Dead Flip by Sara Farizan

4 stars An entertaining 80s/90s throwback with a fun Goosebumps-vibe for a YA audience. In 1987, Cori, Maz, and Sam are the best of friends. But after Sam goes missing, nothing is the same. Flash forward five years and Maz and Cori no longer see each other. That is until Sam comes back. Now they’ll…

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The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, A Rún, Vol. 6

by Nagabe Translated by Adrienne Beck 4 stars Abandoning their previous home, Shiva and Teacher have escaped the soliders for now. They travel far to find a new home in an attempt to escape the past. But it always has a way of catching up to them. Another fascinating read. The mysteries continue to build….

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School-Live!, Vol. 1 by Norimitsu Kaihou

Illustrated by Sadoru Chiba Translated by Leighann Harvey 4 stars A slice-of-life adventure following School Living Club members Yuki Takeya, Kurumi Ebisuzawa, Yuuri Wakasa, and their club advisor Megumi Sakura as they go about their daily lives living at Megurigaoka Academy Private High School. From tending the garden, preparing meals, and going to the library,…

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That Blue Sky Feeling, Vol. 2 by Okura

Illustrated by Coma Hashii Translated by Jocelyne Allen 4 stars Noshiro and Sanada’s friendship continues to grow, but their relationships with others complicate things. In this volume, Ayumi reveals her own feelings and we meet Makoto who develops a huge crush on Noshiro. Now Noshiro and Sanada must reflect on what they want for themselves…

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Cat + Gamer Volume 3 by Wataru Nadatani

Translated by Zack Davisson 5 stars Another fantastic volume featuring Musubi and his human Riko… now with a new addition to the family! Meet Soboro, the newest furry member in the household. Follow along as she gets the lay of the land, interacts with her new human, and takes her role of annoying little sister…

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The Ancient Magus’ Bride, Vol. 1 by Kore Yamazaki

Translated by Adrienne Beck 2 stars Definitely weird but not in a way that worked for me. Chise is enslaved then sold to a mage, who takes her on as his apprentice… and also a future wife? Okay story. There were parts I liked. Cool fantasy world-building. The plot was a bit confusing. There are…

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Cat + Gamer Volume 3 by Wataru Nadatani

Translated by Zack Davisson 5 stars More adorable adventures with Musubi and his gamer human Riko! This volume mostly focuses on Riko and Musubi themselves with a few appearances from The Great Sage at the pet store. Featuring hilariously relatable adventures in zoomies, nail trimming, photo ops, and uncovering toy stashes. Fantastic humor. I love…

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For Every One by Jason Reynolds

5 stars A fantastically-worded poetic letter about figuring it out, being enough, and chasing your dreams. Wonderful imagery. Full of power, inspiration, and the vulnerability of admitting you don’t know it all. I loved the visual elements of the text with changes in fonts, sizes, and grayscale highlighting. Pure Reynolds. Lyrical, powerful, inspirational, and honest….

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I Am a Cat Barista, Vol. 1 by Hiro Maijima

Translated by Kat Skarbinec 4 stars Wholesome and delightful. Welcome to Cafe Hachiware, a mysterious cat cafe that only presents itself to weary souls. Inside, you’ll find a cat barista, ready to make you the drink he thinks you need and offer some helpful advice. Each chapter presents a trouble human with their own problem….

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