Win, Lose, or Die

Gardner, John. Win, Lose, or Die. Book 8 of the James Bond series. 1989. 319p. ISBN 9780425122617.

M receives intelligence that BAST (Brotherhood of Anarchy and Secret Terrorism) plans to infiltrate and destroy the "Stewards' Meeting," a top-secret summit aboard a Royal Navy aircraft carrier involving President George H. W. Bush, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. To counter this threat, James Bond is reactivated to duty in the Royal Navy and promoted to Captain, tasked with infiltrating HMS Invincible to identify potential sleeper agents before the summit, scheduled a year later.

In the months leading up to the summit, Bond undergoes training to fly a Navy Sea Harrier jet. BAST, aware of his mission, attempts to eliminate him, first during a training exercise and later while he is on holiday in Italy, where his girlfriend, Beatrice Maria da Ricci, is seemingly killed. Upon returning, Bond boards HMS Invincible to manage security for the "Stewards' Meeting" amidst a massive joint war game, Landsea '89. However, he soon finds himself at the center of a murder investigation involving an American Naval Intelligence officer, and while he leaves to report the incident, BAST seizes the opportunity to capture the ship and hold the world leaders for a staggering $600 billion ransom.

Bleach, Vol. 8: The Blade and Me

Kubo, Tite. Bleach, Vol. 8: The Blade and Me. 2005. 200p. ISBN 9781591168072. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Following Rukia's arrest in Bleach, Vol. 7, Ichigo recognizes that rescuing her from the Soul Society necessitates his entry into that spiritual realm. However, his recent confrontation with Rukia's brother, Byakuya, unequivocally demonstrated the extensive and rigorous training he still requires. To prepare for this formidable task, Ichigo descends deep beneath Kisuke Urahara's Shoten, where he dedicates himself to honing his fighting skills and refining his spiritual energies.

Now, Ichigo faces his most daunting challenge yet: he must prevent his Chain of Fate from self-consumption. Failure to do so carries a dire consequence—he risks being irrevocably transformed into a soul-devouring Hollow, a monstrous entity he has sworn to fight. This critical struggle underscores the immense stakes of his training and the perilous path he must navigate to save Rukia. Fortunately for him, he is joined by Chad, Orihime, and Uryu as they travel to the the Soul Society.

The story continues in Bleach, Vol. 9.

The Big Splash

Ahn, Angela. The Big Splash. Book 2 of the Julia on the Go! series. 2025. 176p. ISBN 9781774882078.

Julia and her Vipers swim team are thrown into disarray when their beloved Coach Marissa has to leave due to a family emergency. She is replaced by the stern and humorless Coach Nathan. His strict methods, devoid of any fun, lead to discontent among the team, with some members even quitting. To add to their woes, Coach Nathan tasks them with organizing a car wash fundraiser in a very short time, a task met with little enthusiasm.

However, the team's perspective shifts when they discover that an impending increase in pool rental fees threatens their practice time and even the team's existence. Julia steps up to lead the fundraising efforts, rallying the Vipers to action. In the process, she gains a deeper understanding of her perceived nemesis, Olivia, and the seemingly cold Coach Nathan. This experience teaches Julia that initial judgments can be misleading, and that working together can lead to unexpected discoveries and stronger team bonds.

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 where life simply feels "off," characterized by a pervasive lack of joy, a pessimistic outlook, and disinterest in previously cherished activities. On the surface, they may appear productive and engaged in their work, home life, and social circles, effectively masking an internal struggle. This façade of normalcy often conceals a state of barely surviving, rather than one of genuine thriving.

This subtle yet debilitating condition is often a lesser-known form of depression: High-Functioning Depression (HFD). Unlike the more commonly recognized image of severe sadness and incapacitation, HFD allows individuals to maintain daily responsibilities, leaving them puzzled by their suffering and unsure how to address it. High Functioning aims to redefine this condition, asserting that these feelings are more than mere "negativity" or stress. Drawing on research, client experiences, and her own battle with HFD, the author provides five practical tools—validation, venting, values, vision, and vitals—to empower readers to reclaim their lives, fostering greater happiness, more satisfying relationships, and renewed joy in the present and future.

Readers who suffer from HFD or who wonder if they may be affected by it will appreciate the vivid descriptions of what HFD looks like. They will also find the strategies to deal with HFD helpful in their own lives or in that of their loved ones.

Titan of the Stars

 Johnston, E.K. Titan of the Stars. 2025. 304p. ISBN 9781774884089.

Celeste, an apprentice engineer, is intimately familiar with every part of the Titan, a ship on which she takes immense pride in her work. As the vessel embarks on its inaugural journey from Earth to Mars, she is filled with optimism, envisioning a promising new life ahead. In contrast, Dominic, a passenger, feels a suffocating anxiety upon arriving in his suite. He feels trapped within his father's prized new ship and the life his father has meticulously planned for him, a future that forces him to abandon his aspirations of attending art school.

The maiden voyage takes a terrifying turn when ancient aliens, recently discovered beneath melted ice caps, are brought aboard the Titan for display and passenger amusement. However, an act of sabotage unleashes these extraterrestrial beings, who then move indiscriminately through the ship, showing no regard for class distinctions, deck assignments, or human life. This catastrophic event plunges both Celeste and Dominic, along with all others aboard, into a desperate struggle for survival against an unexpected and deadly threat.

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.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol 17: Diper Overlode

 Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol 17: Diper Overlode. 2022. 224p. ISBN 9780241583098. Available at FIC KIN on the library shelves.

Greg Heffley embarks on a new adventure as his brother Rodrick needs help with his band, Löded Diper,. Rodrick and his bandmates have decided that to become stars and celebrities, they need to reach their fans, and there's no better way than winning a battle of the bands contest. And they will need help moving the equipment around. Initially excited about the prospect of being part of the band, Greg quickly discovers that the reality of the music scene isn't as glamorous as he imagined. He's confronted with the less appealing aspects of band life, including late-night practices, unpaid gigs, constant infighting among the band members, and the perpetual struggle for financial stability.

Greg's involvement with Löded Diper becomes a test of his patience and resilience as he navigates the chaotic world of amateur rock music. He must decide whether he can help the band achieve their dreams of legendary status or if the constant stress and dysfunction will ultimately be too much to handle. The question remains whether Greg's experience with Löded Diper will be a stepping stone to rock and roll glory or a "diper överlöde" – an overwhelming and messy disaster!

In Support Of Students: A Leader's Guide to Equitable MTSS

Novak, Katie and Kristan Rodriguez. In Support Of Students: A Leader's Guide to Equitable MTSS. 2023. 256p. ISBN 9781119885269.

In Support of A Leader’s Guide to Equitable MTSS offers a practical and evidence-based approach to establishing multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) in schools. A team of experienced educators provides concrete strategies and tools designed to aid in the effective implementation and redesign of systems that cater to the diverse needs of all students. In Support of A Leader’s Guide to Equitable MTSS moves beyond theoretical concepts, offering grounded, hands-on guidance for developing MTSS frameworks that not only promote high levels of learning but also foster students' sense of belonging and hope.

This comprehensive playbook serves as an essential resource for K-12 school leaders and administrators seeking to create equitable and effective MTSS. Its research-driven insights and practical advice also make it a valuable tool for policymakers, university personnel, and regional support providers involved in shaping educational systems. The book emphasizes the importance of creating environments where all learners can thrive academically and feel a strong connection to their school community.

The Love Report, Vol. 2

Beka & Maya. The Love Report, Vol. 2. 2024. 200p. ISBN 9781662640605. Available as a graphic novel on the library shelves.

Following The Love Report, Vol. 1, best friends Grace and Lola face new challenges. Grace struggles to adjust to her parents' recent separation and the difficulties of splitting her time between two households. Meanwhile, Lola and Grace extend a helping hand to their friend Adele, who needs a safe place to stay to escape her stepmother, leading them to an old factory. Lola also wants to support Felicity, who is being harassed by a classmate, but finds it's not a simple situation to navigate. Adele is becoming a famous artist, with her work in high demand, but this causes its own set of issues as she must learn to promote herself while maintaining her privacy.

As summer arrives, the change of season takes Grace, Lola, and Adele on an adventure to the island of Sardinia, where Adele has been hired to paint a mural. Far from the familiar settings of home and school, the girls continue their journey of discovering the complexities of love and romance, encountering new experiences and learning more about relationships in a different cultural context.