Marked written by Laura McCaffrey and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In a dystopian society, sixteen-year-old Lyla dreams of becoming an inventor, aspiring to rise above her miner parents. However, her ambitions take a dark turn when she is caught in the illegal Shadow Market and is tattooed as a criminal, known as being "Marked." Expelled from school, she is given a choice: spy on her childhood friend Gill, who is on the verge of joining the Red Fist gang, a group fighting against the oppressive barons. As Lyla embarks on this dangerous mission, she grapples with her feelings for Gill and the moral dilemmas of loyalty and betrayal. The story is enriched with comic-style zine illustrations featuring her favorite heroes, Pirate Jackman and Lady Captain, which provide background on Lyla's world. While the book explores themes of class disparity and rebellion, it also highlights Lyla's internal struggles and relationships. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with action, and raises thought-provoking ethical questions, making it an engaging read for young adults. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A reading group can be established to explore dystopian literature, comparing this book with other titles in the genre, which will encourage critical thinking. This would also be a great book to introduce if there are any zine-making workshops. This not only promotes creativity but also engages students in storytelling and world-building. Collaborating with art teachers for visual storytelling projects can enhance students' understanding of character development and plot structure. This book is a good choice for a fun read in a high school library. It will appeal to readers of dystopian fiction.