Martian Life

The Strange by Nathan Ballingrud is a science fiction read with some great elements.

Annabelle and her father run a diner on the planet Mars. Annabelle’s mother left for a trip to Earth years earlier. They lost all contact with her ever since the Silence shut down all communication with Earth.

The diner is robbed which results in Annabelle’s father in jail. The people of Mars begin turning against each other and Annabelle realizes she is on her own. She sets off with their kitchen robot, Watson, to get even and to reclaim her mother’s recorded messages (which were stolen during the robbery).

Annabelle’s journey involves booking up with other renegades and coming across those affected by the Strange. The Strange is a Martian element which slowly infects all who encounter it. Readers will be pulled into her mission and interested in the future of this odd new world.

Born to Rule

Raybearer by Jordan Ifuekp is another 2024 high school Nutmeg nominee.

This book quickly grabbed my attention. Before her birth, Tarisai’s mother captures a demon in order to get three wishes. Her final wish is to use their daughter Tarisai to befriend and kill the future emperor.

From here, we follow Tarisai along her path to meet the emperor in training. Tarisai must prove herself worthy to be one of his eleven council members. Each must have a special talent. Once they are all selected, Tarisai will need to fight her killer instincts.

This was a great fantasy read with plenty of magic, adventure and intrigue. I will definitely give the second novel in the series a read.

Different Outcomes

The Bridge by Bill Konigsberg confronts depression, suicide and family/friend relationships with a unique approach. This novel is another 2024 high school Nutmeg nominee

The novel begins on the GW Bridge in New York City, where two teens (Aaron and Tillie) are about to jump to their deaths. The story then explores possible scenarios: only Tillie dying, only Aaron dying, both dying or neither dying.

The chapters reveal the events that pushed each character to such a horrific choice. Aaron feels shame about his life, and despite a very loving father, he considers himself an embarrassment destined for nothing. Tillie is the victim of online bullying after expressing her feelings about being used by a guy. She also has a terrible relationship with her adoptive father. The different scenarios explored throughout the book show the ripple effect that our actions can have upon events in our own lives and in others as well.

In the process of learning about each character, we see the value of creating connections with family and/or friends, speaking up for oneself and the extreme importance of having a support person.

Creating Beauty

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland is another 2024 high school Nutmeg nominee.

Moon and her twin sister Star couldn’t be more different. Star is a beautiful social media sensation, and she is their mother’s pet. Meanwhile, Moon works behind the scenes as her sister’s assistant. She is overweight, and constantly berated by their mother. The only thing they have in common is a family curse.

Moon is forced to set out on a social media tour with Star as a merchandise salesperson. She will try to make the best of the trip by focusing on her passion- photography and flowers. She immediately butts heads with the head social media guy’s attractive brother Santiago.

During the trip, she is forced to confront her insecurities and abusive upbringing. Her dynamic with her sister is also tested. Through this she begins to develop real feelings for Santiago, who is also battling his own insecurities. Moon learns to love and trust herself.

This is not a book I would typically pick up. But it covers a lot of important topics, such as abuse, depression and suicide. Most importantly it addresses how to nurture positive relationships, learn acceptance and to trust in one’s passions/talents.

Fairy Wars

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas is first in its series.

Reminiscent of the Twilight books and HBO’s “True Blood” series, this is a story full of magic, otherworldly creatures, action and romance.

Fayre has been the provider for her family ever since her father brutally lost his business. She taught herself to become a fierce hunter, which is what she is doing when she kills a large wolf. It turns out that the wolf was a high fairy in disguise. She is taken prisoner by one of seven Fairy lords to atone for her actions.

As prisoner, she learns that her mortal world may be in danger. There is a ruthless female Fairy with an age old vendetta to settle, and she will do anything to get her way. Fayre becomes involved in all of this once she starts falling for her captor. She finds out that she may be able to stop a century-old curse.

The story kept my interest and prompted me to check out book two. Although based on the size of it, I’m not sure if I’ll finish any time soon!

“Crush”ing It

Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon checks another 2024 high school Nutmeg nominee off my read list.

This is an enemies to lovers romance story. Rowan has spent her entire high school career competing with Neil. Now it’s their last day of senior year and he beats her again by getting valedictorian over her.

The final senior event is a scavenger hunt called Howl, it is organized by the junior class. There is a cash prize at the end. Rowan is determined to take this last victory over Neil. However, they begin working together which forces Rowan to see Neil as more than an enemy. They share information about their families, their feelings about being Jewish and their desires for their futures. Could one day overturn four years of animosity?

Pregnancy Bonds

Girls Like Us by Randi Pink is a high school Nutmeg nominee.

It is set in the 70s and told from multiple female points of view. Each girl is contending with teenage pregnancy.

Ola is pregnant and her younger sister Izella is determined to end the pregnancy. Missippi is only fourteen and pregnant with twins. Sue is from an affluent white family.

Missippi and Sue are hidden away at the same home for pregnant girls under the excellent care of a midwife. They become best friends, and eventually all become bonded due to shared circumstances by the end of the book.

Different family and societal issues are explored throughout the story with a focus on empowering women.

A New Poet

In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner is a beautiful tear jerker that touches upon just about everything important in life. It’s one of the 2024 Nutmeg high school nominees.

Cash and best friend Delaney receive an incredible offer to attend a private school in Connecticut. This entails leaving their home in Tennessee. This is especially difficult for Cash. He was raised by his grandparents, and he knows his grandfather doesn’t have much time left. He also doesn’t feel worthy of this offer.

Once at the private school, Cash explores life away from everything he’s ever known. Despite a cruddy roommate, he finds friendships, a sport he enjoys and an introduction to poetry class that profoundly impacts him. He also finds love.

This book is beautifully written. Countless lines grabbed my attention. Loss, change, integrity, friendship, family, nature, poetry and religion are all explored in some manner and the combination resonated with me.

Becoming

In Limbo by Deb JJ Lee is a beautifully drawn graphic memoir of Deb’s teen years. I finished reading this book several weeks ago so the details are a bit fuzzy.

Deborah is Korean American. She faces immense pressure and at times physical abuse from her mother to do better. Her struggles with school and friendships contribute to her mental instability and suicide attempts.

Deb eventually graduates high school and goes to Korea for an eyelid surgery. While in Korea, she spends time with her maternal grandmother. This along with events before the trip lead her to view her life and upbringing differently.

This was an impactful piece of writing and art made even more so by the author’s willingness to share painful moments from her own life.

Not Into It

Loveless by Alice Oseman is a book about self discovery.

Georgia is finishing high school without a single romantic involvement or even a kiss. She wishes she could be confident and experienced like everyone else seems to be, but she is struggling to make it happen. She hopes that going to university will be a chance to ignite her love life. Luckily, her best friends will be there too.

Georgia’s new roommate is an outgoing party girl who decides she is going to help Georgia. As Georgia tries new experiences, she realizes that she may not be like everyone else when it comes to love. Her best friend relationships are seriously challenged as Georgia discovers more about her sexual preferences.

Spoiler- Eventually Georgia figures out her identity, and in doing so strengthens her old friendships while also forming new ones.