Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Recommended by Tiger Wang

Project Hail Mary is a science fiction book about humanity’s last ditch attempt to save itself, and if it fails, humanity will perish. The book starts with our narrator (Ryland Grace) waking up on a hospital bed to a computer asking him basic maths questions. He then realises that he has no idea who he is and cannot recall any memories of his life. Throughout the story, flashes of recollection slowly come back to him and he gradually begins to piece together that he is the last surviving person on a three person mission aboard the rocket ship Hail Mary, sent many light years away from Earth to a different solar system. The Earth described in the story is set in around the 2020s, and has discovered that the Sun is shrinking due to a unicellular organism known as 'Astrophage', which is taking energy from the Sun at an exponential rate. Grace has to puzzle out how to destroy Astrophage, and he has to do it alone. Or does he?

Project Hail Mary is written in the witty, humorous style that is a hallmark of Weir’s writing, which is in contrast to the weighty subject matter. The main theme of this book is simply survival and is very similar to The Martian, written by Weir in 2014. Both have the protagonist stranded in a high-tech, one man environment and, although their aims are different, both adapt their environment to help them reach this target. In Project Hail Mary, this survival theme is not just for Grace, but extends to the entire human race. In his flashbacks, we can see how the presence of an existential danger to all of humanity has united the world in the fight for survival and has removed all checks and balances. This book is relevant to modern, young readers not just as a light, relaxing read but also as a message of what humanity can do if it works together and is inspirational in this aspect.

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown

Recommended by Luca Albertazzi

Set between 1860 and 1890, Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee recounts the ruthlessly brutal and heart-achingly tragic genocide of native Indian tribes by westward-advancing Americans. Commencing with the Long Walk of the Navajos and finally ending with the merciless massacre of the Sioux at Wounded Knee, the story achingly describes just some of the complete and utter atrocities that were soullessly committed upon the peaceful American Indians. Deeply knotted in this horrific and heinous tragedy of shattered promises, fierce cruelty and inhumane slaughter, rise some of the most fascinating and legendary figures of American Indian history. These prominent and important characters include: Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Geronimo, Cochise and Red Cloud.

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee shows not only the total savage and malevolent slaying of the American Indian peoples but also focuses attention on the dismal and depressing fact that instead of living in harmony, western people could and would do such a disgusting and abhorrent act, justified by the constant and ever-growing greed and crave for power, money and territory.  This brutal and compelling narrative of unfair death, unimaginable squalor and unjustified suffering will make the hardest heads pound intensely, the strongest hearts fail spectacularly and the coldest blood boil in a complete raging fury.

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee is very relevant in a modern society that is quite divided and split. We can look at the morals and themes in this book and learn from them. This book can teach us to avoid war and that we can all live together in harmony even if we have different preferences / beliefs. I think that it is important to read this book and even if it is tough, to learn from this complete tragedy and to make sure that the greed that caused so much suffering will not be permitted to happen again in such a fashion.

October, October by Katya Balen

Recommended by Lucas Yu

October, October by Katya Balen is a beautifully written novel that follows the life of eleven-year-old October as she navigates the complexities of her world. The story unfolds in the changing autumn landscape. Born in October, October has always felt a deep connection to the time of year. As October faces challenges at school and at home, she embarks on a journey of finding her true identity, discovering secrets and learning about the power of resilience and love. Balen's writing draws readers into October's world, exploring themes of identity, family, and the enduring beauty of nature.

In October, October, a prominent theme is the enduring power of resilience. October's determination and ability to overcome challenges is a symbol of her resilience in the face of life's challenges. As she confronts many obstacles and trials during her coming-of-age journey, readers are drawn into a narrative that celebrates the human capacity to bounce back from setbacks. Balen nicely illustrates how resilience is not limited by age or circumstance, making the novel an inspiring and relatable read for audiences of all generations.

Another prominent theme in the book is the importance of family and understanding. October's family dynamics are complex, due to October’s unusual childhood; the story explores what fundamentally brings family members together, even in the face of adversity. It delves into the idea that family secrets, once revealed, can lead to healing and a deeper sense of connection. Through October's experiences, readers are reminded of the power of forgiveness and the strength that comes from embracing one's roots and where we belong. Nature plays a significant role in the narrative, with the changing seasons mirroring October's emotional journey. The novel underscores the therapeutic and transformative qualities of the natural world, highlighting the importance of connecting with nature in our increasingly busy lives.

October, October is a moving novel that invites readers to join October on her journey for self-discovery, understanding, and a deeper connection to the world around her. It poignantly explores themes of identity, family, and the healing power of nature, making it a compelling read for both young and adult audiences.