Five Favorite Books According to TBIR Intern Bella

Get to know our returning high school intern, Bella C Muñoz through some of her favorite books, including the supernatural book ‘Gone’ by Michael Grant and the novel, ‘Wonder’ by R.J Palacio and more!

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Wonder is a book I don’t think I will ever forget. It was so eye-opening and helped me learn to appreciate my friends for everything they do. I read it for the first time in fourth grade, and it hasn't left my mind since. I recommend watching the film after reading the novel!

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me is the first book in the series and one of the best ones. Some dislike it because of how boring it is compared to the other five, but I think the world-building and introduction of characters connect me as a reader to the fictional world I’ve grown to know and love. Shatter Me focuses on the protagonist, Juliette, who is a very powerful girl who can kill with just her touch. She's held in an asylum for years but is freed by the antagonist Aaron, who wants to use her as a weapon to strengthen their corrupted government.

Gone by Michael Grant

Gone was so interesting to me because I’ve dreamed of the plot happening in real life. A world with no parents, no rules, no consequences. Gone lays out the pros and cons of a world like that, and in my opinion, Michael Grant portrayed the minds of scared teenagers a bit too well.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

At first, it was hard to understand The Cruel Prince because of how interesting the language was. However, I grew to love the way Jude, the main character and narrator, reacted and interacted with others. Though it was a bit confusing for me in the beginning, the plot was easy to understand and in the end, it became one of my favorite fantasy books ever. 

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

This book made me realize that the queen of hearts in Alice in Wonderland isn’t so bad after all. She was a lovely girl who was dealt a bad hand, and I love that the book is from her point of view, demonstrating that not all villains are born cruel.

Bella C Muñoz (she/her) is a rising senior in high school. She loves to read, draw & write poetry in her spare time. She’s into fashion & listening to music, while also having a passion for cosmetics. After high school, she wants her master’s degree in Criminology and a minor in Financial Management.