Sanchez, Jasper. 2021. The (Un)popular Vote. HarperCollins (Katherine Tegen Books). 404 pp. $18.99 ISBN 978-0-06-302576-9.

The (Un)popular Vote is a book about a boy named Mark Adams. Mark is a high school student whose father is also a largely known politician. While he seems like the perfect golden child, Mark keeps his father and his identity as a transgender man to himself. When one of his friends is targeted by homophobic bullies, Mark decides to take action and run for student body president against his father’s strict rules. This book is about identity, standing up for what you believe in, and equality. The (Un)popular Vote is an amazing, heartfelt realistic fiction novel that makes readers question their beliefs and how hard they will actually fight for them. (LW)

Carson, Rae. 2021. Any Sign of Life. HarperCollins. 377 pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-269195-8.

After waking up from a six day coma, Paige finds herself in a nightmare. The last thing she remembers is going to bed with the flu. Now, she finds her family dead; her mom and biological father’s body in one bed and her little brother Ryan in his own. Actually, as time goes on, Paige realizes she may be the only one left alive in town…or in the world. Paige learns from a pre-recorded radio podcast that whatever took out her town also happened worldwide. As Paige leaves her home in Columbus, Ohio, due to an explosion, she collects more information about the past and about her new surroundings. She even meets some new people along the way who help her through difficulties. Readers will continue turning page after page in suspense. Recommend to anyone who loves thrilling action from the beginning of a book to the end. (MM)

Deaver, Mason. 2021. The Ghosts We Keep. PUSH Publishers. 317 pp. $18.99. ISBN 978-1-33-859334-1.

Liam’s brother Ethan is a brother, son, friend, and an amazing athlete. When Ethan gets killed in a hit and run, everyone grieves, especially Liam. In fact, Liam ends up losing his best friends and brother at the same time. When Ethan’s best friend doesn’t show up to his funeral, Liam is upset and confused. Eventually, Liam finds out that his brother Ethan had more secrets than he thought. This book gives flashbacks from before Ethan dies, so the reader learns what Ethan was like. This mystery keeps readers on their toes, so they'll want to keep reading!  (SG)