by Jay Jay Patton with Kiara Valdez Illustrated by Markia Jenai 2.5 stars I was really excited to read this one, but it left me feeling a bit disappointed. A quick read that shares some important events in Patton’s childhood including her father getting out prison, moving to Florida, starting a new school, learning to…
Read More
Adapted and illustrated by Victoria Ying Based on Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon by Paula Danziger 3 stars I really enjoyed this series as a kid and it was fun to revisit this story in graphic format. The illustrations are great. Ying’s character designs are wonderful and the art really captures their movements and…
Read More
Illustrated by Tony Ross 3.5 stars I loved this series as a kid and wanted to give it a reread after finishing the graphic novel adaption. In this one, Amber is upset that her best friend, Justin, is moving away. Every time she tries to talk to him about it, he acts like nothing is…
Read More
Illustrated by Michaela Goade 3 stars A lovely story of family, community, and home. A young Cherokee girl and her family are excited to move out of the city to the Cherokee Nation reservation. There they connect with family, nature, and the rhythm of their ancestral home. It is so refreshing to see a positive…
Read More
Illustrated by Anna Volcan 2 stars Some dynamics of school stay the same no matter where you are. Feeling like an outsider, getting used to new teachers, and the quandary of where to sit in the cafeteria. These are true even if your school is attended by ghosts, werewolves, and vampires. This is a pretty…
Read More
3 stars A hilarious, fast-paced adventure featuring friendship, a well-dressed villain, and a whole lot of unique cryptids. Penny and her mother are moving. But before they do, Penny wants to thank the mysterious creature who saved her from drowning. Together with her friends, she sets out to find the Bawk-ness Monster and discovers the…
Read More
Illustrated by Lynn Scurfield 5 stars A beautiful story of friendship, sharing traditions, and making new connections. This was such a sweet book. Best friends Dandan and Yueyue spend one last Lunar New Year together before Dandan moves to America. Before she leaves, Yueyue gives Dandan a special gift and an important message. In America,…
Read More