by Chris Samnee and Laura Samnee Art by Chris Samnee 2 stars Loved the idea of this but the execution didn’t work for me. In a world where giant monsters reign, Rainbow sets out to reunite with her family, starting with her younger sister, Jonna. An okay start to a series. Nice artwork that doesn’t…
Read More
5 stars Another fantastic volume in the Heartstopper series. This one is heavier than the previous volumes. While the others tend to be sweet with a hint of hardship, this one really focuses on the hardships of life and relationships. It deals with some serious topics including mental health, specifically eating disorders and references to…
Read More
Illustrated by Yoshi Yoshitani 3 stars A fun spin on the Titans. Nice mix of daily life and superhero escapades. Works well for those who are at least vaguely aware of the DC characters and are accepting of changes to the universe. The story follows Mandy, who sees herself as the opposite of her mother,…
Read More
2.5 stars I am usually a huge fan of novels-in-verse so I was really excited to read this one. Maddie lives a relatively normal life. But when a state-wide evacuation takes place during a secret sleepover, Maddie finds herself alone. Can she figure out how to survive? Is anyone coming back for her? The premise…
Read More
by Abigail Balfe 5 stars I absolutely loved this book. Part memoir, part life skills guide, part entertainment, part art book, and part educational resource. This book has a nice mix of everything. At its base, A Different Kind of Normal tells about Balfe’s life growing up feeling different from others. However, it goes much…
Read More
5 stars A wonderful picture book that tells the story of a big idea and a community coming together to make it happen. Amara loves bats. But when she moves to a new town, there are none in sight. With the help of the park ranger along with her new friends and neighbors, Amara helps…
Read More
Illustrated by Charles Santoso 5 stars A new favorite from Katherine Applegate! I loved this story. A beautiful representation of how plants and animals coexist and form mutually beneficial relationships. It show demonstrates human intervention can unintendedly alter that balance with unintended consequences. A blend of eco-mystery and coming of age with a touch of…
Read More
by Jessica Betancourt-Perez and Karen Lynn Williams Illustrated by Gina Maldonado 4 stars A sweet story about new experiences, a new home, and a new friend. After Isabella and her mother move to the United States from Colombia, Isabella is anxious for the first day of school and making new friends. There’s a lot to…
Read More
5 stars A hilarious and heartwarming coming of age tale about figuring out your identity. At her old school, Huda was “the hijabi girl”. But when her family moves to a new town, she’s no longer the only one wearing hijab. She must come to terms with her identity issues and learn who she truly…
Read More
5 stars A stunning follow-up to Sheets. This one wonderfully captures some of the hardships of growing up female with crush confusion, toxic friendships, and the pressure to fit in. Despite such difficulties, it is filled with hope, kindness, empathy, supportive friendship, and the little moments that bring joy. It shows the power of doing the…
Read More