(2) 4-6 Warga (Other Words for Home, rev. 7/19; The Shape of Thunder, rev. 5/21) imagines a sentient space rover with human emotions who is embarking on a perilous one-way trip to Mars. Resilience (Res for short) narrates much of the book and has profound conversations about life with his companion drone and a nearby satellite. Interspersed throughout are letters written to Res by Sophie, the daughter of Rania, one of Res's programmers. Res sets off on an exploration that will thrill fans of both adventure and robot stories and also provide intellectual sustenance for the deep thinkers, with the novel asking existential questions such as: where do memories and experiences go when we die? Looking at the remains of a broken-down rover, Res wonders, "Are we all going to end up just like this?" Through the character of a robot who has feelings and self-awareness, Warga probes issues of identity, attachment, and the purpose of life, offering readers an unusual but heartfelt example of the importance of staying true to yourself, quirks and all.

Reviewer: Julie Hakim Azzam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022

(2) YA A dual-perspective novel follows two girls in the aftermath of a school shooting. Almost a year after her older sister was killed in that shooting by a classmate, twelve-year-old Cora still struggles to make sense of life without her. Cora also misses her now estranged best friend Quinn, whose brother, also dead, was the shooter. In alternating chapters, both girls deal with processing their grief and defining their roles at school and at home. Academically focused Cora tries to connect with her Quiz Bowl teammates and her Lebanese heritage, while Quinn latches on to the idea of traveling back in time to prevent the shooting from happening. Quinn persuades Cora to join her in trying to create a wormhole that will allow them to time-travel, but Cora continues keeping her distance until a minor crisis leads them to reconnect and gives both girls the chance to explain to their families what they need in order to make peace with their losses. Warga (Newbery honoree for Other Words for Home, rev. 7/19) skillfully develops unique voices for her narrators, and the novel's alternating-perspective structure works well. Emotions run high throughout the book without weighing down the plot, and the portrayal of middle-school life is utterly authentic. Warga tells a quiet story despite the dramatic events that led up to it, presenting a sad but not overwhelming narrative.

Reviewer: Sarah Rettger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2021

(1) 4-6 When military fighting comes dangerously near their Syrian hometown, Jude and her mother leave their home and family for the U.S. Jude's voice throughout this verse novel is authentic, infused with thoughtfulness, humor, determination, and hope. Her adjustment period upon arrival in America offers a realistic portrait of the strength it takes to move to a new country, as well as of the complicated dynamics between first- and second-generation immigrants. Websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Autumn Allen | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2019

(3) YA Sixteen-year-old Taliah Abdallat has many clues that rock star Julian Oliver is her father, but it's not until he shows up at her door that she knows for sure. She agrees to accompany him to his Indiana hometown, where she meets her dying grandfather and the rest of the family. This beautifully told story about music, love, and family packs an emotional punch.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(2) YA Sixteen-year-old Aysel has decided to kill herself; she connects with an online "Suicide Partner," seventeen-year-old Roman. As the two spend time together, Aysel reconsiders. Debut author Warga tackles the grim subject matter with empathy and honesty, without trivializing her protagonists' disturbing thoughts or emotions. At the same time, it's clear that both teens have much to live for, not least an endearing romance. Websites.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2015