Stitch by Stitch: Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt

by Rob Sanders Illustrated by Jamey Christoph 4 stars A beautiful book that depicts the remarkable story of the AIDS Memorial Quilt through lyrical text and wonderful illustrations. In this narrative nonfiction picture book, Sanders tells some of the major events in Cleve Jones’ life alongside the development of AIDS in America. Interspersed throughout the…

Read More

Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac

3 stars A sweet novel-in-verse about family, perseverance, and the bond between a girl and her dog. Malian is visiting her grandparents on a Wabanaki reservation when the COVID-19 shelter in place order is enacted. Together with Malsum, the mysterious rez dog who adopted her, and her grandparent’s stories, Malian finds the strength to overcome…

Read More

Creepy Cat Vol 1 by Cotton Valent

Translated by Alethea & Athena Nibley 4 stars When Flora moves into a mansion, she discovers it comes with a strange, white cat who is… a little creepy. She stumbles her way though many of the milestones of cat ownership with a paranormal twist as she settles into her new home. A humorous story of…

Read More

Little Robin’s Fighting Hood by Sarah Hines Stephens

Illustrated by Agnes Garbowska 2.5 stars A straightforward story where Robin takes the lead. Alfred gives Robin a secret delivery to bring to Batman at the museum with strict instructions to not stray from the path or talk to anyone along the way. But when Robin gets sidetracked, things get a bit out of hand….

Read More

Princess Unlimited by Jacob Sager Weinstein

Illustrated by Raissa Figueroa 3 stars A fun twist of an adventure story with humor, kindness, and bravery all its own. Princess Susan is worried about her kingdom’s dragon problem, but her parents are too concerned with buying sparkles and frills to do much about it. The enterprising princess takes matters into her own hands…

Read More

Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld

by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale Illustrated by Asiah Fulmore 4 stars I wasn’t sure about this one going into it. The DC reboots have been hit or miss for me. But I ended up really enjoying it. Princess Amaya is always up to something. But when her magical pranks go too far, her parents…

Read More

Heartless Prince: Volume 1

Story & Illustrations by Angela De Vito Written by Leigh Dragoon 2 stars A kidnapped princess, a prince’s stollen heart, an orphan with mysterious abilities, and a witch out to ruin them all. I thought this was a standalone when I started it, but later found out it will be part of a trilogy. There…

Read More

Oona by Kelly DiPucchio

Illustrated by Raissa Figueroa 2 stars This one is a bit hard to rate. The illustrations are perfect. Absolutely beautiful. I loved all the details, seeing Oona’s creative thinking, and the way Figueroa brought her world to life. Always wonderful to see a Black mermaid as well. The story for me was really confusing. It…

Read More

Stacey’s Extraordinary Words by Stacey Abrams

Illustrated by Kitt Thomas 4 stars A sweet story about a love of words, perseverance, and using your words to help others. Stacey loves learning new words. When she’s asked to participate in a spelling bee, she jumps at the chance to learn even more. But will her fear of making a mistake get in…

Read More

Bodies are Cool by Tyler Feder

4 stars An energetic, rhythmic read to celebrate the human body. The simple text maintains an infectious rhythm and rhyme that is uplifting and fun. The words flow beautifully. And the detailed pictures pair wonderfully. Every character is completely unique. They vary in their skin tones, hair types, body sizes, clothing choices, and gender expressions….

Read More