The Tribe

Rogers, Matt. The Tribe. Book 3 of the Black Force Shorts series. 2018. 140p. ISBN 9781980659112.

Former government agent Sam Rollins finds himself imprisoned on a snowy mountainside in the Peruvian Andes, facing a lifetime sentence. His incarceration stems from botching a critical mission concerning a secretive indigenous group while working for a black operations division of the U.S. military. Disavowed by his government, his life is deemed forfeit after this catastrophic failure, leaving him isolated and resigned to his fate in his cell.

Rollins' desolate existence is violently interrupted one freezing afternoon by a stranger who mercilessly defeats the guards to reach his cell. The intruder identifies himself as Jason King and delivers a sharp, imperative message: “My name is Jason King, and I’m here to get you out. You need to finish the job.” This forceful rescue yanks Rollins back into the deadly world of covert operations, compelling him to face the very mission failure that originally cost him his freedom.

This story is tailor-made for readers who love gritty, espionage-fueled action thrillers with a focus on dark government secrets and morally compromised protagonists. It will appeal strongly to fans of complex narratives involving "deniable assets," high-altitude adventure, and prison-break scenarios. Readers drawn to the raw, visceral intensity of the murky world of black ops will find the character of Sam Rollins—a betrayed operative forced back into service—immediately compelling. The promise of finishing a mysterious, dangerous job in the dramatic setting of the Andes ensures a fast-paced, suspenseful read.

Naruto, Vol. 35: The New Two

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 35: The New Two. 2011. 200p. ISBN 9781421520032. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following their confrontation with Sasuke in Naruto, Vol. 34, Kakashi works with Naruto to intensify his training regimen. Meanwhile, the ominous Akatsuki organization methodically targets individuals who possess the power of the Tailed Beasts. The Akatsuki's relentless pursuit of these powerful entities casts a dark shadow over the ninja world, threatening the lives and stability of various nations.

As the Akatsuki close in their next target, Lady Tsunada wonders what is the Akatsuki's sinister agenda. The clash between Naruto's determined efforts to grow stronger and the Akatsuki's calculated and dangerous operations sets the stage for a potentially devastating confrontation, highlighting the ever-present threat posed by this shadowy group and the vulnerability of those who hold the Tailed Beasts within them.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 36.

Just Go: Turning Fear into a Superpower

Sakakibara, Saya. Just Go: Turning Fear into a Superpower. 2026. 336p. ISBN 

In the high-stakes world of elite athletics, Saya Sakakibara was a rising star destined for BMX greatness until a single moment shattered her confidence. After watching her brother, Kai, suffer a life-altering brain injury during a qualifying event for the Tokyo Olympics, the track transformed from a place of joy into a landscape of trauma. Haunted by the memory of her brother’s crash and burdened by her own history of six concussions, Saya makes the difficult decision to step away from the sport that defined her life. The safety she seeks in retirement, however, is complicated by the deep-rooted passion that still lingers beneath her fear.

Supported by her resilient family, including a brother who refuses to let his injury end his own athletic dreams, Saya begins a grueling mental and physical journey to reclaim her identity. She must navigate the delicate balance between the terrifying risks of BMX racing and the undeniable pull of the finish line. As she prepares to face the very obstacles that nearly broke her family, the pressure of the international stage looms larger than ever. With the world watching, will she be able to conquer the psychological scars of her past, or will the memory of the crash cause her to falter at the gate when it matters most?

Fans of sports biographies and inspirational memoirs will appreciate this book for its raw look at the psychological toll of professional competition. The narrative offers immense value to high school students by exploring themes of grit, sibling loyalty, and the importance of mental health in achieving personal goals. It serves as a compelling case study on how to process trauma while pursuing excellence under extreme pressure.

Bleach, Vol. 11: A Star and a Stray Dog

Kubo, Tite. Bleach, Vol. 11: A Star and a Stray Dog. 2005. 208p. ISBN 9781421502717. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Ichigo, after successfully defeating Ikkaku of the Eleventh Company in Bleach, Vol. 10, receives a crucial reward: the location of Rukia, who is being held in the Soul Society awaiting her execution. While Ichigo's mission advances, his companion Ganju, a pyrotechnics expert, is engaged in a much more difficult fight against his own Soul Reaper opponent.

Meanwhile, Orihime and Uryū encounter the younger brother of the giant gatekeeper Ichigo had previously defeated. This confrontation presents Uryū with a pivotal moment to put his rigorous Quincy training to the ultimate test and prove to both his friends and himself just how much more powerful he has become. The fight is not just a battle, but an opportunity for Uryū to demonstrate his growth and newly acquired strength.

The Creepy School Bus, Part Two

Hough, Paul. The Creepy School Bus, Part Two. 2025. B0DLYLQDZX. 

Even after last year's successful rescue, many unanswered questions plague Kaitlin and her friends. The identity of those responsible for the disappearances ofd many students remains a mystery, and the chilling possibility of the creepy school bus returning looms large. While Agent Warren and his FBI team are on high alert, the malevolent forces behind the buses prove incredibly potent, drawing everyone into a conspiracy far more profound than anyone initially conceived.

As more children vanish from school buses across the nation, Kaitlin and her allies are forced to confront an array of new and terrifying horrors. Their fight is not just to save their friends, but to permanently halt the sinister operations of the creepy school buses, facing dangers that push them to their limits in a desperate battle against an escalating evil.

The Club: Where American Women Artists Found Refuge in Belle Époque Paris

Dasal, Jennifer. The Club: Where American Women Artists Found Refuge in Belle Époque Paris. 2025. 334p. ISBN 9781639731305.

In Belle Époque Paris, a period marked by the newly erected Eiffel Tower and political stability in France, American women found a unique sanctuary in The American Girls' Club. Established in 1893, this female-only residence quickly became a vibrant hub for expatriate life, particularly for a generation of independent, talented, and driven American women dedicated to pursuing fine arts. The Club provided a crucial space for these ambitious individuals to thrive in a foreign city.

The Club unveils the previously untold history of this remarkable institution, its philanthropic founders, and the diverse artists it supported. These women not only honed their crafts but also forged significant connections within the arts and letters, interacting with luminaries such as Auguste Rodin and Gertrude Stein, and even becoming activists through relationships with figures like Emmeline Pankhurst. The Club's true power lay in offering a safe home for single women of ambition, enabling their growth as teachers, artists, suffragists, and individuals, making it a captivating and colorful new contribution to women's history.

I Heard You Paint Houses: Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran & Closing the Case on Jimmy Hoffa

Brandt, Charles. I Heard You Paint Houses: Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran & Closing the Case on Jimmy Hoffa. 2004. 309p. ISBN 9781586420895.

Frank "the Irishman" Sheeran's story begins with the words, "I heard you paint houses," a mob euphemism for killing a man. In a series of interviews with author Charles Brandt, Sheeran confessed to having committed over twenty-five hits for the mob, including for his friend and powerful union leader, Jimmy Hoffa. Sheeran's deadly skills were honed during his time in the U.S. Army, where he served an astonishing 411 days in active combat in Italy during World War II.

After returning from the war, Sheeran began working for crime boss Russell Bufalino, eventually rising to such a prominent position that he was named by then-U.S. Attorney Rudy Giuliani as one of only two non-Italians on a list of 26 top mob figures. His ultimate act of loyalty, and survival, came when Bufalino ordered him to kill Hoffa. Sheeran carried out the murder, understanding that his refusal would have led to his own death. This account not only sheds light on the Hoffa mystery but also offers a rare and important look into a significant chapter of American criminal history.

Fans of crime story will enjoy reading Sheeran's life and learning about the inner workings of the Italian Mafia in the 1960s and 1970s.