Dust

Bowling, Dusti. Dust. 2023. 304p. ISBN 9780316414234.

Avalyn, who moved to Clear Canyon City, Arizona, ten years ago for its dry air after a near-fatal asthma attack, finds her ability to breathe freely threatened by the arrival of Adam. Adam, a quiet and disheveled new student, immediately becomes a target for the bullies who have long tormented Avalyn and her friends. As Avalyn gets to know him, she begins to suspect a supernatural connection between his emotional state and the sudden, strange increase in dust storms plaguing the town.

The situation escalates as massive black walls of dust begin to roll in after school, hinting at more severe problems in Adam's home life. Avalyn is faced with the daunting task of standing up for her new friend, a decision that could have profound implications for her own well-being, as her very ability to breathe seems to depend on it. 

While the premise offers an intriguing blend of supernatural elements and social commentary, the execution struggles to fully develop the emotional depth of Avalyn's connection to Adam's powers, leaving the magical realism feeling underdeveloped in favor of the interpersonal drama. Readers will still appreciate this tale of resilience and will cheer Avalyn on as she tries to help another person who really needs it!

My Hero Academia, Vol. 8

Horikoshi, Kohei. My Hero Academia, Vol. 8. 2017. 192p. ISBN 9781421591674. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Following their confrontation with Stain in My Hero Academia, Vol. 7, the students of U.A. High are facing the highly anticipated practical phase of their final exams, which comes with an unexpected twist: they must defeat their own teachers to pass if they want to attend summer camp. This challenging setup pits Midoriya, the protagonist, against his powerful mentor, All Might, in a particularly difficult matchup. To complicate matters further, Midoriya is paired with his archrival, Bakugo, forcing the two to cooperate despite their contentious relationship. The central question for Midoriya becomes whether he can push his limits and overcome All Might, a task that seems almost insurmountable.

Meanwhile, in a separate arena, other students, such as Yaoyorozu and Todoroki, are enduring equally intense struggles against their own instructors. As these demanding final exams unfold, the students are unaware that a sinister new adversary is secretly preparing to make their move, setting the stage for future conflicts beyond the immediate challenges of the exams.

The story continues in My Hero Academia, Vol. 9.

The Summer I Ate the Rich

Moulite, Marika and Maritza Moulite. The Summer I Ate the Rich. 2025. 400p. ISBN 9780374390532.

Brielle Petitfour has a serious talent for cooking, but with her mom's ongoing illness and mounting bills, her dream of becoming a chef feels impossible. Plus, as a Haitian zombie, created through voodoo, she sometimes finds it hard to relate to human emotions. And the smell of blood sharpen all of her instincts. Her mother left Haiti before Brielle was born, and her father died of an overdose. Her mother, who is poor physical health, works as the health attendant for the man who founded the pharmaceutical company that manufactured the drug that killed her husband.

When this old man is accidentally run over by his Preston, his grandson, while on a walk in front of his estate, Brielle knows things are about to go from bad to worse. Her mother loses her job. At the same time, Brielle receives text messages meant for Preston's father requesting a donation of $10 million. Brielle replies that not only will he donate $10 million, he will double the funds!

Quickly caught, Brielle is offered a choice. She can do an internship at the pharmaceutical company, or Preston's father will file charges. Concurrently while doing her internship, Brielle pursues her cooking interests and starts her own business of catering. The wealthy families who hire her are obsessed with the unique and delicious flavors in her dishes, always trying to figure out her secret ingredients. What they don't know is that Brielle's secret ingredient is human flesh, specifically from the rich dead of the community.

As Brielle connects with Preston, her web of lies start catching up with her. The Summer I Ate the Rich is a twisted and thought-provoking story that takes inspiration from Haitian zombie legends to look at the messed-up social and economic inequalities in our world. Just like the rich people in the book who devour Brielle's food without knowing what it really is, this story will make the reader think about who has power and who gets taken advantage of, leading to a disturbing question: What are we really consuming?

High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy

Joseph, Judith. High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy. 2025. 320p. ISBN 9780316577298.

Many individuals experience periods of subtle but persistent unease, characterized by a diminished capacity for joy, a pessimistic outlook, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. While outwardly appearing functional – maintaining work, home responsibilities, and social engagements – these individuals are merely surviving beneath a veneer of normalcy, far from truly thriving. This experience often masks a less recognized form of depression known as high-functioning depression.

Unlike the stereotypical image of profound sadness and incapacitation, people suffering from high-functioning depression present with an ability to maintain daily routines, leaving those affected unaware of the underlying illness and unsure how to address their suffering. High Functioning redefines this mental health condition and offers validation and practical tools for those who experience this condition. Employing research-based pathways including validation, venting, values, vision, and vitals, High Functioning aims to foster healthier relationships and cultivate a more optimistic outlook on the present and future.

All-Star Superman

Morrison, Grant. All-Star Superman. 2025. 304 mins. ISBN 9780593915073.

All-Star Superman offers a breathtaking reinterpretation of the Superman mythos, spanning from his origins to his most formidable adversaries, and is widely regarded as one of the character's most iconic storylines. In this audiobook adaptation, the Man of Steel confronts a series of unique challenges, including a direct clash with his peculiar doppelgänger, Bizarro, and the introduction of Zibarro, another eccentric inhabitant from the Bizarro planet.

The narrative culminates in Superman facing the ultimate act of vengeance from his arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor —a revenge so profound that it manifests as Superman's own impending demise. This storyline delves into themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the very essence of what it means to be Superman, offering a powerful and definitive take on the legendary hero's journey.

Fans of superheroes will enjoy this fast-paced tale of heroic deeds and dastardly villainy! 

Stinetinglers 4: 3 Chilling Tales by the Master of Scary Stories

Stine, R.L. Stinetinglers 4: 3 Chilling Tales by the Master of Scary Stories. 2025. 224p. ISBN 9781250367952.

Stinetinglers 4 presents a collection of chilling tales set in the town of Hollow Hills, each focusing on young protagonists facing sinister situations. In the first story, Tony's passion for old comics leads him into dangerous territory, threatening his very existence. In the second story, Kylie navigates a summer job at a pet store, where the more gruesome inhabitants begin to have a disturbing influence on her. Finally, in the third story, Teddy suspects his new substitute teacher harbors a monstrous secret, forcing him to weigh the risks of revealing the truth against enduring Mr. Howell's wrath.

Characteristic of R.L. Stine's signature blend of humor and nightmarish fun, Stinetinglers 4 aims to deliver scares and reinforce Stine's legacy in the horror genre. The individual stories, though promising in premise, sometimes feel constrained by their short format, potentially leaving readers wishing for more developed plots and deeper explorations of their unsettling magical elements.

Naruto, Vol. 31: Final Battle

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 31: Final Battle. 2011. 190p. ISBN 9781421519432. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

The fight between Sasori, Sakura, and Granny Chiyo from Naruto, Vol. 30 continues as the three of them fight in the Akatsuki cavern. Sasori's powerful and masterful control of his puppets overwhelms Granny Chiyo's defenses. But Sasori's overconfidence in his abilities prove to be the end of him when Sakura defeats him. Meanwhile, Kakashi and Naruto chase Deidara to recover Gaara's body. A fight between the three of them result in Deidara losing his right arm and barely escaping with his life. Granny Chiyo transfers the last of her life energy into Gaara, bringing him back to life.

The action sequences are intense and visually stunning, effectively conveying the dangerous power of the Akatsuki. While Naruto's involvement is limited, Sakura's battle alongside Granny Chiyo against Sasori is highlighted as a standout moment, with the emotional depth of the scenes praised. Sasori's unique and unsettling character design adds a layer of creepiness and tragedy to the conflict, eliciting both fear and pity at his untimely demise.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 32.