Sofia’s Kids’ Corner

Sofia’s YA Book Nook: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

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Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!

 

Dear readers,

Please let me introduce you to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, a twisty time travel novel that explores themes of identity! The plot for this book is very interesting, following main character Adeline who is immortal and is unable to leave an imprint on anything or anybody. This means people forget who she is as they look away, even her own parents. As Adeline navigates her lonely existence with no one but the devil for company, she must decide if her life is even worth living for.

Goodreads Summary

A Life No One Will Remember. A Story You Will Never Forget. France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever-and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world. But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.

My Thoughts

The premise of this novel is very intriguing and I love how Schwab hints at different parts of Adeline’s 300 year existence throughout the story, separating the long amount of time very nicely. Since the time period changes so frequently, I never found myself getting bored of one setting. I was actually looking forward to revisiting the time plots. I listened to about half of this book on audiobook but found that I preferred physically reading the words on the page as it made the story feel more impactful. Anyway, this book is 18 hours long so if you are looking for a story you can listen to for a long time, this is it! The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue explores what it means to be forgotten and the impact that leaves on a person. 

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is an adult novel that handles themes of death, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, toxic romantic relationships and being forgotten. For these reasons, I believe a mature high schooler could appreciate this piece of literature.

**Thanks so much, Sofia!**

Sofia’s YA Book Nook: When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao

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Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!

 

 

Dear readers,

If you are looking for a tragic book about what it means to lose the people you care about, let me introduce you to When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao. I have been wanting to read this book ever since I read You’ve Reached Sam (link to review) which literally brought me to tears. Eric is still finding himself after the sudden loss of his best friend and love interest Daniel. In the previous summer in Japan, Eric meets adventurous and charismatic Haru who wants to show him through Tokyo, but even though they are having fun, Eric cuts it short to hang out with Daniel. After Daniel’s sudden death, Eric is in a cafe, processing the news when Haru goes and sits down next to him. This book reminds me of Studio Ghibli films with their magical realism components and atmospheric writing! Fans of “My Neighbor Totoro” might enjoy Haru’s similar, yet more complex presence.

Goodreads Summary

We Are Okay meets Wandavision in this novel about loss, and learning to let go. After the death of his best friend, Eric Ly creates imaginary scenarios in his head to deal with his grief. Until one of them becomes real when a boy he met last summer in Japan finds his way back into his life. When he least expects it, Haru Tanaka walks into the coffee shop and sits down next to him. The only thing is, nobody else can see him. In a magical turn of events, Eric suddenly has someone to connect with, making him feel less alone in the world. But as they spend more and more time together, he begins to question what is real. When he starts losing control of the very thing that is holding him together, Eric must finally confront his reality. Even if it means losing Haru forever.

My Thoughts

When Haru Was Here shows the journey as Eric goes through many emotions regarding Haru, and how confusing his appearances are. A significant motif throughout this novel is the little bell Eric hears each time Haru is about to appear. To me, the bell served as a clear sign that Haru was a figment of Eric’s imagination, an idea that Eric struggled with. In his state of grief, Eric is manipulated by people around him and taken advantage of. His new coworkers take him to parties with excessive liquor even though he is underage. This exposes him to wealthy men who don’t have his best interest in mind, only looking for a disposable lover. Eric is forced to choose between Haru and his abusive partners. The entire novel shows what grief can do to a person, as Eric seems to be slipping in and out of reality constantly. When Haru Was Here portrays the emotional trauma that occurs when one loses a loved one, and the implications on people’s mental health.

When Haru Was Here is a YA novel that is appropriate for ages 13+. Some mature themes to be aware of are death of a loved one, grief, and excessive alcohol consumption.

**Thanks so much, Sofia!**

Sofia’s YA Book Nook: Homeschooled by Stefan Merrill Block

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Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!

Note: This one is an adult book that is popular among young adults!

Dear readers,

Please let me introduce you to Homeschooled by Stefan Merril Block, a devastating memoir about Stefan’s relationship with his mom and how she emotionally manipulated him into homeschooling. His mom’s abusive nature while she so desperately wanted Stefan to stay as her little boy was heartbreaking to read about. I really want to thank Ricki for recommending this to me after I read Educated (link to review), a book of a similar nature which I also loved! 

Goodreads Summary

A heartbreaking and empowering debut memoir about a mother’s all-consuming love, a son’s perilous quest to discover the world beyond the front door and the unregulated homeschool system that impacts millions like him. Stefan Merrill Block was nine when his mother pulled him from school, certain that his teachers were “stifling his creativity.” With no background in education and no formal training, she began to instruct Stefan in the family’s living room. Beyond his formal lessons in math, however, Stefan was largely left to his own devices and his mother’s erratic whims. She forced him to bleach his hair and to crawl like a baby in a strange and regressive attempt to recapture his early years. Long before homeschooling would become a massive nationwide movement, at a time when it had just become legal in his home state of Texas, Stefan vanished into that unseen space and into his mother’s increasingly eccentric theories and projects. But when, after five years away from the outside world, Stefan reentered the public school system in Plano as a freshman, he was in for a jarring awakening. At once a novelistic portrait of mother and son, and an illuminating window into an overlooked corner of the American education system, Homeschooled is a moving, funny and ultimately inspiring story of a son’s battle for a life of his own choosing, and the wages of a mother’s all-consuming love.

My Thoughts

Homeschooled is a truly upsetting read that will have you forgetting that it is a memoir. I remember all the crazy scenes, including self-harm, where I couldn’t imagine such a horrific upbringing was real. This novel made me grateful for all of my wonderful teachers who nurture education and guide us through the material we have to learn, not just abandoning us like Stefan’s mother. The effects of the isolation his mother’s homeschooling caused were evident and caused Stefan to make social mistakes like going on a dating chat room. It really seemed like his mother was trying to isolate him at times, embarrassing him in front of his friends and corrupting the way he saw other people. Though this novel is not an accurate portrayal of all homeschooling, it definitely tells an important story that rings true to many across America. Bringing awareness to these practices is the key to avoiding them. Stefan’s mother should not have been able to single-handedly be responsible for all of Stefan’s schooling. 

Homeschooled is an Adult novel because of the emotional abuse Stefan faces and his intimate coming of age story. It is an important story that can and should be read by upper high schoolers.

**Thanks so much, Sofia!**

Sofia’s YA Book Nook: The New Girl by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!

Dear readers,

Hello and welcome to another book review! Today I want to share with you, The New Girl by Jesse Q. Sutanto! This YA thriller had me HOOKED for two days and I couldn’t stop reading it! I have read another book by Sutanto, The Obsession but I prefer The New Girl (even though I also loved The Obsession). This book talks about the struggles Lia faces as she starts school in a place where wealth is common and diversity is practically nonexistent. As Lia starts her adventure at Draycott, she slowly discovers that nothing is as it seems.

Goodreads Summary

Lia Setiawan has never really fit in. When she wins a full ride to the prestigious Draycott Academy on a track scholarship, she’s determined to make it work even though she’s never felt more out of place. But on her first day there she witnesses a girl being forcefully carried away by campus security. Her new schoolmates and teachers seem unfazed, but it leaves her unsure of what she’s gotten herself into. As she uncovers the secrets of Draycott, complete with a corrupt teacher, a golden boy who isn’t what he seems, and a blackmailer determined to get her thrown out, she’s not sure if she can trust anyone–especially when the threats against her take a deadly turn.

My Thoughts

Wow, The New Girl was just too exciting to put down! I love the plot, and I really feel like I am with Lia as she is discovering Draycott. After the first day, she already feels out of place and that feeling just grows. When she starts getting bullied and blackmailed I truly feel bad for her. I had a lot of fun though trying to uncover what is actually happening at Draycott, between corrupt teachers, bullies and drugs. I found it cool that Lia’s character was a good example of resilience, because even after all of the challenges she faced coming to a new, elitist school, she never gave up on fighting for what she thought was right. 

On Amazon, The New Girl is recommended for ages 14-18 and this is most likely for the constant mentions of drugs, people dying, sometimes from overdoses, and the vast amount of bullying. They literally have an app that is dedicated to bullying, Draycott Dirt. Overall, The New Girl was a captivating, fast-paced thriller that I absolutely loved! Happy reading!

**Thanks so much, Sofia!**

Sofia’s YA Book Nook: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

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Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!

Dear readers,

Please let me introduce The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, a mind-bending novel about time paradoxes and the meaning of life. In this impactful book, Nora Seed overdoses on antidepressants, but instead of dying, she is transported to a magical library that allows you to experience all of your possible lives if you were to make different decisions. Nora discovers lives where she is married to the man she left at the altar, is an Olympic swimmer, or pursues her childhood dream job, all while learning valuable lessons along the way. Nora’s intense emotional journey is an interesting one to follow, and the unique plot makes it very intriguing!

Goodreads Summary

Between life and death there is a library. When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change. The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But things aren’t always what she imagined they’d be, and soon her choices place the library and herself in extreme danger. Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?

My Thoughts

The Midnight Library challenges the ideas of regret and living one’s life to the fullest. Many decisions lead Nora to take her own life, but as she journeys through the library and the possible lives she could’ve had, she realizes that not one of them is perfect. When faced with all of the things that went wrong, but also right in her “root life,” she sees that life is worth living no matter what happens. I love the overarching theme of trying to live life without regrets, taking opportunities as they come and not mourning past decisions as they might not’ve turned out the way you would’ve liked. This novel has shown me the power decisions hold, while also teaching me not to spend time regretting decisions I’ve already made. As Nora searches through all her lives, one can’t help but wonder if she will end up finding her true self?

The Midnight Library is an adult novel, categorized by its mentions of suicide, death, drugs, and depression, though it would be appropriate for most high school audiences. The deep exploration into the meaning of death reveals a powerful message that rings true from YA readers to adults.

**Thanks so much, Sofia!**

Sofia’s YA Book Nook: Books I Read for My 9th Grade Honors English Class

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Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!

Dear readers,

I have never imagined writing a review about books I read for school but the novels we discussed in my 9th grade Honors English class were some of the most thought-provoking pieces of literature that I have ever read. These books questioned my views of the world in such an eye-opening way that I feel like I must recommend them. For that reason, I would like to present to you, Educated by Tara Westover, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.

Educated by Tara Westover

This transformative and awe-inspiring novel was our summer assignment and I was truly blown away by how it challenged my views on American childhood and parental influence. Educated is a moving autobiography that follows main character Tara through her journey as she grows up in a family that is isolated from most of the world and its culture. Her father doesn’t believe in public schools or the government so Tara mostly stays in her house and blindly follows what her parents say. When Tyler, one of her older brothers, sneaks out to go to college against their parents’ wishes, Tara starts to see that there are opportunities beyond the mountain where her family lives. When family members get injured at her dad’s junkyard, she no longer thinks it is a coincidence or tragic accident, but looks deeper, realizing how careless and dangerous her father is. But when she raises her concerns to her mother, including how her brother Shane is abusing her, her mom calls her crazy, making Tara struggle to trust herself and her memories. Educated is truly a story of resilience and Tara paving her own path, even when it seems impossible. I found her story incredibly inspiring and a definite must read if you are looking for a shocking and thought-provoking book! I often found myself wondering about the impact of childhood on one’s future self and other deep questions. While this was a book that I had to read for my freshman year of high school, which usually dampens my enjoyment, I still loved it and can confidently say that Educated is by far the best book I have ever read for school! It is also important to note that Educated is an adult book and has difficult topics including domestic abuse, traumatic injuries and grieving the death of a loved one.


To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird touches on topics of systemic racism, making assumptions based on false information, code switching to fit in, and how young people’s views are shaped by what their parents believe. Scout Finch is eight years old when the novel begins and lives in Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930s. Her father Atticus is a lawyer and believes in civil justice and equality, which is why he takes up Tom Robinson’s case. Tom Robinson is being put on trial for attacking and raping Mayella Ewell, a white young lady. Being a black man in the 30’s meant that he was ready for his case not to be taken seriously but Atticus made it his mission to represent Tom fairly. The events of the court case challenge Scout and her brother’s views on the court system and open their eyes to the injustices of the world. A side plot that continues this transformation is Scout and her brother’s fascination with Boo Radley, a mysterious man who never leaves his house. Based on the little information they know about him, they taunt and mock him, which makes them feel ashamed when they grow up and realize most of Boo Radley’s character was a myth. To Kill a Mockingbird pleasantly surprised me by showing the issues of racism in the segregated South while still being a fun and entertaining read!


The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

This was our final book of the semester and we actually did a project comparing this novel to To Kill a Mockingbird which I found quite interesting. The Hate U Give portrays the racial injustices viewed in To Kill a Mockingbird in a more modern and fast-paced novel. Starr lives in Garden Heights, a black community riddled with gang violence while she goes to school at Williamson, a white private high school. The different nature of these environments forces Starr into code switching, acting more polite and guarded at school and laid back at home. Starr tries very hard to keep her two personalities separate, meaning that her best friends at school never hear that she was in the car the night Khalil died. Starr and Khalil hadn’t seen each other in a long time when they met at a party to catch up. Shots started firing and they escaped in Khalil’s car, but not for long as they were soon pulled over by a white cop. As soon as Khalil made one sudden, nonaggressive move, he was shot dead. All Starr could do was stare in shock and stay still as the officer’s gun was now pointed at her. This moment brought her back to when she was ten years old and her friend Natasha had just been killed in a drive-by shooting while they were playing together. As news spreads about Khalil’s death, it becomes harder and harder to hide the truth about her involvement, but doing so would make her peers at school pity her, and she would never be the same. Her white boyfriend Chris becomes increasingly worried about her distant behavior but Starr can’t bear to tell him what she has faced. All these storylines weave together to create a powerful story about identity and racism, making for a compelling read!

Thank you so much for reading, enjoy!

**Thanks so much, Sofia!**

Sofia’s YA Book Nook: The Heart of Everything by Marc Levy

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Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!

Dear readers,

Hi and welcome to another book review! Today I would like to introduce The Heart of Everything by Marc Levy! This shorter story detailing what it means to lose someone was originally published in French, but this translated copy is still written beautifully. Thomas, the main character, feels like he is being delusional when his father who has been dead for five years comes knocking at his door. This moment turns out to be the beginning of a journey, physical and emotional, that this father and son duo embarks on. Raymond, Thomas’s father has such a funny personality that it lightens the sadder themes of the book and definitely made me laugh out loud a few times! 

Goodreads Summary

Even death can’t break the bond between father and son in an uncannily funny and poignant novel about love, loss, memory, and family by Marc Levy, the bestselling author of P.S. from Paris. There’s nothing too unusual about a father asking his son for a favor—unless, of course, the father in question has been dead for five years. Thomas, a young virtuoso pianist living a quiet, carefully structured life in France, is stunned when his late father, Raymond, suddenly appears in his home. He’s not a ghost in the traditional sense-he’s real enough to ask for help. His request? That Thomas travel with him to San Francisco to find Camille, the long-lost love of his life. For Thomas, it’s as surreal as it sounds. And yet…it might be his last-in-a-lifetime chance to know his father as a man and to square the regrets of the past. Together they embark on a five-thousand-mile journey that questions the very nature of existence, proves that love never fades, and rekindles the curious, heart-tugging bond between a parent and child that somehow endures beyond death.

My Thoughts

This book had an unsuspecting hold on me while I was reading it, and I was always thinking about when I could read the next bit! The interesting boundary this book sits between makes it feel realistic while also having fantastical elements. I highly recommend picking this book up, not just because of the valuable insight it offers, but because it is such a funny and exciting novel. If you have any traveling coming up soon, I feel like this book is perfect for a flight, or even to read while on vacation. The entire book took me about 4.5 hours to read, which entertained me throughout my four day winter break trip! The chapters are on the shorter side, meaning that you can pick this book up anytime, even if you only have 15 minutes! The Heart of Everything is a sweet and impactful novel about the father-son bond, and how it overcomes death.

While The Heart of Everything is an adult novel, I believe it is perfectly readable for anyone who enjoys YA books. Some mature themes to keep in mind though are death, loss of a loved one, and drugs. Enjoy your reading!

**Thanks so much, Sofia!**