We’re excited to welcome Thandie Owusu-Mensah to the Bookish Gang! Get to know our high school intern through some of her favorite books, including ‘I Am Princess X’ by Cherie Priest and ‘One for Sorrow’ by Mary Downing Hahn and more.

I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest

May’s friend Libby was presumed dead in a car accident. Years later, she finds a webcomic about Princess X, the character they made as kids. The comic holds clues to Libby’s whereabouts that only May can decipher. A mystery about a webcomic and finding an old friend.

One for Sorrow by Mary Downing Hahn

It’s September of 1918, and Annie is the new kid at school. A girl named Elsie tries to befriend her, but nobody likes Elsie, and soon Annie feels the same. Annie and her new friends start picking on her. Until one day, while Annie and her friends find funerals to get sweets from, they find their way to Elsie’s casket. Even in death, Elsie still finds ways to torment Annie.

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty

Serafina lives in the basement of a first class estate with father, the estate’s mechanic. She only goes upstairs at night to avoid being seen by the residents. Finding the secret behind disappearances in the manor.

Brave by Svetlana Chmakova

Jensen navigates school with his imagination, though it only helps so much. With the bullying and loneliness, it seems he’ll never catch a break. That all changes when he finds himself helping out the Newspaper Club. From stapling papers to being interviewed, Jensen begins to understand more about himself, his peers, and what it means to be a good friend.

Crush by Svetlana Chmakova

Jorge’s got life mostly figured out, with his best friends and love of soccer. Until he sees Jazmine, a mutual friend, and is at a loss for words. His newfound feelings come at an increasingly turbulent time, where his closest friends just can’t seem to get along. Despite this, Jorge learns to understand his feelings and all the drama surrounding him and his friends.

Thandie Owusu-Mensah is a senior in high school. Her hobbies include drawing, reading, and playing video games. Her favorite show is Avatar: The Last Airbender and her favorite game is Splatoon 2. She plans on pursuing a career in forensic sciences.