The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
Everyone needs to read this book. It’s honest, uncomfortable, and eye-opening. Starr lives in a poor, dangerous neighborhood, but attends a wealthy and predominately white school and she feels like her two selves are at war when she witnesses her friend Khalil get fatally shot by a police officer. Seriously, read this book.
The Impossible Fortress by Jason Rekulak
Sometimes a book is so endearing and nostalgic to teenage years that you can’t help getting brought along for the ride. Billy is a fourteen-year-old who spends his time with friends, playing and creating video games, and thinking about girls while also avoiding them. We follow along as he navigates through high school.
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel
This stunning, eye-opening novel very clearly shows how reading fosters empathy. In a heartwarming tone, it discusses a topic that a lot of people aren’t familiar with in a very eye-opening and relatable way.
Dead Letters by Claire Dolan-Leach
Caite Dolan-Leach writes beautifully, casting an eccentric line of characters in a beautiful (albeit unsuccessful) vineyard in a small town. Enchanting with a punchy voice, quick pace, and unexpected twists!
The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley by Hannah Tinti
This father-daughter story stars the gun-toting Samuel Hawley and his daughter, steel-toe boot-wearing Loo. Despite their rough exteriors, the duo charmed me as Loo tries to reconcile with her father’s dark past.
Dream by Day 
I have The Hate U Give on my nightstand right now. There’s one other book I am reading before it, but I haven’t heard a single bad word about that book and I am excited!!
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Thanks for reminding me to add The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley to my Goodreads list! I had heard about this book from an NPR segment and was intrigued. It sounds very different from any of the books I read this year, but that could be refreshing.
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Impossible Fortress didn’t make my top list, but it was a fun read.
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Hi Samantha ,
Thanks for your review. I also love The Impossible Fortress by Jason Rekulak and Dead Letters by Claire Dolan-Leach. I searched the books and i was able to buy them recently. However it’s pretty hard to find . I was able to find them on http://www.goreadabook.org ( sorry if i’m not allowed to leave a link here but maybe it will help others too) . I recommend everyone to read them. Thanks again for your review. Keep up with your good work and make more book reviews. I enjoy reading them 🙂 . With warm , George
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I completely agree with you, it is such an important read; everyone should read it. It really enforces the importantance of equality. I read it last summer and loved every single minute of it. It is executed perfectly. Do you know any other books that are good and are about equality? Have you read the Noughts and Crosses series by Malorie Blackman, as if you haven’t then you will love this series if you loved this book? I love your post it is great, and is a excellent selection of books.
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I absolutely loved The Impossible Fortress. It stands out from some of the other YA reads with its simple prose and endearing personalities. It is such an underrated book!
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