In light of our recent return to school, as students get back into the rhythm of classes and activities, the world of literature stands ready to give an amusing escape. Therefore, it is important to share some recommendations for readers looking for books to keep them entertained this long school year. When asked what she thinks about the positives of non required reading Mrs. Boerner states that she thinks there is a “huge importance of reading” because it helps “develop empathy, problem solving and thinking skills”. Furthermore she thinks that books “help diversify her own understanding” and that they give her appreciation for various important topics. If any students are interested in any of these, the Graded Upper School Library is always open and all of these books can be found there. They are sure to keep anyone entertained, or at least more entertained than your BRSS homework. Happy reading!
Malibu Rising
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Genre: Realistic fiction
“Malibu rising is such a beautiful story, I loved it. The author is amazing. She always knows how to write great books that are incredibly emotionally charged and engaging. The story and characters have a unique charm and the heartbreaks were wonderfully written and thought provoking. Malibu Rising is such a good read because it’s easy yet very entertaining, it is a novel I will never forget.” says Madu Fernandes, sophomore at Graded, when asked what she thought about the book Malibu Rising. It is a wonderful novel that immerses readers into the tumultuous world of the famous Riva family. Set in 1983, the story takes place over the course of one unforgettable day, and is rich with themes of family and love. Reid brings together multiple perspectives, showing the past and present to reveal the differences and personalities of each Riva sibling. Each has their own secrets (and questionable choices are made) but they have come together to throw the party of the year. By the end of the night Malibu catches fire, but fire brings renewal, rising from the ashes. The book mixes both past and present day chapters which give depth and understanding to this extraordinary family, and is sure to leave the reader feeling all sorts of emotions. Through the Riva family’s triumphs and struggles, the novel keeps a vivid plot that will make you laugh and cry. “Click here if you want to know more about what happened in Malibu: August, 1983.”
Carrie Soto is Back
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Genre: Realistic fiction
Carrie Soto is a legendary tennis player who holds the title of most grand slams in women’s tennis, however, her title is being challenged by Nikki Chan. Ambitious as she is, Carrie makes the monumental decision to be coached by her father for one more year in an effort to reclaim her record. This novel is incredibly unique and well-written, exploring themes of love, family, fame and self discovery. When asked what she thought about this book, Graded highschooler Bia Cohn states, “This novel is both incredibly heartwarming and heartbreaking. The emotional struggles Carrie faced, both on and off the court, felt authentic and relatable. The author crafted such an incredible story, and perfectly portrayed the sport, which makes Carrie Soto is Back such a captivating read. It is such an amazing book I wish I could read it again for the first time.” Upon having read this book I genuinely fell in love with the sport and I decided to join Tennis here at Graded and it is now my favorite after-school. Whether you’re a fan of tennis or not, this book will be incredibly interesting and might even leave you wanting to pick up a racket and start playing. “Click here if you want to know more about Carrie Soto: the best player the world has ever seen.”
A Gentleman in Moscow
Author: Amor Towles
Genre: Historical fiction
A Gentleman in Moscow takes the reader on a journey through the life of Count Alexander Rostov, an aristocrat placed under house arrest in the Metropol Hotel in Moscow during the tumultuous years following the Russian Revolution. The book focuses both on the character development and the events that happened to Count Rostov while also providing a perspective into what was happening in Russia at the time, and you can even see traces of ideas and events we learnt about in 9th grade history in A Gentleman in Moscow. Towles beautifully portrays the heartwarming world within the hotel and the count’s interactions with guests, staff and visitors- delving into the complexities of human connection and how small moments can shape lives. “Click here if you want to know more about Count Alexander’s adventures at the Metropol Hotel.”
Angels and Demons
Author: Dan Brown
Genre: Mystery
Angels and Demons is a suspenseful and exciting novel about a professor racing against the clock to solve a complicated mystery involving a scheme by an organization that’s using antimatter to threaten Vatican City on one of its most important nights. It begins when Robert Langdon gets a suspicious call from a Swiss research facility about the murder of one of its most important scientists and the theft of his project. With only a few hours left until the antimatter blows up an entire country, Langdon flies to the Vatican, interrupts the conclave night- where the cardinals are tasked with voting on a new pope- and realizes that four are missing. There is a lot on the line and it seems that Langdon is the only one who can track down the antimatter in time. This captivating book brings together elements of history and science to create an intriguing plot that leaves readers unable to stop turning pages until the very end, and some of our own Graded students can testify to this novel’s charm! Here is what fellow Graded student Sebastian Nosenzo thought when reading this book: “Angels and demons is brilliant, it’s impossible to put down and the plot is really ingenious. The book goes into the world of the Vatican and describes various landmarks in Rome which creates such a vivid image of the characters navigating through the city. I love the way that the author explores the conflict between science and religion and how he includes elements of history to create such a fun plot” “Click here if you want to know more about how Robert Langdon is summoned to a Swiss research facility to analyze a cryptic symbol seared into the chest of a murdered physicist.”
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Author: V.E. Schwab
Genres: Fantasy
In this novel the reader gets to follow the life of its protagonist, Addie LaRue, through different centuries. It begins in 1714 when Addie makes a deal with a dark entity and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets in exchange for immortality. The reader then gets various perspectives of her as she navigates the streets of Paris in the 18th century and New York in the 21st century until she meets a man who remembers her. The book explores themes of love, identity and meaning as Addie struggles with the desire to leave a mark on the world. This connection is particularly meaningful to Graded students who engage in artistic projects and aspire to make a lasting impact on the world. “Click here if you want to know more about a young woman who makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.”
Circe
Author: Madeline Miller
Genre: Mythological fiction
Circe is a Greek mythology retelling that breathes new life into an ancient myth. As Circe, the daughter of Helios (the god of the sun), gets sentenced to a life of isolation, she discovers the truth about herself on a remote island. The book explores ideas of identity and deeply resonated with me by prompting reflections on my own autonomy and personality. As Circe lives separate from the outside world of the gods and encounters famous mythological figures throughout her many years on Aeaea readers are sure to be left in awe. This book combines fiction and mythological retelling, captivating readers with its skillful writing and themes of immortal life, femininity and autonomy. It presents fresh ideas on an age old myth with rich storytelling. The novel will capture readers from the first page and make them ponder the idea of pursuit of one’s true self. “Click here if you want to know more about how in the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born.”
Shadow and Bone
(Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising, Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom, King of Scars, Rule of Wolves)
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Fantasy
This enchanting fantasy novel takes readers on a thrilling journey into a magic-filled world. Within this war-torn setting, a girl discovers she has unique powers which could potentially reunite the “once great nation of Ravka ”. The story follows her journey as she goes from army cartographer to a sun summoner leading a rebellion. The series is full of various fascinating characters, and an amazing plot which makes it practically impossible to part with until it’s finished. It blends fantasy, romance, and adventure, and is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats as they follow the action-filled journey. It is a must-read for fans of fantasy novels. After a brief interview with Graded sophomore Zach Rozanski he said that: “Shadow and Bone has amazing world building and really left an impression on me. The concept of Grisha with different magical abilities was really intriguing and the book manages to have a layer of complexity in both the characters and plot while also keeping a light adventure based feel. It’s such a fun and entertaining read”. “Click here if you want to know more about the once-great nation of Ravka that has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh.”
Truly Devious
Author: Maureen Johnson
Genre: Mystery
Truly Devious has an incredible narrative that adds depth and intrigue to an intricate plot, which is sure to keep readers anxiously waiting for the grand reveal. This novel follows the life of Stevie, an ordinary girl at boarding school with a passion for true crime, as she investigates an unsolved case. It is filled with well developed characters and a compelling protagonist, a truly devious girl working to solve a truly devious mystery. In many ways, Stevie is just like us: a highschooler struggling with classes, friendships and busy finding dead bodies around campus. The writing is engaging and has excellent pacing, and the story keeps readers interested all the way through without getting too confusing. It combines elements of both mystery and coming of age, making it an incredible read for middle and high schoolers who enjoy clever enigmatic
