Campfire Series #1: Chasing the Sun written by Melanie Hooyenga, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: I really enjoyed this young adult romance set against the backdrop of the 2017 total solar eclipse. The story follows Neb, a boy navigating life after the death of his father while adjusting to a new school in Oregon. Eager to experience the eclipse his father loved, Neb connects with Sage, a girl recovering from an abusive relationship. Through a group text and shared interests, their friendship blossoms into something deeper. As they prepare for a camping trip to view the eclipse together, Sage grapples with her past trauma and fears of new relationships, while Neb seeks to embrace life despite his loss. When they finally meet, their connection shines brightly, but both must confront their personal struggles to find happiness together. With charming space puns and relatable characters, "Chasing the Sun" explores themes of healing, self-acceptance, and the magic of new beginnings. 

 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This book offers rich themes of resilience, friendship, and the impact of past trauma, making it an excellent choice for discussions on mental health and emotional well-being. Librarians can host book clubs that encourage students to share their perspectives on the characters' experiences, promoting empathy and understanding. Additionally, the book's connection to the solar eclipse provides an opportunity for interdisciplinary learning. Librarians can collaborate with science teachers to create lessons that explore the science behind eclipses, linking it to the characters' experiences and emotions. The incorporation of space-related jokes and terminology can also spark interest in astronomy. The narrative encourages creative expression. Students can be prompted to write their own stories or reflections based on themes from the book, enhancing their writing skills. I think this book is appropriate for any high school library.  It is a romance, but it is not sexually explicit.  The characters in the book do sneak around the woods and tents, despite their teachers telling them not to :)  But it has all the romantic vibes that readers are looking for.  This author is a local Michigan author, which makes me want to promote it even more to my students.

The Rules #1: The Slope Rules written by Melanie Hooyenga, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Cally enjoys a competitive skiing vacation in Colorado, where she meets Blake, a charming snowboarder who sees her beyond just being "one of the guys." Their holiday romance blossoms, but upon returning home to Vermont, Cally is heartbroken when Blake suddenly stops communicating. To her surprise, her father announces they are moving to Colorado to open a new brewery, and Cally discovers Blake attends her new school. However, he ignores her, and she becomes entangled with the popular "Snow Bunnies," who set strict rules she must follow. As Cally navigates her identity amid social pressures, she learns to embrace her true self while aiming for a spot on the ski team. Throughout her journey, she uncovers Blake's hidden struggles and realizes that the challenges on the slopes reflect deeper life lessons. This heartfelt tale of first love, self-discovery, and resilience in the face of bullying offers an engaging narrative for young readers. 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  School librarians can effectively integrate "The Slope Rules" into the curriculum by using it as a resource for discussions on themes such as identity, friendship, and resilience. Organizing book clubs or reading groups can encourage students to explore these themes while fostering a love for reading. Librarians can create lesson plans that involve character analysis, where students examine Cally's growth and how her experiences shape her identity. Additionally, incorporating the book into health and wellness discussions can help students address issues like bullying and peer pressure, as Cally navigates social dynamics in her new school. The novel can also serve as a springboard for creative writing assignments, prompting students to write their own coming-of-age stories. Pairing the book with activities related to winter sports can enhance engagement, allowing students to connect literature with real-world experiences. The author is a local Michigan author.  (yay!) I think that this book is a great addition to a YA sports romance sub-genre.  I would be comfortable recommending this to 13-17 year olds.  Personally, I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.