2025 Teen Book Reviews Page 2
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Reviewed by Luke M.
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.
Summer of the Monkey by Wilson Rawls
Review by Luke M.
Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls is one of those books that just feels like sunshine and dust roads, even when it gets serious. It is set in the Ozarks and follows Jay Berry Lee, a stubborn, determined kid who hears about a bunch of circus monkeys that escaped into the woods near his home. Most people laugh it off as a tall tale. Jay Berry does not. He sees it as his big chance to make money, prove himself, and finally get something he has been wanting for a long time. The plot is basically a long chase mixed with a summer adventure. Jay Berry tries every plan you could imagine to catch the monkeys, and just when you think he is done, he comes up with another idea. That is what makes the book so fun, it has this steady “what is he going to try next” energy. But it is not only comedy and chaos. The heart of the story is his relationship with his sister, Daisy, and the way their family and small community show up for each other. It ends up being about more than catching monkeys. It is about growing up, learning what matters, and realizing that pride is not always as important as love. My opinion: I enjoyed it a lot. It is easy to read, it is genuinely funny, and it has that classic feel where you can picture everything like a movie. It also left me in a better mood after reading, which not every book does. If you want a positive, wholesome story with adventure, family, and a main character you cannot help rooting for, Summer of the Monkeys is a solid thumbs up.
The Odyssey by Homer
Review by Anonymous
The Odyssey is an epic poem attributed to Homer that follows the long and perilous journey of Odysseus as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. The story blends adventure, mythology, and moral lessons, making it one of the most influential works in Western literature. Odysseus faces countless obstacles, including the Cyclops, the Lotus-Eaters, Circe, and the Sirens, each of which tests his cleverness, resilience, and leadership. These challenges show how intelligence can be more powerful than strength alone, which is one of the poem’s central themes. Another important element of The Odyssey is the idea of homecoming. Odysseus’s determination to return to Ithaca, to his wife Penelope and son Telemachus, gives the narrative emotional depth. Penelope’s loyalty and cleverness mirror Odysseus’s own qualities, creating a sense of balance between the characters. Their reunion at the end of the poem is both satisfying and symbolic, emphasizing the value of patience and faithfulness. The poem also explores the consequences of pride, the importance of hospitality, and the unpredictable nature of the gods. While divine interventions often help or hinder Odysseus, they highlight how ancient Greek culture viewed fate and human responsibility. Although the language and structure of The Odyssey can be challenging, especially for modern readers, the story remains engaging because of its vivid imagery and timeless themes. It offers not only exciting adventures but also reflections on identity, perseverance, and the meaning of home. For readers interested in mythology, heroism, or classic literature, The Odyssey is a rewarding and enduring work. Its lessons continue to resonate with readers today.
Moby Dick Herman Melville
Review by Anonymous
Moby Dick is Herman Melville’s classic novel about obsession, fate, and humanity’s struggle against forces larger than itself. The story is narrated by Ishmael, a thoughtful sailor who joins the whaling ship Pequod in search of adventure. What begins as a simple whaling expedition quickly becomes something darker when Ishmael discovers that Captain Ahab is consumed by a single purpose: hunting down Moby Dick, the massive white whale that previously destroyed his ship and severed his leg. One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is its atmosphere, Melville masterfully blends philosophical reflections, detailed descriptions of whaling life, and moments of suspense to create a world that feels both vast and isolating. The ocean slowly morphs into a symbol of the unknown, and the long journey across it mirrors the psychological journey of the characters. Even though the book includes many chapters that slow down to explain whale biology or ship procedures, those sections help build a sense of realism and make the final chase feel earned. Captain Ahab is an unforgettable character. His relentless quest for vengeance drives the entire crew toward danger, and Melville shows how Ahab’s obsession spreads, influencing even those who doubt him. Ishmael, meanwhile, offers a grounded and reflective perspective, allowing readers to question the meaning behind Ahab’s mission. Overall, Moby Dick is a challenging but rewarding novel, combining adventure with deeper themes about obsession, free will, and humanity’s relationship with nature. Readers who enjoy classic literature and stories that raise big philosophical questions will find Moby Dick both powerful and thought-provoking.