title: The Pools
author: e. lockhart
publisher: Delacorte Press
publication date: October 6, 2026
pages: 384
peppers: 2 (on this scale)
warnings:
- unwilling transmogrify
- animal murder
- violence
- self-harm/suicidal ideation (both past)
summary: Lexie and Chester both have troubling pasts, but when they meet each other, everything feels right. Unfortunately, the natural pools in the town are turning people into birds. Lexie has to figure out how to get her boyfriend (and sister) back.
tropes:
- troubled pasts
- misunderstood
- rich boy-poor girl
what I liked:
- the story is mostly told in verse; I really enjoyed the language
- friends, gossip, high school scene
- Lexie's family
what I didn’t like:
- I didn't know this was going to be sad and have fantasy elements. Maybe that's on me, not a criticism, but it's not my genre of choice (even though I was fully engaged and liked the writing)
overall rating: 4 (of 5 stars)
As always, you can click on the photo above if you want to buy the book.