Reviews and Recommendations

The Odds of Lightning by Jocelyn Davies

A Book Review by Arthi Sivendra, West Orange Public Library Teen Book Reviewer

Three years ago, Tiny, Luella, Will, and Nathaniel were the best of friends for as long as they could remember. However, after one fateful summer, this all changed, high school began and they all went their separate ways.

Believing she is unremarkable and unimportant, shy Tiny has dove deeper into her shell. Luella and her large personality have taken to the stage of the school theater. After reinventing himself, Will is almost unrecognizable as the popular co-captain of the soccer team. And Nathaniel has kept complete focus on his studies, trying hard to live up to the near impossible standards his brother has already set.

Now, the night before the SATs, they cross paths once again at a party during one of the worst storms the city has ever seen. Though they are reluctant to dig up the memories of that one all but forgotten summer, fate sends them on an all-night adventure through the streets of New York City teaching them that sometimes you need to look to the past to make way for the future.

Jocelyn Davies vividly writes fully developed characters whose flaws make them relatable to teen readers. The text switches from the present to the past to reveal aspects of the story and characters as the main plot progresses, this keeps the readers interested while still preserving key events until they are relevant to the plot to have them make a bigger impact. In addition to the past and present text, each chapter is narrated from the perspective of one of the four protagonists. This allows the readers to understand the characters on a deeper level in order to empathize with them and become invested in their journey. Davies intertwines magic and science to create a wonderful reading experience. I would highly recommend The Odds of Lightning by Jocelyn Davies for teens who enjoy well written, magical stories about the strength of friendship.

 Alex & Eliza by Melissa De La Cruz 

A Book Review by Vanassa Lafleur, West Orange Public Library Teen Book Reviewer

Alex & Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz is a historical fiction novel that follows the lives of founding father Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler on their journey to love during the Revolutionary War.  Elizabeth, also known as Eliza, is the middle sister of the Schuyler family, one of the most prestigious at the time. She is a modest woman who is passionate about fair rights for all and winning the war, unlike her sisters, Angelica (who is sharp-tongued and witty)  and Peggy (a belle whose beauty can’t be beat). Alexander is a colonel and an aide-de-camp to General George Washington who grew up on the island of St. Croix with a tough childhood. When they first meet at a ball thrown by Mrs. Schuyler, they could never have imagined what was to come in the future. Of course it would come with its fair share of trials and tribulations along the way. Together, they would eventually become one of the most influential couples in American history. 

This book is perfect for lovers of historical fiction, romance, and the Broadway show, Hamilton: An American Musical,much like myself. The author herself was inspired to write the book after seeing it in New York City. The novel is full of tiny references and nods to the play through both chapter titles and dialogue. In addition, there is a little bit of everything. Some action takes place as well as moments of suspense. The way that their unique but beautiful love story is told will make your heart swoon and keep you glued to the book. I personally finished this book really quickly as I found myself continuously wanting to know what would happen next. You can find out more by picking up the book in the library today! I highly recommend it. - Vanassa Lafleur    

Review written by Emma, West Orange Public Library Teen Book Reviewer

   The Sun is Also a Star is a deeply inspiring book that is absolutely breathtaking. Nicola Yoon, the author, takes the reader into what seems like an ordinary day in New York City. Although, this day is anything but ordinary. To be more precise, this day consists of 12 hours filled with intense emotion. What heightens the book to another level is that the author tells the story from two different points of view. The first is told from a girl, Natasha, whose life revolves around logic and facts. Her life takes a dramatic turn because she finds out that she is hours away from being deported to Jamaica. The second point of view is from Daniel, a guy whose life is filled with passion for poetry and love. He’s grown up to be the son that makes his parents proud, after all, his parents do hold high expectations. When the two bump into each other on the crowded streets of New York City, Natasha never expects to fall in love with Daniel, a person who seems like he has grown up in a completely different world.

Nicola Yoon has easily become my new favorite author because of this unforgettable book. I can promise you, this book will be extremely hard to put down, as I know from completing it within a couple of days. This book is for those who are the looking for a spectacular book that seems like it is based on reality, not a sappy romance novel with a predictable ending.

- Emma

Review written by Cynthia Makachi, Teen Advisory Group Member

Review of: My Second Grade Life in Tights by Brooks Benjamin

Hey everyone! This is Cynthia from the library's Teen Advisory Group. A book that has recently released that I would like to recommend is My Seventh Grade Life in Tights by Brooks Benjamin. I was able to read an advanced copy of it and I just have to say it is an amazing book. It really brought me into the world of dance and the complications it can bring to someone. It also was an extremely funny book alongside true friendship and finding one's self. For any reader, especially realistic-fiction readers, I highly recommend reading My Seventh Grade Life in Tights.