Burn Baby Burn by Meg Medina

Gordon Jack

Plot Summary
It's 1977 and New York City is in chaos. A record heat wave is scorching everyone. Arsonists are burning buildings for the insurance. A serial killer named Son of Sam is killing young couples kissing in cars. And then there's a city wide blackout. Amidst all this, Nora struggles with her own crises. Her mom just got laid off from work, her father spends all his time (and money) with his new family, and her brother is becoming increasingly violent and abusive. Can she keep her family together, while the city seems to be falling apart?

Critical Evaluation
This historical novel from Meg Medina is easily a 10 out of 10. I don't know which was more engaging: being taken back in time to one of the worst summers in New York history, or taken into Nora's chaotic family. The city's and Nora's troubles keep escalating with every page, making this a suspenseful and completely satisfying read. Nora is such a strong and sympathetic character, I wanted to see her succeed despite the odds against her.

Goth Girl Rising by Barry Lyga

Antonio Sanchez Ortiz 

Plot Summary:
This book is set 6 months after The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Gothgirl, but instead of it being The Fanboy”s perspective, it is Kyra's perspective (Goth Girl). Kyra throughout the story is plotting her revenge against Fanboy since she believes that he never wrote her or tried to communicate with her while she was away in Maryland Mental Health Unit. Throughout the story we also see her changing to find who she really is.

Quote:
“As angry as I was at Fanboy, as much as I hated him, I still cared about Schemata . So I called him that night and I told him what was wrong with it, and I thought that was going to be it, but...God! Eff him! Eff him!”(51)
This quote shows how Kyra hates Fanboy deeply but still cares about the comic book that he made, so her feelings seem to be a mess at this scene of the story.

Critical Evaluation:
This book would be 10/10. It keeps you on your toes wanting to know more about what is happening and the character development of Kyra is one of the best I’ve seen. It also has plenty of things we can relate to as teenagers. Also had many humorous moments and twists to keep the story enticing.

Love Letters To The Dead by, Ava Dellaira

Galilea Garcia

Plot Summary 
All Laurel ever wanted was to be like her big sister May who she thought was just perfect. Until she passed away and Laurel's world started falling apart. In the struggle of trying to find herself she embarks a new journey that takes her into a real world all by herself where the truth is brought up and her whole perspective changes.

Critical Evaluation: 
I rate this book a 10/10 because it is an amazing story on the courage it takes on a person to keep living after their world falls apart.