Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, find a cozy chair and blanket, then settle in with some recommendations from our student curators, Gianna R. (’27) & Selena V. (’28)!
May 2026
Earlier this year, our library hosted New York Times Best-Selling Author Julie Berry for a book talk and meet-and-greet. Berry spoke about the inspiration, craft, and power behind her newest book If Looks Could Kill. If Looks Could Kill (2025) by Julie Berry is a historical fantasy YA thriller set in 1888 New York, featuring a showdown between Jack the Ripper—who has fled London—and a mythic, vengeful Medusa. Salvation Army workers Tabitha and Pearl attempt to rescue a young woman from a brothel while their fates entwine with the mythological monster hunting Jack. If you didn’t get a chance to read this gripping novel earlier this year, stop down to Schroeder Library today to grab a copy before school’s out! – (Selena V.)
(5/26) If Looks Could Kill – Selena V. (’28)
January 2026
For my first recommendation, I have the perfect book for you, Sunrise on the Reaping is the prequel to Suzanne Collins’s series The Hunger Games. In this book, we follow 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy’s games, who is Katniss and Peeta’s future mentor. The book takes place in the 50th Hunger Games, the second quarter quell, and is the most brutal games we’ve seen yet. This novel is filled with devastation, young love, and will leave you sobbing. Collins’s writing had me reading everywhere and anywhere possible, I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend it. – (Gianna R.)
My first book recommendation is Kubo’s Bleach. I really love Bleach because I love action and anime in general. When I read Bleach I can relate to it as I can with many works of anime. In particular, this anime deals with family dynamics. Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who gains Soul Reaper (Shinigami) powers from Rukia Kuchiki, forcing him to fight evil spirits called Hollows and guide souls to the afterlife. If you have already read or seen Bleach, I would recommend One Piece for further reading. If you’re looking to read Bleach in the immediate future, there is a copy in our Schroeder library! – (Selena V.)
Bleach (1/26) (Selena V.)
Browse the full gallery of student recommendations below.
Hi, I’m Selena, and I am a 10th grader who is ready to read. I sing and read whenever I have the time. (If you are willing to add me on TikTok, I will be posting more videos of me singing, so I’m willing to add people on there—ask me in person!) I also love to participate in any clubs, right now I am in BBSU, Anime club and Library club, and now the Schroeder Courier. I am hoping to achieve being a firefighter when I grow up, so i’m very excited for volunteering this summer! Thanks for reading my bio, and don’t forget… Stay happy!!
