This gripping historical fiction novel follows a determined teen uncovering a long buried small town tragedy that reshapes everything she thought she knew. It is a powerful story of truth, resilience, and the lasting impact of family secrets.
This top-notch Disney Twisted Tale spotlights Sally, the rag doll, as she escapes Dr. Finkelstein’s control to find her own personal victory in a journey across Halloween Town and Christmas Town. A fresh take on The Nightmare Before Christmas, Sally’s Lament delivers a fun adventure, a strong message of capability, and all the festive charm fans love.
The Encanto’s Daughter has potential with its magical, Filipino-mythology plot, but the execution falls short. The narrative is weighed down by irrelevant details and sluggish pacing, making it difficult to recommend for a high school audience. While the main character is likable, the book needed more focus and stronger character development.
The Wilderness of Girls starts strong with an intriguing mix of mystery, identity, and survival. Reviewer Tami Rigling notes that while the opening captivates, the story becomes confusing as major details go unresolved, especially the question of who Mother is. Simple black and white illustrations add atmosphere but not clarity. With its emotional intensity and ambiguous ending, this book may appeal to readers who enjoy darker, unresolved stories but may frustrate others.
Lots of teens find themselves in obsessive and toxic relationships, whether romantic or platonic. While most are not as volatile as Rabbit and Juliet, young people could learn from the mistakes Rabbit makes. There are many occasions where Rabbit does not listen to her own hesitations and goes along with Juliet’s plans. In the end, Rabbit does snap out of it, though almost too late. It is clear that she will be haunted by her relationship with Juliet for the rest of her life.