Category Archives: Contemporary

Review: How to Lose Yourself Completely by Peter Bognanni

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How to Lose Yourself Completely by Peter Bognanni

How to Lose Yourself Completely
Peter Bognanni
Balzer + Bray
Published June 2, 2026

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About How to Lose Yourself Completely

An incredibly poignant story about a teen grappling with grief and anxiety who is sent to wilderness “adventure therapy,” where he meets a group of friends who will change his life forever. With its captivating voice and dry wit, this novel is perfect for fans of Jandy Nelson and John Green.

Ever since Sean’s death, Case’s anxiety has been spiraling. Sean wasn’t just his older brother—he was also Case’s best friend. The only person who really got him.

When his parents suggest “adventure therapy,” … Continue reading →

Review: Let’s Get Together by Brandy Colbert

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Let's Get Together by Brandy Colbert

Let’s Get Together
Brandy Colbert
Clarion Books
Published September 9, 2025

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About Let’s Get Together

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award–winning author Brandy Colbert gives The Parent Trap a fresh, funny, and delightfully unexpected update in this story of two girls—one raised by her single father, the other in the foster care system—who meet by chance . . . only to discover they’re identical twins.

Kenya Norwood likes things just the way they are. She’s lived all her life in Pasadena with her dad and grandmother, she’s attended the same school with the same friends since pre-K, and whether it’s at outdoor club or her own … Continue reading →

Review: Change of Plans by Sarah Dessen

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Change of Plans by Sarah Dessen

Change of Plans
Sarah Dessen
Simon & Schuster
Published May 5, 2026

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About Change of Plans

From acclaimed and #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Dessen comes a “sweet, nuanced, and reflective coming-of-age love story” ( Kirkus Reviews, starred review) about an unassuming girl who learns to stand on her own while falling in love during a life-changing summer.

Finley has always felt most comfortable in someone else’s shadow. Fortunately, she’s got Colin, her magnetic boyfriend, who sweeps her along for activities, friendships, and future plans. Then she goes on a last-minute trip … Continue reading →

MMGM Review: When You’re Brave Enough by Rebecca Bendheim

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When You're Brave Enough by Rebecca Bendheim

When You’re Brave Enough
Rebecca Bendheim
Viking Books for Young Readers
Published April 7, 2026

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About When You’re Brave Enough

A heartfelt, gorgeously written debut middle grade novel about best friends, first crushes, and coming out—perfect for fans of Kyle Lukoff and Jake Maia Arlow.

Before she moved from Austin to Rhode Island, everybody knew Lacey as one half of an inseparable duo: Lacey-and-Grace, best friends since they were toddlers. Grace and her moms were practically family. But at school, being lumped together with overeager, worm-obsessed, crushes-on-everyone Grace meant Lacey never quite fit in—and that’s why at her new middle school, Lacey plans to reinvent herself. This … Continue reading →

Review: Library or Lattes? by Lila Hazell

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Library or Lattes by Lila Hazell

Library or Lattes? (Love in Oak Falls #1)
Lila Hazell
Pixel + Ink
Published August 25, 2026

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About Library or Lattes?

A cozy, swoony autumn romance with a Sliding Doors twist, perfect for readers of Jenny Han and Lynn Painter. Like Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice for this fall!

One season, two choices for love…

Willa’s small town is at its best in the fall. Think crisp air, golden leaves, bonfires, hayrides, and pumpkin spice. It’s cozy and comforting, pretty much perfect, but sometimes Willa wonders if she’s destined … Continue reading →

Review: The Leak by Kate Reed Petty

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The Leak by Kate Reed Petty

The Leak
Kate Reed Petty
Illustrated by Andrea Bell
First Second
Published March 16, 2021

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About The Leak

In this middle-grade graphic novel, Ruth, a young journalist, is determined to uncover a secret that threatens her town.

Ruth Keller is brash and precocious; she argues with her dentist, her parents, and her teachers. So, when she discovers a strange black slime in the man-made lake of her suburban neighborhood, she decides to investigate. Fortified by the encouragement of those around her, Ruth seeks the truth at all costs, even if it means taking on the rich local country club … Continue reading →