In Origami X, Nick Robinson and Paul Harrison offer spy origami, plus tips and techniques for sleuthing and writing secret messages inside spy technology–themed folded shapes. Origami XOXO by Robinson and Susan Behar contains many of the same techniques for secret sharing and encoding (mirror writing, “invisible ink”), but with pink paper, cute cartoon animals, and an emphasis on friendship instead. Read together, these books will have you wondering, “Where are the girl spies?” and “Why can’t boys build friendships through passing notes?” The division between the two books may incite jealousy rather than friendship: the X origami projects are much more action-oriented and in some cases even capable of flight (e.g., ninja star, spy plane), while most XOXO origami can do no more than sit quietly (e.g., cupcake, flower).

Why the need for two very separate books? I feel there is no such need. These books should be one, so everyone can share the projects and the patterned paper. Why not mix an Origami X  lightning-patterned paper with the Origami XOXO “Beautiful Butterfly” instructions, and deem the new creation a gender-neutral falcon? Merging these two books would make for a more creative and enjoyable craft session.

And be wary of the perforated paper — it’s not exactly square, which may be a bummer for the origami perfectionist.

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Blocky shapes tell Scott’s story, with blue, green, and orange hues guiding the reader through his past and present.

flashback: Scott discusses his impending move with a buddy

Scott’s portrayal as a bit of a fish out of water in Japan is realistic, as he’s never been exposed to Japanese culture — much less sumo wrestling — before; details about sumo customs come from his coach. Scott soon welcomes the routine of his newfound sport (and a blossoming romance with the coach’s daughter). The novel is a short but poignant read about taking risks and getting used to something different.

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Rookie Magazine, an online magazine aimed at teenage girls, was created to address the lack of teen magazines that “respect reader’s intelligence,” as Tavi writes in the introduction. Rookie attracts more than teenagers though; Tavi and the rest of the Rookie Mag board snag interviews and essays from Joss Whedon, Lena Dunham, Miranda July, Aubrey Plaza, David Sedaris, Dan Savage, and Zooey Deschanel, among others.

Rookie Yearbook One is organized by the online magazine’s monthly themes such as secrets, transformation, and exploration. Fresh, unapologetic articles and personal stories cover movies, music, style, relationships, drugs, and general interest (for example, the “Literally the Best Thing Ever” series of articles, featuring deep-sea creatures and outer space). Two of my favorite pieces were “How to Not Care What Other People Think of You,” and “How to Approach the Person You Like Without Throwing Up,” both rife with advice that would have made my high school days easier. Fashion photo shoots and clips of style icons, movie characters, and music moguls mix with wallpaper flowers, lace, and glitter in the collage-style design. Yearbook photos, signatures, and notes fill the inside covers. And this compilation includes stickers, a plastic record of Rookie tunes, and a paper crown—what more could any burgeoning fashion icon want?

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