October 19, 2022

Frizzy, written by Claribel A. Ortega and art by Rose Bousamra, revolves around Marlene as she takes the steps to figuring out her curly hair and ultimately being herself.

The story was quite an emotional one as Marlene encountered various terms being Frizzy, written by Claribel A. Ortega and art by Rose Bousamra, revolves around Marlene as she takes the steps to figuring out her curly hair and ultimately being herself.

The story was quite an emotional one as Marlene encountered various terms being thrown around by her family. Terms like “good hair” or “You should be more like your cousin.”(page 31), pushing the idea of a best type of hair. And I’m sure many who have curly hair may relate to this. I enjoyed Marlene’s supportive relationships with her best friend Camila, and her curly haired aunt Ruby (who helped a lot). Most of all, Marlene was more concerned about her mother. Marlene wanted both her mother’s approval and to not hurt her feelings, especially given some rather sad memories. In the end, the story came together with a very heartwarming and emotional conclusion.

Also, Bousamra’s art is beautiful and I love the style. It’s simplistic but not in a way that’s overly simplified. It’s just right. The colors are like muted pastels that mesh really well with the overall feel, giving off a refreshing modern retro vibe. I think Ortega's writing and Bousamra's art are a perfect combination.

Overall, I enjoyed reading frizzy. It sort of brought me back to the trials and fun of going natural, I loved it. If it sounds interesting to you or your young reader, I recommend checking it out.

I received this book from Bookish First and First Second for this review.

This review also appears on my blog, Toile, Think, Go. ...more

October 06, 2022

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega (Goodreads Author)

September 30, 2022

I thought How to Heal a Gryphon by Meg Cannistra would be a sweet story after I read the preview and wanted to know what would happen next. The begninning was a pretty slow start and the pacing didn’t pick up until a few chapters in. After that it wa I thought How to Heal a Gryphon by Meg Cannistra would be a sweet story after I read the preview and wanted to know what would happen next. The begninning was a pretty slow start and the pacing didn’t pick up until a few chapters in. After that it was smooth sailing –moving along nicely after Giada realized what was going on. Something else I liked was that she had a supportive friend, Alessia. While Alessia followed the tradition of only healing people with her magic, she was there for Giada throughout the story. And In some ways she grounded her since Giada tended to be reactive and impulsive. But she also had a go getter attitude and would do anything to help her brother, even break from a little more than tradition. In the end my main gripe was the Gryphons. They were imbedded throughout the story, yes. But I did wish they appeared a little more.

Overall, How to Heal a Gryohon ended up being a quick read that I liked it. It was a nice little adventure story with a vibrant environment. If it sounds like it’s up your alley, especially a young reader, you may want to check it out.

I received this book from Bookish First and Inkyard Press for this review.

This review also appears on my blog Toile, Think, Go. ...more

September 22, 2022

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How to Heal a Gryphon by Meg Cannistra

September 20, 2022

Politics is not my typical genre, but I still wanted to give Black Skinhead by Brandi Collins-Dexter a read since Celadon sent it to me. And I'm glad I did. Besides I thought I would like it from the sound of the synopsis.

I found Collins-Dexter’s wri Politics is not my typical genre, but I still wanted to give Black Skinhead by Brandi Collins-Dexter a read since Celadon sent it to me. And I'm glad I did. Besides I thought I would like it from the sound of the synopsis.

I found Collins-Dexter’s writing to be excellent and enjoyable. I loved the way she incorporated her personal experiences into her points (or vice versa depending on how you look at it). Plus the way she goes about explaining said experiences and opinions does give a reader much to think about. For once I don’t actually have much to add since the synopsis sums up Black Skinhead well. If it sounds like it’s up your alley, then you may want to check it out.

This review also appears on my blog, Toile, Think, Go. ...more