Category Archives: Contemporary

Review: Trouble at the Tangerine by Gillian McDunn

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Trouble at the Tangerine by Gillian McDunn

Trouble at the Tangerine
Gillian McDunn
Bloomsbury
Published April 2, 2024

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About Trouble at the Tangerine

Award-winning author Gillian McDunn pens a delightfully quirky mystery that examines the meaning of home, perfect for fans of The Vanderbeekers series.

Simon’s family is always on the move. Every few months, they load up their van, “Vincent Van Go,” and set off for a new adventure. According to his dad, you can’t live an extraordinary life by staying in one place. But all Simon wants is to settle down, so he’s hatched a to make their latest apartment in the … Continue reading →

Review: Winnie Nash is Not Your Sunshine by Nicole Melleby

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Winnie Nash is Not Your Sunshine by Nicole Melleby

Winnie Nash is Not Your Sunshine
Nicole Melleby
Algonquin Young Readers
Published April 2, 2024

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About Winnie Nash is Not Your Sunshine

In this powerful new novel by award-winning author Nicole Melleby, 12-year-old Winnie Nash is forced to live with her grandma for the summer and finds herself torn between her family’s secrets and the joy of celebrating Pride.

Winnifred “Winnie” Nash is not a senior citizen, despite what anyone thinks of her name. And she is definitely not excited to live with her grandma in New Jersey for the summer. Not only are they basically … Continue reading →

Review: The Second Favorite Daughters Club: Sister Sabotage by Colleen Oakes

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Second Favorite Daughters Club 1: Sister Sabotage by Colleen Oakes

The Second Favorite Daughters Club: Sister Sabotage
Colleen Oakes
Pixel + Ink
Published April 2, 2024

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About The Second Favorite Daughters Club: Sister Sabotage

For fans of Sisters and Netflix’s The Baby-sitter’s Club, a contemporary series for the siblings who always come in last.

Santana Barnes is tired of playing second fiddle to her ballet protégé, honor student older sister Victoria. Casey Hammond is sick of her cute-as-a-button, adventurous little sister Sage, who steals all of their dad’s attention.

When the girls meet in their middle school library, they learn they have a lot in … Continue reading →

Review: Breathing Underwater by Abbey Lee Nash

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Breathing Underwater by Abbey Lee Nash

Breathing Underwater
Abbey Lee Nash
Holiday House
Published March 5, 2024

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About Breathing Underwater

In this slice-of-life, sensitively written novel, a teen girl grapples with a sudden epilepsy diagnosis, all while figuring out a new crush and an uncertain future.

Seventeen-year-old Tess Cooper lives by three train hard, study hard, work hard. Swimming is her best chance at a college scholarship. It’s what her parents, her coaches, and even her best friend expect from her—and Tess can always deliver.

Until tragedy strikes. Tess has a seizure, and her world suddenly becomes one of doctor visits, missed practices, and a … Continue reading →

Review: Walkin’ the Dog by Chris Lynch

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Walkin' the Dog by Chris Lynch

Walkin’ the Dog
Chris Lynch
Simon & Schuster BFYR
Published March 12, 2024

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About Walkin’ the Dog

“Lynch is back and better, smarter, and funnier than ever.” —Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award Winner

A boy learns how to be a friend from man’s best friend in this funny and moving middle grade novel about humans being able to change and dogs changing us from acclaimed author Chris Lynch.

In a family of strong personalities with very strong points of view, Louis is what his mother lovingly calls “the inactivist,” someone who’d rather kick back than stand out. He only … Continue reading →

Review: The No Girlfriend Rule by Christen Randall

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The No-Girlfriend Rule by Christen Randall cover shows a plus-sized girl walking down a sidewalk with another short-haired girl.

The No Girlfriend Rule
Christen Randall
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published March 5, 2024

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About The No Girlfriend Rule

Julie Murphy meets Casey McQuiston in this unforgettable queer romance about a teen girl whose foray into fantasy tabletop roleplaying brings her new confidence, true friends, and a shot at real, swoon-worthy love.

Hollis Beckwith isn’t trying to get a girl—she’s just trying to get by. For a fat, broke girl with anxiety, the start of senior year brings enough to worry about. And besides, she … Continue reading →