emotional – Reviews by Teens for Teens: find your next great read!

Realistic Fiction Reviews

The People We Keep by Allison Larkin

The People We Keep is a book that discovers a girl’s redefinition of the word family. Not feeling worthy of love tears apart 16 year…

Realistic Fiction Reviews

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Searle

Merry Mao September 15, 2022 death emotional italy loss relationships summer travel vacation

You would think that a summer vacation in Italy would bring nothing but joy and stunning views. However, for Kathy it brings nothing but disappointment…

Award Winners Diverse Voices Poetry Realistic Fiction Reviews

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Merry Mao September 11, 2022 drama emotional family intense poetry violence

This unique take on a classic novel utilizes poetry to portray what feels like endless thoughts of a young boy about to commit a terrible…

Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

Merry Mao September 5, 2022 emotional family historical intense love relationships Romance serious

TW: Islamophobia, xenophobia Beginning this book made me uneasy since it spends a lot of time setting up the plot and telling rather than showing.…

Diverse Voices LGBTQI+ Realistic Fiction

Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro

Merry Mao August 30, 2022 death emotional family friendships intense lgbtqia mental health racism

TW: racism, assault, violence, police brutality, murder/death Anger is a Gift is a very challenging book for a variety of reasons. Please be advised that…

Diverse Voices Mysteries and Thrillers Realistic Fiction Reviews

Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson

Merry Mao August 28, 2022 emotional friendships intense racism relationships

TW: child abuse/neglect, miscarriage, homophobia The novel Monday’s Not Coming is complex. The novel focuses on the mysterious disappearances of black children and the faulty…