Our Wildwood, Volume 53

BOOK SHELF by Michelle Simon (P. ‘31), Head Librarian Middle and Upper School

MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL STUDENT GROUPS ARE ACTIVELY PROMOTING A LOVE OF READING in unique and engaging ways. The Upper School Book Club brings together passionate readers who enjoy sharing what they’re reading—both in and out of the classroom. From debates over beloved classics to a growing enthusiasm for science fiction, the club continues to celebrate a shared love of literature. This year also marks the exciting rise of the Middle School Library Council—a dynamic group dedicated to fostering a vibrant reading culture. With endless creativity and a wide range of favorite genres, these readers are inspiring their peers to discover the joy of books and the written word. Here are some recommended titles from our middle school.

THE FORGOTTEN MAGIC OF ZOEY TURNER by Erin Stewart

SCYTHE by Neal Shusterman

THE YEAR MY LIFE WENT DOWN THE TOILET by Jake Maia Arlow

Reviewed by Soam N. ‘31

Reviewed by Alice F. ‘31

Review by Monet J.-M. ‘31

Thou shalt kill. Scythe , by Neal Shusterman, is a great dystopian fiction novel. It is set in a future where humanity has conquered all forms of death. People are injected with healing and pain suppressing nanites. Humanity has been purged of all forms of government and is instead guided by a conscious version of the cloud called the Thunderhead. To prevent overpopulation, a group of people called Scythes has been formed. They have one purpose: to kill. The book follows a young girl named Citra, who is apprenticed to a Scythe. Scythe sheds new light on life and death. I really liked this book because it explores real-world issues in a way that isn’t boring.

Zoey Turner is a 12-year-old girl who has struggled with severe anxiety since her father’s death. She finds solace in fantasy, especially Raven M. Wells’ The Magic of Ever After series, which she used to read with her dad. She comes to Raven M. Wells’ book signing, but there she has a panic attack, resulting in her having to leave without a signed novel. Given a pencil as a consolation prize, she is disappointed but soon realizes that the stories she writes with it come true. This heartwarming and relatable novel is packed with excitement, self-discovery, and learning to accept change.

Twelve-year-old Al is crushed when she learns that she has Crohn’s disease, an illness that can be controlled but not cured. Trying to cope with this new disease and to get away from her overprotective mom, Al joins an IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) support group, “The Bathroom Club,” a group for kids with digestive issues and finds a sense of belonging and understanding. Through this newfound group of friends, Al learns how to talk about her feelings and navigate through the challenges of middle school.

OWW SUMMER 2025

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