2025 Teen Book Reviews
Patina by Jason Reynolds
Reviewed by Leah J.
This book follows the story of a young, determined girl named Patina. Her main struggles throughout the book are dealing with personal challenges at home, and at school, all while learning the importance of accepting help from others. As she struggles to adjust to her new school, and deals with grief and loss, running track brings her peace. Despite having conflicts with teammates and classmates at school, Patina experiences character growth by realizing that leaning on others doesn’t make her weak. The story highlights her character traits of maturity and self compassion, making it an interesting and relatable book for readers of all backgrounds. I enjoyed reading this book because the characters were realistic and the plot was interesting. The author does a great job of expressing Patina’s emotions and her relationships with the other characters throughout the story. The pacing of the story is good and doesn’t drag. This story was a window for me because I do not run track or have a younger sibling. The story was also a mirror for me because just like Patina, I also try my best to succeed and always try to find areas of improvement. Overall, I think this is a really good book and I would highly recommend it.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Review by N.E.
William Golding’s book, Lord of the Flies is a powerful allegorical novel that goes deep on the dark side of human nature through the story of a group of British teenagers that are stranded on a deserted island due to a plane crash. At first, the boys attempt to create a civilized society, electing a leader and establishing rules within their society. However, as time goes by the boys develop numerous struggles, and their survival instincts begin to take over, their society quickly collapses into chaos and violence. Golding’s writing vividly captures the boyʼs descent from innocence to savagery and violence. Characters like Ralph and Piggy represent order and reason, while Jack and his hunters symbolize primal instinct and power. The conch shell shows the symbolism of authority and democracy, and the “beast,” representing internal human fear, is used effectively to illustrate Golding’s message: that civilization is fragile and can easily crumble when humans are left unchecked by society’s rules. The novel is both disturbing and thought-provoking. Golding forces readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about morality and human behavior. Despite being published in 1954, its themes remain deeply relevant today, highlighting the importance of leadership, group thinking, togetherness and the thin line between civilization and savagery. Overall, Lord of the Flies is a timeless and unsettling masterpiece of a novel. It challenges readers to question what the truth is that lies beneath the surface of humanity and reminds us how quickly order can turn to chaos when fear and power dominate.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
Review by Anonymous
To All the Boys Iʼve Loved Before is a charming novel following the life of Lara Jean Covey, a hopeless romantic who is in high school. At the start of the book, you get to briefly hear about her previous crushes before something absolutely crazy happens, causing chaos throughout her family and school life. Additionally, there are other conflicts that occur that make her life even more wild, especially going through all of this while managing being a teenage girl, which sometimes can feel like a job in and of itself. Lara Jean has an adorable bubbly personality that is charming and fun to relate to. I also admire how crafty she is, and her love for baking, which are two qualities you will quickly get to know about her. Additionally, you will quickly fall in love with the other characters in the book. Author Jenny Han does a great job giving everyone relatable personalities, naturally why the characters are so likable. The book takes place in Charlottesville, Virginia, the charming hometown of the University of Virginia. The imagery in this book is very impeccable. When Lara Jean goes on trips, wears a new outfit, visits a favorite restaurant, or spends the afternoon with her little sister, Kitty, everything is so vividly painted that you almost feel like you are there yourself! Lara Jean's father, Mr. Covey is also really funny, as is Kitty, and her more serious but also kind older sister, Margot. You can also watch this book after reading it because it is on Netflix! And if you are sad about it being over, there are two more books in the three-book series, and another show about Kitty (XO Kitty)!! In conclusion, I would recommend this sweet novel to someone in the mood for a cozy comfort read.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Review by Anonymous
Red Rising by Pierce Brown is a fast paced dystopian sci-fi novel following Darrow, a "Red" living beneath the surface of Mars. Darrow is under the belief that his people are sacrificing to make the planet habitable for future generations, but later discovers that Mars has been livable for centuries, but the ruling “Golds” are exploiting Reds, causing his whole world to unravel. After a heartbreaking loss, Darrow decides to join a rebel group called the Sons of Ares, transforming him into a Gold to infiltrate elite society and undermine them from within. One of the strongest aspects of Red Rising is it contains a blend of dystopian intensity, combining this with strategic, almost war-game-like competition. A large part of the book takes place in the Institute, where young Golds are forced to compete in brutal contests to determine their future power. Darrow must hide his true identity while competing against top ranked members of society, all possessing intelligence and ruthlessness. The stakes feel real, and the violence is a show of how deeply corrupt this civilization is. Darrow is a compelling protagonist due to the fact he’s constantly torn between the ruthless and violent role he must play, and the compassionate, gentle soul he once was. His growth throughout the book is well paced, the supporting cast adding complexity, alliances, and betrayals that keep the story unpredictable. Overall, Red Rising is an emotionally complex and exciting story about rebellion, identity, and the cost of power. Readers who enjoy dystopian worlds, political strategy, and morally complex and complicated characters will find this book gripping from start to finish.