Category Archives: Contemporary

Review: Missing Clarissa by Ripley Scott

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Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones cover shows a long gold chain with a blue teardrop stone and the title in capital letters on pieces of duct tape.

Missing Clarissa
Ripley Jones
Wednesday Books
Published March 7, 2023

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About Missing Clarissa

In a gripping novel perfect for fans of Sadie and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, two best friends start a true crime podcast—only to realize they may have helped a killer in the process.

In August of 1999, dazzlingly popular cheerleader Clarissa Campbell disappears from a party in the woods outside the rural town of Oreville, Washington and is never seen again. The police question her friends, teachers, and the adults who knew her—who all have … Continue reading →

Review: Ophelia After All by Racquel Marie

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Ophelia After All by Raquel Marie

Ophelia After All
Racquel Marie
Feiwel & Friends
Published February 8, 2022

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About Ophelia After All

A teen girl navigates friendship drama, the end of high school, and discovering her queerness in Ophelia After All, a hilarious and heartfelt contemporary YA debut by author Racquel Marie.

Ophelia Rojas knows what she likes: her best friends, Cuban food, rose-gardening, and boys – way too many boys. Her friends and parents make fun of her endless stream of crushes, but Ophelia is a romantic at heart. She couldn’t change, even if she wanted to.

So when she finds herself thinking more about cute, quiet Talia Sanchez than the … Continue reading →

Review: When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn

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When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn

When Sea Becomes Sky
Gillian McDunn
Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Published February 28, 2023

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About When Sea Becomes Sky

In this heartfelt summer story, acclaimed author Gillian McDunn paints a stunning portrait of the bond of siblings and the love we’ll always carry with us.

Bex and Davey’s summer in the saltmarsh is different this year, thanks to the record-breaking drought. Even the fish seem listless–and each day the water level lowers farther. When they discover a mysterious underwater statue, they’re thrilled at the chance to solve the puzzle of its origin. This is the summer adventure they’ve been waiting for.

When they learn of … Continue reading →

Review: Finally Seen by Kelly Yang

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Finally Seen by Kelly Yang

Finally Seen
Kelly Yang
Simon & Schuster
Published February 28, 2023

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About Finally Seen

From the New York Times bestselling author of Front Desk comes a gripping middle grade novel about a young girl who leaves China to live with her parents and sister, after five years apart, and learns about family, friendship, and the power of being finally seen.

My sister got to grow up with my parents. Me? I grew up with postcards from my parents.

When ten-year-old Lina Gao steps off the plane in Los Angeles, it’s her first time in America and the first time seeing her parents and her little sister in five years! She’s been waiting for this moment every … Continue reading →

Review: It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li by Nicole Chen

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It's Boba Time for Pearl Li by Nicole Chen

It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li
Nicole Chen
Quill Tree Books
Published February 28, 2023

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About It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li

This middle grade contemporary follows a big-hearted Taiwanese American girl as she aims to gain her family’s acceptance and save her favorite boba tea shop by selling her handcrafted amigurumi dolls.

Pearl Li is ready to spend the summer before seventh grade hanging out with her two best friends, crocheting the cutest amigurumi dolls, and visiting her favorite tea shop, Boba Time. Its quirky owner, Auntie Cha, is the only adult Pearl can confide in about … Continue reading →

Review: Junkyard Dogs

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Junkyard Dogs by Katherine Higgs-Coulthard cover shows a sewer cover with the title on it and small symbols around it - a basketball, hammer, house, and person.

Junkyard Dogs
Katherine Higgs-Coulthard
Peachtree Teen
Published February 21, 2023

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About Junkyard Dogs

Some people dream of happily ever after, but all 17-year-old Josh Roberts wants is a roof over his head and for his little brother to be safe.

Josh’s father has gone missing without a trace. Now Josh and his 9-year-old brother, Twig, are stuck living with Gran in her trailer. Problem is, Gran didn’t ask to take care of any kids, and she’s threatening to call social … Continue reading →