Books of the Month - December

This article was written by Kulsoom Usman, Year 13

Ah, it feels great to be back!

I hope you have all had a wonderful summer break and have smoothly transitioned into the new academic year (although not without some reading, of course!).

I know I have been away for a while, but you'll be happy to know I have read over 30 books this summer just so I can curate the best reading list for you all this year.

So grab your favourite bookmark and some tabs, or if you prefer reading digitally, have some snacks with you because we are about to embark on an emotional adventure!

Whether you are a bookworm or prefer to watch movies, you can never go wrong with a good book!

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea

by Axie Oh

Genre; Young Adult Fantasy Fiction

Age recommendation; 13+

“Sometimes you don’t find family in your own blood, but elsewhere.”

Don't know which book to start your winter season with? Worry not, because The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is the perfect mix of colourful leaves, seasonal treats and approaching cooler temperatures... basically, it's WINTER in a book!

This book is a captivating retelling of the classic Korean folktale, 'The Tale of Shim Cheong,' and is perfect for Studio Ghibli fans.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea follows Mina, who sacrifices herself to the Sea God in place of Shim Cheong, in order to bring peace to both the angry god and the village that has been plagued

by violent storms for a century. However, upon arriving in the magical underwater land known as the Sea God's City, filled with legendary creatures, Mina discovers that the Sea God's anger isn’t the only thing at play. With the help of gods, mythical creatures, and spirits, Mina decides to do all she can to stop the storms that are ravaging her homeland and save her people before any other girl has to throw herself into the sea.

All My Rage

by Sabaa Tahir

Genre; Young Adult Fiction

Age recommendation; 13+

“All my rage seethes inside me and there’s no place for it to go. I thrash. I scream. I snarl and bite. I let it course through me. I let it take me.”

Unlike my previous recommendation, there are no magical creatures or colourful leaves in this book. However, it perfectly captures the essence of the approaching winter blues.

In The New York Times, All My Rage is described as "a love story, a tragedy, and an infectious teenage fever dream about what home means when you feel you don't fit in," And there really isn't any other way to describe it.

The novel revolves around Salahudin and Noor, who are best friends facing challenges in their small town, Juniper. Noor is battling her uncle-turned-guardian, who wants her to work at his store instead of pursuing her dream of going to college. Meanwhile, Salahudin is struggling to run his family's motel, with little help from his troubled father, as his mother's health deteriorates.

I think it is worth reading the book to experience the complexities of life that can lead to circumstances beyond one's control, such as racism, debt, and poverty.

Charlie and The Great Glass Elevator

by Roald Dahl

Genre; Children’s Literature; Fantasy Fiction

Age recommendation; 5+

“You'll never get anywhere if you go about what-iffing like that.”

Although I only read young adult books, I do have a recommendation for younger readers! I didn't know there was a sequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, so when I discovered the book, I knew I would enjoy it. If you loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as well, I suggest giving this one a read because it's even better!

The sequel picks up right where the original left off. Charlie Bucket, his parents, both sets of grandparents and Mr. Willy Wonka are in the magical glass elevator, on their way to take over the Wonka Chocolate Factory. Charlie is supposed to move into the factory and learn how to run it so he is ready to take over. But, it doesn't go as smoothly as that. In fact, things go horribly wrong before he even gets into the factory and so the wild adventures continue...

Also, did you know: One of the most memorable lines from the Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory musical movie, starring Gene Wilder, came from this book!

"A little nonsense now and then is cherished by the wisest men."

Happy reading!

There it is! Join the KCDSpeaks Book Club by reading these books, sending your take on them and then sharing some new reads we can add to the list next month!

Just email us your views and recommendations at: kcdnewspaper@kentcollege.sch.ae or you can also email me directly at: kulus23@kentcollege.sch.ae

P.S. Make sure to check out the KCD Library- borrow books and donate.

Until next time!

Love,

Kulsoom