My Sister’s Keeper is a very layered, captivating YA novel. It discusses relatively mature topics about death, dealing with life-threatening disease, and complex family dynamics. Anna, the protagonist, faces a difficult decision of allowing her sister, Kate, to take advantage of her body due to medical problems, or gaining bodily autonomy. The book provides multiple perspectives that are all justified in their own ways to truly make this situation a morally confusing conflict. It brings up important questions about independence, sacrifice, and love that the reader is compelled to answer.

Overall, the book had me hooked the entire time, and I liked the writing style of the author as well. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys thinking deeply about complex conflicts. A movie based on the book came out in 2009.

Recommended by Tanvi J.

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This book is a mix between an autobiography and a biography. It is a tribute to the author's mother and gives insight on her life growing up. This book is by far one of my favorite books because it flips between his mother's life and her story and the author's life and what it was like growing up with her. His story focuses on him and how his siblings were raised, as well as the hardships that come with growing up in a black community while being mixed and having a white mother. His mother talks about the hardships that came with where she was born and the story of how she came to America.

The Color of Water lets readers know that their background is important when trying to discover themselves and who they are.

Recommended by Asharia M.

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In Howl's Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones writes a tale of self-discovery, weaving a world filled with magic and intent.

Sofie thinks of herself as plain, as nothing more than the first to fail and the last to receive a fortune...if ever. Daughter of a hatter, eldest of her two sisters, she never seems to think of herself as the center of her world. Oblivious to the magic she embeds in snippets of fabric and to the intent she sows into ribbons, Sofie speaks in private to her hats. She has no idea that there is strength in her words as she breathes life into scarecrows.

Without understanding her magic, Sofie can't understand why the Wicked Witch of the Waste would curse her. Sofie doesn't see herself as special, but under the influence of the curse, she sees herself as free. She travels on, the image she built of herself crumbling. Readers will join Sofie on her journey as she finally allows herself to experience life.

Recommended by Sarah P.

Howl's Moving Castle has been adapted into an acclaimed animated film by Studio Ghibli.

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Fans of the series Throne of Glass and A Court of Thrones and Roses will fall in love with this action-packed book. Every page is filled with details and vivid descriptions that transport readers to the streets of Ketterdam and the biting cold of the Ice Court. Overflowing with humor and edge-of-the-seat scenes, Six of Crows introduces a variety of characters with significant life stories. This book shows how even in the darkest of times, friendships and love will bring people together.  Six of Crows is the first of the Six of Crows trilogy following a diverse group of criminals as they venture out into the unknown to pull off a heist.
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I would recommend this book to any teen wanting to read a fantasy book. It is a great book to read in any place, whether you’re in a long car ride or stuck inside on a rainy day. 

​Recommended by Sindhuja K.

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