Tag Archives: ya fiction

CECH Spotlight: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

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CECH Spotlight highlights recommended books in the the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) Library.

Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe / written by by Benjamin Alire Sáenz / 2012

Celebrate Pride all summer long and read about the important stories of LGBTQ+ youth and their lives. Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe can be described as a very simple yet impactful read. Sáenz needs no intense plot twist or a plethora of characters to tell a touching and memorable story.

Follow along Ari’s coming-of-age journey as he faces struggles with loneliness, sexuality, and familial relationships, and along the way forms a special relationship with Dante, an artsy and talented swimmer he meets at the neighborhood pool. Ari and Dante live nearly opposite lives, yet are still struggling with the same issues. A perfect summer read with relatable teenage struggles, Ari & Dante is an authentic story that focuses on the small details in relationships and life, such as those ponderings about life, love, personal moments, and self-discovery.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is available from CECH Library,  as well as the OhioLINK and Search Ohio lending networks. Keep an eye out for the sequel that debuts in October!

Review by Alyssa Gruich, CECH Library Student Assistant | Political Science, A&S 2022

Read Before You Watch: Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo

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Read Before You Watch highlights books in the the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) Library coming soon to TV screens or movie theaters.

Shadow & Bone / written by Leigh Bardugo / 2012

In this New York Times bestselling young adult fantasy, Shadow & Bone tells the story of young Alina Starkov as she discovers that she possesses a power with the ability to defeat the darkness of the shadow fold and unite the two sides of her country. Ravka, torn by years of dark power, sees Alina as she suddenly becomes the most important person within the country. All eyes are on her as she is taken by the Darkling, the most powerful Grisha in the kingdom, to the Little Palace for training.

Shadow & Bone is an excellent entryway for young readers interested in fantasy. A light yet gripping read, it draws the reader in an encapsulating universe and a fiery love triangle. Bardugo’s ability to create an engaging and original storyline grips you until the very last page as you take a dive into the Grishaverse. Shadow & Bone is a must read for lovers of fantasy and strong female leads!

Check out Shadow & Bone today at the CECH Library and read the series before it debuts on Netflix this spring!

Shadow & Bone is available from CECH Library,  as well as the OhioLINK and Search Ohio lending networks.

Review by Alyssa Gruich, CECH Library Student Assistant | Political Science, A&S 2022