There are only a couple of days left to cast your vote for March Madness! Each week in March, teens vote to narrow down the list of contenders until a single title emerges as the Mid-Missouri teen book champion!
Each round you vote, your name will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win cool prizes. March Madness is open to all teens ages 12-18 who live in either Boone or Callaway County, Missouri.
Not sure which ones to vote for? Check out a few of the titles our readers liked (well for the most part RIP “The Summer I Turned Pretty”).
“The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black
4/5 Stars ★★★★
Why did you like or dislike this book? The plot line was intriguing with several twists and turns. I enjoyed the world-building and fantasy setting of the book, as well as most of the characters. My one complaint is that the beginning felt a little slow and boring for me.
Three words that describe this book: Magical, dark, thrilling
Pick up this book if: You enjoy a fantasy story that has many surprises and exciting scenes throughout.
“Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley
5/5 Stars ★★★★★
Why did you like or dislike this book? It was very educational and I loved learning about Ojibwe culture and traditions. I loved the community aspect and how everyone took care of each other, especially the women and elders. However, I was expecting a mystery book, and I was a little disappointed in that aspect and felt like there were many unanswered questions. But, if you go into it looking for a story about a girl’s relationship with her heritage, community, and grief, it will exceed your expectations. Overall, an incredible and heartwarming book.
Three words that describe this book: Heritage, community, crime
Pick up this book if: You like found family tropes and learning about Native American culture
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han
5/5 Stars ★★★★★
Why did you like or dislike this book? I LOVED this series, it’s really well written, and has an amazing plot! Another great thing about this book is it’s very relatable, the main characters feel like they could be my real friends. The plot twists are CRAZY, and keep you very engaged.
Three words that describe this book: Beachy, shocking, romantic
Pick up this book if: You have a hard time getting into books, if you read only the first few chapters, you’ll want to read the entire series.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Amy Han
3/5 Stars ★★★
Why did you like or dislike this book? It was kind of slow and a little boring.
Three words that describe this book: Short, slow, boring
Pick up this book if: You like slower books
“Shatter Me” by Tahereh Mafi
5/5 Stars ★★★★★
Why did you like or dislike this book? It made me cry and I LOVE that
Three words that describe this book: Oh my gosh
Pick up this book if: You like enemies to lovers in a broken world that the main character tries to fix
“Heartstopper Volume 1” by Alice Oseman
5/5 Stars ★★★★★
Why did you like or dislike this book? Nick and Charlie are so cute together! It’s also interesting seeing Charlie deal with mental health issues.
Three words that describe this book: LGBTQIA+, identity, and comfort.
Pick up this book if: You are in or an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and like cute graphic novels!
If you are a teen and you have opinions on books you can submit your own review here!
