VolunTeens

• 1) Start by giving a short, brief (but spoiler free!) overview of the plot, characters, or setting.
  "This sci-fi adventure novel by Fakename Fakeauthor follows the story of a young hero and her quirky sidekick. Together they have to defeat the evil overlord from destroying the universe, with lots of hilarious side quests along the way!"
• 2) Give your personal opinion of the book or describe your experience reading it.
  "I really loved this book! It took me a while to get into the story because there are so many characters, but after I got through the first few chapters I couldn't put this book down. My favorite character was definitely the sidekick, I loved all of his puns."
• 3) End with a recommendation for what kind of reader would enjoy the book or similar books/authors.
  "I would recommend this book to anyone who loves sci-fi stories with lots of action & drama. If you're a Star Wars fan, you'll definitely like this series, too! Can't wait for the sequel next year!"

Sage's review of Our Dreams at Dusk vol. 1

"Our Dreams at Dusk is a look into the lives of a group who meet at a local drop-in center. The Goal of the center is to have a place for anyone in the community to come in and feel safe. Which is exactly what happens to our main character Tasuku. Tasuku Wanders into the group home after being outed at school for having "gay" images on his phone. Not knowing how to react, or who to turn to with his truth, he manages to find exactly the group to give him some perspective. An excellent view into the psyche of teens faced with real, pressing issues or identity, sexuality and community. Also, its honestly really cute."

Will's review of Rani Patel in Full Effect

"The first thing I noticed when reading Sonia Patel’s debut novel is how easily you can tell she has rapped for a long time. With short, concise paragraphs and even stings at the end of sentences this book has hip hop storytelling in its DNA. This style of storytelling is perfect for our main character Rani’s story, because just like Public Enemy she's fighting the power. Whether that power is the patriarchal and severely sexist Indian culture she grew up with, corporate interests trying to redevelop the island or the high school hierarchy where her heritage makes her an outlier, Rani’s life and environment fuels her musical passions which turn into some of the best rap/slam poetry I’ve ever read in a YA book."

Mary's review of You Should See Me in A Crown

"You Should See Me in a Crown is a quintessential prom story with some twists—namely that the protagonist is a queer Black girl. Liz Lighty dreams of following in her late mother’s footsteps and attending Pennington. But she can’t go to college without financial aid, and the music scholarship she was counting on fell through. She has no other choice but to run for prom queen in the tiny Midwestern town where she’s never fit in, fighting for the cash prize like her future depends on it. Campaign sabotage eventually forces her to stand up for herself and her values, because fairytales aren’t just for white heteros. Read on for Black joy and queer romance!"

Vanessa's review of Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me

"MY HEART. Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me encapsulates that beautiful and burning first love feels. The searing heartbreak that we desperately want to avoid at all costs and the friendships that hold us together through that process. And the times we lose sight of ourselves. If I had read this as a college student, I’d be a different person I am now. It’s a reminder that love, or rather the loss of love, is never an end-all. As the book reminds us: 'It’s also true that you can break up with someone you still love. Because those two things are not distinct territories: love and not loving anymore... Have faith in yourself to know what’s right for you. Whatever answer you need, it’s inside somewhere.'"