By Mrs. McHugh

HHS Librarian, Advisor of The Hawk

Some people count the years by days, weeks and months. I count them by books. I read an average of 50 books each year, and not just because it’s my job. For as long as I can remember, books have provided both an escape and an education. They help me better know the world, and give me a break from it when I need one. Below are short reviews of some of my favorite reads of 2024. They’re in no particular order; I’m terrible at ranking books because different titles are best for different moods. I’d love to hear, in the comments, what you think or what you’ve read and loved.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune – This sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea, one of my favorite books in recent memory, follows a group of magical creatures that have come to call themselves a family. Led by Arthur, a shape-shifter, and Linus, an ordinary social worker who fell in love with the family, the group is forced to fight intolerance and hate from some in the non-magical world. In this case, it is the government itself that threatens their existence. The sequel is as exciting, funny and sweet as the first one, but definitely feels more political given its echoes of current divisions in our world.

Accountable by Dashka Slater – This nonfiction book about the students and community impacted by a racist Instagram account feels like a must-read for social media users. Written by the author of The 57 Bus, an account of another hate-fueled crime, the book dives into the incident from many perspectives, including those of the posters, victims, school officials and families. The short chapters and tension make it a fast-paced read. It raises interesting questions about what is acceptable to post, what actions define us, and who deserves second chances.

Louder than Words by Ashley Woodfolk and Lexi Underwood – After Jordyn transfers to a new high school, she’s determined to be a better person and stay out of trouble. But when an anonymous gossip podcast threatens the reputations of her new friends, she has to decide whether to keep quiet or fight back and risk exposing her own secret. This young adult novel would pair well with Slater’s Accountable as it explores how actions can haunt – and redeem – us.

Solito by Javier Zamara – This memoir recounts the harrowing journey the author took from El Salvador to the United States when he was 9 years old. Hoping to reunite with his parents who had previously made the journey, the author was placed in the hands of corrupt and ruthless smugglers for a 3,000-mile journey that was both physically and emotionally grueling. Without a trusted adult, he became close to a woman and child traveling in his group; they, in turn, relied on a solo young man. The improvised family saved Javier countless times during the two-month ordeal, when his real family had no idea if he was still alive. While the events took place in 1999, and immigration laws and policies have changed, the tale of hope and survival still resonates. If you’ve ever wondered why someone would try to cross the border illegally, this book may help you understand.

When Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb – A unique combination of historical fiction, fantasy and Jewish folklore, this novel follows Uriel the angel and Ash the demon from their tiny European village to the shores of America. Study partners for centuries, the pair tries to track down a young villager who never makes it to New York. Along the way, they encounter many of the same obstacles that real immigrants faced, including corrupt officials, gangsters and crushing poverty. While this book is a little hard to describe, it was impossible to put down. Winner of the Printz Honor for young adult books and a Stonewall Honor for books about LGBTQ+ topics, this novel explores the search for identity and the power of love and friendship.

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes – Struggling with the disappearance of her mother, Cassie is recruited to an FBI program that uses teens with special skills to solve crimes. But it’s not long before she and her team are up against both a serial killer and their own troubled pasts. This four-book young adult series is fast-paced, full of action and even includes some romance. Books 2-4 can be a little repetitive as backstories are filled in, but the ending is epic, tying together all of the cases of the previous books. Barnes is also the writer of The Inheritance Games, a five-book series about a teen who discovers a mysterious benefactor, and the family that wants the money for themselves.

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney – In this twisty thriller, everyone lies, and almost everyone murders. Written by the author of Daisy Darker, another great mystery that pays homage to Agatha Christie, it follows a vacationing couple whose baggage includes more lies and betrayals than you can count. It’s a similar vibe to Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, leaving readers unsure of who to trust and of what will happen next.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir – Written by the author of The Martian, this science fiction book follows a reluctant astronaut who wakes up after a long sleep and cannot remember his name or his mission. As bits of memories slowly return, the astronaut realizes he’s on a desperate journey to save Earth and he’s all alone. Until he meets a spider-like alien trying to save its own world, that is. Working to overcome gaps in language and biology, the pair form an unusual partnership in a quest to save multiple species. The story unfolds almost backward, thanks to the astronaut’s amnesia, but the uncertainty adds to the thrilling adventure.

Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): the Natural World of Animal Sexuality by Eliot Schrefer – This nonfiction book explores the lives of animals and the evolution of scientific thought, illustrating how limited views were once used to moralize about the lives of humans. Named a Printz Honoree for top young adult fiction and a Stonewall Honoree for its representation of LGBTQ+ topics, this book is a quirky and fun quick read.

Marrow Thieves and Hunting by Stars by Cherie Dimaline – After a series of natural disasters and plagues, many humans have lost their ability to dream and have gone mad. When it’s discovered that indigenous people can still dream, the government hunts them, locks them up and harvests their souls for a cure. The policies shatter communities and drive survivors first into hiding and then, finally, into resistance. This dystopian young adult series echoes the residential schools of the past where countless indigenous people in the US and Canada were stripped of their cultures. Action-packed and moving, it’s a different take on the apocalypse.