Left on Read written by Marissa Eller and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Left on Read by Marissa Eller is a rivals-to-lovers romance about Nova Carter, an overachieving high school senior in an early college program. Nova's goal is valedictorian, but Hayes Collins—equally brilliant and her academic rival—threatens her plans. When they're paired for a project on student mental health, Nova discovers Hayes understands her burnout and pressure in ways few others do. Their rivalry gradually transforms into friendship and romance as Nova learns she doesn't have to carry her burdens alone. The novel emphasizes mental health, perfectionism, and vulnerability. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Readers love this book because it authentically tackles the struggles high-achieving students face today. Nova's journey toward recognizing her limits and prioritizing mental health feels earned and relatable. The rivals-to-lovers dynamic works because their competition is genuine, making their shift toward collaboration feel organic rather than forced. Readers will witness Hayes's growing as a character. From recognizing his immaturity, apologizing sincerely, and demonstrating growth. Their romance resonates because both are anxious, high-achieving students who finally find someone who truly understands. There is portrayal of anxiety, migraines, and autistic-coded representation that could be important to some readers. Ultimately, Left on Read delivers an uplifting message: you are more than your achievements, and asking for help is wisdom, not weakness.

Lovely, Dark, and Deep written by Justina Chen, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: Viola Chen has her entire life planned out. After graduating high school she will attend an acclaimed journalism program in Abu Dhabi where she will become a foreign correspondent in order to help draw attention to the causes about which she feels passionate. She spends her free time organizing bake sales for a cause, in which she peddles her delicious homemade treats along with information about the cause that will benefit from the sale. She meets handsome Josh at one of these bake sales just as she begins to feel faint. He helps get her medical attention which leads to a lengthy diagnosis of an extreme form of photosensitivity (solar urticaria with polymorphous light eruption) that has no cure. Viola’s parents, both crisis managers by trade, swoop in to help her manage her new health development through SPF protectant clothing, limitations on outdoor activities and a decrease in blue light exposure. Viola finds herself facing difficulties with a potential new relationship with Josh and the future life she has worked so hard for just as her health is making her feel more vulnerable and less capable than ever. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Books featuring realistic depictions of teens dealing with disabilities and medical conditions are still dramatically under-represented which makes Lovely, Dark and Deep a really exciting find. Despite the extremely rare nature of Viola’s condition, watching her realize that she cannot continue moving through the world in the same way will feel very familiar to any reader who has experienced a major life change, health-related or otherwise. This book shines in its highlighting of a newly diagnosed health condition, the confusion and stigma it brings, and the message that the diagnosis doesn't have to be as limiting as it may originally feel. We see Viola go through the phases of grief over her old life, moving into a place of acceptance and even optimism as she begins to realize that she can still strive for her dreams. Viola’s relationship with Josh, while often frustrating to the reader, was a realistic depiction of teen feelings and the often confusing communication that comes with those feelings. Though Viola has greater problem-solving skills than most teens I know, the powerful and uplifting message of this novel is that even difficult situations can be overcome with creativity, a positive attitude and a strong support system. Recommended for all high schools.

A Sporting Chance: How Ludwig Guttmann Created the Paralympic Games written by Lori Alexander, illustrated by Allan Drummond and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This book is the story of a genius doctor with a passion for neurology. He was lucky enough to work under one of the best neurologists in Germany. Unfortunately, there are new laws coming from the Nazi Party that Jewish folks cannot work in government jobs. Dr. Guttmann finds a new job at an all Jewish hospital and leads their neurology department. Laws were made by the Nazi Party to single out those with physical disabilities as unworthy and send them to death camps. After Kristallnacht, Dr. Guttmann moves his family to England. At the hospital there when Ludwig begins treating soldiers, his awareness of how little improvement his soldier patients are having when not being active. He creates an archery tournament on the hospital grounds. He realizes that physical activity is not just good for the muscles it is good for the spirit. His tournament expands to other sports, some adapted for wheelchair users. It is now an international event and inspires many around the world. In his lifetime, Dr. Ludwig Guttmann changed the course of medical care for those with disabilities and changed the perspectives of many about accessibility to sporting facilities and the lack of adequate wheelchairs for sporting quadriplegics. This book has amazing back matter. Though there are photo illustrations (some that are very graphically focusing on the issues of being bedridden and immobile) most of the illustrations are drawn by Allan Drummond. Mr. Drummond is one of my favorite non-fiction author/illustrators for my elementary students. His picture books are in every library collection I have overseen. I admit to being stuck with the contrast in the drawings versus the photographic images from Dr. Guttmann's life. The Paralympic Games has given life and opportunities to so very many. I fear where we would be now had Dr. Guttmann not fought so hard for his dreams. 

This book is magnificent. It deserves readers of all ages. I hope I am wrong about the illustrations limiting those who will read it. I also listened to it using Hoopla through my public library and I could not stop driving around town as it was riveting to hear. Lori Alexander has put in so much research into a brilliant doctor and his dedication to his paralyzed patients despite so many hardships in the world in his lifetime. His reach continues even today. I look at my student's wheelchairs and cannot believe that not too long ago, the variations were not available nor even considered necessary. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Schools and public libraries need this book! Physical differences are in every community and recognizing how much has changed in a couple generations allows us to dream bigger for the future. Medical science is always changing and it has to have an impactful and committed advocate for that change to happen. Every one of us needs to know the history of medical science to accept and advocate for the current and future possibilities. This book is as much a book that is about science and commitment to improving the lives of folks with medical needs as it is a biography of an important doctor that I have never heard about, even in the field of education where I have students with physical medical challenges. Access is a universal need and this book captures that well. Ludwig's research is data based and that supports my STEAM activities that I do with students.

Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express written by Holly Robinson Peete, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "Same But Different," written by Holly Robinson Peete and her twins RJ and Ryan Elizabeth Peete, shares the unique experiences of twins Charlie and Callie. Charlie has autism, while Callie does not, providing a heartfelt narrative that explores the challenges and triumphs of growing up with a sibling on the autism spectrum. The book alternates between Charlie's and Callie's perspectives, highlighting the difficulties of adolescent life, including dating, friendships, and social interactions. Callie often feels frustrated and overwhelmed by her brother's condition, while Charlie struggles to communicate his feelings and experiences. Throughout the narrative, the siblings navigate their relationship, showcasing both the struggles and the love that exists between them. Although the book addresses serious topics, it also aims to foster understanding and acceptance of autism, making it a poignant read for teens and families. 

 

Straight Talk for Librarians: School librarians can effectively integrate "Same But Different" into the curriculum by creating programs that foster empathy and understanding around autism. The book can be used during discussions in health or social-emotional learning classes, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and the unique challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families. Librarians can organize book clubs where students discuss the themes presented in the book, encouraging them to share their thoughts and experiences related to siblings or friends with disabilities. Additionally, librarians can invite guest speakers, such as local advocates or families affected by autism, to facilitate discussions and provide real-life context. By highlighting the intersectionality of disability and identity, this book can serve as a valuable resource in promoting diversity, understanding, and empathy among students.