Girl, Goddess, Queen written by Bea Fitzgerald, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In this fresh retelling of the classic Hades and Persephone myth, Persephone, frustrated with her role as the goddess of flowers and an unwanted arranged marriage, takes control of her destiny. She willingly descends into the Underworld, escaping the constraints of Olympus. Using the rule of hospitality, she secures temporary safety and begins to transform the Underworld, challenging the divine order. Her relationship with Hades evolves from wary tolerance to mutual trust, with Hades depicted as a kind but wounded figure. Persephone, claiming her new identity, agrees to marry Hades to prevent being forced into another unwanted union. The novel combines modern dialogue and humor with themes of empowerment and agency, appealing to young adult readers. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Oh man!  I loved this retelling of Hades and Persephone. There are themes of autonomy, identity, and challenging societal norms. The story's humor and banter make it accessible for teens, while the character development provides opportunities for discussions on personal growth and empowerment. The novel's modern elements, like dialogue and character dynamics, can spark conversations about adapting classic tales to contemporary settings. Zeus is portrayed as a terrible father who is looking to pretty much sell his daughter. I would recommend this book to high school readers.  It has a little bit of romantic spice to it because Hades and Persephone DO have a honeymoon ;)  This is a next step up for students who love Percy Jackson.  The River Styx has a unique portryal and Persephone is trying to help the lost souls by bringing some life into the Underworld.  However, this has some unforseen consequences in the still living world. It has quite the feminist twist. This series was originally published in the UK and is having a US release.  This is the first book of a planned series.

Codebreakers #1: The Wish Ring Cipher written by Alexandra Ott, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: This story follows Emma Avery, a newly diagnosed autistic girl, as she transitions from her comfortable and small school, Sterling, to Afton Academy, a new environment with more tailored support programs and a lot more students. At Afton, Emma meets Nate, a popular classmate who shares her love for codes. Together, they join the Codebreakers, a group focused on deciphering mysterious codes in a nearby ghost town that lead to magical objects. As they race against rivals to find a wish-granting artifact, Emma faces challenges of trust and friendship. This captivating middle-grade novel blends mystery, magic, and the journey of self-discovery. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is rich story that intertwines themes of friendship, autism, and code-breaking. Emma's transition from Sterling to Afton Academy highlights the importance of supportive educational environments for neurodiverse students. It is a good book to discuss neurodiversity, encouraging empathy and understanding among students. The detailed exploration of ciphers can also be an engaging way to introduce problem-solving and critical thinking exercises in the classroom. While some may find the pace slow, the depth of character development and the intriguing plot make it a worthwhile read. The author is neurodivergent and she wrote it in a way that would have appealed to her in middle school.  A lot of reviewers are not liking the detailed explanations of the code breaking strategies, but I think will appeal to those students who are really into it.  I like that Emma found some friends that did not judge her because she was expecting to be judged and labeled as soon as she got to her new school.

The Secret Astronomers: a Novel in Notes written by Walker, Jessica, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In "The Secret Astronomers," two high school students, Copernicus and Kepler, forge an unexpected friendship through an 1888 astrophysics textbook found in the library of Green Bank High School, West Virginia. Copernicus, grieving her mother's recent death, moves from San Francisco to live with her grandparents. Struggling to fit in and find solace, she begins writing letters to her deceased mother on the pages of the oldest textbook in the library. To her surprise, she receives a response in the form of a sticky note from Kepler, a fellow student known for her academic excellence and aspirations to be the first in her family to attend college. As the girls exchange notes and drawings, they uncover a shared mystery linked to Copernicus's mother and strange events that occurred in the late 1980s. Their correspondence reveals hidden secrets and helps them confront personal challenges while bringing them closer together. The story is enriched by the illustrations meticulously crafted by debut author Jessica Walker, turning the textbook's pages into a canvas for their evolving relationship. This novel not only explores themes of friendship and family but also highlights life in Appalachia, the absence of modern technology, and the power of human connection. The unique format and compelling narrative invite readers into a world where two seemingly different lives intersect through creativity and curiosity, ultimately bridging the gap between them. 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This book is such a fun take on young adult fiction with its engaging mix of narrative post-it notes and art. The book's style allows readers to delve into the characters' thoughts and emotions, making their connection feel authentic. Teachers can use this novel to explore themes of grief, friendship, and identity with students. The intriguing mystery and artistic elements provide opportunities for creative projects, such as students creating their own mixed-media stories or junk journaling. The book also encourages discussions on the impact of family and community, making it a valuable addition to any classroom. Overall, it's a captivating read for those who enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of mystery.  It's a very unique book that I really enjoyed reading. It will be a great addition to our school library.

A Beautiful and Terrible Murder written by Claire M. Andrews, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Set in Victorian-era Oxford, "A Beautiful and Terrible Murder" follows Irene Adler as she navigates a world of gender roles and power while disguised as Isaac Holland to study at the prestigious All Souls College. As a series of gruesome murders unfolds, Irene and her brilliant classmate Sherlock Holmes team up to uncover the identity of the killer.  The story weaves classic characters like Watson and Moriarty into a fresh narrative, blending mystery and intrigue with a touch of romance. Irene Adler is Dean Moriarty's illegitmate daughter and her half-brother is James Moriarty. Irene's dual identity adds complexity, emphasizing themes of identity and perseverance in a male-dominated society. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This engaging reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes universe places Irene Adler at the forefront, offering a fresh perspective on beloved characters. The plot's fast pace and witty dialogue make for fun read. I love the setting, the mystery, the dialogue and the cover! The setting provides a rich backdrop for discussions on historical context, while the mystery offers opportunities for critical thinking and analysis. The story really paints the picture of a rough and tumble Victorian society, where the wealthy were trying to keep control over many aspects of society. Recommended for young adult readers seeking a blend of mystery, history, and character-driven storytelling.  There are descriptions of the murdered bodies, so I would keep this in the hands of high school readers and recommend Enola Holmes to middle grade readers.  There is also a hint of romance, which makes the book even more fun.  I loved it and am happy to recommend to any high school students looking for a good mystery.

The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze written by Derrick Barnes, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In "The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze," Derrick Barnes crafts a compelling narrative centered on Henson Blayze, a 13-year-old African American football prodigy in Great Mountain, Mississippi. As Henson rises to local fame, his friend Menkah suffers a brutal attack by state troopers. Henson's decision to prioritize justice over football reveals the town's underlying racism and tokenism. The story explores themes of identity, community, and the pressures of being a young Black athlete. With elements of magical realism, Barnes highlights the complexities of racial dynamics and the strength of family and friendship. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book had that magical realism twist to it that I was not expecting.  The author uses it to address significant social issues. The narrative challenges readers to reflect on racial injustice, the commodification of Black athletes, and the courage to stand up for what's right. I would argue that there are some strong religious overtones through messianic symbolism because Henson is viewed as a savior by his town before facing a betrayl and a metaphorical crucifixion.  The story frames the obsession with Black athleticism as a "god-like" idolization.  Henson's father is named Deacon Blayze and the work he does helping people reflects his name.  There is some healing in the story and a bit of magic.  A few of the reviews I read said the story has themes and symbolism reminiscent of the Old Testament. The narrative uses biblical allusions to explore themes of sacrifice, justice, and leadership. It leaves a lot open for discussion.  I don't know if middle school readers would make this deeper connection, but they would definitely pick up on the themes of racism and social justice.

Dispatches from Parts Unknown written by Bryan Bliss, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: 18-year-old Julie navigates the complexities of grief and healing following her father's sudden death three years ago. With the imaginary voice of her dad's favorite wrestler, the Masked Man, offering a lively commentary on her life, Julie finds herself reluctantly joining the prom committee. As she interacts with new friends like Briar and Leg, and leans on her best friend Max, Julie begins to heal. Her journey is filled with humorous and poignant moments, exploring themes of loss, friendship, and self-discovery. The novel handles grief with empathy and humor, making it an engaging read for teens. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book was such a surprise! With its unique blend of wrestling culture and teen life, the novel provides an engaging narrative that resonates with readers. I'm glad there was a wrestling glossary included with the book. The depiction of a platonic male-female friendship offers a refreshing perspective in YA literature. Julie's interactions with the Masked Man add a layer of humor that balances the emotional depth of the story. Librarians and school counselors can use this book to explore themes of loss and resilience with students. Its relatable characters and authentic voice make it suitable for discussions around coping mechanisms and friendship dynamics. It's such a unique book that it's hard to compare it to others.  The author is a priest and a theologian.  The book is not overtly religious, but connecting grief to a spiritual journey makes sense.  If you have ever visited the Mall of America, you'll find some familiar settings.  I'm glad this book was recommended to me and it will make a great addition to our school library.

Dinner with King Tut written by Sam Kean, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Sam Kean's "Dinner with King Tut" takes readers on a fascinating journey through the world of experimental archaeology. By blending hands-on methods with historical fiction, Kean revives the sensory experiences of ancient civilizations. From the sounds of medieval cannons to the tang of Roman fish sauce, the book explores how researchers recreate past technologies, cuisines, and medicines. Each chapter focuses on a specific era, from early humans in Africa to post-conquest Mesoamerica, illustrating the dedication of archaeologists who strive to bring history to life. Kean skillfully interweaves fictional narratives with factual research, offering a vivid portrayal of ancient daily life.

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is unique in that most of it is non-fiction and you learn a lot about ancient life.  But short chapters are fictionalized so that you can actually imagine people using/doing the things that archeologists have discovered. There are real-world experiments that the author puts himself too.  Some are funny, some are gross, which will probably make high school students enjoy reading this book.  I enjoyed reading this book (and I am not the first one to pick up non-fiction to relax with). The book's vivid descriptions and imaginative narratives make it a valuable resource for lessons on historical inquiry and cultural understanding. It could get students interested in the field of archeology.  I would make a book display by pulling other non-fiction books that go along with the time periods in Kean's book. By connecting students with the past in a tangible way, Kean's work encourages a deeper appreciation for the complexities of ancient life.  The cover illustration makes it attractive to high school readers, even though it's marketed for adult readers.  Sharing with history and science teachers could help promote circulation of this book.