girl would love someone like her. Freddy writes to an advice columnist looking for advice because LD keeps treating her poorly, breaking up with her, and then asking for Freddy back. As she writes her email she starts to begins to realise that perhaps their relationship isn't healthy and she is letting other people in her life down. Is she brave enough to let the "perfect" relationship go? This YA graphic novel is a fantastic and a well-written reminder that not all love is good.

A powerful story of love and seeking acceptance in an a time of fear and intolerance. Set in 1989 in NYC during the height of the AIDS crisis in America, this is the story of high schoolers Art, Judy and Reza. Art is proudly gay and bold in his life despite parents who shun him. Art's best friend, Judy, is his biggest supporter and closest ally. She loves bold fashion, her family and,of course, her best friend. Reza has recently moved to NYC from Iran, via time Toronto. He has known for a long time that he is gay but doesn't have the courage to admit it to anyone. Art, Reza and Judy become quick friends but things become complicated when both Judy and Art fall for this new boy. Told with brutal honesty and love, this book is an important reminder of this time in history, and that love truly is love.

The power of this graphic novel caught me off guard. I'm not sure what I expected of this but it far surpassed anything I had in mind. Black and white images help tell the story of Amanda, a high schooler trying to figure out her life, beliefs, friendships and relationships. She has very different relationships with her mom and dad- she feels like her dad is her best friend and understands her so well whereas she never feels good enough for her mom. One day she overhears her dad talking on the phone secretly and believes he is having an affair. She is devastated over this and when she confronts him about it, he says she has misunderstood and neither he nor her mom will discuss it further. Amanda finds a letter addressed to her, from the assumed mistress, with a strange photo of an unknown man and a check for a large sum of money. She and a friend set out to find this person, which in turn becomes a journey about family secrets and self-identity. An incredibly well written graphic novel about important topics.

Dystopia at its best. Day is in the fight of his life to find his brother the cure for the plague. In his pursuit he breaks into a lab to get a vial of the cure. He encounters the police and in the end is believed to have killed an officer. The officer's sister seeks to find Day and get justice for her brother. They end up finding each other but things don't go to plan for either of them.

Thank goodness for summer break and fabulous books. Lore is phenomenally written, gripping story that has caused me to accomplish very little over the past few days because I couldn’t put it down.