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 September 2, 2026
Theology Students Explore Abraham’s Journey Through Scripture Scavenger Hunt Theology students recently took their learning beyond the classroom with a Scripture Scavenger Hunt around campus focused on the life of Abraham in the Book of Genesis. As part of their study, students searched for and read different Scripture passages that highlighted key moments from Abraham’s life. Through these passages, they learned more about Abraham’s story of trust in God’s promises and his important role in salvation history. The scavenger hunt was designed to help students connect more deeply with Abraham’s journey. In Genesis 12, Abraham was called by God to leave his home and travel to a new land he did not know. By moving around campus to discover each Scripture passage, students were able to experience a small reflection of that journey of faith and trust.  This interactive activity gave students the opportunity to engage with Scripture in a meaningful and memorable way. As they followed Abraham’s story, they reflected on what it means to listen to God, trust His promises, and step forward in faith even when the destination is unknown.
By Jamie Hanzo September 1, 2026
The Class of 2027 Has a Nice RING to it!💍 On Thursday, August 20, the seniors attended their Ring Mass at Divine Mercy Church in Kenner, Louisiana. Ring Mass is a cherished tradition marking a huge moment in their Chapelle journey. Before Mass began, members of the Class of 2027 presented their class symbols: Senior Class Flower - Sierra Corales Senior Motto - Marcella Casanova Senior Colors - Emma Flynn Chapelle Diploma - Gabrielle Bush Chapelle Alma Mater - Molly Tusa 2027 Class Unity Candle Votive - Lyla Pelle Chapelle Senior Ring - Alivia Nevels Senior Sweater - Cassie Nguyen Bible - Allyson Dardar Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Emily LeBlanc Senior Class Rings - Alyssa Canfill, Gia Chester, Madison Pansano, Ja'Layah Small, and Allisson Suazo Caballero After Mass concluded, the Class of 2027's official Ring Ceremony began. During this special ceremony, the students received their senior rings, some of which were worn by their mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and other important Chipmunks in their lives. Other seniors are starting their own legacy which holds so much excitement in itself! Mrs. Connie Dantagnan '88 (Chapelle's Head of School), Shannon Impastato '96 (Chapelle's Alumnae Director) and Senior Class President, Mia Impastato, presented the Class of 2027 Votive to the Chapelle Unity Candle. The Class of 2027 is the 62nd graduating class of Archbishop Chapelle High School. All 62 classes are united to our current students through our charism of Deus Providebit, through our school traditions, and through our mission of excellence in spiritual, academic, and social formation. The Unity Candle symbolizes the over 14,000 women who have graduated from Chapelle. Join us in congratulating this amazing class! There are so many more sweet moments to come this year, and we are praying for them every step of the way!
By Jamie Hanzo August 31, 2026
AP Psychology Students Build Candy Neurons to Learn About Neural Communication Ms. LaCour’s AP Psychology students recently brought neuroscience to life through a hands-on candy neuron activity designed to help them better understand the structure and function of a neuron. As part of their study of the neuron and neural impulse, students created physical models of neurons using candy. The activity gave students the opportunity to build and manipulate their own models while learning the different parts of the neuron and the role each part plays in communication within the nervous system. Rather than simply reviewing the information from slides, students were able to engage with the material in a creative and interactive way. By placing their candy neurons next to one another, they could better visualize how neurons connect and communicate with each other. After building their neurons, students added Skittles to represent ions inside and outside the neuron. Using the candy pieces, they created models of both a resting neuron and a firing neuron. This helped students see how the movement of ions across the cell membrane creates an action potential. By building and manipulating their candy models, students were able to better understand how a neuron is structured, how it communicates, and what happens when it fires. The activity made a complex topic more visual, memorable, and engaging for AP Psychology students.  Great work, AP Psychology!
By Jamie Hanzo August 25, 2026
World Geography Students Create Scaled Maps of Chapelle Archbishop Chapelle High School World Geography students recently brought their map skills to life through a hands-on classroom activity. Working in groups, students used tape measures to measure assigned areas of the school building. After collecting their measurements, each group sketched their section on paper to create a scaled “map” of their area.  This activity allowed students to apply geography concepts in a real-world setting while practicing collaboration, measurement, spatial awareness, and map-making skills. By using familiar spaces around campus, students were able to better understand how maps are created and how scale helps represent real locations.
By Jamie Hanzo August 25, 2026
Psychology students became “Psychology Detectives” during a hands-on investigation designed to introduce the science behind human behavior and mental processes. Working in teams, students examined case files and evidence cards, distinguished observations from inferences, and revised their explanations as new evidence emerged.  As the investigation continues, students will connect their findings to influential psychologists, major schools of thought, and different psychological perspectives. The activity encourages collaboration, curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning—showing students that psychology is much more than memorizing names and definitions. It is about asking thoughtful questions, evaluating evidence, and remaining willing to change an explanation when the evidence changes!
By Jamie Hanzo August 24, 2026
Chapelle Students Receive Pre-ACT Rising Star Awards Archbishop Chapelle High School is proud to recognize our students who received Pre-ACT Rising Star Awards for their outstanding academic achievement. These awards celebrate students who performed among the top percentages of students across the United States. Chapelle students were recognized in three categories: Distinguished Scholars, Rising Scholars, and Early Scholars. We congratulate each of these students on this impressive accomplishment and celebrate their hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence. Distinguished Scholars Top 3% of United States Students Lauren Rieth, 9th Lily-Grace Theriot, 9th Charli Adams, 8th Alexa Comeaux, 9th Ellie Concepcion, 8th Kathleen Elmer, 9th Kiley Greenwald, 8th Gabriela Larson, 9th Katelyn Marks, 8th Elise Palm, 9th Blakeleigh Sticker, 9th Amanda Timler, 8th Zoe Adams, 8th Andrea Calub, 8th Elise Nelson, 8th Marin O’Brien, 9th Isabella Pumila, 9th Xenia Trejo, 9th Alina Varkey, 9th Elise Zaabel, 8th Ava Braendel, 9th Brynn Caire, 8th Madeleine Cottrell, 8th Caroline Currault, 9th Isabella Finnegan, 8th Amelia Hassell, 9th Mallory Pansano, 9th Lyla Steimle, 9th Sara Turnipseed, 9th Melina Wurster, 9th Zoey Yeadon, 9th Rising Scholars Top 10% of United States Students Leila Abbate, 9th Maci Betz, 9th Ande Bohne, 9th Sophia Hunter, 8th Truc Dao Le, 8th Victoria Madere, 8th Brinn Murillo, 8th Ava Rosamano, 8th Olivia Schexnayder, 8th Madeleine Timler, 8th Rylee Ford, 9th Abigail Jones, 9th Grace Rieth, 9th Cambry Roberts, 9th Brooke Sercovich, 9th Ashleigh Stemke, 9th Isabelle Wilson, 9th Angelina Macaluso, 8th Sophie Naquin, 8th Carly Pitfield, 8th Milan Vitrano, 8th Megan Cash, 9th Leah Labauve, 9th Dior Lambert, 9th Jena Reuther, 9th Emily Roop, 9th Brees Zerby, 9th Early Scholars Top 50% of United States Students Elise Laizer, 8th Rylee Menkiewicz, 8th Juliana Russo, 8th Caroline Sander, 8th Lillian Thibodeaux, 8th Christine Thomas, 8th Addison Wiltz, 8th Jayden Zelaya, 8th Marissa Bui, 9th Liv Canizaro, 9th Elise Cash, 9th Eleanor Cerise, 9th Madelyn Dabdoub, 9th Chloe Desselles, 9th Ava Deutsch, 9th Madison Gauthier, 9th Emily Glago, 9th Molly Johnson, 9th Sarah Lorio, 9th Hannah McClung, 9th Brooklynn Modica, 9th Olivia Morrish, 9th Evangeline Oddo, 9th Sophia Organo, 9th Maiya Pisciotta, 9th Layla Alleman, 8th Victoria Bendeck, 8th Kaylie Favalora, 8th Adelise Jones, 8th Emily Karcher, 8th Fiona McDaniel, 8th Avery Pilie, 8th Lily Quick, 8th Harper Toye, 8th Aubrey Braud, 9th Sophia Brisset, 9th Parker Buras, 9th Kaidyn Cooley, 9th Ryan Curry, 9th Addilynn Johnson, 9th Trista Lerille, 9th Mia Maone, 9th Ellie Ramirez-Zapata, 9th Molly Saia, 9th Chloe Saxton, 9th Julia Williams, 9th Leilani Wisecarver, 9th Zoe Caire, 8th Eleanor Copeland, 8th Emily Genovese, 8th Brennan Hotard, 8th Cecilia Li, 8th Madison Manale, 8th Veda Martinez, 8th Cara Meche, 8th Chloe Montana, 8th Arianna Pacheco, 8th Marian Paz Argueta, 8th Landon Rogge, 8th Jessica Seither, 8th Katelyn Albaral, 9th Lily Aucoin, 9th Clare Brandstetter, 9th Lucy Dunn, 9th Addyson Durr, 9th Ava Krieger, 9th Gianna Landry, 9th Ila Meers, 9th Grace Tardiff, 9th Amelia Braud, 8th Aubrie Diaz, 8th Serena Elliott, 8th Kate Hanby, 8th Madilyn Jackson, 8th Ella Leblanc, 8th Kayln Lemoine, 8th Evangeline Loupe, 8th Rayne Melancon, 8th Nina Occhipinti, 8th Evangelina Petrov, 8th Vicki Tan, 8th Sophia Valenti, 8th Lily West, 8th Diamond Willoz, 8th Aubree Blackard, 9th Julia Clark, 9th Caroline Gaudet, 9th Molly Glorioso, 9th Claire Johnston, 9th Alexandra Laura, 9th Kailey Neill, 9th Kaleigh Piper, 9th Remy Robin, 9th Siena Scozzari, 9th Amelie Sharp, 9th Madisyn Timothy, 9th Makaila Varnado, 9th Mazie Vogel, 9th Lily Beach, 8th Merah Benoit, 8th Skylar Brisset, 8th Emma Couvillon, 8th Stella Couvillon, 8th Elliott Crossland, 8th Finley Erwin, 8th Camryn Evers, 8th Ellie Habetz, 8th Leigh Hess, 8th Rachel Howe, 8th Amelia Lottinger, 8th Gianna Mackey, 8th Kate Mancuso, 8th Arabella Mendieta, 8th Gabby Nguyen, 8th Charlotte Nuss, 8th Ye’Lyna Ortiz, 8th Palmer Pagett, 8th Elizabeth Poche, 8th Madelyn Reynolds, 8th Carleigh Siguenza, 8th Zoe Storey, 8th Kaley Tennison, 8th McKenzie Wagner, 8th Paisley Watts, 8th Izabella Arregui, 9th Emma Batson, 9th Faith Bourgeois, 9th Regan Danos, 9th Gianna Deluca, 9th Cameryn Diamond, 9th Ava Kissinger, 9th Makayla Lanier, 9th Kayla Lopez, 9th Samantha Mendel, 9th Lundie Mitchell, 9th Olivia Rodriguez, 9th Mallory Salisbury, 9th Addison Schmidt, 9th Gemma Collins, 8th Hailey Dubrock, 8th Camille Dubuc, 8th Sameiha Farhat, 8th Sydney Griener, 8th Charlotte Hurst, 8th Skylar Joerger, 8th Lucy Kessler, 8th Kenley Largaespada, 8th Karter Matherne, 8th Piper Mills, 8th Audrey Oddo, 8th Ella Prestenback, 8th Harper Prestigiacomo, 8th Sophie Taylor, 8th Mia Tran, 8th Bailey Windmann, 8th Kaleigh Exnicios, 9th Rylee Halprin, 9th Emily Hedrick, 9th Giuliana Hutchison, 9th Chloe Lange, 9th Julia Martinez, 9th Jordan Morris, 9th Lilyana Mosbey, 9th Jillian Orellana, 9th Kasey Orlando, 9th Mia Bairnsfather, 8th Hailey Boyd, 8th Caydence Calub, 8th Skye Chapman, 8th Cali Chase, 8th Corinne Couret, 8th Leiah Frazier, 8th Mathys Gregson, 8th Madison Joy, 8th Hanna Lalla, 8th Macy Marrione, 8th Landri Monica, 8th Brooklyn Muller, 8th Izsabella Powell, 8th Amelia Quatrevingt, 8th Abigail Riehm, 8th Piper Rodriguez, 8th Rachel Silva, 8th Morgan Abate, 9th Madisyn Bechtel, 9th Alexis Brocato, 9th Haley Daigle, 9th Makayla Lecour, 9th Kami Leyva, 9th Ryleigh McMyne, 9th Emma Myer, 9th Julianna Pazos, 9th Isabella Pelitire, 9th Juliana Presley, 9th Alexis Primeaux, 9th Madison Rauch, 9th Lily Sharai, 9th  We are incredibly proud of all of our Pre-ACT Rising Star Award recipients. Their achievements reflect the strength of Chapelle’s academic program and the dedication of our students as they continue to grow, learn, and prepare for future success. Congratulations, Chipmunks!
By Jamie Hanzo August 24, 2026
Chapelle Students Attend Louisiana Girls State Several Archbishop Chapelle High School students had the opportunity to attend Louisiana Girls State, a leadership and government program that brings together young women from across the state to learn more about civic responsibility, leadership, public service, and the political process. Each student was chosen by Administration and sent on scholarship. This year, Chapelle was represented by Ja’Layah Small, Marcella Casanova, Dylan McLeod, Rosie Cardella, Olivia Larson, and Rylie Panepinto. Throughout the program, students were placed into parishes, cities, political parties, and government roles, giving them hands-on experience in how local and state government functions. Participants campaigned for positions, took part in elections, created bills, served on committees, and collaborated with other student leaders from across Louisiana. For many of the students, the experience was both eye-opening and transformative. Rylie Panepinto ’27 shared that she was placed in Atchafalaya Parish and Caddo City, where she was elected City Public Relations Officer. She was also part of the Federalist Party and served in the House on the Education Committee. Alongside her committee members, Rylie helped present a bill focused on special education in schools.
By Jamie Hanzo August 20, 2026
CARE Club Creates Pet Beds for Local Shelters and Rescues Members of Archbishop Chapelle High School’s CARE Club, short for Chapelle Animal Rescue Effort, recently put their compassion into action by creating handmade pet beds to donate to local animal shelters and rescues. The students worked together to make comfortable beds for animals waiting for their forever homes. Their efforts supported two local organizations: Metairie Humane Shelter and SPCA New Orleans. This service project gave CARE Club members the opportunity to combine creativity, teamwork, and love for animals in a meaningful way. By making and donating the pet beds, students helped provide comfort and care to shelter animals in need. The SPCA New Orleans team sent a handwritten note thanking the students for their thoughtful donation. Their message served as a beautiful reminder that even simple acts of kindness can make a big difference. We are proud of our CARE Club members for living out Chapelle’s spirit of service and compassion. Their dedication to helping animals and supporting local shelters reflects the caring hearts of our Chipmunks.  Great job, CARE Club!
More Posts