I think that I wanted more in terms of plot development. The characters were great and I love the paranormal feel to it. This was aThis was just okay.
I think that I wanted more in terms of plot development. The characters were great and I love the paranormal feel to it. This was a selection for our Realm of Comics book club so if you want to know more of our thoughts, be sure to check out our discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/live/g3mLmFhj......more
This was such a cute and fun graphic novel that approached several different topics in very thoughtful and relatable ways. While I thought that it wasThis was such a cute and fun graphic novel that approached several different topics in very thoughtful and relatable ways. While I thought that it was solely going to focus on the main characters experiences at an orchestra camp, it delved into different things related to the stress about being successful. Quite often middle grade books focus on characters attempting to attain success, yet this is one of the few that addresses the burn out and stress that can often accompany success. While this isn't the case when readers initially encounter Tate, it is through their own interactions with Eli and their rising success that Tate learns that leaning on the shoulders of friends is better than trying to rise to the top alone. This was well developed with a fun range of characters and wonderful queer representation. The artwork was immaculate. This is my first experience with Carolina Palmer, but I'm definitely looking forward to any more works they put out in the future....more
What a heartbreaking yet beautiful graphic novel. Jen Wang does it again by beautifully capturing not only the importance of conservation and respect What a heartbreaking yet beautiful graphic novel. Jen Wang does it again by beautifully capturing not only the importance of conservation and respect towards the environment, but also the power of community. Sometimes isolation isn’t the answer to one’s problem and it may just take being seen to understand that. Ash’s whole development as a character was done so well, so effortlessly that a reader can’t help but to respect Wang’s talent. With some additional resources listed in the back, this is a young adult graphic novel that is sure to capture audiences....more
I must say that I enjoyed this volume a lot more than volume 4. While I can't say much because we're so far into the series, I do think that Oseman haI must say that I enjoyed this volume a lot more than volume 4. While I can't say much because we're so far into the series, I do think that Oseman handled the topics of relationships, post secondary plans, and sex very well. I'm excited to see how Charlie and Nick's story comes to an end in volume 6....more
Part memoir, part informational guide on better understanding gender, sexuality, and what it means to be comfortable in one's body, Homebody was a plePart memoir, part informational guide on better understanding gender, sexuality, and what it means to be comfortable in one's body, Homebody was a pleasure to read. Theo Parish has a beautiful art style that perfectly captured their experience while also educating readers. I'm excited to see what they do in the future!...more
Ah I've been waiting to really dive into this one all year, and I finally picked it up. There was some elements that needed some work, but it was an iAh I've been waiting to really dive into this one all year, and I finally picked it up. There was some elements that needed some work, but it was an interesting start to a new series.
What Worked: I'm pretty sure that out of all the middle grade fantasy that I've ever read, this is the first where Pilipino folklore and mythology is at the center of the narrative. Villanueva did a wonderful job giving readers a basic understanding of the mythos while also noting that her interpretations do not serve as a mouthpiece for all experiences with the folklore and mythology. Villanueva also centers the story around a bisexual character that has epilepsy in way that was seamlessly woven into the narrative. It didn't feel as though we had a character that simply filled checkboxes. The narration of the audiobook of this one was great and I highly recommend checking it out on audio considering that Tagalog is interwoven into the narrative.
What Didn't Work: This is going to be strange coming from me; however, I think that this book was too fast paced. There was so much going on with the plot that it felt overwhelming at times. Unfortunately, it was easy to miss things or feel confused. Additionally, as stated by another reviewer, this felt a little too close to Riordan. I'm all for providing read a likes to kiddos who have read and loved the Percy Jackson series, but I also look for a different flair. Structurally this reminded me TOO much of my own experience reading that series. I would have preferred for Villanueva to explore the structure of this book in a different way.
Overall, this was a solid read. I will be picking up the next book in the series....more
Jas Hammonds is an auto-buy author for me at this point. They literally cannot miss! CW: abusive relationship, alcoholism, hazing. 4.5 Stars
Thirsty isJas Hammonds is an auto-buy author for me at this point. They literally cannot miss! CW: abusive relationship, alcoholism, hazing. 4.5 Stars
Thirsty is one of those novels that hits home in unexpected ways. Although it follows main character Blake and her girlfriends journey into joining the exclusive Serena society, it tackles the day old of question, "when you're young how much drinking is too much drinking?" Hammonds beautifully and painfully takes a look at this question and more through the lens of Blake and her friends.
What Worked: Hammonds portrayal of alcohol dependency through Blake was real and gut wrenching. The internal dialogue that she experiences as she fights the realization of her addiction was unlike any other dialogue that I've seen in a young adult realistic fiction novel. The only one that comes close is Heroine by Mindy McGinnis. Not only is Blake battling her addiction, but she's also struggling with her unhealthy, toxic, abusive relationship with Ella as well as her challenging relationship with her biracial identity. Although it was unexpected, I was elated to see Hammonds address the conflicts that can arise from having a White parent that has not reckoned with their own internalized racism and the impact it has on their children. This conversation wasn't a means to target interracial relationships, but a way to openly dialogue about the impact of not understanding the importance of validating all facets of your child's identity. In my opinion, the fall out of this relationship greatly impacted Blake's drinking. What's most scary about this novel is it's ability to capture the reality of drinking in adolescence and the inability to recognize when it becomes an addiction. As someone who attended college and pledged, binge drinking turned out to be a lot more common that I anticipated. It was considered normal, fun. It was an expectation of college kids. It makes me wonder how many of my peers were actually deep in the throes of addiction that went unrecognized due to their age and their environment. Hammonds brings all of this to light without providing any exact solutions. While some make take issue with that, I think that the authors note gives better context. Every recovery process looks different and people seek different resources to assist with their addiction. It was their aim to provide a message of hope and support to young readers who may find that they are not alone and may be more encouraged to reach out for help.
This was truly a wonderful novel. It's strikingly different from We Deserve Monuments, but I'm happy to see that Jas is continuing to write about a variety of topics....more
I liked this; however, this definitely suffered from a rushed plot. While I understood and appreciated the conflict presented to us as readers, buEh….
I liked this; however, this definitely suffered from a rushed plot. While I understood and appreciated the conflict presented to us as readers, but I think we needed a little more to get to that point. The artwork was phenomenal and I think it will resonate with fans of Emma! ...more
Riot Act caught my attention a while ago, but it took me a while to circle back to it. Told in an alternate version of thThis almost felt....too real.
Riot Act caught my attention a while ago, but it took me a while to circle back to it. Told in an alternate version of the US in 1991, it's a book that serves as a cautionary tale.
What Worked: Thought I don't want to spoil the book (it's kept vague within the summary), I do want to point out that Lariviere chose a very interesting narrator for the story. It was unexpected and worked well with the rest of the content. There were unique implications for this character having an almost omnipresent role in the lives of the other characters. I also appreciated the complicated feelings and relationships that were tackled through the various interactions of the characters. The lack of trust, the fear, the desire to be close to someone, the fracturing of familial relationships were strategically interwoven into the story. The back drop of Henry VI served as an effective catalyst for the story as whole and defined the essence of resistance.
What Didn't Work: I wanted just a little more world building. This is a personal preference and could be an urge that has developed from our current political climate. I do think that teens seeking out this book will appreciate the focus on the coming of age elements. There were also some pacing issues in which the conclusion to a mystery is revealed early on making certain portions of the book anticlimactic particularly the ending. Stylistically, I understand what Lariviere was attempting to do on an emotional level, but it left much to be desired.
Overall, this was a solid read and one that I would recommend to teens who may show interest in books that have a "Handmaid's Tale" vibe to them. The 90s grunge thespians will appear to theater kids far and wide....more
Ahhh this book was pure and utter delight. From the beginning to the end, Trinity Nguyen had both my heart and my stomach stirring. This isn't just a Ahhh this book was pure and utter delight. From the beginning to the end, Trinity Nguyen had both my heart and my stomach stirring. This isn't just a book about food, it's a book that beautifully captures what it's like to find your own path in life and what it's like to find one's identity as part of a diaspora. CW: death of a family member
A Bánh Mì for Two is a beautifully crafted dual narrative YA contemporary novel that follows main characters Lan and Vivi Huynh. Lan lives in Sài Gòn and helps run the family bánh mì stall while also taking care of her mother and exploring her passion for food blogging. Vivi Huynh is secretly visiting Việt Nam for the first time as a means to learn more about her identity and heritage; something she feels like her mother keeps hidden from her for unknown reasons. The two characters collide into each others lives once Vivi discovers that Lan is the creator behind the infamous A Bánh Mì for Two food blog. Together they learn more about each other, their futures, and the responsibilities (or lack thereof) to their respective families.
What Worked: The writing of this one was immaculate. From the characters to the food to the descriptions of Việt Nam, Nguyen did a wonderful job immersing readers into the environment and culture experience by the main characters. While I enjoyed all the discussions surrounding food, I LOVED the exploration of all themes related to identity and family. Lan and Vivi both struggle with understanding their family dynamics. Lan is torn between what she perceives to be familial expectations and her dreams. She struggles not only with the grief of losing her father, but also with the lingering fear of what could occur if she leaves her chronically ill mother. Vivi is trying to find strength in her identity as being both American and Vietnamese and why her mother attempts to keep the Vietnamese aspects of her life such a secret. Nguyen reminds younger readers that parents do not always keep things from their children out of spite. It can be pain, fear, trauma, and regret that leads to the withholding of information. Sometimes it's easier to forget and let go then to remember and heal. Additionally, the romance between these two was absolutely adorable. It started slow with them questioning their possible attraction; however, readers get the opportunity to see their friendship/support of each other turn into something more.
This was such a quick read, but it definitely packs a punch and stands out as one of my favorite YA books of 2024....more
I’ve been meaning to read this for ages and I’m glad that I made the decision to finally pick it up. This was cute. Slightly over the top, but still dI’ve been meaning to read this for ages and I’m glad that I made the decision to finally pick it up. This was cute. Slightly over the top, but still definitely worth a read....more
Not me almost crying at the end of this volume. Wow. I’ve put off reading this series for wayyy too long. This was so devastating yet beautiful. TasukNot me almost crying at the end of this volume. Wow. I’ve put off reading this series for wayyy too long. This was so devastating yet beautiful. Tasuku is the new kid and town and has been outed by classmates. Fortunately, he comes across a drop in center where he meets others who may be dealing with the same things. This was so damn real and done with so much care. I felt every emotion from every character. It’s been a while since I’ve been this excited to continue on with a series. CW: suicidal ideation/attempt...more
Ooo this one is tough. There are a lot of content warnings for this including: dead naming, misgendering, affairs, suicide.
The most important thing toOoo this one is tough. There are a lot of content warnings for this including: dead naming, misgendering, affairs, suicide.
The most important thing to take into consideration when reading this is the original publication date which was in the 1970s. Although there are many parts of this that wouldn’t necessarily hold up in 2024, there are many parts that show that Riyoko Ikeda was ahead of her time. This isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s depressing and sad with an intense ending that isn’t what we typically want showcased in relation to the trans experience. I think viewing this through a historical lens is important and illustrates the manner in which LGBTQIA topics and themes have evolved and been explored in manga. I’m giving this three stars because the story lacked in several areas where the plot and characters could have utilized more development. Nevertheless, I’m glad I picked it up as it’s my first title by Ikeda....more
While there isn’t much that I can say about this volume, it is definitely my favorite out of the series because of the conThis was almost 5 stars! 4.5
While there isn’t much that I can say about this volume, it is definitely my favorite out of the series because of the conversations about grief and healing. Even as an adult, I really connected with Minette’s story as she tries to find peace with her decision not to return home to her family. O’Neill approached the subject with such care and grace. I adored it! The artwork was impeccable as always and I found myself really gravitating towards the panels that captured the seasonal changes. ...more
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