The Rapid Reader

Purchase this book on Amazon here! By Your Side is a YA contemporary novel by Kasie West. When Autumn runs back inside the library at closing time, she doesn't expect to be locked in for the entire weekend. But that's exactly what happens. To make matters worse, she's not alone. Dax Miller, a guy from her high school who is known as trouble, is also locked inside. Autumn fully expects her friends to realize she's missing, but as time passes, she realizes she's really stuck. As she and Dax slowly open up to each other, she finds that there's more to him than meets the eye.  Sex: None. It's discussed in passing but there are no actual sex scenes. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: There are some high school parties, but I don't remember alcohol ever being mentioned. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are some suspenseful scenes but nothing over the top. Final Note: This was a cute story. It was more than just a teenage...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Moxie is a YA fiction novel by Jennifer Mathieu. Viv lives in a small town in Texas. Her high school is home to a football team who can do no wrong - even when they do. Sick of the sexist dress codes and harassment in the hallways, Viv decides to secretly start a revolution. Hiding her "zines" in the girls' bathrooms, she hopes to bring girls together and encourage them to use their voice. Sex: There are no actual sex scenes, but sexual harassment, sexual comments, and sexual assault are all topics in this book. Language: Moderate to high. Drug/Alcohol Use: There are some instances of underage drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are two different instances of sexual assault that are discussed, one in detail. Final Note: Viv was a great character. Knowing that there are many schools in our country that have the same issues as this one, I think it's important for females to know that they...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! York: The Shadow Cipher is a middle grade science fiction mystery novel by Laura Ruby. The Morningstarr twins had big plans for New York. Using technology never before seen, they created the city of the future. But when they suddenly disappear, the architects leave behind something called the Old York Cipher, a puzzle within the city with a treasure as its prize. Unfortunately, no one has ever been able to solve it, and most people have stopped trying. Until now. Siblings Tess and Theo, and their friend Jamie, decide to try to solve the Cipher once and for all, and save the city and buildings they love so much. (This is Book One in a new series!) Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several suspenseful scenes and they are some seedy violent characters. There is nothing too graphic. It's all to add to the sense of adventure. Final Note: This is going to be a...

  Purchase this book on Amazon here! The World's Greatest Detective is a middle grade mystery novel by Caroline Carlson. Toby Montrose lives on Detective's Row with his uncle. When a chance to enter a crime-solving contest comes up, Toby decides he must enter and prove that he can really be a detective. But Toby, and his new friend Ivy, get a little more than they bargained for! Sex: None. There are some comments about flirting, but nothing serious. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: Mild wine drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are past deaths that are discussed and there is a murder case. There are a few suspenseful moments! Final Note: I really enjoyed this one! Growing up, I loved Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and Encyclopedia Brown. This book was just as clever. It keeps readers guessing and is a story that will be entertaining for both boys and girls.