Fresh Ink: A Literary Magazine Is Live!

Thanks to all who contributed to the latest issue of our literary magazine — Fresh Ink!

Take a look at the June 2024 issue for some great writing by your classmates — you can access the digital copy here:

Fresh Ink: A Literary Magazine (June 2024)

– POETRY –

“Ode to my six-year-old self” by Holly T.

– FICTION –

“Leaving The Nest” by Charles M.

– BOOK REVIEWS –

Two Novels by Sara Gruen by Ava T.
Two Novels by Ann Patchett by Sarah G.

– GREAT BOOKS –

A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson

New eBooks Available In Sora!

We’re always adding new eBooks and Audiobooks to the CA Library collection in Sora, especially as the school year winds down — CA Library may be closed for the summer, but our digital library is open 24/7!

Take a look at the latest eBooks available in your Sora account, including these great titles:

I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson — A story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal told from different points in time, and in separate voices, by artists Jude and her twin brother Noah.

“Readers are meant to feel big things, and they will — Nelson’s novel brims with emotion (grief, longing, and love in particular) as Noah, Jude, and the broken individuals in their lives find ways to heal” (Publishers Weekly). 


Road Rash by Mark Huntley Parsons — After being dropped from one band, sixteen-year-old drummer Zach gets a chance to go on tour with a much better band. It feels like sweet redemption, but this is one rocky road trip — filled with jealousy, rivalries, and on-stage meltdowns.

“A road-trip adventure in romance and friendship that is ultimately all about the music” (Kirkus Reviews). 


The Scar Boys by Len Vlahos — A severely burned teenager. A guitar. Punk rock. The chords of a rock ‘n’ roll road trip in a coming-of-age novel that is a must-read story about finding your place in the world . . . even if you carry scars inside and out. Also available as an Audiobook

“If Brent Runyon’s The Burn Journals and Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower could be melded into a single work, it might be this one. Distinguished in every way” (School Library Journal). 


The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim by E.K. Johnston — In an alternate world where industrialization has caused many species of carbon-eating dragons to thrive, Owen, a slayer being trained by his famous father and aunt, and Siobahn, his bard, face a dragon infestation near their small town in Canada.

“An interesting commentary on the perils of carbon emissions, action, interesting twists on history, and themes of friendship, family, loyalty, and sacrifice will keep readers turning pages” (Library Media Connection). 


Tease by Amanda Maciel — Provocative, unforgettable, and inspired by real-life incidents, Amanda Maciel’s highly acclaimed debut novel Tease is the story of a teenage girl who faces criminal charges for bullying after a classmate commits suicide. Also available as an Audiobook

“This nuanced look at a controversial topic will keep readers hooked until its satisfying conclusion” (School Library Journal).


A Time To Dance by Padma Venkatraman — Venkatraman’s inspiring story of a young girl’s struggle to regain her passion and find a new peace is told lyrically through verse that captures the beauty and mystery of India and the ancient bharatanatyam dance form. Also available as an Audiobook

“A beautiful integration of art, religion, compassion and connection” (Kirkus Reviews). 


The Tyrant’s Daughter by J.C. Carleson — Exiled to the United States after her father, a Middle Eastern dictator, is killed in a coup, fifteen-year-old Laila must cope with a completely new way of life, the truth of her father’s regime, and her mother and brother’s ways of adjusting. Also available as an Audiobook

“This is more than just Laila’s story; it is a story of context, beautifully written (by a former undercover CIA agent), and stirring in its questions and eloquent observations about our society and that of the Middle East” (School Library Journal). 


The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone by Adele Griffin — When a celebrated New York City teenager, known for her subversive street art, mysteriously dies, her life is examined in a series of interviews with her parents, friends, boyfriends, mentors, and critics. Also available as an Audiobook

“A terrific experiment, something fresh and hard to put down. It gives a sense of both the artistic temperament and the nature of madness—and the sometimes thin line in between” (Booklist). 


The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer — Witty, sarcastic Ethan and his three best friends are students at Selwyn Arts Academy, which has been hijacked by For Art’s Sake, a sleazy reality-television show. In secret, the foursome writes and distributes a long poem in protest. But the forces behind the show are craftier than they seem, and the web of betrayal stretches farther than Ethan could have ever imagined.

“Relying on the passion and ideals that drive adolescence, this has a vibrancy and authenticity that will resonate with anyone who has fought for their beliefs — or who has loved a hamster (you’ll see)” (Booklist). 


The Young Elites (Book 1) by Marie Lu — From the bestselling author of the Legend series comes an exciting new fantasy trilogy. Adelina Amouteru survived the blood fever, a deadly illness that killed many, but left others with strange markings and supernatural powers. Cast out by her family, Adelina joins the secret society of the Young Elites and discovers her own dangerous abilities. Also available as an Audiobook

“In a gorgeously constructed world that somewhat resembles Renaissance Italy but with its own pantheon, geography and fauna, the multiethnic and multisexual Young Elites offer a cinematically perfect ensemble of gorgeous-but-unusual illusionists, animal speakers, fire summoners and wind callers” (Kirkus Reviews). 

New Audiobooks In Sora!

Take a look at the CA Library collection in your Sora account — you’ll find thousands of eBooks and audiobooks across many different genres, including:

…and more! You can also browse the latest audiobooks in Sora, including these new titles:

Beach Cute by Beth Reekles — From the author of the hit Kissing Booth series comes another sizzling story following three very different girls on summer vacation! Equal parts romance and humor, this is the perfect beach read for your next getaway. Also available as an eBook

“With a lot of humor, as well as romance, regret and friendship, this beach read coupled with a coming-of-age story will appeal to readers of many genres” (School Library Journal).


The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown — Out of the depths of the Depression comes an irresistible story about beating the odds and finding hope in the most desperate of times. This is the improbable, intimate account of how nine working-class boys from the American West showed the world at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin what true grit really meant. Also available as an eBook

The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation): The True Story of an American Team’s Epic Journey to Win Gold at the 1936 Olympics by Daniel James Brown — Adapted from the best-selling adult title.

“Those who enjoy reading about Olympic history or amateur or collegiate sports will savor Brown’s superb book” (Library Journal). 


Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That’s a Good Thing) by Salman Khan — Khan, the visionary behind Khan Academy, explores how artificial intelligence and GPT technology will transform learning, and offers a road map for teachers, parents, and students to navigate this exciting (and sometimes intimidating) new world. Also available as an eBook

“Khan provides a wealth of advice on connecting AI to education, and he writes with clarity, expertise, and optimism” (Kirkus Reviews). 


If Only I Had Told Her by Laura Nowlin — An intensely emotional and gripping companion novel to Nowlin’s bestseller If He Had Been With Me about the love that both breaks and heals us. Perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Jenny Han. Also available as an eBook

“Nowlin is unafraid to explore the gritty sides of sadness, grief, regret, and mental health struggles, resulting in a deeply affecting and worthwhile novel . . . a full-tissue-box read” (Booklist). 


Not If I See You First by Eric Lindstrom — In the tradition of Gayle Forman and John Green comes this extraordinary YA debut about a blind teen girl navigating life and love in high school. Blind sixteen-year-old Parker Grant navigates friendships and romantic relationships, including a run-in with a boy who previously broke her heart, while coping with her father’s recent death.

“Lindstrom’s debut . . . possesses crackling wit, intense teen drama, and a lively pace that pulls readers in” (Booklist). 


Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt — The two-time Newbery Honor winner Schmidt delivers the shattering story of Joseph, a father at thirteen, who has never seen his daughter, Jupiter. After spending time in a juvenile facility, he’s placed with a foster family on a farm in rural Maine. Also available as an eBook

“A powerful story about second chances, all the more devastating because not everyone gets one” (Publishers Weekly). 


Outrun The Moon by Stacey Lee — From the author of the critically acclaimed Under a Painted Sky comes an unforgettable story of determination set against a backdrop of devastating tragedy. On the eve of the San Fransisco Earthquake of 1906, Mercy Wong — daughter of Chinese immigrants — is struggling to hold her own among the spoiled heiresses at prestigious St. Clare’s School. When tragedy strikes, everyone must band together to survive. Also available as an eBook

“Propelled by a feisty and fabulous heroine, Lee’s sophomore novel is powerful, evocative, and thought-provoking” (Kirkus Reviews). 


Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain — Explores the role introverts play in a world that is geared towards those who enjoy communicating with others and offers practical suggestions at how introverts can make sure their message is heard. Also available as an eBook

Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts For Kids and Teens by Susan Cain, with Gregory Mone and Erica Moroz — Adapted from the best-selling adult title.

“An intriguing and potentially life-altering examination of the human psyche that is sure to benefit both introverts and extroverts alike” (Kirkus Reviews). 


Under A Painted Sky by Stacey Lee — Lee’s debut novel is a powerful story about love, friendship, and sacrifice. In 1845, Sammy, a Chinese American girl, and Annamae, an African American slave girl, disguise themselves as boys and travel on the Oregon Trail to California from Missouri. Also available as an eBook

“Lee packs the plot with plenty of peril and Wild West excitement, and Sammy’s fixation on fate, luck, and the Chinese zodiac adds a unique flavor. A great fit for fans of historical adventure with a touch of romance” (Booklist). 


Walk On Earth A Stranger (Gold Seer Trilogy, Book 1) by Rae Carson — Lee Westfall, a young woman with the magical ability to sense the presence of gold, must flee her home to avoid people who would abuse her powers, so when her best friend Jefferson heads out across Gold Rush-era America to stake his claim, she disguises herself as a boy and sets out on her own dangerous journey. Also available as an eBook

“Leah rightfully takes center stage as a smart, resourceful, determined, and realistic heroine who embodies the age-old philosophy that it isn’t what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters” (Publisher Weekly).