Author Archives: Angela Farley

Love Radio

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Review by Harmony M., 10th grade student

Love Radio is a classic black love story: heartbreak, vulnerability, and learning to trust again. Dani is a passionate young woman who wants to thrive at becoming a famous writer. She is trying to work on her future, but she’s stuck in the past. Prince is a DJ and Detroit’s youngest love couch; he takes care of his little brother, Mook, and his mom who has MS. Prince has had a crush on Dani since elementary school, but Dani isn’t looking for a relationship at the moment. I liked the plot and how Prince seeks out what Dani likes. He uses this information to plan their dates, putting in the effort. The first couple of chapters were a little less interesting, but the plot kept me entertained. Love Radio took me about 3 days to read; I wish there was more to the story. I liked that the book a lot I could relate to it. The only thing I didn’t like was the ending. I only wish the author included an epilogue, so we could see Dani and Prince together. Maybe there’ll be a sequel. . . .

Youngblood

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Review by Lili, Student

Be prepared for plot twists and the unexpected–even for a vampire book. You will never know where it is going to go. Kat and Taylor were best friends until the age of 13 when their parents fought, and Kat moved away. Later, Kat and Taylor find themselves roommates at a private school, a vampire school. My favorite part is when Kat finds out who her true fang-maker is. It all begins to make sense when Kat has a meeting with Victor Castel.

A Bird Will Soar

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A Bird Will Soar by Alison Green Myers is a tender read about Axel, a bird-loving autistic boy who loves to figure things out. Between all the varieties of birds, the mysterious relationship between his parents, and the disappearance of his dad, Alex has a lot to figure out. I like how birds were symbolically and metaphorically part of the setting, the plot, and the characters. The author was clever to include Axel’s special quirks without making it a big deal. While Alex is a middle school student, some of the themes and symbolic overtones will appeal to high schoolers.

How Not to Fall in Love

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How Not to Fall in Love by Jacqueline Firkins is a quick read and romance. Harper, the cynical protagonist, is healing from last summer’s heartbreak, and Harper frequently witnesses demanding bridezillas in her mother’s wedding bridal gown shop. Harper must confront her more recent romantic past, as well as issues with her mother and Harper’s early childhood. Harper’s childhood friend and neighbor, Theo, is there to support her and challenge her, but ultimately, Harper thinks she can teach Theo how not to fall in love. It was a bit predictable for the reader, but with just enough uncertainty to keep the pages turning. Overall, I like how Harper must reconcile her definition of love.