By Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

Teenage detective Stevie Bell returns in Maureen Johnson’s latest young adult murder mystery, which brings a newly diverse voice its classic predecessors lacked.

By Kelsie Westmoreland, Washington and Lee University

Are you an avid YA reader? If so, you can’t miss the top books of this year so far.

By Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

If you loved the ‘Goosebumps’ series when you were younger, you have reason to be excited for the new, violent editions of Stine’s work.

By Elliot Jackson-Ontkush, Skidmore College

They may be fun, but they are missing an important question: Which house do you think you belong in?

By Amy Harris, Utah State University

It can be intimidating putting art into the world but Howard Tayler, the creator of this strip, is living proof that you don’t need to be extremely well-versed in the arts to make something that touches the world.

By Amy Harris, Utah State University

The book is a classic piece of literary history, but perhaps it is best known for killing off its titular canine.

By Anna Hupp, University of Wyoming

The ‘ER’ and ‘The Good Wife’ actress navigates the unstable waters of her childhood from the vantage of her craft, assessing both its beauty and instability — and turning both to her advantage with the tool of gratitude. 

By Study Breaks Staff

In his latest book, author and YouTuber John Green examines objects and concepts in search for beauty within humanity, making a compelling case for hope in a time of extremes.

By Karen Lu, Yale University

Our society’s interest in certain beasts over others may have interesting social and political implications, according to Jeffrey J. Cohen.

By Lauren Koop, London School of Economics - Peking University

Book lovers from around the world connect with each other and share recommendations through TikTok, but are the books actually any good?

By Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

Sparking discussions about authors, tropes and book drama, PeaceLoveBooksxo’s livestream connects and provides insight into the book community and those who participate in it.

By Kiera Baity, Kennesaw State University

Tina Seelig’s newest book is a revolutionary manual that teaches everyone how to make their imaginative notions a reality.

By Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Despite its familiar premise, the strong chemistry between the main characters is what really holds the young adult series together.

By Justin Spencer, University of Texas at San Antonio

‘That thing was too big to be called a sword. Too big, too thick, too heavy, and too rough, it was more like a large hunk of iron.’ Fans of Kentaro Miura’s beast of a dark fantasy series reflect on 30 years of storytelling and mourn the death of its creator.

By Diamond Sears-Allen, Borough of Manhattan Community College

In a genre that often features straightforward, simple love interests, this series adds subtle characterization to accompany its dating sim setting.

By Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

This romance novel by Mariana Zapata sparks nuanced discussions on women’s fiction, the power of starting over and indie book publishing.

By Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Last year, Disney+ announced they would be giving this literary phenomenon a second chance at an adaptation. This new TV series already has the potential to win the hearts of fans and first-time audiences alike.

By Isabelle Juan, Truman State University

Using the lens of the Korean American experience, this essay collection presents a fiery look at the subtle ways that white supremacy manifests itself.

By Amiri Rivers-David, Pomona College

Several media properties take inspiration from the classic William Golding novel, but too many fail to capture what made it great.

By Beth Jordan, Aquinas College

So, you’ve written your novel. Now what? Getting an agent and publishing deal the traditional way is harder than ever these days. Luckily, there’s a solution for that.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

Glennon Doyle’s recent release has topped bestsellers lists and has inspired fans everywhere to listen to their gut instincts, follow their hearts and, most importantly, overcome anything.

By Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Complete with twists and an unexpected ending, this series cannot be passed up by anyone who loves young adult mystery novels.

By Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

When the weather is nice but you don’t want to do anything, pick up a new novel. These anticipated drops will give you all the warm feelings of the season.

By Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Why are teens drawn to the genre and why did its popularity seem to quickly fade out? It might make an unexpected comeback soon.

By Beth Jordan, Aquinas College

The beloved space opera comic is soon moving into its second part, and longtime supporters couldn’t be more ecstatic.

By Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

Diverse representation in romantic fiction can reaffirm how the genre adds value to the literary community.

By Drew Goretzka, Michigan State University

Being a student journalist is a great way to give your peers a voice and make connections that’ll last a lifetime.

By Karen Lu, Yale University

The website, affectionately known as AO3, has redefined the way fan fiction is cataloged and created and has reinvigorated the discourse surrounding the nature of fandom.

By Daniel Reed

With competition at an all-time high, you need to work every advantage.

By Isabelle Juan, Truman State University

This poetry collection by francine j. harris is a challenging work that contends with race, society and loneliness.

By Beth Jordan, Aquinas College

Thanks to markets like Amazon that have made it easier than ever to access books, authors no longer have to wait to be given a green light.

By Sophie N. Munoz, University of Texas at San Antonio

Alicia Cook’s newest poetry collection is blunt, not only about the difficulties of healing from pain and depression, but also about how worthwhile it is to find hope.

By Daniel Buccafusca, East Stroudsburg University

Constantly overshadowed by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the DCEU is in a tough spot. Here is a potential reimagining of what can come next.

By Beth Jordan, Aquinas College

Because this type of writing is unlike anything you’d typically find in professional or academic settings, it can be difficult to get the hang of. Here are some tips to help your writing process.

By Kiera Baity, Kennesaw State University

Does Alex Marzano-Lesnevich’s approach to creating fictitious scenarios in a work about a real court case still make their story nonfiction?

By Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

By Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Publishers are paying users in the book community on the app, also known as BookTok, to promote their books, leaving some people with mixed feelings.

By Drew Goretzka, Michigan State University

The friendly nature and casual language of the late chef’s 2000 memoir allows it to be a book that can be loved and enjoyed by all.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

The main characters in Jennifer Donnelly’s novel will find a way into readers’ hearts while reminding them that while the world will go on stupid and brutal, they do not.

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

In her debut romance novel, Kate Stayman-London uses a reality show to explore how the media portrays plus-size women.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

Mikki Kendall’s essay collection argues that since its inception, the feminist movement has benefited white women, while leaving behind women of color, cis-gender women, trans women and disabled women.

By Karen Lu, Yale University

From the first word of your poems to sending them in for publication, here are a few tips for new and old writers alike.

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

With her genuine writing and diverse, complex characters, this popular novelist is leaving romance readers excited for more.

By Diamond Sears-Allen, Borough of Manhattan Community College

In a twist on the isekai anime genre, the devil is transported from an alternate world into modern-day Japan and must make a living as a fast-food employee.

By Brandon Li, Vassar College

The anime presents a diverse array of characters, each with a distinct motivation for their shared quest to attain the wish-granting Holy Grail.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

Jude Ellison Sady Doyle explores the collision of voyeurism and misogyny that causes us to relish the fall of famous women.

By Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Darcie Little Badger’s young adult debut is a charming story of magical realism featuring Lipan Apache representation and a murder mystery waiting to be solved.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Cole’s dieting book has received celebrity praise, but it’s facing public backlash for spreading harmful misinformation.

By Joseph Gorzka III, University of Virginia

Then-futuristic books and films have featured tools like FaceTime, credit cards, 3D printers and more before they became part of everyday society.

By Joseph Gorzka III, University of Virginia

The genre has met resounding success outside of Asia, and translated texts continue to become increasingly popular and accessible.

By Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

From battling toxic masculinity to teaching about the power of Pinterest, Lisa Kay Adams strives to critique gender norms and the limits of the romance genre.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

In the final installment of the romantic-comedy movie series, Lara Jean Covey’s optimistic spirit is refreshing for those who are unlucky in love.

By Isabelle Juan, Truman State University

George Saunders’ book provides a guiding framework to aspiring writers by giving new life to classic Russian tales.

By Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Check out these novels before their film versions hit the theaters and streaming services.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

Nina Karnikowski’s upcoming book offers advice on how to explore the world in a more sustainable way.

By Kiera Baity, Kennesaw State University

Take a glimpse at the accomplishments of this talented young woman who overcame a speech disorder and went on to shape the future for creative writers.

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

By Joseph Gorzka III, University of Virginia

The art of constructing a language adds an extra dimension to world-building and allows deeper immersion into books, films and games.

By Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

The latest trend within Instagram’s literary community has only increased in popularity, but it may risk alienating readers through its promotion of consumerism.

By Alex Luna, University of California, Berkeley

Getting into a new superhero may seem daunting, but these Spider-Man, Superman, Batman and crossover series can help you do just that.

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

The romance genre has mostly been composed of female writers who cater to women. But today I’m here to recommend a novel by a male writer that is catered to … well, everyone.

By Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

They aren’t only for those who have lived their whole lives. Start yours now.

By Anna Wurm, Texas A&M University

The hit Netflix series evokes contemporary gender inequality by looking at the dramatic day-to-day existence in 1813 high-society London.

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

Keep an eye out for these six releases that feature bisexual and lesbian representation.

By Aimi Wen, Duke University

Netflix’s new hit series features a complex main character with awe-inspiring intellect, as well as a fast-paced plot.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

The Hawaiian influencer released her new cookbook, which promotes eating more fruits and vegetables to alleviate what ails you.

By Alex Luna, University of California, Berkeley

Don’t look for the usual cliches here. This series is about humans fighting gods in a one-on-one tournament, and the fate of humanity is at stake.

By Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

They are usually the punchline of Hogwarts, but here’s why they are actually amazing.

By Haven Worley, University of Rochester

Inspired by Ross Gay’s book of essays, I reflect on the beauty and uncertainty of the future.

By Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

The classical literature aesthetic is far too Eurocentric and lacks diversity. So how can we change that?

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

The premise of Lucy Foley’s latest thriller novel is pretty similar to Agatha Christie’s most famous mystery book.

By Summer Brotman, University of California, Los Angeles

As you look for safe ways to spend time with your household or pod, this set of books may be just what you are looking for.

By Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

As readers await the release of ‘A Court of Silver Flames,’ it’s a good time to revisit the series’  unbelievably intricate worldbuilding, strong women and realistic character development.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

The poet’s most recent collection shows how she breaches the norms of traditional poetry. She truly is a poet for the modern age.

By Alice Murphy, University of Maryland, College Park

In Patrick Radden Keefe’s book, a reporter dives deep into the murky depths of the history of Northern Ireland’s 30-year conflict.

By Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Wall Street Journal writer Joseph Epstein’s recent opinion piece was incredibly flawed and misogynistic.

By Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

In recent years, the platform has seemingly chosen to reward books with a lot of hype instead of judging solely by quality.

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

The annual challenge allows users to set reading goals for themselves. However, does it pressure us, or actually motivate us to read?

By Sammi Looi, Baruch College

Although many of them are overused in present-day media, fiction can still be original and teach powerful lessons.

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

Beyond just using the format to have their books read aloud, some writers are starting to use the medium to narrate their work in new, innovative ways.

By Alice Murphy, University of Maryland, College Park

The whole world has been forced to slow down and become isolated, which is why many people have turned to poetic literature to cope.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

This revolutionary graphic memoir explores the author’s cathartic journey to identifying as nonbinary and asexual.

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

The novel fills our early 2000s musical hole while also showing a scary portrait of the times.

By Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

Instapoets like Rupi Kaur have amassed millions of followers who adore their work, but is any of it actually good?

By Summer Brotman, University of California, Los Angeles

Unlike the previous 2001 anime adaptation, the more recent series maintains the spirit seen in the original Japanese comic.

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

The poet and photographer has grown since the publication of her last book.

By Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

While this common trope in media may be idealistic, it causes problems by creating unrealistic models of men.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

These works confront America’s deeply racist history and present, and at the same time, explore healing, accompanied by bursts of joy, light and love.

By Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

The movie, based on the book of the same name, falls short of the unsettling themes its predecessor succeeds at. Its failure results in a film that doesn’t know what it is.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

Take a book, leave a book. These book exchanges allow for both self-enlightenment and an interconnected community, all while showing that following your passions can lead to real change.

By Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

The Netflix show is based on ‘The Turn of the Screw’ and other stories by Henry James. Here are the similarities and differences.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

The latest book from Joshua Whitehead is a deeply moving novel about what home means to a queer Native American kid who is struggling with his identity.

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

More well-known for her young adult work, V.E. Schwab has penned a novel about a protagonist who has acquired immortality — but at an incredible cost.

By Annika Salmi, Yale University

With the recent discovery of possible life on Earth’s twin, here are some sci-fi books about life on the planet.

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

The author is making a name for herself with popular horror novels that feature underrepresented sapphic characters.

By Haven Worley, University of Rochester

The poet’s forthcoming book is a collection of poetry that embraces change — a topic that is well-needed during these chaotic times.

By Laura Song, Biola University

Set in an unfortunate future, this novel tells of war, family and the need to find something to believe in.

By Nnekakwo Adibe, Lesley University

The R&B icon’s memoir is a story chronicled by a woman who has known brokenness and imprisonment, but has found her light at the end of the tunnel.

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

Not everyone can handle hardcore horror, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some creepy fall reads. If you’re a scaredy-cat, like me, this list is for you.