I absolutely adored this MG debut! Hackney succeeds in building a setting so rich, it feels like a character in itself - from the eclectic but loveablI absolutely adored this MG debut! Hackney succeeds in building a setting so rich, it feels like a character in itself - from the eclectic but loveable casts of townspeople, to the complex and changing dynamics of protagonist Rosie's friend group. At the heart of the book is Rosie's intimate relationship with her single mother and her longing for her absentee father. The tight plot, along with these complicated family dynamics, will have readers anxious to finish the book but sad when they do. ...more
A delightfully fun and adventure MG debut packed with voice and heart, this story had me rushing chapter-to-chapter to find out what happens next. I dA delightfully fun and adventure MG debut packed with voice and heart, this story had me rushing chapter-to-chapter to find out what happens next. I deeply appreciated the representation within the work, and loved the depth of the alternating POVs....more
Perfect for young MG readers, DERBY DAREDEVILS is a lighthearted and fun story of friendship, the complexities of group dynamics, and coming into onesPerfect for young MG readers, DERBY DAREDEVILS is a lighthearted and fun story of friendship, the complexities of group dynamics, and coming into oneself. With a loveable and diverse cast of characters, the book left me wanting the sequel ASAP! ...more
Zoe is so inspiring, determined, and full of heart. I loved how this book balanced deep and sweet relationships with the very real and important issueZoe is so inspiring, determined, and full of heart. I loved how this book balanced deep and sweet relationships with the very real and important issues surrounding wrongful convictions - and that PoC are vastly more likely to be wrongfully convicted and abused by the justice system. Zoe's story not only brings light to the issue, but will empower young readers to make the changes they want to see in the world. ...more
MY LIFE AS A POTATO is perfect for reluctant readers and any kid who has wanted to break out of the "role" middle school prescribed them. Over the couMY LIFE AS A POTATO is perfect for reluctant readers and any kid who has wanted to break out of the "role" middle school prescribed them. Over the course of the novel, Ben balances who he is and who he wants to be - all while secretly working as his school's basketball mascot. Costner builds a rich and dynamic cast, reflecting the challenges faced by middle schoolers across various social groups. POTATO is a refreshing and heartfelt read that's sure to put a smile on any readers' face. ...more
I adored this book. It's everything I've been craving in an MG read - mystery and stakes, but grounded in meaningful character and emotional arcs. TheI adored this book. It's everything I've been craving in an MG read - mystery and stakes, but grounded in meaningful character and emotional arcs. The characters (including the villain) are all three-dimensional, with complex motivations and individual arcs. The layers of the story (including the magic) work so well, yet there were so many twists and turns I couldn't put it down, despite being nearly 400pgs (which is typically quite long for MG but earned here!) It never dragged or got so complex it was challenging to follow. There were great explorations of difficult themes, too, in an MG-appropriate yet honest way (though (view spoiler)[ the depression story line could have used a bit of TLC) (hide spoiler)]. Overall, can't recommend this enough to any MG mystery fans, or MG lovers in general....more
HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE SEA is perfect for any reader who has felt their differences stripped their control. Protagonist Pablo struggles silentlyHOW TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE SEA is perfect for any reader who has felt their differences stripped their control. Protagonist Pablo struggles silently with crippling anxiety and feels unable to rely on the adults in his life - from his ever-moving and preoccupied mother, to his absent and emotionally distant father. Over the course of the novel, Pablo not only learns to adapt to change, but when to speak up and regain control as well. Guerroro's vibrant prose will transport readers to Pablo's new home in the Philippines, and the first-person narration allows readers to see the world through Pablo's eyes - fostering empathy not only for him, but his experience with anxiety as well. The ending will definitely draw a few tears 0 but don't worry, Guerroro's beautiful work will stitch your heart back together by the final page. ...more
This book is an instant-classic in middle grade LGBTQ literature. ANA ON THE EDGE follows 12-year-old figure skater Ana as she navigates the restrictiThis book is an instant-classic in middle grade LGBTQ literature. ANA ON THE EDGE follows 12-year-old figure skater Ana as she navigates the restrictive, binary norms in skating culture while coming to terms with her own non-binary identity. The book tackles issues of class, friendship, sexuality, and gender with nuance and ease. Without spoiling anything, I particularly loved how Ana adapted her final skating performance to fit her identity, and the novel's approach to Ana's decision about pronouns. A must read for kids and adults alike!...more
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