PUBLISHED ON October 12, 2023

By Margaux Mouton '28

Here on Chapelle’s campus, we have many chips who are avid readers. This decade is shaping up to be an exciting one in the world of literature. Many exceptional fiction books, nonfiction books, and even memoirs have been released recently. Today, we’ll look at some of the top picks for the back-to-school season! I asked five Chips and a Chapelle staff what their favorite book they read this month was! Here’s what Chips have been reading!


My Pick:

I want to start with my favorite book. I’ve read a lot in the past three years, but everything pales compared to Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. 

Made in 2005, Never Let Me Go is a beautifully written book about a set of people from a special school in the English countryside. They grow up knowing they’re different from humans but not knowing why or how. They donate parts of themselves to humans, but they’re unsure why. It cuts to them as adults, trying to figure it out. The book won a Nobel Prize and earned a 2010 movie adaptation starring Andrew Garfield. The writer, Kazuo Ishiguro, is very accomplished, having written other novels like A Pale View of Hills and The Remains of the Day. He’s critically acclaimed with positive reviews from Time Magazine, The New York Times, and Forbes. It’s one of my all-time favorites, and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a good read!



Eighth Grade: Madelyn Bradley

A popular pick was A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. It’s an addictive murder mystery that always leaves you wanting more clues. The plot follows a 17-year-old girl who believes the suspect of a five-year murder case was falsely accused. She teams up with the suspect’s little brother, and together, they turn her small town upside down for clues. She realizes the killer is doing the same to hide their web of lies and is in a race against time. Holly Jackson’s debut novel was named one of the best books of 2020 by Barnes & Noble and was the Goodreads’ Choice award for young adult fiction. It’s been recommended to me multiple times, and I challenge you to test your detective skills!



Ninth Grade: Riley Panepinto

A book that has sort of slipped under the radar of "booktok" is Frances Hardinge’s The Lie Tree. It’s a thrilling mystery novel about a young Victorian girl trying to find clues about her father’s mysterious death. She discovers a tree that gives truths by feeding on whispered lies, but her lies spin out of control. The Lie Tree is written by Frances Hardinge, a UK-based writer who’s written other books like Deeplight and Unraveller. The Lie Tree was ranked in 2015’s Costa Book Awards Best Children’s Book and Best Overall Book. The translated Japanese edition won Best Translated Honkaku Mystery of the Decade. It’s a great mystery book with genuinely good writing and descriptive imagery! 


Tenth Grade: Evelyn Zajac

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a quarantine sensation, is a prequel to The Hunger Games and follows Coriolanus Snow, who becomes the tyrannical President Snow that we see in the main books. He falls in love and mentors a girl from District 12. This book is getting a film adaptation this November, with teasers and trailers already out! Its author, Suzanne Collins, is known for the famous Hunger Games series. She’s written many books and directed the screenplay for the Hunger Games movie. She’s known for her thrilling writing style and social commentary. If you liked The Hunger Games or are a dystopian city lover, I recommend giving this a read! It’s very beautifully written. It can be slow sometimes, but it’s worth it at the end and provides lots of backstory for President Snow in the main series.


Eleventh Grade: Abigail Wyham

They Both Die at the End is written by Adam Silvera. It’s an internet favorite, getting its viral start on TikTok. It’s about two teenage boys discovering they have 24 hours to live. They download an app for people with little time to live out their last day with someone else. They find each other and do various activities together, bonding and becoming close friends. The title is correct; this ending will make you weep for the characters. Its author, Adam Silvera, has also written a prequel to this story, The First to Die at the End, with a TV adaptation on Its way. He’s also written books like What if it’s Us and Here’s to Us. They Both Die at the End has positive reviews from Teen Vogue, Goodreads, and The New York Times. It’s unfortunate but wholesome. It’s a great read if you want something more meaningful and don’t mind a little romance!


Twelfth Grade: Katherine Castanza

A book that has been everywhere recently was The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han. It follows a girl, Isabella, who’s always felt left out by her family friends, Jeremiah and Conrad. This summer, though, the brothers take notice of her and realize her newfound beauty. She’s had a crush on Conrad since childhood, but now that crush has developed into something more. Which will she end up with?

It was written by the accomplished author Jenny Han, known for her series To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Both book series have been turned into TV shows. She’s also an executive producer for her spin-off show XO Kitty. Her books have positive reviews from Time Magazine, Variety, and W Magazine.


Staff Pick: Ms. Duthu

As Sarah J. Maas puts it, her book Throne of Glass is about “When magic has gone from the world, and a vicious king rules from his throne of glass, an assassin comes to the castle. She does not come to kill but to win her freedom. If she can defeat twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition to find the greatest assassin in the land, she will become the king’s champion and earn her freedom. Her name is Celaena Sardothien – beautiful, deadly, and destined for greatness.” The series is eight books long, with the newest installment released in 2018. Sarah J. Maas has written other books like Court of Thorns and Roses. She specializes in fantasy adventure books, with thrill-seeking characters being a key theme in her work. I recommend this book if you’re looking for a good adventure or an exciting new experience!



That’s it for September’s picks! If you have a school-appropriate book that you’ve read recently, email me at
mouton.margaux@achschipmunks.org or find me at school! Also, if you know a teacher or staff member who likes to read, you can also email me your nominations for the staff pick! I’d love to hear your recommendations and feature you in October’s edition of this (hopefully) monthly series!



Recommended Posts

By Jamie Hanzo August 28, 2025
Archbishop Chapelle High School is proud to celebrate two of our talented alumnae who are making waves in the world of professional sports entertainment this season! 🌟Jessica Starring ’20 is starting her second year as a member of the New Orleans Saints Cheer Krewe, bringing energy, skill, and spirit to the Superdome as she cheers on the Saints. 🌟Lexi Leblanc ’21 is beginning her first season with the New Orleans Pelicans Dance Team, showcasing her passion and talent while performing at Pelicans games in the Smoothie King Center. Both women are shining examples of Chapelle’s values of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. Their success in these prestigious roles is a testament to their talent and determination, and we are thrilled to see them represent Chapelle on such prominent stages. We are so proud of Jessica and Lexi for their incredible accomplishments. Whether it’s on the football field or the basketball court, these Chapelle alumnae are making their mark! 💚🤍 #ChapellePride #GoChipmunks #SaintsCheerKrewe #PelicansDanceTeam #WhoDat #GoPels
By Jamie Hanzo August 28, 2025
STUCO Spirit Week Brings Fun and Festivities to Chapelle! The halls of Chapelle were buzzing with excitement as STUCO Spirit Week brought creativity, fun, and school spirit to campus! Each day featured a unique theme, giving students the chance to dress up, participate in activities, and show off their Chipmunk pride. Here’s a recap of the week’s spirited events: Monday - Sunny Says with STUCO Students kicked off the week in bright colors and summer attire , rocking everything from Hawaiian shirts to snorkels and sunglasses! The day’s theme, “Walking on Sunshine,” came to life with a lively line dancing session in the gym during lunch , where students danced their way into the week with big smiles and high energy. Tuesday - Tornado Tuesday It was a whirlwind of fun on Tuesday as students donned mismatched clothes and crazy hairstyles to embrace the chaos of Tornado Tuesday! From wild patterns to the wackiest outfits imaginable, the creativity on display was nothing short of amazing. Wednesday - Which Season Wednesday Chapelle was transformed into a celebration of all four seasons as students dressed to represent their favorite time of year. Whether it was cozy winter sweaters, sunny summer dresses, autumn tones, or spring florals, the variety of seasonal spirit brought a colorful vibe to the campus! Thursday - "It’s Raining Spirit!" The week wrapped up with a celebration of Placide Louis Chapelle’s birthday ! Students wore their class colors and accessorized with birthday-themed items to honor this special occasion. From festive hats to spirited decorations, the day was filled with joy and Chipmunk pride as everyone came together to celebrate. A Week to Remember STUCO Spirit Week was a huge success, filled with laughter, creativity, and community. A big thank you to the Student Council for organizing such a fun-filled week and to all the students who participated and brought their enthusiasm to each day.
By Jamie Hanzo August 28, 2025
Archbishop Chapelle High School: A Beacon of Hope After Hurricane Katrina
By Jamie Hanzo August 27, 2025
Jenny Mains ’27 – Gaining Hands-On Medical Experience at Yale Archbishop Chapelle High School is thrilled to share the incredible accomplishments of Jenny Mains ’27 , who spent her summer exploring her passion for medicine at the prestigious Envision Medical Program at Yale University. During the week-long program, Jenny had the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn essential medical skills, and collaborate with some of the brightest students from across the globe. While staying on Yale’s campus, Jenny immersed herself in daily classes, interactive activities, and insightful lectures from doctors and medical professionals. Some of the highlights of Jenny’s experience included: Learning surgical knot tying and suturing techniques. Practicing phlebotomy and determining heart patterns. Participating in real-life crisis simulations with lifelike dolls that mimicked human behaviors such as speaking, breathing, and reacting to medical interventions. Diagnosing and creating treatment plans for simulated patients alongside her peers. Visiting the New York Medical College , exploring its facilities, and enjoying a day trip to New York City. The program combined medical training with fun and engaging activities such as escape rooms , team-building exercises, and public speaking presentations. Jenny and her group worked together to craft diagnoses, present their findings, and develop solutions for complex medical cases. Jenny’s experience at the Envision Medical Program was not only educational but also inspiring. She had the chance to network with peers from diverse backgrounds, learn from experts in the medical field, and strengthen her skills in teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking. We are so proud of Jenny for representing Chapelle with excellence and determination. Her success at Yale is a testament to her hard work and bright future in the medical field.  💚🤍 Way to go, Jenny! We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish. 🤍💚
By Jamie Hanzo August 27, 2025
Emily Ledet – A Rising Star in Jazz Archbishop Chapelle High School is proud to highlight one of our incredibly talented seniors, Emily Ledet , whose passion for jazz music has already led her to remarkable achievements. This past summer, Emily recorded her second jazz album as a member of the prestigious Next Generation Jazz Band . The band, known for its exceptional performances, has a history of sharing its love of jazz with the community, including appearances at French Quarter Fest and the Jazz Museum's Gala . Both of the band’s albums, including Emily’s latest, were recorded at the historic Jazz Museum , a testament to their dedication to preserving and celebrating New Orleans' rich musical heritage. Emily’s journey with the band began before she even started high school, as she recorded her first album just before entering 8th grade. Since then, she has continued to grow as a musician, performing in yearly community events , such as their annual Christmas performances. The Next Generation Jazz Band is composed of a mix of talented individuals, including music majors from colleges across the country and a few exceptional high school students like Emily. The band also collaborates regularly with renowned professional jazz musicians, such as Wendell Brunious , Caroline Brunious , Shannon Powell , and Craig Klein , many of whom perform at the legendary Preservation Jazz Hall . These incredible musicians not only perform alongside the band but also share their expertise and musical advice, offering Emily and her peers invaluable learning experiences. Emily’s dedication to her craft and her contributions to the vibrant New Orleans jazz scene are truly inspiring. We are so proud of her accomplishments and can’t wait to see where her musical journey takes her next. 💚🤍 Keep shining, Emily! 🤍💚
By Jamie Hanzo August 26, 2025
Meet the Junior Class Student Council Officers! We’re excited to introduce the Junior Class Student Council Officers for the Class of 2027 ! These outstanding leaders have stepped up to represent their class and guide their peers through what is sure to be an exciting and memorable year. Junior Class Officers President: Mia Impastato Vice President: Kendall Allen Secretary: Abby Naquin Treasurer: Kaia Braendel Historian: Julia Turnipseed These students have already begun working hard to plan events, support their classmates, and make this year the best it can be. From organizing class activities to fostering school spirit, we know they’re going to do an amazing job! 💚🤍 Congratulations to our Junior Class Officers! We can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish this year. 🤍💚
By Jamie Hanzo August 25, 2025
At the beginning of August, the Chapelle Volleyball team hosted a Parents vs. Players Tournament to kick off the 2025-2026 season. It was the perfect way for all the team members and families to get to know each other before the fun really begins on the Court this season. Thank you to Coach Jodee and the Volleyball Program for organizing this spectacular event, and thank you to every parent and family member who showed up. Here's to a great season🏐💚👏
By Jamie Hanzo August 25, 2025
The Class of 2026 Senior Ring Dance 💍 On Friday, August 22 , the Class of 2026 celebrated a milestone moment at their Senior Ring Dance , held in the Chapelle Cafeteria. This special tradition marked one of the first opportunities for our seniors to proudly show off their rings, a symbol of their hard work, dedication, and love for Chapelle. The evening was filled with excitement and joy as seniors arrived with their dates, dressed to impress and ready to celebrate. The cafeteria was transformed into a festive space where the Chapelle spirit shone brightly. One of the most touching moments of the night came when the seniors gathered to sing their senior song , filling the room with heartfelt emotion and a sense of unity. It was a beautiful reminder of the bond they share as they embark on their final year together as Chipmunks. The Senior Ring Dance is a tradition that not only celebrates the accomplishments of our seniors but also serves as a reminder of the journey ahead. The Class of 2026 truly made it a night to remember, and we couldn’t be prouder of these amazing young women.
More Posts