Margin Notes

When I saw Jason Reynolds call this book a gift, I knew I was going to love it.

Shook follows Malik “Shake” Page, an eighth grader whose life revolves around basketball. Like many athletes, he knows exactly who he is: a ball player. Then he gets injured and can’t play. Shake is confronted with anxiety, changing relationships, and questions about who he is without the sport he loves. As much as this is a story about basketball, it is also a story about identity, mental health, and resilience.

One of the strengths of Shook is its portrayal of anxiety in the context of sports. Taking away the sport around which his life revolves brings underlying anxiety to the forefront. Randall captures anxiety through both emotional and physical experiences. This helps show that feelings can be difficult to name, especially for young people experiencing them for the first time. I also appreciated the inclusion of therapy, which is presented as a normal and helpful tool for working through challenges.

This is a novel in verse that uses space purposefully. Spacing, shape, font changes, and other visual elements reinforce emotions and experiences while drawing readers into the story. These features make the book accessible while also serving as a mentor text for how writers can use text structure meaningfully and intentionally.

I would recommend Shook to readers who enjoy novels in verse, sports stories, and realistic fiction. It will resonate with athletes, students navigating anxiety, and fans of authors such as Kwame Alexander and Jason Reynolds.

“It was like the magic of a library, the way the stories there made you feel connected to characters you’ve never met…Maybe that magic worked in real life, too, letting you see the layers underneath real-life people you thought were one-dimensional. It was so unexpected. Like how you weren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover, something I was guilty of doing.” (103)

This book is a love letter to librarians. It is a letter of hope to middle school students who are figuring out who they are in the mix of their parents, siblings, friends and classmates. In ROOHI AND NATE ARE NOT ON THE SAME PAGE, readers meet over-achiever Roohi, who spends her time in the library to avoid the jealousy of seeing her friends move on without her, and Nate, who spends his time skateboarding and trying to dodge the comparisons to his genius older brother. This unlikely pair find themselves joining a lunch book club and connecting through the pages of a fictional text. And, yes, the book is about Roohi and Nate; but, it’s really about how libraries and books are a place for finding yourself, interpreting the world around you and (can be) a refuge from everyday pressures.

The storytelling uses dual first-person narration. Roohi’s chapters are written by Kelkar, while Nate’s are written and illustrated by Lerner. The book is filled with doodles and sketches that reflect each character’s specific style. Beyond the unlikely friends trope, the plot explores student activism. When the group learns that their librarian’s job is being cut due to budget constraints, they take action, showing how young people can use their voices to advocate for change. I also appreciated that the ending doesn’t tie everything up neatly, which reflects the complexities of real life.

Roohi’s storyline will appeal to avid readers who are always reaching for their next book, while Nate’s perspective is perfect for students who haven’t yet found themselves in reading. This book would also make an excellent read-aloud, opening up conversations about books and libraries, but also about the value of different voices, the experiences students bring with them, and what it means to shape your own story.

An Octopus Named Houdini by Zana Fraillon is a hug in book form, a slimy, wet, eight-armed, nine-brained, three-hearted, 3,154 suckered hug.

Through a tenacious octopus aptly named Houdini, this sweet, illustrated middle-grade novel in verse explores some surprisingly big questions. Is captivity ever the right choice for wild animals? Is safety always more important than happiness and freedom? Just because humans can make these decisions for other creatures, does that give us the right?

These are heavy topics, but Fraillon makes them easy to understand through the story of Houdini, an aquarium octopus with a talent for escaping, and Juno, the aquarium owner’s daughter. Before the two meet, Houdini spends their nights slipping out of the tank, collecting treasures for their den, spraying Joe, the nighttime cleaner, and making messes just to hear him roar. But Houdini is always drawn to the washroom drain, where they can hear the sea calling.

When Juno is suspended from school and has to go to work with her father, an unlikely friendship begins. Juno seems to understand Houdini in a way most others cannot. The two share an almost inexplicable, soul-level connection. Juno recognizes that humans and other creatures experience the world differently and that we could learn something by being open to new perspectives: “Sometimes Houds, people need to be shown a different way of seeing.”

Juno imagines a new kind of aquarium that might keep Houdini without depriving them of the freedom that comes from a life lived in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, like many great ideas, her plan costs too much money. But the story does not leave us without hope. The people in Houdini’s life may see things differently, but each of them cares about what is best for Houdini.

One thing I especially love, and think students will too, is the collection of fascinating octopus facts included at the beginning and end of the book. Did you know octopuses can solve problems, navigate mazes, use tools, plan ahead, and even predict what might happen to them? I didn’t.

With its short verse format, illustrations, humour, and unforgettable main character, An Octopus Named Houdini is an inviting choice for middle-school readers. It would also open up rich conversations about animal captivity, empathy, freedom, and what can happen when we learn to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Students are sure to fall in love with Houdini and root for them all the way through.

Releases October 20, 2026

“What separates good players from great players when the game is on the line?”

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play, authored by Kobe Bryant and published in 2018, is one of the most motivating books I have read because it shows what it truly takes to become great at what you do, or even the best. As someone who plays basketball, I connected with this book because Kobe talks about the work nobody sees behind the scenes. This book is not just about scoring points or winning games, it’s about discipline, confidence, and always pushing yourself harder. He teaches the readers that “great things come from hard work and perseverance.” The book kept me interested the whole time because it felt real and inspiring.

The main themes in this book are hard work, perseverance, leadership, and self-belief. Kobe explains that talent can help, but talent alone is never enough if you do not outwork others. As a basketball player, I understand how practice, repetition, and effort can separate players from each other. Kobe believed success came from staying consistent every day, even when tired. He also shows that mistakes and losses can make you better if you learn from them. This makes the book meaningful because Kobe says, “Everything negative—pressure, challenges—is all an opportunity for me to rise.”

This book is different from a biography because it’s more like a breakdown of Kobe’s mindset, career moments, and training habits. He talks about how he prepared for games, studied opponents, and stayed focused under pressure. That part stood out to me because basketball is not only physical, but also mental. There are also many photos that make Kobe’s book more interesting and show important moments from his career. The pictures help readers feel connected to the stories. They also make the book more exciting to read overall.

In the book is Kobe Bryant comes across as determined, intelligent, confident, and extremely focused on being the best version of himself. He never accepted average effort and always wanted more from himself. As an athlete, I respect that mindset because improvement only happens when you push yourself. His attitude shows that greatness comes from discipline and sacrifice. Kobe’s mindset is clear when he says, “The thing you can control is the amount of effort you choose to put in.” I liked this book because it motivated me and made me think differently about basketball and success. It shows if you want results, you must put in the work when nobody is watching. I also liked the photos because they made the book feel more personal and intense.

However, the lessons about hard work and mindset can help anyone, not just basketball players. It made me want to train harder and stay focused on my goals. Kobe’s meaning in his writing is direct and very powerful. His word choice shows confidence and passion, which matches the way he played. He writes in a way that feels like advice from someone who has already reached the top. This shows how much experience he gained through this mindset and his many years playing basketball, helping youth and future generations learn from his mindset, techniques, and advice. A strong quote from the book is, “One thing you can control is effort.” This quote means no matter what happens, effort is always your choice.

You cannot control every result, but you can control how hard you’re willing to work. That message connects to basketball because effort matters in practice, games, and training. It also connects to school and life goals. It’s simple, but very powerful.

I would recommend this book to basketball players, athletes, teenagers, and anyone who wants motivation. It’s especially good for players who want to improve mentally, not just physically. Even people who don’t play sports can learn a lot from Kobe Bryant’s mindset. The book teaches readers to stay focused, stay disciplined and never be satisfied with average. Many students can relate to wanting success and improvement. This book can inspire a lot of people from all around the world. As Kobe would say, “It’s more than just basketball.”

Nathan Bohadur is a Grade 10 student at Fredericton High School and a passionate basketball player. He chose to recommend “Mamba Mentality: How I Play Basketball” because he believes its lessons about discipline, hard work, and perseverance can help anyone, not just athletes.  Nathan has earned both academic and athletic awards, including basketball championships and track and field honours, and enjoys spending time with his family when he is not on the court or on the track. 

The Obsession by Natasha Preston is a perfectly crafted thriller novel based around a family consisting of a mother and two daughters. The eldest daughter, Isla, is in Grade 12, but the story mainly focuses on the youngest daughter, Connie, who is in Grade 11 and just got her license. Their mom has found joy in exposing both their lives on social media and films videos, which are referred to as vlogs in the story.

Isla doesn’t mind being filmed, but Connie despises it. Yes, it got them a nice house in a wealthy neighbourhood, but is having a nice house worth risking your happiness for? Isla is about to graduate; therefore, she sets out to tour colleges. Her mother thinks that this is a perfect opportunity to vlog, so while Isla and their mom are out hunting for colleges, Connie is left alone for two weeks.

As you can imagine, Connie is overjoyed.

But that joy quickly turns to panic as the days go by while she is home alone without her family. She has her friends and her boyfriend, who she has to hide from her mother because “she doesn’t want to add a girlfriend or boyfriend dynamic into the vlogs.” But they can’t keep her safe from a potential stalker… or can they?

The writing style of this author is very descriptive and immersive. She helps you see the plot and themes through description, such as describing emotions like fear and anxiety. She puts it into words so easily, which is incredibly outstanding.

I would recommend this book to older audiences due to strong language and parts of the plot, as well as anyone with a background or interest in social media, or anyone who enjoys thrillers with a touch of romance.

Overall, I loved this book.

Margaret McLaggan, or Maggie as her friends call her, was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick in late 2010. Growing up she was an avid writer, mainly focused on the thriller genre, which ultimately led her to be interested in forensic psychology. Maggie attends Fredericton High School and is about to start Grade 11. Soon to be 16, Maggie is very close with her family and is involved with the professional wrestling community in her area, known as “Capital City Wrestling,” or CCW. Still living in Fredericton, which she has her whole life, The Obsession was her fourth book review! WOW!

Making Bank: Money Skills for Real Life by Shannon Lee Simmons asks an important question: What should teenagers do with money? David, Tania, Mia, and Oliver are fictional teenagers with diverse financial situations. David gets a bit of cash from neighbourhood side hustles. Tania is working part-time saving up for college. Mia blows through her allowance shopping. Oliver is wealthy but has a dad who is strict about money.

Shannon Lee Simmons has written four individual stories about how she would help these kids learn about money and be more responsible. The book starts simple with tips on tracking how much money you have before leveling up to spending, saving, and more. The stories alternate chapters so the characters progress together, with additional lessons and challenges called “Nitty Gritty” and “Homework” fit in between. There are also visuals such as graphs and charts found throughout the book. Lee Simmons, a Certified Financial Planner, gives teenagers a guide for learning what to do with their money and preparing for their financial future.

Currently, the information in the book doesn’t really apply much to me, but maybe I’ll just find it useful when I have more money to manage. The characters were quite realistic, especially Tania, where her story of saving for college was interesting, useful, and possibly relatable a little down the road. There are some useful tips and tricks on investing, saving, banking, and budgeting. One tip was opening multiple bank accounts for saving, spending, and one with interest, which is something I will actually do.

I would recommend this book to anyone close to my age or slightly younger who wants to learn about spending and saving wisely. It’s not really about making money, so don’t get misled by the title. If you recently found yourself with some money and don’t know how to use it, this book will be useful, especially if you relate to the characters. If you enjoy it, you could also try her books for adults when you’re older: Worry-Free Money, Living Debt-Free, and No-Regret Decisions.

Thomas Davies Hall was born shortly after his family moved east to Fredericton and just after the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Thomas’s parents got him and his two brothers reading young. He built up to reading longer and more complex books as he got older. Around middle school, he started to read less, busy with sports (mostly involving a racquet) and hanging out with friends. Recently, Thomas has regained some love for reading and writing. He now reads and writes in and out of school, currently smack in the middle of “Crime and Punishment”. Good book.

Thomas has been quite successful in school, winning academic and athletics awards and making lots of friends too. He’s seen how a good teacher can make a difference, and he aspires to make that difference himself. Who knows, maybe he’ll teach English.

It Lurks in the Night is a chilling yet interesting book told from the perspective of Maya Woods, the daughter of a famous politician. Hoping to reunite her three best friends, Lystra, Pearl, and Erica, who have drifted apart over the years, Maya organizes one last boat trip around their Caribbean home before they graduate from high school.

Maya wants nothing more than to create one last good memory with her three best friends during this boat trip. But when the girls are forced to make an emergency landing on Annatto, an island avoided by locals and tourists alike because of rumours of monsters and shadows lurking in its depths, their yearly tradition descends into darkness.

Erica turns up dead and the other girls have no choice but to leave her body behind. In their tight-knit community, everyone spirals into grief and suspicion. Maya and her friends struggle to understand what happened on the island: was it simply an accident, or is there truth to the rumours of Annatto?

It Lurks in The Night by Sarah Dass was a terrifying but well-written book which perfectly shows how the consequences of  your actions could be right around the corner, waiting in the darkness ready to strike at any moment. The plot of the story is simple, but I enjoyed it a lot because the author was very careful with their choice of words to describe a scene, which made it easy to imagine the horrors witnessed by the characters. The book also had the author’s obvious raw emotions put into every word, which made it very easy to realize Sarah Dass’s passion while writing this book, which also affected my view for the book and how I read it.

I recommend this book to young adults who enjoy genres like horror, drama, and mystery.

Rabsel Gyeltshen has not written any books, but he has reviewed and critiqued many from his cozy room in Lincoln Heights. Although he did not enjoy writing, critiquing, or reviewing when he was younger, he gradually grew accustomed to it. As a child, Rabsel loved running and won as many as seven gold medals by the age of eight. He enjoyed the adrenaline rush of competition and never wanted to fall off the podium that had become home for his two little feet. After many years as a runner, Rabsel eventually discovered two new hobbies, basketball and soccer, which quickly became passions of his. Rabsel loves R&B. Rabsel loves his family. Rabsel loves his hobbies. Oh yeah, and one little fun fact: in his first year of high school, he despised the game of basketball. Crazy.

NYPD Red 8 is written by Marshall Karp and was published in 2025. This book is a fictional novel about a mad man going rogue and bombing New York City. Detectives Kylie Macdonald and Zack Jordan are eating lunch when they hear a big explosion off in the distance. They bolt out of the restaurant to the subway station, where the explosion takes place. They run down the crowded staircase along with a bunch of EMT workers. Macdonald and Jordan are in shock at what they see: smoke, destruction, and death. It takes a minute to register what they see, but both of them immediately spring into action to help people and to get a sense of what happened.

Once the bomb squad arrives and searches the area, they realize it was no accident; it was deliberately done.

I feel that this book is really well written, and the characters are portrayed well. The book has two main characters, Zack Jordan and Kylie Macdonald. The story is mostly told from Zack’s perspective, which allows readers to learn more about him, including his opinions. Even though the story is told from Zack’s perspective, readers still learn a lot about Kylie and the challenges she faces. Having both Zack and Kylie as major characters makes the story more interesting because their partnership adds different ideas and opinions throughout the investigation.

The book’s characters have plenty of problems to face, which I enjoyed because it created a longer book with more content. I do admit, it takes a while for the “problems” to emerge. I would also say there are many topics, and one main theme. The main theme would be justice because throughout the whole book they’re trying to bring the bad guy to justice.

I feel like it is hard to narrow down one topic for this story, because there are so many, but the main one would have to be keeping people safe because the whole point of the investigation is trying to prevent more people from dying.

NYPD Red 8 is by far my favourite book of 2026. Because of the dialogue and how it is written, I’d recommend this book for ages 15 and up. Some themes are more mature, which I personally liked, and I think those who enjoy crime fiction would enjoy this book too.

Jack Bliss is a Grade 10 student at Fredericton High School who enjoys staying active through sports and the outdoors. In addition to playing baseball and basketball, Jack referees basketball and umpires baseball, experiences he is especially proud of. When he is not on a field or court, he can often be found fishing, biking, hunting, or walking with his dog.