Project Nought vs Promise Boys

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Grace Menary-Winefield

Project Nought by Chelsey Furedi

Ren Mittal’s last memory in the year 1996 is getting on a bus to visit his mystery pen pal Georgia. When he wakes up in 2122, he thinks he might be hallucinating…he’s not!

Tech conglomerate Chronotech sponsors a time-travel program to help students in 2122 learn what history was really like…from real-life subjects who’ve been transported into the future…and Ren is one of them.

In 2122, Ren’s life in the 1990s is practically ancient history–and Ren’s not sure how to feel about that. On top of it all, he learns that his memory will be wiped of all things 2122 before he’s sent back to the ’90s. Adding to Ren’s complicated feels, he’s forming a crush on his student guide, Mars.

And when he crosses paths with the absolute last person he expected to see in the future, he has a bigger problem on his hands: What if Chronotech isn’t the benevolent organization they claim to be, and he and his fellow subjects are in great danger?

TW: death, violence, confinement, kidnapping, grief, gaslighting

When Ren wakes up in 2122, he is shocked to learn that his life in the 90s is something from the distant past. As a subject from the year 1996, he is now part of a time-travel exchange program. While he gets to know his new student guide, Mars, Ren eases into life in a new century. But why should he make friends and have new experiences if Chronotec is just going to wipe all of his memories when they send him back to 1996 in a few months? After an accident during a TV broadcast, Ren and Mars discover that not all is as it seems with Chronotech. But how can you bring down a company that runs pretty much everything?

Project Nought is a really solid science fiction graphic novel. Author and artist Chelsey Furedi creates great character art with expressive features and readers are quickly pulled into the world of 2122. Readers will be as invested in the budding relationships of the adorable characters as they are in the race to take down an evil megacorporation. Throw in time travel and some other great sci fi topics and it’s an easy sell for teen readers. A quick, enjoyable read for those who devour all things sci-fi or comics and graphic novels.

Teens ready to take down the man, er, megacorporations such as the Terminator franchise’s Cyberdyne Systems or Wall-E’s Buy ‘n Large will cheer for Ren and his friends. Those interested in the ethics of cloning found in the film version of Never Let Me Go or Netflix’s King of Clones documentary may also enjoy this graphic novel.

Promise Boys by Nick Brooks

The prestigious Urban Promise Prep school might look pristine on the outside, but deadly secrets lurk within. When the principal ends up murdered on school premises and the cops come sniffing around, a trio of students―J.B., Ramón, and Trey―emerge as the prime suspects. They had the means, they had the motive . . . and they may have had the murder weapon. But with all three maintaining their innocence, they must band together to track down the real killer before they are arrested. Or is the true culprit hiding among them?

TW: Murder, racism, depictions of violence, blood, and gun usage.

The students at Urban Promise Prep School know the drill. Day in and day out they are forced to follow every rule: no talking to other students, no cell phones or music, walk only on the blue line in the hallways and on and on. And since students only have the ability to lose points off of their “count” each day with no chance of earning them back, detentions are frequent. But as principal and Urban Promise founder Kenneth Moore is constantly preaching: the strict rules are so each and every student can learn discipline and focus in order to attend college. When Principal Moore is murdered, the three students in detention that day are automatic suspects. J.B., Ramón and Trey each have their own secrets but they know they are innocent. Can they trust the other suspected students? And can they figure out a way to prove their innocence before someone is convicted of a murder they didn’t commit?

Full disclosure: this is the second time I have read Promise Boys. I read it the first time as an audiobook and I was immediately hooked by the production value of the full cast audio recording. When I was assigned this challenger for the Tournament I knew I needed to reread it in paper. And I have zero regrets. The book has massive teen appeal for multiple reasons. 1: It covers the popular topics of murder mystery and what some could call “dark academia” (roughly, it involves a mystery in a school setting). 2: The structure of the book makes this a very fast-paced read. 3: The characters created by author Nick Brooks are incredibly authentic. It also has a skillful balance of compelling plot and social/racial commentary.

Teens who liked the Netflix original series Elite about a murder at an exclusive private school in Spain or Peacock’s One of Us is Lying or true crime podcasts such as Up and Vanished or Suspect may want to check out this novel. Fans of documentaries such as The Program (Netflix) may also want to give this book a try.

Winner: Promise Boys by Nick Brooks

I really enjoyed both books. For me, the winner of this matchup is Promise Boys. Between the popularity of true crime in many formats and an expertly written, fast-paced story, this is a book that will appeal to a broad audience. It’s a great readalike for those who inhaled the Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series while simultaneously being a good recommendation for those who prefer a short book (or frankly, would rather not read at all). And it sure doesn’t hurt that the audiobook won the Odyssey Young Adult award.

Natalie LaRocque (she/her) is a Teen Librarian at the Palatine Library District in Palatine, IL. She has served several terms on YALSA’s Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults blogging team. Natalie can usually be found listening to an audiobook.

Ander & Santi Were Here vs The Spirit Bares Its Teeth

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Grace Menary-Winefield

Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa

The Santos Vista neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas, is all Ander Martínez has ever known. The smell of pan dulce. The mixture of Spanish and English filling the streets. And, especially their job at their family’s taquería. It’s the place that has inspired Ander as a muralist, and, as they get ready to leave for art school, it’s all of these things that give them hesitancy. That give them the thought, are they ready to leave it all behind?

To keep Ander from becoming complacent during their gap year, their family “fires” them so they can transition from restaurant life to focusing on their murals and prepare for college. That is, until they meet Santiago López Alvarado, the hot new waiter. Falling for each other becomes as natural as breathing. Through Santi’s eyes, Ander starts to understand who they are and want to be as an artist, and Ander becomes Santi’s first steps toward making Santos Vista and the United States feel like home.

Until ICE agents come for Santi, and Ander realizes how fragile that sense of home is. How love can only hold on so long when the whole world is against them. And when, eventually, the world starts to win.

TW: deportation, racism, xenophobia, police brutality, sexual content, kidnapping, violence, death of parent.

Lovingly described to me as a “rom-sad,” the tragic distant cousin of the romantic comedy, I had high hopes for Ander & Santi Were Here. If I could describe this book in one word, it would be “authentic.” The depth of the love story, the struggle of figuring out your future as a young person, Ander acting like a teenager and being flawed, these things are so honest and real. The constant threat that Santi could be deported felt like a weight in my stomach, and I imagine a number of teens could feel that same empathy. The pacing was a bit slow at times, but the story is filled with heart. As a quick note, by the end of the book Ander is 19 years old, so at times the sexual content may be too much for younger teens.

The author’s note at the beginning of this novel is an absolute must-read. In it, Jonny Garza Villa elaborates upon his reasoning for crafting Ander as a perfectly imperfect character. Too often, the perceived “value” of young immigrants is judged by what they can offer to society. While the stories of future valedictorians and STEM geniuses can and should be celebrated, they are not the only stories that exist. Ander, at times, is incredibly selfish, has a bad attitude, doubts themself, and wonders in what direction life might take them. They are flawed, but they learn and grow, and their story was so worth being told. To me, that was the most beautiful part of this book.

If you like Gentefied (this show even gets a mention in the book!), then read Ander & Santi Were Here.

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White

London, 1883. The Veil between the living and dead has thinned. Violet-eyed mediums commune with spirits under the watchful eye of the Royal Speaker Society, and sixteen-year-old Silas Bell would rather rip out his violet eyes than become an obedient Speaker wife. According to Mother, he’ll be married by the end of the year. It doesn’t matter that he’s needed a decade of tutors to hide his autism; that he practices surgery on slaughtered pigs; that he is a boy, not the girl the world insists on seeing.

After a failed attempt to escape an arranged marriage, Silas is diagnosed with Veil sickness—a mysterious disease sending violet-eyed women into madness—and shipped away to Braxton’s Sanitorium and Finishing School. The facility is cold, the instructors merciless, and the students either bloom into eligible wives or disappear. So when the ghosts of missing students start begging Silas for help, he decides to reach into Braxton’s innards and expose its rotten guts to the world—as long as the school doesn’t break him first.

TW: Graphic violence, sexual assault, medical gore (including an on-page Cesarean section), transphobia, ableism, medical/psychiatric abuse, gaslighting, discussions of miscarriage.

To me, the biggest strengths of The Spirit Bares Its Teeth were the dark tone and the cast of characters. I can only describe the gore and bodily horror as a train wreck (but in the best way). Despite many incredibly gruesome moments, you almost couldn’t look away. This is perfect for those teens looking for a strong ick factor, but can just as easily be a dealbreaker for teens who don’t like scary books. The world building around Braxton’s Finishing School and Sanitorium is strong, and reading this book can feel incredibly immersive for a teen audience. While of course much of the horror about the establishment comes from the vivisections they perform on students, on a broader scale it is horrendous at its core simply for considering young women ill if they are not the perfect image of a future wife and mother.

This title includes strong positive messages surrounding identity. After being regarded as different, as less than for all his life, Silas discovers that there are people who exist that are like him. He sees himself in Daphne and in the groundskeeper, and in such a heavy book these moments are deeply uplifting. Plenty of teens at my library have indicated that they’re a sucker for a good redemption arc; readers can see this in Mary’s character. She’s still snarky, sarcastic, and aggressive, but by the end teens may find that they’re cheering for a character they never expected to care for. At its core, Andrew Joseph White offers a story about young people quite literally tearing the patriarchy to the ground, a story that is packed with guts in more ways than one!

Not many shows exactly compare to this title, but if you like Wednesday or Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, you might enjoy reading The Spirit Bares Its Teeth.

Winner: The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White

As I read both of these titles, I was struck by how strongly they affirm the identities of their protagonists. Teens need books in which they can see themselves, and in that regard, these books were truly wonderful. As a romance lover who is notoriously a baby about horror books, this came as a shock to me! I can see Ander & Santi being popular among romance readers, but The Spirit Bares Its Teeth has a cross-genre appeal that could stand out to many different kinds of teens. Fans of not only horror, but also fantasy, historical fiction, and suspense might enjoy this title.

Katie Parfitt (she/her) is a Teen Services Librarian at Naperville Public Library and the Young Adult Liaison for iREAD. When not reading sappy YA romances, you’ll often find her at the theater or on (yet another) spontaneous trip to a new city!

Promise Boys vs Gwen & Art Are Not in Love

Posted on April 11, 2024 by Grace Menary-Winefield

Promise Boys by Nick Brooks

TW: Murder, racism, depictions of violence, blood, and gun usage

Promise Boys moves beyond the mystery-thriller it is and expands into social commentary about racial injustice and our flawed education system.

The three students — J.B., Ramón, and Trey — accused of murdering their charter school principal are all young men of color and have all had recent run-ins with their authoritarian principal, so suspicions immediately fall on them. We get lengthy perspectives from these three, but also from other students or community members. This insight gives us a complete picture, from their own inner thoughts to what others observed or thought about them. And from these other perspectives, we see how racial and class biases run deep.

The author has crafted authentic backstories and feelings for J.B., Ramón, and Trey that teens will relate to. Their friendships and love interests are also believable; luckily, there is no fake “teen speak” that some authors or television shows try to give their characters. How the three come together to solve the crime — with some additional assistance from friends– is plausible enough. While the big reveal at the school as to who the killer is strains credibility, teens will be cheering at the conclusion for how it all wraps up.

If this book was an adaptation: The various perspectives immediately made me think of a podcast. I also think the dark academia theme of the story would lend itself well to a limited, one-season television series.

Gwen & Art Are Not In Love by Lex Croucher

It’s been hundreds of years since King Arthur’s reign. His descendant, Arthur, a future Lord and general gadabout, has been betrothed to Gwendoline, the quick-witted, short-tempered princess of England, since birth. The only thing they can agree on is that they despise each other.

They’re forced to spend the summer together at Camelot in the run-up to their nuptials, and within 24 hours, Gwen has discovered Arthur kissing a boy. Not only that, but Arthur has gone digging for Gwen’s childhood diary and found confessions about her crush on the kingdom’s only lady knight, Bridget Leclair.

Realizing they might make better allies than enemies, Gwen and Art make a reluctant pact to cover for each other, and as things heat up at the annual royal tournament, Gwen is swept off her feet by her knight, and Arthur takes an interest in Gwen’s royal brother.

TW: homophobia, violence, death of a loved one, and suggested abuse of a child.

Set in the mythical kingdom of Camelot, several generations after the famed King Arthur, this historical rom-com employs some literary tropes and tries to subvert them.

The author takes the popular enemies-to-lovers trope and tweaks it, as Gwen and Arthur have been betrothed to one another since they were children; however, they hate one another. Forced to spend time together, it is discovered early on that they both prefer same-sex relationships. As the story progresses, they develop from enemies to friends and support one another. A bonus couple is thrown in, and I enjoyed seeing friendships develop among the group of six. The ending was more somber than I expected, which I appreciated as it gave the story depth; however, the conclusion still gives a feel-good ending to everyone involved.

A negative is that Art is established as a bad-boy type who is redeemed by both love and friendship. But personally, I didn’t buy it. I know we are looking for teen appeal, but as an adult, I didn’t like the message it imparts that bad boys (or women) can be changed for the better by love. That’s not always the case, so I didn’t appreciate that toxic message being spread further.

If this book was an adaptation: Rom-coms make fun movies, so I could see this novel adapted into a light Netflix movie.

Winner: Promise Boys by Nick Brooks

Hands down, Promise Boys is my winner. Gwen & Art Are Not In Love is an enjoyable story with welcome LGTBQIA+ diversity, but it didn’t go much beyond a typical rom-com. On the other hand, Promise Boys offers a nuanced look at the difficulties that POC have to deal with, which some students will relate to and other students can learn from. An additional bonus is that if any teen librarian runs a book club, Promise Boys would be an excellent candidate for the many threads of discussion that it could prompt. Finally, the full-cast audio edition is excellent and really brings the various characters to life. The audiobook is available on Hoopla for those who have that service.

Nancy McKay is a married mother of three who is Head of Teen Services at the Byron Public Library District. She is currently on the reading committee for the Illinois Lincoln Award. She writes YA and graphic novel reviews for the School Library Journal magazine and blogs about graphic novels and geek life at graphicnovelty2.com.

Project Nought vs A Long Stretch of Bad Days

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Grace Menary-Winefield

Project Nought by Chelsey Furedi

Ren Mittal’s last memory in the year 1996 is getting on a bus to visit his mystery pen pal Georgia. When he wakes up in 2122, he thinks he might be hallucinating…he’s not!

TW: death, violence, confinement, kidnapping, grief, gaslighting

I was hooked from the beginning and read in one sitting! Project Nought‘s main character, Ren, is part of a big project where he time travels to the future as part of a “living history” experiment for students. He’s paired up with a student partner, Mars, to be interviewed about what it is like to be alive in the 1996. All is not what it seems to be though and it soon becomes clear that the company running the experiment is hiding information.

The cast of characters in Project Nought are well-developed and diverse. The storyline moves along quickly and keeps the reader’s attention. For the most part I understood the book and only got lost towards the end when many elements were being revealed at once. Despite having some questions at the end, overall I think most readers would be able to digest this title. Although this book is sci-fi, I would recommend it to a teen patron who might be new to the genre. Teens can relate to Mars having to constantly explain the technology in the future to Ren. There is mystery, sci-fi, and even a little romance in Project Nought.

I could easily see Project Nought being adapted into an animated show or movie. The soundtrack would be music from the 1990s and sound awesome!

A Long Stretch of Bad Days by Mindy McGinnis

A lifetime of hard work has put Lydia Chass on track to attend a prestigious journalism program and leave Henley behind—until a school error leaves her a credit short of graduating.

Bristal Jamison has a bad reputation and a foul mouth, but she also needs one more credit to graduate. An unexpected partnership forms as the two remake Lydia’s town history podcast to investigate the Long Stretch of Bad Days—a week when Henley was hit by a tornado, a flash flood, as well as its first, only, and unsolved murder.

As their investigation unearths buried secrets, some don’t want them to see the light. When the threats escalate, the girls have to uncover the truth before the dark history of Henley catches up with them.

TW: murder, gun violence, fire injury, drug use, assault, animal death

A Long Stretch of Bad Days has no shortage of characters, although the only diversity that is really expressed is in the amount of money in the characters’ bank accounts and which side of town they live in.

Throughout the book are transcripts from various podcast episodes that Lydia and Bristal stream. The more the teens look into the town’s past, the more questions they have. As they start to reveal what really happened during those terrible days, the teens reveal the true history of their town. Perhaps everyone is not so nice after all . . .

I found the world building to be lacking and misplaced. The action moved slowly, although Bristal’s dialogue could keep readers engaged with her wit and snarky comebacks. I would recommend this to teens who are interested in true crime.

A Long Stretch of Bad Days would adapt well as a TV show.

Winner: Project Nought by Chelsey Furedi

For its fast-paced action and relatable characters, I choose Project Nought as the winner of this round! Although both titles had characters solving a mystery, the storyline in Project Nought was more well developed and engaging.

Shannon Arendt works in the youth services department at the Thomas Ford Memorial Library. Besides reading, she enjoys puzzles, being her children’s personal Uber, and walking her dog.

Brooms vs The Spirit Bares Its Teeth

Posted on April 9, 2024 by Grace Menary-Winefield

Brooms by Jasmine Wells & Teo DuVall

It’s 1930s Mississippi. Magic is permitted only in certain circumstances and by certain people. Unsanctioned broom racing is banned. But for those who need the money, or the thrills…it’s there to be found.

Billie Mae, captain of the Night Storms racing team, and best friend Loretta are determined to make enough money to move out west to a state that allows Black folks to legally use magic and take part in national races. Cheng-Kwan is doing her best to handle the delicate and dangerous double act of being the perfect “son” to her parents and being true to herself while racing.

The team also includes Mattie and Emma — Choctaw and Black — who are trying to dodge government officials who want to send them and their newly-surfaced powers away to boarding school. And Luella is in love with Billie Mae. Her powers were sealed away years ago after she fought back against the government. She’ll do anything to prevent the same fate for her cousins . . .

TW: Racism

It’s funny how this far into the bracket, where books of different tones and genres often come head to head, is where we end up pitting two takes on historical fantasy, remixing genre conventions through contemporary lenses and where the invented magic systems conform to historically-accurate prejudices and practices.

Brooms presents an intriguing alternate 1930s American South where magic exists but is severely regulated along racial lines akin to Jim Crow segregation. It deftly tackles heavy topics like racism in a relatively low-key narrative. The comic art is really great, with expressive artwork full of vibrant character designs and rich colors. (I especially love how DuVall colors their skies.)

However, some aspects feel underbaked. The rules, limits, and broader societal impacts of magic remain murky. Similarly, while the large cast allows for ample representation of experiences with ability, sexuality, gender identity, or racial and ethnic origins, most characters end up thinly sketched.

I wish the comics format had been used to even greater effect. The broom races feel too short and less dynamic than I’d have hoped in such a visual medium. Also, while I appreciated how the physical movements of signing were portrayed, I was disappointed they weren’t “translated” for the reader, but relied on other characters to verbalize that dialog. Ironically, it left Emma, a deaf character, particularly muted.

Still, Brooms has much to offer as an accessible exploration of discrimination and representation, with engaging characters and some excellent art.

While I love much of the art, adapting the story as a print book would allow for deeper character development and fuller world-building, the two aspects I felt were most missing. Also, I would love a simple one-page, broom-racing RPG, maybe along the lines of Crash Pandas.

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White

TW: Graphic violence, sexual assault, medical gore (including an on-page Cesarean section), transphobia, ableism, medical/psychiatric abuse, gaslighting, discussions of miscarriage.

In The Spirit Bares its Teeth, White takes the Gothic horror conventions rooted in repression and hidden darkness and filters it through modern perspectives on gender, bodily autonomy, neurodivergence, and more. The result is a delightfully gnarly yet insightful read. (The amount of gore is a warning to some readers, but in my experience it is also a major selling point to others.) White’s visceral and savage prose pays as much loving attention to lush greenhouse descriptions as it does to grisly surgeries and body horror.

Silas is a complex protagonist, and his own path of self-discovery — peeling back his skin to probe the varied aspects of his identity, to test how they interact or are perceived by both him and the hostile world he moves through — is one of the more nuanced I’ve read in YA in a long time. With this coming after his first novel And Hell Followed With Us, Andrew Joseph White may become my most recommended YA horror author.

If this book were adapted into something else, I’d love to be able to see the violet eyes and Braxton of this world, so I originally thought it would be a great movie or limited series; however, I’m worried Silas’s interiority and narration would get lost. Instead, I’ll have it swap formats with its competitor and make it a graphic novel.

Winner: The Spirit Bares its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White

Both titles are worth recommending, providing compelling stories and perspectives that could resonate deeply with teens. Moving The Spirit Bares its Teeth on to the next round was a fairly easy choice, though. While it’s not for every reader, I think its mix of genres will have wider appeal than other horror titles. Its sheer quality in executing its vision, where Brooms felt a bit lacking, is what really pushed it over the finish line for me.

Evan Mather is a Librarian at Maine East High School, having recently transitioned to schools after almost a decade working with teens in public libraries. He loves film, food, and playing D&D. When he’s not working, you can usually find him annoying his cat with too many forehead kisses.

Ander & Santi Where Here vs. Unseelie

Posted on April 8, 2024 by Grace Menary-Winefield

Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa

TW: deportation, racism, xenophobia, police brutality, sexual content, kidnapping, violence, death of parent.

Ander and Santi Were Here has been sitting on my TBR shelf since last summer, so I was excited to make time for this book. Ander is an art student taking a gap year. In many ways they’re very comfortable with life: unapologetically queer, Latinx, surrounded by family and an over all supportive community. They haven’t settled on who they are and what that means for their art. This is further complicated by parents who don’t understand gap years, and conflicting messages from the academic art community — a school that rejected him for being too Latinx and another school that seems most excited to check a box with his enrollment.

The pacing of this book was a little bit of a challenge, but ultimately Garza Villa used it to create an authentic journey for Ander, and the constant external conflicts (ICE, La Migra, the police) conveyed the constant tension in Ander’s community.

I would recommend Ander and Santi Were Here to readers who prefer contemporary settings and conflicts. I think this would also be a great read for bilingual (English/Spanish) readers. I do feel it is important to note Ander is 19 and in many ways some of the content in this book might not be appropriate for younger teens.

If this book were adapted into something else, it would lend itself well to a live-action, limited series. Garza villa created vibrant characters, settings, as well as artwork. The story has enough complexity that it could easily fill an 8-10 episode arc.

Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman

Twin sisters, both on the run, but different as day and night: one, a professional rogue, searches for a fabled treasure; the other, a changeling, searches for the truth behind her origins, trying to find a place to fit in with the realm of fae who made her and the humans who shun her.

Iselia “Seelie” Graygrove looks just like her twin, Isolde… but as an autistic changeling trying to navigate her unpredictable magic, Seelie finds it more difficult to fit in with the humans around her. When Seelie and Isolde are caught up in a heist gone wrong and make some unexpected allies, they find themselves unraveling a larger mystery that has its roots in the history of humans and fae alike. Both sisters soon discover that the secrets of the faeries may be more valuable than any pile of gold and jewels. But can Seelie harness her magic in time to protect her sister, and herself?

TW: ableism, mentions of child abuse, self-harm for magical purposes, violence/blood, mild body horror.

Unseelie was an instant hit for me. It is fantasy that doesn’t get lost in the world-building with a likable cast of characters centering around a young woman who’s trying to find her way and herself along the way.

Seelie was a refreshing character to follow through this story. Seelie grows up knowing that she is a (wanted) changeling alongside her human sister (Isolde). She struggles with what her presumed differences mean for her and her family and longs to just be able to be herself with her family. As well as being a changeling, Seelie struggles with stimuli and needs time to process shifts in her life that seem obvious to those around her. Throughout the books, she adapts and pushes forward with the support of her sister and new friends. Her path forward isn’t always straight, and I’m excited to continue her journey in the next book.

I think this book would be great for readers who haven’t yet decided if they’re fantasy readers. The world-building isn’t overwhelming and the journey is character-driven and not weighed down by complicated mysteries or politics. I’d also recommend this for anyone who likes twists on traditional folklore/mythology. Ivelisse started with the theory that faerie changelings were early descriptions of autistic children and went from there.

If Unseelie was adapted into something else, it would fit into a graphic novel or manga. Seelie’s travels take her throughout the mortal and faeire realms, and with a host of magical side characters and creatures (shapeshifters, brownies, dragons, etc.) and magic itself I think the right artist could bring the story to life beautifully.

Winner: Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa

This was a really tough comparison, and I flip-flopped between these books more times than I can count. I think both books are great reads and important for different readers. I know I’ll recommend both to teens; however, Ander and Santi Were Here has the edge. Unseelie is one of my favorite recent YA fantasy reads, but I don’t think it has same kind of appeal as Ander and Santi Were Here does.

Annie Hoefer (she/her) is an avid reader, consuming books of all formats for all ages. When she’s not at Algonquin Public Library she can most likely be found reading, playing board games, or rearranging her bookshelves.

The Dos and Donuts of Love vs Gwen & Art Are Not In Love

Posted on March 25, 2024 by Grace Menary-Winefield

The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar

Shireen Malik is still reeling from the breakup with her ex-girlfriend, Chris, when she receives news that she’s been accepted as a contestant on a new televised baking competition show. This is Shireen’s dream come true! Because winning will not only mean prize money, but it will also bring some much-needed attention to You Drive Me Glazy, her parents’ beloved donut shop.

Things get complicated, though, because Chris is also a contestant on the show. Then there’s the very outgoing Niamh, a fellow contestant who is becoming fast friends with Shireen. Things are heating up between them, and not just in the kitchen.

As the competition intensifies , Shireen will have to ignore all these factors and more― including potential sabotage―if she wants a sweet victory!

TW: Mentions of racism and fatphobia, depictions of anxiety, and online harassment

The Dos and Donuts of Love was fun, well-plotted, and just sweet enough without giving the reader a toothache. Starting at Shireen’s lowest after a breakup with Chris, whose family owns the rival donut shop, Jaigirdar immediately makes Shireen relatable through heartbreak, even if the reader isn’t a Bengali Irish teenager about to compete on a baking tv show.

And while the novel is well plotted — the reveal of Chris’s betrayal is perfectly timed for maximum emotional damage — the characters felt bland and one-note. Our only insight into the world was through Shireen’s inner monologue that tended to only focus on her own feelings and provided minimal description of the world around her. Shireen’s best friend, Fatima, and her parents definitely suffered most from their lack of characterization. Their interactions were too brief and repetitive, with Fatima forced to continually point out when Shireen is behaving unreasonably. Shireen’s other romantic interest and fellow contestant, Niamh, is a fun addition to the plot and another wonderful reminder for readers that love isn’t only for straight, thin, white people.

Once Shireen and Chris have started competing, Jaigirdar keeps the plot moving forward nicely, not allowing the individual challenges to overtake the overall story; however, she misses the mark by not spending more time describing Shireen’s and some of the other contestant’s creations in more mouthwatering detail than just perfunctory labels.

The final plot twist takes the novel from romance to espionage and sabotage too quickly to feel plausible, while the racism Shireen and Chris (who’s Taiwanese) experience throughout feels all too real. An enjoyable read for teens who love The Great British Bake Off.

After reading this book, you might like to watch The Great Pottery Throwdown and, obviously, The Great British Bake Off.

Gwen & Art Are Not In Love by Lex Croucher

TW: homophobia, violence, death of a loved one, and suggested abuse of a child.

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love was unputdownable. Featuring deeply flawed and, at times unlikeable, main characters and beautiful prose, Croucher creates a medieval-esque world filled with political intrigue, drama, and queer love.

Now that Gwendoline has come of age, the King has decided it’s time for them to get married, much to Gwen and Art’s dismay. Their childhood hatred unabated, Gwen and Art manage to quickly find mutually assured destruction of the other: Art finds Gwen’s diary where she professes her love for the only female knight, Bridget, and Gwen catches Art kissing a boy.

But rather than destroying each other they decide to pretend to fall in love, giving them a slight reprieve from the constant attentions of the king and queen. Art’s reintroduction into the lives of Gwen and Gabriel (Gwen’s older brother and heir to the throne), with his rule flouting and acceptance of the LGBTQ community, gives them permission to explore their sexuality and step out of the roles society has decided for them. Watching Gwen become more assertive and accepting of her feelings is supremely satisfying, especially as her romance with Bridget Leclair unfolds slowly with clandestine touches, longing looks ,and sword lessons eventually culminating in aggressive make-out sessions. Art’s obsession with the nerdy, book-obsessed, and oblivious Gabriel is hilarious, as Art’s incredibly reluctant to admit to catching feelings for one person and moving beyond his standard drunken anonymous hookups.

Croucher included just the right amount of foreshadowing, so the book’s final act is only somewhat surprising and provides added character development and depth to the overall story. Teens will love Croucher’s beautiful descriptions and these enigmatic characters, because despite the novel being set in faux-medieval times, they’ll see themselves in these angsty and messy young adults. Highly recommended for all teens, but especially members of the LGBTQIA community and fans of historical fiction.

After reading this book, you might like to watch A Knight’s Tale or A Portrait of a Lady on Fire.

Winner: Gwen & Art Are Not In Love by Lex Croucher

While The Dos and Donuts of Love was enjoyable, it didn’t measure up to Gwen and Art Are Not in Love’s charms. With stronger characters, robust description and an enchanting plot, Gwen and Art Are Not in Love will steal any LGBTQIA teen’s heart instantly.

Ruth Ronnau is a youth services librarian at the Oswego Public Library District. When they’re not working, they’re hiking, reading, or hanging out with their needy cat, Ryan.

You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight vs. Promise Boys

Posted on March 24, 2024 by Grace Menary-Winefield

You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron

Charity Curtis has the summer job of her dreams, playing the “final girl” at Camp Mirror Lake. Guests pay to be scared in this full-contact terror game, as Charity and her summer crew recreate scenes from a classic slasher film, Curse of Camp Mirror Lake. The more realistic the fear, the better for business.

But the last weekend of the season, Charity’s co-workers begin disappearing. And when one ends up dead, Charity’s role as the final girl suddenly becomes all too real. If Charity and her girlfriend Bezi hope to survive the night, they’ll need figure out what this killer is after. Is there is more to the story of Mirror Lake and its dangerous past than Charity ever suspected?

TW: murder, death, blood & gore, animal death, body horror, neglect/emotional abuse.

You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight initially roots itself in a reality familiar to any reader, drawing them into a seemingly familiar summer camp setting. The book shines in its authentic representation of teenage dialogue and interactions, providing a genuine feel to the characters’ voices despite a lack of deep character development. This authenticity helps anchor the story’s less believable elements.

The camp setting is one of the novel’s standout features, described with enough detail and familiarity that it feels almost palpable. However, this groundedness is juxtaposed with a disorienting inconsistency in the portrayal of space and distance which, while adding to the story’s horror and disorientation, can sometimes pull the reader out of the narrative.

The climax of the story introduces the antagonist in the form of a cult which, while unsettling, doesn’t quite fit the rest of the story’s framing. This plot device aims for a dramatic twist, but it feels somewhat unearned and the reader gets both too much and too little information about the cult to feel narratively satisfying.

However, Bayron nails the playful subversion of the “black friend” and “last girl” tropes, offering an insightful critique and reinvention of genre conventions. Fans of horror will find these aspects familiar but refreshing as expectations are played with to deliver moments of surprise and delight.

Despite its shortcomings, You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight is a playful yet unsettling quick-read that will appeal to readers looking for a mix of classic scares and narrative twists. While the cult aspect might leave some wanting, the novel’s strengths in setting, dialogue, and trope subversion make it a worthwhile read.

This book is recommended for horror fans who appreciate a blend of traditional and unconventional elements. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy seeing genre stereotypes turned on their head, even if the execution isn’t always flawless.

Watch-a-likes include The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and The Final Girls

Promise Boys by Nick Brooks

TW: Murder, racism, depictions of violence, blood, and gun usage.

Promise Boys is a riveting dark academia mystery, notable for its sharp portrayal of the adversities encountered by Black and Latine youth. Set against the backdrop of a stiflingly oppressive charter school, the novel unravels the aftermath of the school principal’s murder. The setting is a vital component of the narrative in which a complex tapestry of individual motives and secrets is woven. Within this environment, the three main protagonists, each with their distinct backgrounds and burdens, are driven to become uneasy allies. They strive to prove themselves and, eventually, each other innocent. Their journey is marked by a depth and complexity that give the reader a palpable sense of realism and immediacy.

At the heart of the narrative lies the intricate dynamics between characters, explored with a keen understanding of their motivations and shaped by diverse loyalties and experiences. The book handles their conflicts with authenticity and emotional depth, and it paints a rich portrait of their struggles with identity, expectation, and a nuanced exploration of accountability.

The novel poignantly critiques the demands of adults who call for “responsibility” from these young men without offering understanding or acknowledging the systemic barriers they face. Promise Boys is a commentary on the real-life challenges confronting young men of color, urging readers to question the prevailing narratives that shape perceptions of youth and race.

Promise Boys is recommended for fans of dark academia who value a mix of classic mystery and innovative social commentary. It’s especially appealing to readers who appreciate the disruption of genre norms through the lens of racial and social justice, even if the resolution comes across as somewhat abrupt.

Watch-a-likes include Cruel Summer, One of Us is Lying, and Elite.

Winner: Promise Boys by Nick Brooks

Promise Boys wins over You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight; while the latter offers an engaging horror story set in a summer camp, complete with trope subversions and authentic teenage dialogue, it falls short in character depth and narrative cohesion, especially concerning the cult twist.

In contrast, Promise Boys excels with a dark academia backdrop that’s integral to the story, highlighting the challenges Black and Latine youth face and offering readers not only a mystery to unravel but also a critical lens on race and social justice issues. The novel’s strength lies in its deeply developed and distinct characters, turning it from just a mystery to a reflective look at societal injustices. This depth of character and theme exploration sets Promise Boys apart and makes it a compelling read for those interested in engaging with stories that have something important to say. Ultimately, it provides a richer reading experience compared to You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight.

Jade Parks (she/her) is the Teen Services Coordinator for Downers Grove Public Library. When she’s not cuddling her dog, she enjoys reading sci-fi and fantasy, watching DND actual plays, and starting more craft projects than she can finish.

She Is a Haunting vs. A Long Stretch of Bad Days

Posted on March 23, 2024 by Grace Menary-Winefield

She is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran

When Jade Nguyen arrives in Vietnam for a visit with her estranged father, she has one goal: survive five weeks pretending to be a happy family in the French colonial house Ba is restoring. She’s always lied to fit in, so if she’s straight enough, Vietnamese enough, American enough, she can get out with the college money he promised.

But the house has other plans. Night after night, Jade wakes up paralyzed. The walls exude a thrumming sound, while bugs leave their legs and feelers in places they don’t belong. She finds curious traces of her ancestors in the gardens they once tended. And at night Jade can’t ignore the ghost of the beautiful bride who leaves her cryptic warnings: Don’t eat.

Neither Ba nor her sweet sister Lily believe that there is anything strange happening. With help from a delinquent girl, Jade will prove this house—the home her family has always wanted—will not rest until it destroys them. Maybe, this time, she can keep her family together. As she roots out the house’s rot, she must also face the truth of who she is and who she must become to save them all.

TW: internalized biphobia, body horror, bugs, systemic/interpersonal racism, colonialism, death of a parent, blood, depiction of a hanging, murder, mention of domestic abuse

She is a Haunting is a banquet perfect for any starving teen horror fans: it’s queer, gothic, and genuinely frightening, sprinkled with horrifying dreams, ghostly visitations, compulsive eating, unnatural flowers, and (for some tastes) way too many insects, with a hefty flavoring of generational trauma and colonialism.

Tran really excels when it comes to creating a slow-burn, unsettling atmosphere in the French colonial house and grounds where Jade Nguyen, our protagonist, is staying. Little, creepy details slowly add up to undercut the idyllic vision Jade’s father has for his touristy bed and breakfast; the house is perfectly restored on the surface, but rotting underneath. The house as a living embodiment of its past trauma, with an insatiable need to devour its inhabitants, is a key thematic element, and Tran mirrors that in many family dinner scenes that at first feature deliciously-described Vietnamese food and then slowly devolve into strange, nightmarish meals.

Jade is also an appealing protagonist that many teens will empathize with. Her feelings of never quite fitting in — no matter where she is and who she is with — will resonate with readers, as will her strong emotions over her father’s abandonment of her family coupled with her uncomfortable desire to reconnect with him anyway. She’s angry because she’s always being pulled in two directions. Jade is also coming to terms with her own bisexuality and is afraid it will affect how her family sees her, especially as she’s been recently burned by a close friend. Her banter-filled romance with Flo, the daughter of one of Jade’s father’s business partners, adds some needed moments of lightness and levity to what is overall a dark book.

She is a Haunting has a satisfyingly cathartic and bittersweet ending. As a debut, it marks Tran as a writer to watch. Yet it does have some flaws that could limit its audience. While Tran’s evocative, poetic language often sets the appropriate mood, it can be overwritten, which slows down the pacing and sometimes obscures what’s actually going on. Readers might get impatient with the slow development or confused by enigmatic prose.

Watch-a-likes: Though set somewhere in America, Mike Flanagan’s Netflix miniseries, The Haunting of Hill House, concerns a gothic mansion hungry for its family to become forever residents who, over the course of the series, return to its walls to confront their traumatic pasts. It’s also quite terrifying!

A Long Stretch of Bad Days by Mindy McGinnis

A lifetime of hard work has put Lydia Chass on track to attend a prestigious journalism program and leave Henley behind—until a school error leaves her a credit short of graduating.

TW: murder, gun violence, fire injury, drug use, assault, animal death

A Long Stretch of Bad Days is a winning combination of small-town drama, unsolved mystery, true crime podcasting, and a dynamic duo of two very different teens who come to appreciate each other just as they are.

McGinnis is the master of the twisty plot. Lydia and Bristol intend to focus on the one unsolved murder at the heart of their town’s “long stretch of bad days”, like any good true crime podcasters. But instead, they uncover a second, expertly hidden mystery: the disappearance of a teen girl, a troubled foster kid to one of the town’s prominent families, at the same time. Chasing down this story proves to be much harder, though both unsolved cases dovetail in a narratively satisfying way. As the two girls interview those who lived during the Bad Days, do research at the local library, and entertain some light rule-breaking (such as gaining access to police documents), they put together a timeline from the tornado and flood to the murder and the disappearance that incriminates people they both know well.

Lydia and Bristol and their slowly-developing regard for each other is what makes this book stand out among other crime thrillers. McGinnis highlights the gossipy, stagnant nature of small towns where generations of families live and develop certain reputations that prove difficult to escape. Lydia’s family is considered wealthy and prominent, though they take great pains to hide that they are on the decline, and Bristol’s is considered poor white trash, always in trouble and going nowhere. Their convenient partnership ends up leading to lasting friendship, and it’s a pleasure to see how their negative opinion of each other changes. Their banter is often very funny as well, and the differences in their personalities are highlighted in the podcast transcripts, which also serve to give more information and local color for the town.

The ending, where all the leads come together and the mysteries are solved, is appropriately dramatic, but the aftermath feels rushed. The shocking revelation isn’t given time to breath before the book ends, and Lydia in particular feels like she needed a bit more space on the page to come to terms with what happened.

Watch-a-likes: For a detective comedy involving strange bedfellows with the true crime podcast angle, you can’t miss with Only Murders in the Building. A more adult pick (without the podcast angle) is Mare of Easttown, a crime drama about a detective with strong ties to her small town who is forced to reopen a cold case due to community pressure.

Winner: A Long Stretch of Bad Days by Mindy McGinnis

She is a Haunting was one of my favorite reads back in 2023 when I read it first, and it still holds up as one of the most unsettling, vividly nightmarish horror books for teens that I’ve come across. Yet it can also be confusingly ambiguous, prioritizing fanciful language over clarity, distracting instead of effective. A Long Stretch of Bad Days, despite a somewhat rushed ending, is compelling all the way through and gives a nuanced depiction of small town life. I also think a twisty crime drama is more accessible to a wider range of teens, while She is a Haunting is a standout in a more niche territory.

Krista Hutley is a Teen Librarian at the Wilmette Public Library. She also writes reviews for Booklist magazine. When not working or reading All The Things, she’s probably geeking out over horror movies, Dungeons & Dragons, and fun new stickers for her bullet journal.

Northranger vs Project Nought

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Grace Menary-Winefield

Project Nought by Chelsey Furedi

Ren Mittal’s last memory in the year 1996 is getting on a bus to visit his mystery pen pal Georgia. When he wakes up in 2122, he thinks he might be hallucinating…he’s not!

TW: death, violence, confinement, kidnapping, grief, gaslighting

Project Nought is a refreshing, high-octane science fiction story filled with action and intrigue. One of the highlights of this graphic novel is the scope of representation in the characters and world. The story is deliciously queer with characters that identify across the LGBTQIAP+ spectrum, and there is a gamut of racial, ability, and neurodiversity. Additionally, what is beautiful is that in the future Project Nought portrays, this is considered the norm — there is no focus on these differences, but rather acceptance and inclusion — and thus, the focus is on the action and the story itself. In this respect, I think this is a future that teens will clamor for. Furthermore, the characters are fully-fleshed out, flaws and all, and readers cannot help but fall in love with each and every one of them!

Additionally, while Project Nought is clearly science fiction, I found it to be new and inventive. While time travel and other science fiction tropes aren’t necessarily fresh, the way in which Chelsey Furedi built and tells the story is. Just when readers think they know what’s going to happen next, the author adds creative surprises that keep you on your toes. While the story feels innovative, it also explores topics that teens are experiencing today: big corporations taking over all aspects of life, uncertainty of the future, and a call to do right by whatever means necessary. This combination of inventive plot and storytelling with relevant contemporary topics, as well as gorgeous and colorful artwork, make this a sure bet for teen readers.

One low point of Project Nought, which was also brought up by the reviewer in the past round, is the length of the chapters. There are five chapters in the graphic novel, and they are all an inordinate length. While I don’t feel this causes a narrative issue if someone is reading it in one sitting (as I did), it could pose a problem if trying to absorb the story over multiple sessions. Another weakness of Project Nought could be worldbuilding. While it is set in the past and the future of our world, some of the details behind Chronotech’s innovations (like time travel) and the future Earth are glossed over and could frustrate some sci-fi fanatics — though I feel many readers will be happy to overlook this.

Project Nought would be an excellent choice for those who love colorful and expressive art, as well as those looking for something that will have them experiencing all the emotions while reading: laughing, crying, falling in love, etc. This would be a great title to convert science fiction readers who are hesitant to give graphic novels a try (however few and far between those readers are). I have a feeling this story and its characters are going to stick with me for some time.

For multi-dimensional queer TV shows, I’d recommend Sense8 or Paper Girls (the Paper Girls graphic novels, as well). For futuristic stories about fighting against corporations or power, I’d recommend The Matrix film series, The Terminator film series, or the TV show The Expanse.

Northranger by Rey Terciero and Bre Indigo

Cade has always loved to escape into the world of a good horror movie. After all, horror movies are scary–but to Cade, a closeted queer Latino teen growing up in rural Texas–real life can be way scarier.

When Cade is sent to spend the summer working as a ranch hand to help earn extra money for his family, he is horrified. Cade hates everything about the ranch, from the early mornings to the mountains of horse poop he has to clean up. The only silver lining is the company of the two teens who live there–in particular, the ruggedly handsome and enigmatic Henry.

But as unexpected sparks begin to fly between Cade and Henry, things get… complicated. Henry is reluctant to share the details of his mother’s death, and Cade begins to wonder what else he might be hiding.

TW: homophobia and racism (including slurs), death of parent, misogyny, alcoholism, mention of attempted suicide (past)

An adaptation of Jane Austen’s last published novel Northanger Abbey, Northranger is a relatable, yet eerie read. Where this title soars is in its representation. From explicitly exposing racism rampant in rural Texas and destigmatizing mental health and self-care for men to coming out in less than supportive spaces, this graphic novel delves into topics and identities that are not explored often in the pages of books. One aspect I especially love that the author (and illustrator) included is the different types of family that can exist in the world. There’s Cade’s blended intergenerational family — including his mom, abuela, stepfather, and stepsister — Henry’s family that’s still trying to pick up the pieces from the loss of their mother, and the found family Cade and Henry build with Henri, Bella, and others. I know teens will see themselves and their lives in these different, flawed yet beautiful family structures.

An additional strength of Northranger is the characters. Sure, Cade and Henry are the squee-worthy couple of many of our dreams, but there is also an excellent supporting cast of characters bolstering this story. From Henry’s spitfire sister Henrietta (Henri) and Cade’s energetic stepsister Alice to the down-to-Earth Bella, the secondary cast of characters are filled with endearing people you want to root for — and also the worst villains who are all too real to life. Boosted by adorable and animated illustrations, teens will find it hard not to fall in love (or hate) with all of these characters.

The biggest weakness I found with Northranger was the adaptation of the source material. I would consider myself a Jane Austen fangirl, but even I haven’t tackled Northanger Abbey, and it’s entirely probable that many other teens picking the graphic novel have not, either. While I cannot say with certainty how much of the story is lost without having the context of the source material, there is certainly some confusion with the narrative choices. Ultimately, the intrigue that follows the deaths at Northanger feels so farcical sometimes that it’s hard to suspend disbelief at the events in order to continue with the story. Teens can look over it, but it can also prove frustrating to get through in order to reach the end. Additionally, I find the monochromatic coloring of the panels to ultimately do a disservice to the story. While it does add some suspense to the plot, it also feels drab and weakens the power of the narrative. Some teens might be turned off by it, especially voracious graphic novel readers.

Northranger would be an easy recommendation for those looking for issue-driven coming-of-age stories or those who like their books with a little dose of spookiness or intrigue. The illustration style will also grab any and all graphic novel devotees and even shoujo manga fans.

For other coming-of-age queer stories in rural spaces, I would recommend watching Brokeback Mountain or God’s Own Country. Readers might also like to watch a Northanger Abbey adaptation as well, and the television version starring Felicity Jones and JJ Feild is quite fun!

Winner: Project Nought by Chelsey Furedi

While I think both graphic novels have wide teen appeal (indeed, they are consistently checked out at my library) and include a breadth of diversity in their characters and story, I have to give the win to Project Nought. While Northranger includes some lesser represented identities in its story, at its core it is ultimately a graphic novel I have read before. Project Nought brings forth a story that is refreshing and new in many ways, and that’s why it needs to move on in the tournament.

Quinn Stitt (she/they) is currently an Adult Services Librarian at the Berwyn Public Library. When not doing all the library things, you can find them curled up with a book, devouring horror movies, or looking at cute pictures of fuzzy animals (like sloths!).