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 22, 2025
Jason Evert Inspires Chapelle Students with a Powerful Message of Authentic Love 💛 What an inspiring day at Archbishop Chapelle High School! On Tuesday, September 16, our students had the incredible privilege of hearing from Jason Evert, a world-renowned Catholic speaker and founder of the Chastity Project. Jason’s impactful presentation centered on the difference between real love and lust, and the beauty of living out the authentic love we are all created for. A Message That Resonated Jason’s engaging and relatable style had our students absolutely captivated. Through humor, heartfelt stories, and practical advice, he shared how we can recognize the difference between fleeting attraction and the lasting power of true, chaste love. Our girls laughed, learned, and left the talk inspired to live out their relationships with dignity, self-respect, and faith. The message was clear: authentic love is worth the wait, and it’s worth fighting for. Living Out the Message Jason’s presentation challenged our students to see relationships through a new lens—not through the fleeting ideals of culture but through the lens of God’s plan for holy and beautiful relationships. His words were a reminder that true love honors and uplifts, and it requires courage, patience, and faith. Gratitude for Jason Evert We are so grateful to Jason Evert for sharing his wisdom, humor, and faith with our Chapelle family. His message was a powerful reminder of the beauty of living a life rooted in virtue and love. Thank you, Jason, for inspiring our students to embrace the love they are created for and to pursue relationships that reflect God’s plan for their lives. This was a day our students won’t soon forget! 💛
By Jamie Hanzo September 22, 2025
Chemistry in Action: Chromatography T-Shirts in Mrs. Homes's Class! 🧪👕 This week in Mrs. Homes's Chemistry class, our Chapelle students had a hands-on opportunity to explore the fascinating world of chromatography—and they did it in style by creating their very own chromatography t-shirts!  What is Chromatography? Chromatography may sound complex, but it’s a method used by scientists to separate substances in a mixture based on how they move through a medium (like a t-shirt or coffee filter). Here’s how it works: - The Process: A solvent (a liquid that dissolves molecules) is used to carry the molecules in a mixture through a porous material. - The Science: The molecules in the mixture need to be different sizes. Smaller molecules will travel farther along the material, while larger ones stay closer to where they started. - The Result: As the solvent moves, it separates the molecules based on their size, creating a colorful and visual representation of the mixture’s components. - In Mrs. Homes’s class, students applied this principle to design shirts that not only look amazing but also showcase the science of solubility and polarity. Turning Science into Art 🎨 Using shirts as their medium, students experimented with various ink mixtures and solvents. They observed how different components of the ink separated and spread across the fabric at different rates, creating unique and colorful patterns. The activity demonstrated key chemistry concepts, including: - Solubility: How easily substances dissolve in a solvent. - Polarity: How molecular structure influences movement through the medium. By turning their t-shirts into vibrant works of science-inspired art, students gained a deeper understanding of chromatography while having a blast! Why Hands-On Learning Matters 💡 This fun and innovative project allowed students to see chemistry in action, making complex concepts like molecular size, polarity, and solubility easier to understand. Plus, it’s always more exciting to learn when you can take home a tangible reminder of the lesson—like a one-of-a-kind, chemistry-themed t-shirt! A Big Thanks to Mrs. Homes! Thank you, Mrs. Homes, for bringing creativity and innovation into the classroom. This project was a perfect blend of science, art, and fun, and our students will surely remember it for years to come. To our budding scientists: Keep exploring, experimenting, and embracing the wonders of chemistry! 👩‍🔬👕
By Jamie Hanzo September 22, 2025
Alumnae Career Engagement Presentation Recap: General Nursing Archbishop Chapelle High School was honored to welcome Amanda Ippolito Del Buono ’06, a Post Kidney and Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Nurse Coordinator, back to campus for a Career Engagement Session. Amanda shared her journey in nursing and offered an inside look at the rewarding and diverse opportunities in healthcare. A Day in the Life of a Transplant Nurse Coordinator Amanda manages care for 150 post-kidney transplant patients, helping them adjust to life with their new organs. Her duties include: - Teaching patients how to care for their new organ(s). - Managing appointments and clinic visits. - Advising on protocols to ensure a smooth recovery. - Her dedication to patient care showcases how nurses make life-changing impacts every day. What We Learned Amanda shared valuable insights with our students, including: - Nursing is diverse. From hospitals to home health, there’s a path for everyone in this field. - Empathy is key. Supporting patients emotionally is as important as physical care. - Lifelong learning matters. Staying up-to-date with evolving medical practices is critical for success. Thank You, Amanda! We are so grateful to Amanda for inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals at Chapelle. Her passion and expertise reminded our students that nursing is not just a career—it’s a calling to make a difference in the lives of others.
By Jamie Hanzo September 22, 2025
Leading the Way: Emily Ledet's Journey as Raider Band Drum Major The Rummel/Chapelle Raider Band is a program known for its dedication, talent, and tradition. This year, one of the band’s Drum Majors, Emily Ledet, a senior from Chapelle, is leaving her mark as a leader, mentor, and musician. In this spotlight, Emily shares her journey, insights, and the impact the Raider Band has had on her life. A Journey That Began in 8th Grade Emily first joined the Raider Band in her 8th-grade year, starting as a trombone player—a role she held for four years before stepping into her current position as Drum Major. Reflecting on her journey, she notes how the program has shaped her identity and fostered her love for music. From her first rehearsals to leading the band on the field, Emily's dedication to the Raider Band is evident. What Being a Drum Major Means To Emily, being a Drum Major is more than just a title—it’s a responsibility and a privilege. “Being a drum major means setting the standard for the rest of the band. I know I have a lot of people relying on me to do well, and I feel truly grateful for that. I know how crucial it is to have a great role model, and I truly strive to be that for the band.” Emily’s commitment to being a positive example is at the heart of her leadership. She understands that her actions set the tone for the entire group, and she embraces the opportunity to inspire others. The Reward of Hard Work For Emily, the most rewarding part of being Drum Major is seeing the band’s collective efforts come to life, especially during the final performance of the season. “When our final competition of the season is over, that is usually the time when the entire band finally realizes how much we have accomplished. It is also the time we all realize this is the last performance we will have with this exact group of people.” The bittersweet nature of these moments underscores the unique bond shared by band members. Emily treasures the role she plays in creating these unforgettable experiences. The Dedication Behind the Scenes One thing Emily wishes more people knew about the Raider Band is the level of hard work and commitment required to make their performances shine. “We rehearse 3 times a week from 3:45 to 6:00 pm. We also perform at all Rummel football games and even some basketball games. We have multiple competitions throughout October and November that we begin prepping for in July.” From conditioning in the heat to auditioning for honor ensembles, Raider Band members dedicate countless hours to perfecting their craft. Their passion and perseverance are what make the program so special. A New Direction: Music and Leadership Emily credits the Raider Band for shaping her career goals. Initially interested in becoming a therapist, her experience in the band and an audio engineering class with Mr. Broussard ignited a love for music that changed her path. “I realized this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The Raider Band has also given me the opportunity to grow not only as a person but also as a leader. I have had the privilege to learn numerous leadership skills from the band that I know will help me in the future.” Her passion for music and leadership is a testament to the transformative power of the Raider Band program. Advice for Future Drum Majors For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Emily offers this piece of wisdom: “Be confident in your leadership skills. It’s like the saying, ‘fake it until you make it.’ If you instill confidence in your leadership, then as time goes on, you will become a better leader. It is crucial to allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them.” Her advice highlights the importance of perseverance, self-trust, and growth. A Leader and Role Model As Emily prepares to graduate, she leaves behind not only a legacy of musical excellence but also an example of strong, compassionate leadership. Her time as Drum Major and her experiences within the Raider Band have shaped her future and inspired those around her. Emily Ledet’s story is a reminder of the incredible impact music programs like the Raider Band can have on young leaders. The program is more than just rehearsals and performances—it’s a family, a foundation, and a launching pad for success. Congratulations to Emily on her achievements, and best of luck as she continues to shine in music and beyond!
By Jamie Hanzo September 19, 2025
Vote for Senior Raelyn Doubleday '26 as Artsonia's Artist of the Week! 🎨✨ We are thrilled to announce that our very own Raelyn Doubleday '26 has been selected as a finalist for Artsonia's Artist of the Week Contest in the Grades 10-12 category! This is an incredible honor, and we need your help to make her the winner! How to Vote: 1️⃣ Visit the voting page here: Artsonia Artist of the Week Contest 2️⃣ Scroll to the Grades 10-12 category. 3️⃣ Click “Vote” under Raelyn Doubleday '26. 4️⃣ Confirm your vote! 🗳️ You can vote once per day, so be sure to cast your vote daily! Deadline to Vote: Voting ends at 11:59 PM on September 20, and the winners will be announced on September 21. Why Your Vote Matters: The winning student will receive a $50 gift certificate, and the winning school will receive a $100 gift certificate courtesy of Blick Art Materials. Let’s show our support for Raelyn and highlight the amazing talent here at Chapelle! Thank you for rallying behind Raelyn and helping us celebrate her creativity. Let’s make her Artist of the Week! 💚🎨
By Jamie Hanzo September 18, 2025
Celebrating Chapelle Spirit at Alumnae Night! 💚🤍 On a night filled with excitement, community, and Chapelle pride, we welcomed back our incredible Volleyball, Hi-Stepper, and Cheer alumnae for an unforgettable Alumnae Night! The energy in the gym was electric as generations of Chipmunks came together to celebrate their shared love for Chapelle and support our current students. Supporting the Varsity Volleyball Team The night kicked off with our alumnae cheering on the Varsity Volleyball team as they faced off against Edna Karr. The support from the stands was unmatched, with former players, dancers, and cheerleaders showing their love for the green and white. Alumnae Take the Court After the Varsity game, it was time for our Volleyball alumnae to hit the court! The alumnae played their own exciting 25-point game, showcasing their skills and camaraderie. Halfway through, everyone paused to enjoy a special performance by the Hi-Stepper alumnae, who took to the court to dazzle us with their dance moves. It was a beautiful display of talent and tradition! Honoring Excellence: All-State Players Plaque Unveiled A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a brand-new plaque by Volleyball Head Coach Jodee Pulizzano. The plaque proudly lists all of the Chapelle Volleyball players (past and present) who were named LVCA All-State. This special moment honored the legacy of excellence that Chapelle Volleyball continues to uphold. A Night to Remember After all the court-side festivities, alumnae, students, and guests gathered in the cafeteria for a fabulous reception. It was a time to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the lifelong bond of the Chapelle sisterhood. Thank You, Alumnae! We are so lucky to have such incredible alumnae who continue to support Chapelle and inspire the next generation of Chipmunks. Your dedication to our school and your ongoing connection to the Chapelle community mean the world to us.  Here’s to many more Alumnae Nights filled with laughter, memories, and Chapelle pride! 💚🤍
By Jamie Hanzo September 18, 2025
Celebrating Academic Excellence At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we are proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of 34 of our students who have been honored with prestigious awards from the College Board for their outstanding performance in Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams. These awards recognize their dedication, hard work, and academic excellence in a variety of disciplines. Here’s a closer look at the honors earned by our talented Chapelle Chipmunks: AP Scholar with Distinction This award is granted to students who earn an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Congratulations to: - Chloe Arnold - Menasah Benoit - Dalila Gulati - Penelope Haley - Anh Dao Le - Libbey Luminais - Maisy O'Brien - Gianna Rodriguez - Emma Rogers - Katie Scuderi - Emma Tran - Grace Wilson - Evelyn Zajac AP Scholar with Honor This distinction is awarded to students who earn an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Congratulations to: - Elizabeth Hamilton - Anita Li - Mackenzie Ory - Kayla Palacio - Kaleigh Scheve - Katherine Tuttle AP Scholar This award recognizes students who score 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. Congratulations to: - Kyla Apostolakis - Mackenzie Clark - Savanna Corales - Alexandra Daigre - Olivia Farrell - Rowan Fryou - Raegan Harmann - Abby Hebbler - Emily Ledet - Kate Marks - Stella Merrill - Hannah Sarver - Alaina Sauvage - Emily C. Wilson - Meghan Wolfe AP Capstone Diploma This prestigious diploma is awarded to students who earn scores of 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research, as well as on four additional AP exams. Congratulations to: - Savanna Corales - Olivia Farrell - Dalila Gulati - Maisy O'Brien AP Seminar and Research Certificate This certificate is awarded to students who earn scores of 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research. Congratulations to: - Stella Merrill A Tradition of Excellence These awards are a testament to the commitment of our students to academic achievement and the support provided by the dedicated faculty and staff at Archbishop Chapelle High School. The hard work and determination of these 34 young women exemplify the values of excellence, perseverance, and pride that define the Chapelle community. We are so proud of their accomplishments and know that they will continue to excel in their future endeavors. Please join us in celebrating these remarkable students and their outstanding achievements!
By Jamie Hanzo September 17, 2025
Chemistry Meets Creativity: Sublimation Printing in Action! Mrs. Pickett and Mrs. Homes’ Chemistry classes recently combined science and creativity in an exciting sublimation printing assignment! Using tools in our St. Joan of Arc Center, students applied their knowledge of chemistry to create custom Chippy socks. This hands-on activity brought the principles of sublimation to life in a fun and memorable way! How Does Sublimation Work? Sublimation is a fascinating process where a solid turns directly into a gas without passing through the liquid phase. Here’s how it happens: Energy Boost: The molecules of a solid gain enough energy—usually from heat or reduced pressure—to overcome the forces keeping them in a solid state. Escape to Gas: The energized molecules transition directly into the gas phase. What Is Sublimation Printing? Sublimation printing uses heat and pressure to transfer dye onto materials like polyester fabrics, ceramics, or metals. The process relies on sublimation, where a solid dye turns into gas and bonds with the material, creating vibrant and durable designs. Why Is Sublimation Printing Popular? Durability: The ink becomes part of the material, ensuring long-lasting designs. Vibrant Colors: The process produces high-resolution, full-color prints. Smooth Surface: No raised ink—just a smooth finish. Eco-Friendly: Minimal waste compared to traditional printing methods. Science + Creativity = Fun! Students explored the molecular changes that occur during the process while creating something they could wear and enjoy. From the lab to wearable art, the Chippy socks turned out amazing! This activity is just one example of how Chapelle combines STEM and creativity to make learning engaging and meaningful. Great job to all the students in Mrs. Pickett and Mrs. Homes’ classes for mastering the science of sublimation and showing off their creative skills!
More Posts