Tag: YA

Book Reviews

Book Review: Dead Poets Society

Author: N.H. Kleinbaum Published: 1988 Genres: Coming of age, Fiction, Poetry, YA By: Catherine Dead Poets Society a well-written and executed novel by N.H Kleinbaum, embarks you on a journey of friendship-brotherhood, self-discovery, bittersweet tragedy, conformity vs individualism, and romance. Todd Anderson, a timid, woke, and somewhat reserved 16-year-old boy transfers to Welton Academy. A private, disciplined, academy for boys’, where he meets his permanent dorm roommate, Neil Perry, a charismatic, passionate, and charming boy, and his friend group of somewhat rebellious and intelligent boys. Despite stark contrast to himself, they quickly become friends.  Welton Academy is infamous … Continue reading Book Review: Dead Poets Society

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Book Reviews

Book Review: The Luminaries

Author: Susan Dennard Published: 2022 Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, YA By: Katie Star Rating: 3.7/5 stars Did you like this book? The Luminaries is the first novel in a compelling fantasy trilogy. It follows Winnie Wednesday and her pursuit of becoming a nightmare hunter, having to face three trials during the month of her sixteenth birthday. Although, after her family was outcasted from the Wednesday clan years ago … Continue reading Book Review: The Luminaries

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Book Reviews

Book Review: We Were Liars

Author: E. Lockhart Published: 2014 Genres: Mystery, Psychological Thriller, YA By: Cassia Star Rating: 4/5 The Sinclair family is perfect. They have money, good looks, passion and a private island. But what happens when a group of four friends, the Liars, make a mistake which leads to a heart-breaking accident? I would tell you, but I’m just going to lie.  Personally, I liked this book. It was different from my usual genre of books, but … Continue reading Book Review: We Were Liars

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Book Reviews

Book Review: Polar Bear Cafe

Author: Aloha Higa Published: 2023 Genres: Animals, Humor, Manga, YA By: Huxley If you are looking for a new book series to read, one I would recommend is the Polar Bear Cafe, by Aloha Higa.Polar Bear Cafe is a fictional manga about a group of friends going about their comedic life. If you have not read manga yet, it is read in the traditional Japanese order of left … Continue reading Book Review: Polar Bear Cafe

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Library Displays

Book Review: The Last Bookstore on Earth

Author: Lily Braun-Arnold Published: 2025 Genres: Dystopia, LGBT+, Romance, YA By: Jess Star Rating: 4/5 stars It has happened. The world has ended. Ripped apart by storms and acid rain, Liz has nothing left, except for her bookstore. For a year she has lived here, trading books and passing mail, never venturing outside of the bookstore’s safety. She wasn’t always alone, but old friends left for survival, for new possibilities, for a … Continue reading Book Review: The Last Bookstore on Earth

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Library Displays

Māpuna Library’s: Spine Poetry 2026!

Our last display of the term is up and looking fantastic! Quite poetic even, you could say! This display was inspired in part to celebrate World Poetry Day in mid-March. The idea was simple – make a poem out of book spines, well done to all the student librarians and staff who contributed and let their creativity fly! #SpinePoetry #TryItOut! Thank you to our wonderful … Continue reading Māpuna Library’s: Spine Poetry 2026!

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Library Displays

Māpuna Library’s: Blind Date a Book 2026!

Our first display of 2026 is up and running! To celebrate February with Blind Date a Book! The idea was simple – wrap up a selection of books and describe the novel in 3 words! And see if the students are encouraged to take one out! #BlindDateABook #TakeOneOut Thank you to our wonderful Library Team who put together this display and contniued to wrap up … Continue reading Māpuna Library’s: Blind Date a Book 2026!

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Book Reviews

Book Review: Shatter Me

Author: Tahereh Mafi Published: November, 2011 Genres: Dystopia, Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, YA By: Alexandrina Tahereh Mafi’s debut novel, Shatter Me, is a bold and imaginative work of young adult dystopian fiction that explores themes of isolation, identity, and the burden of power. The novel revolves around Juliette Ferrars, a teenage girl whose touch is fatal and whose life has been controlled by the authoritarian regime known as the … Continue reading Book Review: Shatter Me

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