Books matching: friendship and identity
100 result(s)
- #1
'Nottingham' by Anna Burke is a genderbent, queer retelling of the classic Robin Hood legend, focusing on Robyn Hood and her merry band of outlaws. The book masterfully weaves together action, adventure, romance, and drama set in a vividly described medieval England. The writing style is engaging, with a perfect pacing that keeps readers fully immersed in the engrossing plot filled with twists and turns.
- #2
'You're Welcome, Universe' by Whitney Gardner is a story about Julia, a graffiti artist who is Deaf and Indian American, navigating the challenges of adolescence after being expelled from her school for tagging. She struggles with friendships, trust, and her art while facing the complexities of being a minority in a new school. Through the portrayal of Julia's experiences, the book sheds light on the Deaf community and the street art culture, weaving a tale of friendship, self-discovery, and overcoming obstacles in a realistic and engaging manner.
Six stencils in and it’s gone. Okay, the tag vanished by Stencil Number Two, but I have a point to prove. I’m not covering up your scribbled slur with just anything. I’m making art here. I’m creating.... - #3
Lark & Kasim Start a Revolution by Kacen Callender is a YA contemporary novel that delves into the lives of black, queer, and neurodiverse teens, exploring themes of social media, friendship, honesty, and the complexities of identity. The story follows Lark, a nonbinary character navigating the challenges of gaining online popularity while dealing with the consequences of a viral tweet that leads to personal revelations and struggles with relationships and authenticity.
The narrative captures the journey of Lark as they confront the impact of social media, the nuances of neurodiversity, and the quest for self-discovery amidst the backdrop of a diverse and representation-rich storyline. Through Lark's perspective, readers witness the blend of vulnerability, growth, and the exploration of identity in a contemporary setting that reflects the complexities of modern teenage life.
'The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Never Had To' by D.C. Pierson is a coming-of-age story that follows the friendship between Darren, a high school loner, and Eric, a unique individual. Together, they embark on creating an expansive story that delves into various mediums. The novel blends elements of science fiction with realistic teenage experiences, exploring identity, friendship, and the struggles of adolescence. The writing style is described as compelling, funny, and touching, with a geeky and tragic undertone that resonates with readers.
A thousand cartoons and TV shows and teen movies would lead you to believe that when you’re drawing something at your desk in school, a pretty girl is going to say “What are you drawing?” and you’ll t...- #5
Serpentine by Cindy Pon is a fantasy novel set in the enchanting Kingdom of Xia, where the protagonist Skybright, a handmaid, discovers her ability to shape-shift into a serpentine demon. The story revolves around Sky's journey to embrace her true self while searching for her best friend and mistress, Zhen Ni, who has disappeared. The book beautifully weaves together themes of friendship, identity, and defying societal standards, all against the backdrop of Chinese mythology and a richly built world.
- #6
Set in the Bayou, 'King and the Dragonflies' follows the protagonist King as he navigates grief, self-discovery, and coming of age after the death of his brother Khalid. The story explores mature themes such as racism, homophobia, abuse, and toxic masculinity, while also delving into the complexities of identity formation during the middle grade years. Through a character-driven plot, the book portrays King's struggles with loss, friendship, and understanding his own sexuality, all set against the backdrop of a small town in Louisiana.
I like to look for my brother in the afternoon by the bayou, on the long and hot and sweaty walk back from school, down the hard dirt road that weaves between the thorny bushes with their big fluffy l... - #7
'The Serpent King' by Jeff Zentner follows the intertwined lives of three high school seniors, Dill, Lydia, and Travis, in a small town in Tennessee. The story delves into their personal struggles, family dynamics, and dreams for the future. The narrative is emotionally charged, exploring themes of friendship, grief, romance, and coming of age through the perspectives of the main characters, creating a captivating and heartfelt read.
The writing style in 'The Serpent King' is praised for its emotional depth, character development, and ability to evoke a range of feelings from the readers. The author, Jeff Zentner, weaves a compelling tale that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, drawing readers into the lives of the three misfit friends as they navigate the challenges of their senior year and look towards the uncertainties of the future.
There were things Dillard Wayne Early Jr. dreaded more than the start of school at Forrestville High. Not many, but a few. Thinking about the future was one of them. Dill didn’t enjoy doing that. He d... - #8
Cecilia, a farm girl raised to believe she is the true princess of Suala, embarks on a quest with her friend Harper to claim the throne she believes is rightfully hers. However, upon reaching the palace, they encounter imposters, betrayal, and a decoy princess named Desmia. The story unfolds with twists and turns, secret passageways, and challenges to Cecilia's claim to the throne, leading to a surprising and unconventional ending that keeps readers engaged.
Palace of Mirrors is a coming-of-age tale that explores themes of identity, betrayal, and sacrifice as Cecilia navigates the complexities of royal life and uncovers the truth about her past. Written in a style that combines suspense, fantasy, and elements of fairy tale storytelling, the book captivates readers with its intriguing plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists that challenge perceptions of reality and power.
But I know—I have always known. Perhaps Nanny Gratine sang my secret to me in hushed lullabies when I was a tiny, squalling creature. Perhaps Sir Stephen began his weekly visits even in my first month...
(Also, see 28 recommendations for the series The Palace Chronicles ) - #9
Piratica by Tanith Lee is a tale of adventure and self-discovery following Artemisia, a young girl who escapes her school and her father to seek out her mother's old crew and embark on a new life as a pirate. The plot is filled with twists and turns, as Artemisia navigates the high seas, encounters lost loves, faces wicked enemies, and tries to find her true identity. The writing style is described as vibrant, engaging, and filled with humor, making the story a jolly romp through an alternate universe reminiscent of early 1800s England.
Artemisia's journey is a mix of modern and old language, creating a quirky and unique atmosphere that appeals to readers of all ages. The characters, especially the main character, Art, are well-developed with human frailties and doubts, yet determined to live their lives to the fullest. The book explores themes of family, love, friendship, and identity, all while maintaining an adventurous and derring-do spirit that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
- #10
"Winger" by Andrew Smith follows the story of Ryan Dean West, a 14-year-old junior at a boarding school for rich kids. Despite being younger than his classmates, Ryan Dean is a talented rugby player navigating challenges like love, friendship, and bullying. The novel delves into themes of coming of age, facing life's obstacles, and making tough decisions, all while maintaining a humorous and relatable tone through Ryan Dean's inner musings and illustrated reflections.
The book presents a realistic and engaging portrayal of teenage life, addressing issues such as first love, friendship dynamics, and self-discovery. Through Ryan Dean's experiences in a boarding school setting, readers witness a blend of humor, drama, and unexpected twists that culminate in a poignant narrative about growth, resilience, and the complexities of adolescence.
NOTHING COULD POSSIBLY SUCK WORSE than being a junior in high school, alone at the top of your class, and fourteen years old all at the same time. So the only way I braced up for those agonizing first...