Basil and Oregano by Melissa Capriglione

4 stars This was such a sweet book! Basil dreams of being a fabulous magiculinary chef. But first, she must become top student at Porta Bella Magiculinary Academy and earn the scholarship that goes with the title. When she meets Arabella Oregano, the daughter of a famous chef, things start to heat up. Basil must…

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Meesh the Bad Demon (Meesh the Bad Demon #1)

3.5 stars by Michelle Lam Meesh has little interest in being a demon. She spends more time watching her favorite show following the fairy princess, Nouna, and talking to flowers than breathing fire and puking acid. But when a new threat puts Mount Magma in danger, Meesh sets out to find help, learning to embrace…

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The Way of the Househusband Vol. 1 by Kousuke Oono

3.5 stars A humorous slice-of-life comedy following a yakuza-member-turned-househusband as he navigates daily life. Follow Tatsu as he carries out duties like shopping for groceries, taking a cooking class, tackling a DIY project, and looking after a neighborhood kid. While his tasks are often mundane, Tatsu’s old life catches up with him and his over-the-top…

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The Inflatables in Bad Air Day (The Inflatables #1)

by Beth Garrod & Jess Hitchman Illustrated by Chris Danger 3 stars The first in the series, this book follows a group of inflatable pool toys from the Lost and Found pool on an epic adventure to visit the new wave pool. We’re introduced to the mastermind Cactus, fame-obsessed Flamingo, perpetually hungry Donut, supportive Watermelon,…

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Gravity Falls: Lost Legends by Alex Hirsch

Illustrated by Joe Pitt, Ian Worrel, Asaf Hanuka, Dana Terrace, Jacob Chabot, Jim Campbell, Kyle Smeallie, Meredith Gran, Mike Holmes, Priscilla Tang, Serina Hernandez, Stephanie Ramirez, and Valerie Halla 4 stars Another fantastic trip to Gravity Falls. Join Shmebulock the gnome on the one night a year he can speak words other than his name…

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crush (Berrybrook Middle School #3) by Svetlana Chmakova

5 stars I always love a visit to Berrybrook Middle School. The third book in the series does not disappoint. I loved Jorge’s character is the second book, so was especially excited to follow him in this one. Jorge is perfectly content to hang out with his two best friends and serve as the quiet…

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Hungry Ghost by Victoria Ying

5 stars This book contains a content note for depictions of disordered eating. A hauntingly beautiful story of friendship, loss, family, and healing. Valerie has always tried to be a “good” daughter. To her, that means giving in to her mother’s concerns about her gaining weight, even if it means taking unhealthy measures to comply….

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The Sprite and the Gardener

by Rii Abrego and Joe Whitt Illustrated by Rii Abrego 3 stars A sweet story with stunning artwork. This gentle fantasy follows Wisteria, a new sprite to the neighborhood. When humans came to the land long ago, sprites took a backseat and let them take over caring for the plants. But after watching a wannabe…

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Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell

Illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks 4 stars Pumpkin spice and everything nice. It’s Deja and Josie’s last autumn working at the Patch and they each have a mission. Josie to finally talk to the Fudge Girl and Deja to eat all her favorite foods at the Patch one last time. While the night doesn’t go…

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Diana: Princess of the Amazons (Diana #1)

by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale Illustrated by Victoria Ying 3 stars A story of friendship and belonging with an incredible all-female assemble. Diana is the only child on the island of Themyscira. When she was little, that made her feel special. But now… she’s just lonely. Caught between being too young and too old,…

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