Tag: #QP2027

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: Bad Kid: My Life as a “Troubled Teen” by Sofia Szamosi

When Sofia was thirteen years old, her mother signed her daughter up for a special program for “troubled teens” several states away. Two men came and forcefully transported her to the wilderness experience. From there, Sofia found herself trapped in a cycle of mandatory attendance in many of these supposedly therapeutic programs because of her mother’s fear and the label of being a “bad kid”.

The artwork is clear and gripping, and shows the emotion and frustration of Sofia and her fellow bad kids as they move from program to program. The stark palette of black, white, and red highlight the emotion of the story, as color is used infrequently for emphasis. Readers will read with fascination as the author describes her personal experience with the unregulated intervention industry. Teens are finely attuned to what is and is not fair treatment, and this graphic memoir explores the personal and intimate coming-of-age story of the author’s struggle and limited access to education, communication with family, and basic freedoms. 

Comparable titles include: Bad Boy by Walter Dean Myers, Shackled: A Tale of Wronged Kids, Rogue Judges, and a Town that Looked Away by Candy J. Cooper, Wild Bird by Wendelin Van Draanen, and Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American by Laura Gao. Recent documentaries about the troubled teen industry, including The Program and Hell Camp, might also be of interest.

 

–Emily Williams

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Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: King of Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwin

  • King of the Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwin
  • Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster
  • Publication Date: October 14, 2025
  • ISBN: 9781665973120

Pernell is determined to make the most of his third summer in a row at summer school by becoming this summer’s Cypher King – the leader of the summer school lunchroom informal rap circles. With tape recorder in hand, Pernell records his journey for “future listeners” through freestyling, interviews with friends and family, and stray observations. Throughout, he (and those around him) slowly begin to accept that his ADHD diagnosis which has always been treated like a “problem” might actually be what makes him who he is and his strength as a potential Cypher King. 

Told through a mix of engaging freestyle verse, humorous observations, and thoughtful interactions with parents and friends, Goodwin has created a compelling protagonist that teens will either root for or relate to. Pernell’s journey to embrace his neurodiversity as a strength rather than a weakness never feels preachy or heavy-handed and takes real teen readers’ own issues with teachers and adults who might not understand seriously. Teens will no doubt appreciate that there is little attempt to lionize the burnt out English teacher who serves as Pernell’s main antagonist. The font of the book is unique and there is a lot of white space on the page which should draw in reluctant readers who are turned off by traditional text. Pernell’s relatability and sense of humor should appeal to a wide range of teens but reluctant readers who struggle with school due to undiagnosed or misunderstood neurodivergency will find this particularly resonant. While the book takes place nearly 30 years ago (right before 2000) the focus on now iconic hip hop and punk music of the late 90s will likely still appeal to most teens, but particularly readers with a fondness for nostalgia music.  

A great choice for reluctant readers who enjoyed Jason Reynolds Track series or Kwame Alexander’s Booked as younger readers. This is also a lighter choice for teens who liked heavier novels in verse like Jason Reynold’s Long Way Down or Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam’s Punching the Air.  

–Maryanne Olson

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Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: Truth is by Hannah V. Sawyerr

  • Truth Is
  • by Hannah V. Sawyerr
  • Amulet Books
  • Publication Date: September 23, 2025
  • ISBN: 9781419776830

Young poet Truth Bangura knows the truth – she’s pregnant – before she even takes the test. She also knows she can’t disappoint her overly protective mom whose own career plans were derailed when she became pregnant at seventeen. And when Truth’s high achieving best friend doesn’t understand her choice to seek an abortion, she finds herself alone. Truth decides to move forward on her own and finds a new circle of friends in a slam poetry team. If it wasn’t for a viral video of her performing a poem about her choice, her secret might have been safe. 

Through a variety of poetic forms from free verse to journal entries, poetry prompts, and multiple choice lists, this novel in verse keeps the pages turning quickly.  Readers will be drawn into Truth’s predicament and her struggle to forge her own path when everything and (mostly) everyone seems to be against her. The book also provides some eye-opening insight into the difficulty of seeking abortion care. Truth’s slow building romance with a supportive teammate is icing on the cake for reluctant readers.   

Juniors and seniors who feel a little uncertain about their futures will identify strongly with Truth. Budding writers may also be inspired by many of the writing prompts. Readers who enjoyed the depiction of poetry slams in “Bright Red Fruit” by Safia Elhillo and learning about the struggle for abortion access in “Plan A” by Deb Coletti will really get into this book.

–Lily Mayfield

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Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: White House Secrets: Medical Lies and Cover-Ups by Gail Jarrow

Who doesn’t want to learn about presidential secrets and coverups? Gail Jarrow has written a highly engaging, fascinating look at nine presidents in history who concealed medical issues while president of the United States of America. Presidents profiled include James Garfield, Chester Arthur, Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Joe Biden. Readers will learn who knew what when, including the media, family members, and medical professionals. 

Jarrow writes about presidential medical secrets with a sense of urgency. Students will be shocked by some of the details, such as that James Garfield wouldn’t have died if his doctors hadn’t put unclean fingers inside his wound and just how much medication President JFK was taking for Addison’s disease and severe back pain. Given that many of our politicians are hanging on to their offices well into old age, these discussions around fitness for office and ethics are highly relevant. Recommended for teens who like historical nonfiction that reveals complex, messy history and exposes the truth about historical figures. 

Hand this to students who like books such as the History Smashers series by Kate Messner or to teens who have read other books by Gail Jarrow such as Blood and Germs or The Poison Eaters.

–Laura Gardner

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Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: Love Me Tomorrow by Emiko Jean

Cynical about romance, teenage Emma makes a wish at a festival for proof that love is real, only to find herself falling for three very different boys at the same time. Complicating matters further, she begins receiving mysterious notes from someone claiming to be from her future—and they know enough of her deepest secrets for her to believe them. As Emma develops an obsession with uncovering the letter-writer’s identity, this engaging mystery unfolds alongside mild, age-appropriate content including references to sex, virginity, and underage substance use.

Intricately plotted and evenly paced, this sweet romantic comedy will effortlessly hook readers, first with its vibrant cover and then with its witty, sharp dialogue. The clever blend of contemporary romance and sci-fi mystery creates an addictive whodunit element, keeping readers desperate to catch every clue as they try to guess which of Emma’s three suspects is writing the letters.

Teenagers who enjoy a sweet  romantic comedy with a love triangle, a will-they-won’t-they trope, and a sprinkle of magic. Readers who enjoyed Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy and Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter will eat this up.

–Kelly Roberts

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Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: Red Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman

  • Red Star Rebels
  • by Amie Kaufman
  • Knopf Books for Young Readers
  • Publication Date: February 10, 2026
  • ISBN:  979-8217029013

By 2067, Mars has been sporadically settled. Teenage rich boy Hunter is the heir to his family’s colonization empire, traveling to Mars from Earth to make a play for his rightful place in the business. He meets stowaway Cleo on a planetary base immediately after an emergency evacuation– that they both miss. When a secret plot is uncovered and mercenaries threaten to destroy the (almost) empty base, Hunter and Cleo form an uneasy alliance to stop the impending explosion and stay alive. 

The action starts in the first few pages, when Hunter’s arrival on the planet turns into a chaotic scene of workers and settlers in full evac mode. Details about Hunter and Cleo’s pasts are revealed slowly, heightening the tension and adding to the drama as they start to fall for each other. Space pirates, a ticking bomb, escape attempts, and ambushes add to the nonstop momentum of this story, which takes place in just 8 hours. 

Teens looking for fast paced action and sci-fi escapism who don’t mind a large dose of romance will most appreciate this title. Plenty of banter and the Home Alone-style traps Hunter and Cleo set for the bad guys keep this book fun and silly. Comparable science fiction titles include Titan of the Stars by E. K. Johnston, Victories Greater than Death by Charlie Jane Anders, and Across the Universe by Beth Revis.

-Emily Williams

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Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: One Word, Six Letters by Adib Khorram

When Dayton takes a dare and shouts the f slur at a visiting author, the fallout is immediate and severe. Dayton receives a 3 day in school suspension. His friends stop speaking to him. The fallout also affects Farshid who is questioning his sexuality. Farshid is also dealing with anxiety and body dysmorphia issues which are exacerbated by the use of the f slur. 

A powerful novel and a great read. Khorram shows how one poor choice can spiral and how slurs used while “just joking” cause harm. The story is told from a dual POV, However, the chapters are clearly labelled enabling the reader to know which character is speaking. Khorram skillfully and sensitively deals with the issues of body dysmorphia , toxic masculinity and being different from your peers. Short chapters and a fast moving plot make this a great Quick Pick!

Similar titles include Here to Stay by Sarah Farizan and Dragging Curtis County by Curtis Campbell. 

–Beth Slade

Check out of interview with the author of One Word, Six Letters Adib Khorram!

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: The Moon Without Stars by Chanel Miller

As she enters 7th grade, Luna is quiet but confident in who she is – a lover of books and drawing – and she knows that her best friend Scott will be by her side no matter what. But new-found popularity for Luna after she and Scott produce a series of “self-help” zines for classmates shifts her perspective on middle school, her life, and her friendships. As she navigates her new social status, Luna is forced to confront what she’d be willing to compromise, who she’s willing to give up, and how those things affect who she ultimately wants to be.

With an inviting cover that doesn’t age down the middle-school aged characters, this is an ideal bridge book for younger teens as they transition from middle grade to young adult books. Luna’s journey is ultimately a classic tale of the importance of friends and offers opportunities for readers to think about how even those who are different from us might also have their own insecurities. Luna’s straightforward and frank analysis of her own coming of age and her experiences with a diverse array of classmates provide a fresh and relatable perspective on middle school for contemporary young teens. Luna’s observations on getting older also feature a wry sense of humor that could appeal to slightly older teens who are ready to feel nostalgic about the tumultuous years of middle school. 

Younger teens who enjoy realistic, relatable fiction that provide a humorous look at growing up would enjoy this title. It is also, a great alternative and “next level” book for middle school students who are ready to read beyond The Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Dork Diaries. Recent comparable titles include Jess Callan’s Ollie in Between and Naomi Milliner’s The Trouble with Secrets. Fans of classic Judy Blume like Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret and Then Again, Maybe I Won’t will also enjoy this.

–Maryanne Olson

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: Leave it on the Track by Margot Fisher

Morgan “Moose” Shaker has lost everything after barely surviving a catastrophic fire in a skating rink. Her dads, her beloved hometown of Moab, and her life as she knew it are all gone as she struggles to start over in Portland, Oregon with her estranged half sister as her guardian. But Moose soon finds a new community in a junior roller derby league where she is able to focus on something other than her loss and anxiety.

Part realistic fiction about processing grief and part LGBTQ sports romance, this novel hits all the highs and lows of teen life.  Moose is an imperfect and relatable character; teens will connect with her emotional depth as she struggles with anxiety, anger, the pressure to perform in sports, as well as the dazzling sparks of new love and friendship. With short chapters, the story moves at a quick pace and is filled with other nuanced characters who support and challenge Moose. Teens will be immersed in the lushly described settings of Moab and Portland as Moose considers the dramatic differences of her life before and after the fire.

Readers who love books about women’s sports, LGBTQ romance, and realistic fiction about grief and mental health will find much to keep the pages turning. Similar titles include All the Blues in the Sky by Renee Watson, Bruised by Tanya Boteju, and A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti.

––Lily Mayfield