In this troubling time, it seems that everywhere you look will remind you of Covid-19. Not to mention elections and racism. That being said, there’s a couple places you can escape to where all of, if not most, of the bad news is fictional and one of those places is a book!

Yes, there are many books out there to escape the brutal reality of our world, but which one to pick? It’s so easy to get lost in a sea of stories.

Luckily, here is a little list of books that you can read to help you pick!

Artemis Fowl

This book, written by Eion Colfer, is just the first book of a 7-book series. The series talks about a 12-year-old genius, or, “criminal mastermind” as he says. You get to read along while he discovers fairy magic and gets into mishaps. This series keeps you busy. Once you’re done with those, Colfer has another series after that one called, “The Fowl Twins” (It would spoil a part of one of the books if I explained). It has likeable characters, interesting storylines, and will have you at the edge of your seat!

Simon vs. The Homo-Sapiens Agenda

This book, expertly written by Becky Albertalli, is about a teen, Simon Spier. Simon is a closeted gay teen. When he finds someone like him on the internet, the two become pen-pals, so to say. The peace-of-mind is short lived, though, as a kid finds his emails and blackmails him: help Abby to like him or he’ll out Simon. This book is also the first book of a 3-book series, not including a separate epilogue book. This coming-of-age story is a great read for people of all sexualities.

Dear Evan Hansen

This book, based on a musical, was written by Steven Levenson (I believe). Dear Evan Hansen is about a teen, Evan Hansen, with anxiety and suicidal thoughts. You could say that he’s socially awkward. In an attempt to make Evan happier, his therapist has him write positive letters to himself. When a bully of his finds and takes one of his letters at school, the bully dies shortly after. Evan tells a string of lies to the bully’s family and it becomes a mess. This story is great for people who feel like they don’t matter in the world to be reminded that they do.

I Funny

This book is written by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein. Jamie Grimm, who’s in a wheelchair, is a kid comedian who loves making people laugh. Jamie was talking to his uncle after working the cash register when he heard about a contest for kid comedians. Will Jamie rise above all of the other kids and prevail? You’ll just have to read to find out! This book is part of a 7-book series. I Funny teaches you that sometimes, all you need is a good laugh.

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

Written by Rick Riordan, this book is about Percy Jackson, an 11-year-old with ADHD and dyslexia. To put it mildly, his life isn’t the best. He’s been kicked out of six schools in six years, has to deal with his smelly stepdad, Gabe, and is failing a bunch of his classes. One day, on a field trip to a history museum, his math teacher pulls him to the side. The next thing he knows, she’s a demon-monster-thing and his favorite teacher, Mr. Chiron, is throwing him a pen that’s somehow a sword? What is going on? Read on as Percy finds out about his real dad and makes some friends (and enemies) along the way. This series has 6 books and multiple follow-up series. Percy Jackson also helps people learn about Greek (and in another series, roman) mythology.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Lara Jean Song is the main character in this book, written by Jenny Han. Lara Jean is a shy, keep-to-herself type of high school student. This being said, for all of the guys she’s ever loved, she writes them letters explaining her affections. The boys never she them, though, as she keeps the letters in her hatbox her late mother gave her. One day, when her letters get out, she has to deal with the responses of the boys. Also, due to some circumstances at school (meaning a certain girl named Genivive), she and one of the boys she used to love, Peter, decide to fake date to keep up appearances. On top of that, Lara Jean’s feelings for Josh, her older sister’s ex-boyfriend (also another one of the boys she loved), might be bubbling up again. Despite the description, this book is great if you love romance. This is a lovely type of book that you can sit on your porch and enjoy the warmer weather while reading.

I hope that I was beneficial in helping your quarantine go a bit smoother. Be safe and follow Covid-19 guidelines!