DR. BICKMORE'S YA WEDNESDAY - PICKS 2026

DR. BICKMORE'S YA WEDNESDAY

Weekend Picks for August 7th

8/7/2026

The calendar has flipped to August, and we know the upcoming school year is on many of our readers' minds. But fear not - there is still time to sneak in more reading! If you are looking for a great YA read as summer winds down, look no further than this sci-fi read by Eliot Schrefer.

Erinn Bentley

Our many thanks to professor Erinn Bentley for her contributions to the blog this month!

Dr. Erinn Bentley is a professor of English education at Columbus State University, where she also serves as the Associate Director of the Center for Global Engagement. She enjoys mentoring pre-service secondary English teachers, graduate students, and her doctoral candidates. In addition to teaching YA literature and pedagogy courses, Erinn leads study abroad programs for education majors in Belize, Ecuador, England, and Japan.

The Brightness Between Us by Eliot Schrefer

I’ve always been a fan of sci-fi YA novels, and a while back I fell in love with Eliot Schrefer’s novel, The Darkness Outside Us. Set in outer space, two teens (Ambrose and Kodiak) are sent on a mysterious mission to save humanity from a dying planet Earth. More than just a suspenseful space odyssey, this novel is a poignant exploration of friendship, loyalty, and what it means to be “human.” (My review of this novel can be found here).

If you’ve read Schrefer’s first novel, my recommendation is to check out his next one – The Brightness Between Us. Both a prequel and a sequel, this novel shifts in time from the days leading up to the teens’ departure from Earth to nearly 2 decades in the future, as the adult Ambrose and Kodiak face deadly challenges while building a new family and civilization.

Schrefer does a beautiful job weaving together the narratives into a seamless story, including humor and suspense to keep the reader engaged. The best part about The Brightness Between Us, though, is being able to spend more time with these characters, who captured my heart in the first novel and had me cheering for them again this time.

Eliot Schrefer

Weekend Picks for July 31st

7/31/2026

Welcome to our final July Weekend Pick!

If you are a YA mystery lover and someone who enjoys a classic remake - this one is for you.

Rebecca Tairov

Our many thanks to Leilya Pitre and her students from Southeastern Louisiana University for their ongoing contributions to the blog.

Meet Rebecca Tairov. Rebecca is a secondary English education major at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price

Tirzah Price is a best-selling author who writes Jane Austen murder-mysteries, and has a spin-off Lizzie and Darcy mysteries. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her books have been USA Today bestsellers, Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections, and named Best YA Books of the Year by BuzzFeed.

Pride and Premeditation (2021) reimagines Pride and Prejudice as a murder mystery, with Elizabeth Bennet as a young woman who wants to become a lawyer. Set in Regency England, the novel combines familiar characters with a suspenseful plot that keeps readers guessing. Even readers who are new to Jane Austen can enjoy the mystery and strong main character.

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Bennet, is an aspiring law student, who wants to become a part of her father’s law practice. She comes into contact with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and they come together to solve the murder of a Mr. Hurst. But as the case becomes more complicated, Lizzie realizes her dream career may be more that she can handle.

To me, one of the most interesting aspects of the book is how it uses history and gender expectations. Lizzie is intelligent and ambitious, but society limits what women are allowed to do. The mystery plot allows her to step into spaces usually reserved for men, especially the legal world, which creates tension and conflict.

Themes of feminism, independence, and justice are woven throughout the story. By blending classic literature with a modern perspective, the novel invites readers to rethink traditional roles while still enjoying a fast-moving and entertaining mystery.

Tirzah Price

It’s a creative way to connect classic literature to contemporary YA readers.

Weekend Pick for July 24th

7/24/2026

We are officially in the dog days of summer, and we hope you are able to find a slower pace of life as these hot days pass us by. And if you are looking for a reading recommendation this weekend, we have you covered!

Audra Slocum

Dr. Audra Slocum is an Associate Professor of Secondary English Education and the Director of Teacher Education at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Prior to joining OU, she was an associate professor at West Virginia University and co-director of the National Writing Project at WVU for 10 years. She has presented at NCTE, AERA, and WVCTE and published in English Education, Journal of Language, Identity, and Education, and English Teaching: Practice and Critique. Her scholarship primarily focuses on how teenagers from linguistically marginalized communities navigate oppressive norms in secondary English classrooms. As a teacher educator, she prepares secondary English students to be actively anti-oppressive as they employ core teaching practices.

An Expanse of Blue by Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams

An Expanse of Blue, by Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams, a novel-in-verse, is set in contemporary Pacific Northwest, from the point of view of seventeen year old Aouli. Aouli is Native Hawaiian, living with her mother and father, and her older sister. Aouli is nurturing a rebellious spirit in the face of several types of dominating forces: her patriarchal father who controls everyone in the their family, her distant and silenced mother, her white Catholic church leaders hypervigilant focus on purity, and her peer group’s constant shifting on who is desirable. The place that she feels the most love is with her Aunty Ehu, from whom she learns about her Hawaiian ancestors and guidance. Outside of her Aunty’s home, Aouli battles shame and desire, as she is expected to resist her own desires and her Hawaiian identity and fit herself into the box others have made for her.

Aouli experiences this social, religious, and familial pressure and social competition as deeply isolating and suffocating. Alone in her room, she writes lyrics, sorting through her feelings. She has a lot to sort through: betrayal, sneaking out, figuring out what she is comfortable with – or not when it comes to being with a boy she thinks she likes.

Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams

When a new boy, Nalu, who is also Native Hawaiian, moves into town, the power dynamics shift. As the new cute new boy in the Catholic youth group, he is invited to the parties. But he also rejects the status quo - Nalu holds his Hawaiian identity and cultural ways as his center. With this commitment, he offers himself as an ally to Aouli in resisting the pull to “go along with” all the pressure. Will she accept?

Aouli has lessons to learn about trusting herself, rejecting shame and competition for friendship, and understanding who she is as a young Hawaiian. The book is reflective, beautifully written, and deeply personal.

Weekend Picks for July 17th

7/17/2026

Our mid-July Weekend Pick comes to us again from Professor Audra Slocum - our many thanks to Dr. Slocum for her ongoing support of our YAL community!

Audra Slocum

Dr. Audra Slocum is an Associate Professor of Secondary English Education and the Director of Teacher Education at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Prior to joining OU, she was an associate professor at West Virginia University and co-director of the National Writing Project at WVU for 10 years. She has presented at NCTE, AERA, and WVCTE and published in English Education, Journal of Language, Identity, and Education, and English Teaching: Practice and Critique. Her scholarship primarily focuses on how teenagers from linguistically marginalized communities navigate oppressive norms in secondary English classrooms. As a teacher educator, she prepares secondary English students to be actively anti-oppressive as they employ core teaching practices.

Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray

Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray is a young adult novel featuring three intertwining narratives that explore themes of love and resistance against extreme systematic oppression. The book adopts a historical perspective, emphasizing that acts of resistance against oppressive regimes are not isolated; rather, they are connected across generations and throughout time and space. The story is interwoven with German folktales as allegories for resistance.

The first narrative is set in 1930s Germany as Hitler rises to power. In a small, fictional northern German village, we follow the lives of two best friends, Sophie and Hannah. In their transition from childhood to adulthood, they confront the tension of leaving behind their love for German folk tales and woodland fantasies. While Sophie clings to these old stories, Hannah is drawn to the mainstream teenage experience. With Hitler's ascent, the cultural landscape shifts, and both girls face increasing social pressure to join the Hitler Youth and conform to rigid gender roles. Sophie's family, booksellers and intellectuals, are committed to their values amidst this pressure, while more families around them align with the Nazi regime. The Bridegroom’s Oak, an old and massive tree just outside the village, is used for delivering messages between lovers, and eventually messages in the resistance. A small group of young people participate in the resistance, requiring them to take serious risks and live in fear of discovery as local Nazi surveillance intensifies and the potential for betrayal increases.

The second narrative takes place in West Berlin during the 1980s, against the backdrop of the Cold War and in the shadow of the Berlin Wall. This story centers on Jenny, a white teenage girl from Texas whose wealthy family moves to Germany for her father's job. Raised to be obedient and compliant, Jenny struggles under the weight of her dismissive father and a mother who constantly critiques her. Just before leaving Texas, Jenny betrays one of her only friends. This guilt accompanies her to Germany, where she encounters a mysterious older woman in her apartment building, referred to by another German teenager as a "witch." The woman, a psychologist, uses German folk tales to help people recover from the trauma of war, including acts of betrayal by neighbors and family members.

In Germany, Jenny draws on her love of photography as she wanders the city and meets Lena, a punk woman who introduces her to the gritty resistance movement against the East German government. Lena, who lives with her punk girl band in a dilapidated building, challenges Jenny to reject her manicured life and live in the moment. Jenny finds herself navigating increasingly daring risks as she falls for Lena.

The third narrative unfolds in the Broduring the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and follows a teenage bi-racial white and Filipino boy, Miles, who is home alone. One of his mothers is a nurse living with other nurses to minimize exposure, while his other mother, a photographer, is stranded in Europe due to lockdowns. This narrative includes Zoom transcripts from his social studies class, Instagram direct messages, and FaceTime conversations. His narrative focuses on rekindling a friendship with Chloe which had been broken by something he did in the fall.. His reconnection with Chloe is spurred by Chloe's German grandmother, who gave her cassette tapes, photographs, and a tiny acorn.

Libba Bray

Chloe and Miles decide to unravel the mystery of Chloe’s grandmother's experiences during World War II. In addition to their research, Miles grapples with his reluctance to participate in activism regarding the anti-Asian rhetoric circulating his Bronx neighborhood, as well as the murder of George Floyd.

Across these three narratives, each friend group faces social betrayal on both personal and structural levels. The stories illustrate how these intersecting oppressions shape the lives of young people, who constantly question their roles within their families, social circles, and the larger political landscape. Themes of betrayal, redemption, and love—both self-love and love for others—are woven throughout the narratives, revealing their interconnectedness.

Although the book addresses challenging historical themes, each narrative has its own climax and concludes with a tidy resolution. The novel's structure and the layers of mystery that, while somewhat predictable, remain engaging. Definitely worth a read, this book encourages readers to reflect on their connections to past movements and fostering curiosity about resistance efforts worldwide.

Weekend Picks for July 10th

7/10/2026

It is officially mid-summer, and hopefully your TBR stacks are getting some attention! In this weekend's post, professor Audra Slocum of Oakland University reflects on an important story from her own teacher preparation program. Thank you, Dr. Slocum, for this Weekend Pick!

Audra Slocum

Dr. Audra Slocum is an Associate Professor of Secondary English Education and the Director of Teacher Education at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Prior to joining OU, she was an associate professor at West Virginia University and co-director of the National Writing Project at WVU for 10 years. She has presented at NCTE, AERA, and WVCTE and published in English Education, Journal of Language, Identity, and Education, and English Teaching: Practice and Critique. Her scholarship primarily focuses on how teenagers from linguistically marginalized communities navigate oppressive norms in secondary English classrooms. As a teacher educator, she prepares secondary English students to be actively anti-oppressive as they employ core teaching practices.

Habibi by Naomi Sahib Nye

Habibi by Naomi Sahib Nye is an older novel published in 1997. I returned to this book because I’ve been seeking out more Palestinian authors to deepen my understanding of Palestinian perspectives and experiences.

Habibi was a book I read in my own teacher preparation program 30 years ago, and it has stayed with me for all of these years, with small scenes wandering through my mind. This book introduced me to Nye’s poetry, which I have loved and used in my classroom many times over the years.

Habibi is a Palestinian word for “dear one” or “loved one” and love is woven throughout the story. It is the story of a Palestinian-American girl, Liyana Abboud, who has a Palestinian father and white American mother. Her parents decide to move their family from St. Louis, Missouri to Palestine in the mid 1990s, just as Liyana is entering high school and her brother is entering middle school, so that they could build relationships with her father’s family. They sell all their belongings and move to Jerusalem, immersing themselves into Palestinian life and their Arab family.

Liyana and her brother don’t know Arabic, so they first face the challenges of communicating with their grandmother and cousins and aunts and uncles. Liyana sees her grandmother as superstitious and fascinating, with a love of old ways for healing and using signs from the natural world to help make decisions. Liyana’s understanding of her grandmother deepens as she interviews her about her life for a school assignment. When Israeli soldiers invade her grandmother’s home, destroying parts of it, Liyana also first feels more directly the role of randomized terrorization as a tool for oppression.

Liyana is 14, and a pretty typical teenager, with strong streaks of curiosity, independence, and rebellion. She attends an Armenian school in the Armenian sector of Jerusalem, and on her lunch breaks, she wanders Jerusalem, making observations about cultural similarities and differences from her life in the U.S. In her wanderings, she meets a teenage boy, Omer, who captures her interest. They start with several small conversations, building curiosity about each other, leading to the discovery that he is Jewish. Through this relationship, we experience their connections, worries, and hopes about violence, peace, and justice.

The book is saturated with gems of phrases and images that remain lodged in your imagination.

Nye has gifted her readers a protagonist who is also a writer: Liyana records her thoughts, her love of rhyming words, her detailed observations in a journal, allowing us to linger in appreciation for quiet scenes and poignant reflections on religion, human connection, and cultural identity. Although thirty years old, this book still offers a point of view much needed at this moment.

Weekend Picks for June 26th

6/26/2026

Welcome to the final weekend of June!

The Florida Gators, Dr. Davis and Dr. Parker (Ph.D., and Ed.D), are our contributors again this weekend to wrap up the month. We thank them for their contributions to our YA Lit community all month, and look forward to adding this historical graphic novel (with themes of systemic oppression and community-led survival programs) by David F. Walker & Marcus Kwame Anderson to our TBR lists!

Happy reading, everyone!

The Black Panther Party by David F. Walker & Marcus Kwame Anderson

David F. Walker

This graphic novel by David F. Walker and Marcus Kwame Anderson is a beautiful depiction of American history. It is the story of the Black Panther Party (BPP), from its origins to its demise. It reads more like a chapter book than traditional graphic novels. It is in a narrative form; there is a lot of text with some stories demonstrated through dialogue. Recurring tropes within the story include systemic oppression and community-led survival programs. This is a great introduction to historical fiction for those who find it challenging to read long-form chapter books.

What we enjoyed

The pace: Chapter one, the origin, is short and to the point. The novel does a great job of telling the Black Panther Party story, intertwining the many historical facts that were happening in parallel to the BPP story. If you read our previous blog, March: Book One, there is mention of events that happen in that book as well as other historical events.
Realistic: This novel pulls no punches on what was happening with the BPP. It is very forthright about how the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) viewed the group and the government’s role in its coming to an end. The novel shares several individual stories and gives insight into the ideology and background of the members.
The Art: The art is clean and does an excellent job of helping carry the story. We thoroughly enjoyed the pictures of different members, including the founders, Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, as well as Fred Hampton, Elaine Brown, and Angela Davis, which helps as you are learning about the people and the movement.

What was challenging

One of the biggest challenges was reading and understanding that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Specifically, the story of the murder of Fred Hampton at the hands of the police as he lay asleep with a pregnant partner lying next to him. Bobby Seale being incarcerated was also challenging, probably because after seeing the movie The Trial of the Chicago 7 it was unbelievable, heartbreaking to see how the system ignored his rights and treated a citizen of the country. Reading about the different people highlighted within the novel allowed us to consider how we would respond if our rights, communities, or futures were at stake. After you read this book, this story will remain with you. It remains with us.

Marcus Kwame Anderson

Favorite Quote or Moment:
The moment: 1967 scene based on true events, when Huey P. Newton knows his rights and stands up to the officers who are attempting to violate his Second Amendment right to bear arms.

The Final Verdict
Excellent read for those who want to learn about history and find non-fiction books too arduous to read. For those who will read this graphic novel, hopefully you will find breadcrumbs that will entice you to look at other material and learn more about different events in history that are briefly covered or mentioned in the book, like the Bloody Summer of 1919 or the anti-war protest in Chicago during the Democratic Convention, which is the impetus for The Trial of the Chicago 7, released in 2020.

This book matters because it provides a different perspective on the BPP. Many focus on the groups’ armed patrols and the confrontational nature, but this graphic novel shows the community programs, the education, and the efforts that were vital to the BPP’s mission. We are provided with a historical context that really shaped their movement. It doesn’t matter if we agree with what the BPP set out to do; we need to understand their role and impact, not just on Black history but on American history.

Weekend Picks for June 19th

6/19/2026

Welcome to the third weekend of June!

As we celebrate Juneteenth today, our Weekend Pick is a graphic novel that celebrates the life story of the late congressman John R. Lewis who spent his lifetime working for civil rights and social justice. It is the first book in a graphic trilogy.

As with last week, our contributors for this week prefer not to be highlighted, and choose only to identify themselves as Dr. Davis and Dr. Parker, two Florida Gators (Ph.D., and Ed.D). We thank them for their contributions to our YA Lit community, and look forward to adding this historical fiction by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin & Nate Powell to our TBR lists!

Happy reading, everyone!

March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin & Nate Powell

John Lewis

This graphic novel is a beautiful adaptation of the story of John R. Lewis, one of the many icons in the civil rights movement. The graphics help tell the story in a way that words alone could not express. This autobiography of Congressman Lewis’ experience from his childhood to his time in Congress reflects the highs and lows of the civil rights movement and American history.

What we enjoyed

The pace: Brilliantly paced, the autobiography moves from past to present (2009) in a clever way as Congressman Lewis talks to two young boys and their mother, who has brought her children to meet the then-living icon.

Realistic: Obviously, the book is realistic, as it is a depiction of the congressman's life. The artist renderings and the actions in the story add to the realism, making the words jump off the page, as most of us could not fathom experiencing the treatment displayed in this novel. The fact that dates, times, and locations are added to the story brings things even further to life.
The Art: We cannot reiterate how much the graphics bring to this story. It is in black and white, and the structure is nothing like you might see in a superhero story. We believe you could properly explain the story by looking at the graphics without the words. (This makes it easy for YA’s who consider themselves non-readers to engage and enjoy this graphic.)

Andrew Aydin

Nate Powell

What was challenging

The story: Anytime we watch a movie or read stories of this time in American history, it is a challenge for us. Seeing how humans are treated based on the sociological construct of race is shameful, hurtful, harmful, and leaves us feeling some kind of way. It is even more challenging to realize we live among individuals even today (2026) that hold these positions.

Favorite Quote or Moment:
“Can you swim?”
Such a simple question that carries so many underlying questions. Are you ready to die? Do you understand the risk? Are you prepared for what is ahead? Most importantly, do you have the courage to continue with all the uncertainty that lies ahead?

The Final Verdict
Whether you are interested in Congressman Lewis’ story itself or curious about the March in Selma, Alabama, you will not leave this book feeling like you have wasted your time. In fact, once you read Book One, you will be inclined to read Books Two and Three, as they end with cliffhangers. Note, if you decide to read this book, racial slurs are used, which further expresses the energy and vitriol that Congressman Lewis and others experienced. This book matters because it allows readers to connect history with the present. It is not just dates and events; it shows the human side, what it felt like to experience these events. How to make changes in a time when all seems lost. March: Book One shows us that history is shaped by the actions of those who choose to speak up when silence is an easy choice.

Weekend Picks for July 3rd

6/12/2026

Greetings!

As this long holiday weekend (Happy 250th, America!) comes to a close, you might find yourself looking to head back to the stacks. If so, we have you covered. And if you are a lover of historical fiction and mythology - this one is for you!

Madison Ballard

Our many thanks to Leilya Pitre and her students from Southeastern Louisiana University for their ongoing contributions to the blog.

Meet this weekend's blog contributor Madison Ballard. Madison is a secondary English education major at Southeastern Louisiana University.

The Sirens by Emilia Hart

Imagine that a historical fiction meets contemporary fiction and blends in the myth-inspired elements, and you will getThe Sirens (2025), an atmospheric novel that weaves together three different timelines, all connected by the sea. The story follows women from different generations as they struggle with trauma, identity, and survival. The ocean is always present, shaping the characters’ lives and emotions, and giving the novel a haunting, reflective tone .

I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s writing style, which is slow and descriptive, allowing readers to fully sink into the setting. Switching between timelines seems to be challenging at first, but each storyline echoes the others in meaningful ways. The novel brings together realistic experiences with myth-inspired elements, especially the idea of sirens, which adds depth and symbolism.

Major themes include womanhood, memory, inherited pain, and healing. The sea works as a symbol for both danger and comfort: it can hurt, but it can also help characters recover. The Sirens is a thoughtful read that encourages readers to think about how stories and struggles are passed down across generations.

Emilia Hart

Weekend Picks for June 12

6/12/2026

Welcome to the second weekend of June!

Our contributors for this week prefer not to be highlighted, and choose only to identify themselves as Dr. Davis and Dr. Parker, two Florida Gators (Ph.D., and Ed.D). We thank them for their contributions to our YA Lit community, and look forward to adding this fantasy read (which covers tropes like evolving from enemies to friends, the intrigue of town secrets, social hierarchy, and class)
by Jumata Emill to our TBR lists!

Happy reading, everyone!

The Black Queen by Jamata Emill

It is June, and homecoming season has just ended. It is an exciting time in young people’s lives. In The Black Queen, the excitement surrounding the homecoming at Lovett High is something few could fathom. The events surrounding this homecoming will take you on a journey of exploration, where you can learn about yourself, others, and the world we live in. Let’s talk about it.

The Premise (No Spoilers!):

“You did it, I know you did it, I don’t care what you say. I know.”
What would you do if you were accused of a crime?
What would you do if you had to clear your own name?
Who might you call for support in your endeavor?

The story follows a young high school student, Tinsley McArthur, who is accused of murder! She has the means and motive, but did she do it? Duchess Simmons, the best friend of the deceased Nova Albright, is sure she did. This book is a journey from the perspective of these two young people as they manage life after the murder of a classmate and a friend.

The hook? Nova, who has been murdered, is black, while Tinsley, the accused, is white. The story unfolds at a historically white high school where the homecoming queen has always been white.

What we enjoyed

The pace: This is not a slow burn. From the first chapter to the last, you want to know more. There is no slow burn here.
Realistic: The story explores themes of race, privilege, socioeconomic status, and class. The language used in the book is genuine; the conversation seems authentic and like something you might overhear among young people. Also, we enjoyed the little surprises that characters find out about family members, which is so realistic. We have listened to so many podcasts where people were surprised about things that were happening in their family or family history, of which they were not aware.
No Romance: While there are times for romance, there are novels that try to create relationships that do not add to the story, leaving you wondering. Why? This is not the case with this story. While there are side stories, the main thing stays the main thing.

Jumata Emill

What was challenging

The characters: There were times when we were annoyed with several of the characters’ actions.
Realistic: Realism was what we enjoyed and was also a challenge. As you learn more about Tinsley and her family background and see how some family members manage themselves, once again, you find yourself being annoyed.

Note: These challenges clearly are not about the book itself; they were challenges, nonetheless.

Favorite Quote or Moment:
We would tell you our favorite moment, but it would be a spoiler. When and or if you read the book, you will find out!

The Final Verdict (SPOILER ALERT)
Benjamin Crump's grandmother has been quoted as saying, “The only thing worse than a lie is telling the truth, and no one believes you.” We heard this quote long after reading this novel; however, as we write this blog, that quote rings true even more and would ring true for Tinsley.

This book is a page turner that not only keeps you engaged but also explores real-world topics and invites you to investigate your own biases and privileges, if you dare to do so.

Weekend Picks for June 5th

6/5/2026

Welcome to the first Weekend Picks of June! The month kicks off with a recommendation for our YA mystery lovers - this one is for you!

Bre Donohue

Our many thanks to Leilya Pitre and her students from Southeastern Louisiana University for their ongoing contributions to the blog.

Meet Bre Donohue!

Bre is a sophomore in the secondary English education program at Southeastern Louisiana University. She is still learning how to be a college student, but is already active in the events on campus. To say Bre loves to read is to say nothing. When she talks about the books, her face lights up with the emotions she experiences for that book, and it seems nothing else exists around. It makes people want to read every book she introduces.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Inheritance Games (2020) is a fast-paced mystery that begins when Avery Grambs, an ordinary teenager, unexpectedly inherits a billionaire’s fortune. She is sent to live in Hawthorne House, a massive mansion full of secrets, puzzles, and four grandsons who believe the money should have been theirs. From the start, the book pulls readers in with questions: Why Avery? What did the billionaire really plan?

One of the strongest parts of this novel is its structure. The chapters are short and end with cliffhangers, which makes it hard to stop reading. The setting of Hawthorne House is especially important; the description is unbelievably detailed and allows me “to see” it.

It almost feels like Hawthorne House is a character itself in the novel. Hidden rooms, secret passages, and riddles reflect the complicated family relationships and long-held secrets.

Beyond the mystery, the novel explores themes of wealth, privilege, and identity. Avery must figure out who she is when money suddenly changes everything around her. The book balances romance, danger, and clever puzzles, making it appealing to a wide range of readers, especially those who enjoy stories that feel like a game they are trying to solve.

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Editor/Curator:

Our current Weekend Picks editor/curator is Dr. Amanda Stearns-Pfeiffer. She is an Associate Professor of English Education at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan where she has taught courses in ELA methods, YA Literature, grammar, and Contemporary Literature since 2013. When she's not teaching, writing, or reading, she loves to spend time with her husband and three kids - especially on the tennis court. Her current research interests include YAL featuring girls in sports and investigating the representation of those female athletes.

Questions? Comments? Contact Amanda:
[email protected]

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