Literary Arts Students’ Picks from Perpich Library

March 26, 2024

Everyone likes a good book recommendation, and who better to recommend books than our Perpich Arts High School Literary Arts students! Here is what they had to say about why they love their favorite reads and why they think you would enjoy them, too.

All items on this list are available at the Perpich library. Click on titles for more information.

1. Ash by Malinda Lo – Review by Rowan Hilden (Literary Arts 2024)
“Sapphic, moody, dark, fantasy-core Cinderella story with elves and groundbreakingly beautiful writing? Sign me up! Sign you up! Sign everyone up! This book was also written before gay marriage was legalized, so it has a special place in my heart for being representation before representation was acceptable. This book still fights for its shelf space!”

2. Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo – Review by Rowan Hilden (Literary Arts 2024)
“Two sisters are separated – one lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the other in America. Unaware they have a sister, the teen girls are forced to confront their shared father’s lies when he dies in a plane crash. With its unique formatting (take a look!) it’s a quick read, but a devastating one.”

3. Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson – Review by Rowan Hilden (Literary Arts 2024)
“‘Dance of Thieves’ features a dangerous criminal and a royal figure who, through many hijinks, find themselves chained by the ankle in the forest. Fighting for survival is key – but what will kill them first – nature or each other?”

4. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab – Review by Addy Miller (Literary Arts 2024)
“This trilogy is full of fantastic world-building and characters. Want to get into fantasy, or just want an easy read? This book is perfect for you. Found family, and some side-plot romance, are included in this novel chock-full of magic + wonder. I adored every page of this!”

5. Every Day by David Levithan – Review by Rowan Hilden (Literary Arts 2024)
“‘A’ wakes up in a new body every day. It’s always been like that for them. But, one day, everything changes – they fall in love with a girl. A fascinating dive into gender and body ideals, ‘Every Day’ is a philosophical answer to, essentially, ‘would you date me if I was a worm?'”

6. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune – Review by Addy Miller (Literary Arts 2024)
“Gorgeous writing, found family, and a wonderful gay romance, ‘House in the Cerulean Sea’ is a great feel-good book. Perfect for people looking for an easy, entertaining read! TJ Klune’s writing style is enthralling and well done. This book had me sobbing out of pure joy.”

7. The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen – Review by Rowan Hilden (Literary Arts 2024)
“Three classic Vietnamese folktales are beautifully transformed in this ground breaking graphic novel. Parts of this book were even drawn in pen and pencil! ‘The Magic Fish’ hosts some serious linework and narrative talent – you won’t want to miss out.”

8. Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer – Review by Rowan Hilden (Literary Arts 2024)
“EVERYONE HEAR THIS OUT!
Is it a Twilight book?
Yes.
Is it from EDWARD’S perspective?
Yes.
Was it written 10 years later?
Yes.
Is it a MILLION times better than the other books?
Yes.
Will it change your life?
Yes.”

9. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman – Review by Danny Schiffer (Literary Arts 2025)
“This book is very special to me. It’s definitely weird and creepy, most definitely life-changing and beautiful. It has witches, monsters, and lovely English countryside. Vibes are immaculate.”

10. Pet Sematary by Stephen King – Review by Danny Schiffer (Literary Arts 2025)
“This is my favorite King book ever. It tackles the way people deal with death in a thrilling and nuanced way. It’s bone-chilling and haunting. You won’t want to put it down.”

11. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde – Review by Starr Anderson (Literary Arts 2025)
“‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ is a mystery thriller told with beautiful writing. It’s entertaining, philosophical, thrilling, and exciting. It will pull you into its world and introduce you to an amazing era.”

12. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – Review by Addy Miller (Literary Arts 2024)
“A tragic, Sapphic story centered around Evelyn Hugo, a Cuban-American movie star. Throughout her career, Hugo has had countless husbands, but none of them seemed to work out. Then, Evelyn meets Celia, and her world completely changes. Switching between her past and her present after the fall of her career, Hugo’s story is both beautiful and well-told.”

13. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo – Review by Rowan Hilden (Literary Arts 2024)
“Everyone has heard something about this book, and for good reason. The world itself is dark and dank, featuring a handful of unlikely friends going to take on the biggest heist ever conceived. Beautifully written, ‘Six of Crows’ will steal you, barter you, and sweep you away.”

14. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury – Review by Danny Schiffer (Literary Arts 2025)
“I read this in one sitting. It’s whimsical, it’s terrifying, it’s classic, and it’s a bit weird. Most people should read this book at some point. So much love and nostalgia went into this work of art.”

15. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas – Review by Rowan Hilden (Literary Arts 2024)
“A masterpiece series of 2010s teen-girl fantasy, ‘Throne of Glass’ follows Celaena Sardothien, a magicless assassin on her journey to win her freedom from labor camps and become the King’s Champion. But, the King is totally evil and so is the whole world. The series quickly breaks from its traditional mold and develops itself in a way that can only be described as spellbinding.”

All items on this list are available at the Perpich Library.