Check out these new titles recommended by some of our young reviewers. We love hearing from the young readers in our community. If you would like to learn more about reviewing new releases for us, please contact Niki at nmarion@thirdplacebooks.com for more information!
After a disastrous opening night of a high-school play due to a horrendous breakup, Melody McIntyre vows not to fall in love with anyone during the next musical—Les Misérables—in order to keep the ancient curse on the theater from ruining yet another production . . . but Mel didn't count on meeting Odile Rose. This brilliant romantic comedy highlights the risks and dramas of theater, friendship, and love, and anyone who has enjoyed the chaotically hilarious tale of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is sure to adore Melody's wild ride.
Young Reviewer Vivian
Starting at a new school, Tessa is excited to practice her writing with people who get her, but it's not easy for her to just jump right in. Tessa is anxious, and she overthinks way too much, and I adore seeing a character I can relate to. I loved this book for so many reasons: small details I thought were nothing in the moment come back as plot points later, side characters who I couldn't wait to appear again, and the descriptions of the arts that each character was passionate about. This is one of those love stories I wish I could read again for the first time just to feel that excitement at the first kiss and initial moments between the love interests. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a cheesy rom-com to sigh happily over.
Young Reviewer Jamie
Antonia and Moppe are apprentices to a sorcerer and have a mixed-up friendship: sometimes they are friends and sometimes not. They have to learn to work together and use their magic skills to save their island before it’s destroyed and evil takes over. The plot is topsy-turvy and things change when you least expect it. This is one of the best books I’ve read all year, and I loved the diversity. Kids who like magic and girl power NEED to read this book!!!
Young Reviewer Emeline
I read this book in one four-hour sitting that ended with me crying in my living room at 1:00am. I thought it was a bittersweet love story at first, but I was so wrong. This book is split between the past and the present, which makes discovering what really happened all the more exciting. In the "then," Jessi only wants to spend time with her best friend Rowan Cohen and his older brother Luke, who Jessi's liked since she was a kid. But when their mom gets diagnosed with cancer, and Rowan starts acting differently towards Jessi, things start to spiral. In the "now," Jessi deals with crushing grief and guilt, but over what? As readers progress, they'll discover that Some Other Now evolves into a very deep story about grief, acceptance, and forgiveness as it answers the question "What really happened with the Cohens?"
Young Reviewer Jamie
I knew I would like this book, but I thought it would be because of the witches. As it turns out, being a witch isn’t that big of a deal, and the title spoils that reveal, anyway. What I loved were the characters. Effie, who moves in with her weird aunts, is a believable and funny tween, and said aunts are quirky, adorable, not-to-be-messed-with witches! The whole thing is a romp, with new schools, pampered pop-stars, and ancient curses!
Young Reviewer Cordelia
Lora does NOT want to grow up. It sounds horrible! But as her friends begin to leave her behind, and the world around her starts to move on, Lora begins to fear the inevitable. But when a tea-party-séance introduces her to Alexa, a ghost who will never grow up, Lora begins to recapture the magic of her childhood and learns how to carry it with her as she grows. This beautiful graphic novel about friendship, magic, and the many challenges of growing up truly touched my heart, and I know it will do the same for others.
Young Reviewer Vivian
The story follows Sanja, a talented sword fighter, and Lelek, a witch. When they meet in the marketplace, the two start on a journey that helps Lelek discover the best and worst parts of her past.
Young Reviewer Frannie
