Last of her Name written by Jessica Khoury, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In Last of Her Name by Jessica Khoury, sixteen-year-old Stacia Androva discovers she is the last surviving member of the imperial Leonov family in the galaxy known as the Belt of Jewels. Living a quiet life on the planet Amethyne with her friends Clio and Pol, Stacia's world is turned upside down when the Direktor Eminent, Alexei Volkov, claims she is actually Princess Anya, the youngest child of a slain emperor. As she flees from the Union's grasp, Stacia must navigate a web of danger and deception, discovering her royal heritage and the power that comes with it. In her quest, she uncovers secrets about the mysterious Prisms that fuel space travel and their connection to her lineage. The story unfolds as she embarks on a mission to rescue Clio, who has been captured, while grappling with her newfound identity and the responsibilities it entails. Along the way, she faces moral dilemmas and learns the importance of friendship and loyalty. This fast-paced science fiction adventure blends elements of classic space opera with a retelling of the Anastasia saga, offering readers a thrilling ride filled with action, friendship, and self-discovery. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I thought this was a really fun read and the plot twist at the end sort of blew me away. History teachers will love the connections about the historical context of the Romanov family and its relevance to modern storytelling, encouraging students to explore themes of identity, resilience, and leadership. Additionally, librarians can host genre exploration sessions, comparing Last of Her Name with other science fiction works, analyzing narrative structures, character development, and world-building techniques. Creative writing workshops can be designed where students develop their own retellings of historical events in a science fiction setting. This not only enhances critical thinking skills but also fosters creativity and engagement with the text. Collaborating with teachers, librarians can create book clubs or reading challenges that focus on themes of empowerment and self-discovery found in the book, making it a vital part of the learning experience in the library.