Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this graphic novel. 4/5 stars.
Honestly, I only put it at 4 stars instead of 5 because I do not Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this graphic novel. 4/5 stars.
Honestly, I only put it at 4 stars instead of 5 because I do not know nearly enough about DC and Blue Beetle to read this without needing at least a little more context. It is made for the beginning of the story arc e.g. you don't need to know anything, but it also needed more context for some of the world building parts.
Overall though, I'm a big fan of graphic novels since they're quick reads. This one also has a lot of sociopolitical elements such as conversations about migrants and the right's rhetoric -- along with references to hate groups and neo nazis.
I think this would be a great graphic novel for Latinx students, which makes sense since the author is also the author of Frontera. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this graphic novel. 4.5/5 stars.
This is a powerful graphic novel about hurt, pain, grief, deathThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this graphic novel. 4.5/5 stars.
This is a powerful graphic novel about hurt, pain, grief, death, and mental illness/therapy. While yes, it's based on ghosts, the main character -- gifted with ghost sight -- becomes a therapist to ghosts and helps them move on. As the graphic novel progresses, the main character also loses himself to his work and forgets to take his own advice i.e. coping skills. Not only is there also LGBTQ rep (albeit lowkey) it is also just a beautiful representation of mental illness and the power of therapy and help. And that it's okay to not be okay.
And yeah, I may have almost cried at the end. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
This was published a bit ago..whoops...but I really enjoyed the premise oThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
This was published a bit ago..whoops...but I really enjoyed the premise of this novel being about Enore having to deal with culture shock from moving to America while also finding her voice to stand up for herself. Her family is dealing with grief from losing her father, and it also influences how she ends up finding herself. I do think some of the novel is unrealistic, but overall I enjoyed it. I also like how Enore apparently watched ALL of the movies about American High School to prepare and continuously will quote them or reference them to explain what's going on. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 3.5/5 stars.
In comparison to the first one, I did not like this one as much. I enjoThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 3.5/5 stars.
In comparison to the first one, I did not like this one as much. I enjoyed the first half with Io and Bianca tracking the god's thread, but then it quickly just became meh? I think it's because so much was unfolding without really leading up to any of it plus all of the different twists kind of just almost became too much. I also feel like it was anticlimatic in the end, especially with this prophecy hanging over Io's head and then it was just...well okay then.
I do appreciate Io as a character. Her emotions and guilt and everything else that makes her her is refreshing to see in a novel. She's complex and the decisions she has to make when she cuts a thread do take a toll on her. I also, even though I did not like the ending, loved how powerful it was for Io. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
Okay, look, I was a sucker for Stars and Smoke because like.....spies? foThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
Okay, look, I was a sucker for Stars and Smoke because like.....spies? forced proximity? just....the concept in general. This one did not disappoint with Winter and Sydney coming together again to save the world....and some other stuff. I do kind of feel like the plot was a bit messier in this one, but also it definitely just...dumps you in to the action. There were also some moments I didn't think were necessary and while it was for the plot...I don't think it's explained that well?
Regardless, I didn't see some of the twists and turns and plot events coming...which is always a good thing. I also liked how their relationship developed but also didn't? Like, it feels very closed off at the end while also remaining open for more books featuring Winter and Sydney -- although, I am curious how they're going to use Winter in anymore plots....since his cover isn't blown but it's blown?
Anyways, this was still such a good, fast-paced read. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
This is another fantastic middle grader/lower YA read in the Marvel univeThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
This is another fantastic middle grader/lower YA read in the Marvel universe. I really enjoy how these superhero books are beginning to happen with popular YA authors. I am pretty unfamiliar with x-men in terms of what lore I know, but Storm is one that I'm always just like !!!!!!!! about. So I was happy to read more about her story and how she met Professor X and the rest of them.
I loved how this was accurate to the lore but also had elements where I was just...happy to read it? Like a certain uhhhhhhh Black Panther makes an appearance :) I also just liked how it was Ororo trying to heal herself emotionally in order to like herself and her powers. I do want to know more about this "tribe" versus her being a mutant though.
Also, I couldn't put this down once I started. It's an excellent binge read. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4.5/5 stars.
Look, a YA novel with street racing? Yes please. BUT this is so much moThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4.5/5 stars.
Look, a YA novel with street racing? Yes please. BUT this is so much more than that, it has Autism rep, grief, family bonds, etc. There was so much packed into this novel where yes, it's about racing, but it's about so much more at the same time. Leti is such a strong character who has to learn about herself, her past, and her relationships. This book also made me cry at the end, both from sad tears and happy tears. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this. 4/5 stars.
Okay, so, one, I didn't realize this was based off of an instagram account. whoThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this. 4/5 stars.
Okay, so, one, I didn't realize this was based off of an instagram account. whoops. Two, I definitely skim read a lot of the stuff that didn't have to deal with my own sign. It's fine. I mean, this is a funny read and would be perfect for those who either know the account OR enjoy weird humor. Or both. Also, this is not for kids because some of the drawing have errrrr some chest body parts.
Also...I think I might use some of the "journal" prompts with my students....LOL. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
Look, one, I'm a sucker for Shakespeare-inspired retellings. Two, I'm a sThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
Look, one, I'm a sucker for Shakespeare-inspired retellings. Two, I'm a sucker for video game inspired books. Three, I'm a sucker for a YA romcom. This hit all of them. I was a bit hesitant at first because of Vi and Jack's characters and their POVs, but binge reading this basically all in one morning after not being able to go back to sleep...I was kind of hooked.
Vi is angry at the world and sexism and expectations, and she gets called bitch...a lot in the book. She owns it though...but it does weigh heavily on the reader who also has experienced that before. Jack is the football star-no-more after an ACL injury...so then he turns to online gaming...with Vi...who tells him she's her twin (look, if you know 12th night, you know this plot).
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 3.5/5 stars.
This is the second Allison Saft book I've read, and it's a vastly diffeThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 3.5/5 stars.
This is the second Allison Saft book I've read, and it's a vastly different tone from the other one. I enjoy how the books are Standalones, and this had just enough dark academia vibes for it to be the perfect book to start off fall with.
I loved the elements of the world building and magical creatures (hello very German influence) but I found myself liking the world more than the plot. I appreciated the Jewish elements and how it tackled discrimination and myths about Jewish peoples, but I think the plot got messy between the solving the murder, finding the Unsprung, the romance, etc. It was a LOT and while it all got resolved, it felt like it was a murky sort of book rather than one that kept me turning the pages.
I also liked the magic, but it was not explained very well. Is it just water? Is that the only magic? Did I miss something?
Also, this is not YA. At best, it's UPPER YA...if not adult. It's probably adult.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
It was definitely a slow start to get into this, but I loved how it combiThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
It was definitely a slow start to get into this, but I loved how it combined Princess Diary elements with Reality TV and also discussions of grief and identity. I didn't really care for the subplot with Josie's best friend (or the crush on the guy....bleh) but overall it was good. I like how it taught both families things, plus it was a nice change of pace from typical YA plots. I wish there was more though, as I want to know what happens after the end!! ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4.5/5 stars.
I kind of need more in this world? Like, Valkyries living in a RenFaireThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4.5/5 stars.
I kind of need more in this world? Like, Valkyries living in a RenFaire next to Yggdrasil and all of the other elements of this novel? It was so refreshing to see this take on Norse Mythology, and I need more of Bryn and Wyatt and Juniper. I do think there is some openness for continuing in this series with some of the strands that were left (like Bryn's decision and powers, Juniper's parents, etc.) and I would honestly love to read more. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4.5/5 stars.
Slightly late getting this read, but OH MY GOD. I loved the last romcomThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4.5/5 stars.
Slightly late getting this read, but OH MY GOD. I loved the last romcom I read by this author and this was no different. I really liked this one because it, quite literally, also called out all the tropes and romance reads and just like....her and Finn? SWOON. Also, the premise is perfect for summer. I loved how it turned from grumpy-sunshine into adorable banter and finally the moment where I was like OMGGGGGG.
And besides being a cute, adorable, witty romcom, it also deals with grief and has fantastic anxiety rep...including HOW TO BE A PARTNER for someone with anxiety.
Also, just...IYKYK...FINN'S LETTER. **cries**
Anyways, this was adorable and so cute and the banter and the jokes and the premise? ugh, so good. TBH I only deducted 1/2 a star because sometimes the game element was a bit underdeveloped and also...yes, every now and then the FMC was a TAD annoying...but also she was playing a trope and acknowledged herself doing that so.......more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
Oh my goodness. This is such a good YA Romcom. Perfect for summer. It hadThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
Oh my goodness. This is such a good YA Romcom. Perfect for summer. It had me kicking my feet and putting a hand over my heart in a "oh my GOD" fashion. I loved how the relationship was developed and was meant to bring Savannah out of her comfort zone post breakup but Tanner also never pushed her too far. It was like....rivals to friends to lovers? Accidental misunderstood rivals? Seriously, it was so cute. SO CUTE. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4.5/5 stars.
This is a really phenomenal, easy to understand nonfiction read. The toThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4.5/5 stars.
This is a really phenomenal, easy to understand nonfiction read. The topic is super important, and I picked this one up both because this is an area I like to learn about (especially after Anzaldua's work) but also since it's incredibly relevant to my students. I need to get a copy of this for my classroom library. It's informative, easy to digest, and I even learned a LOT from it. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 3.5/5 stars.
I binged this in about 2.5 hours this morning while wide awake and it'sThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 3.5/5 stars.
I binged this in about 2.5 hours this morning while wide awake and it's a cute read. I like the nuances in it of race and drama elements and the emphasis on Josephine Baker. I also just love the idea of studying abroad in high school, but I wish there was a conversation of the privileges necessary for such things. Also, the romance was cute. Was it a super duper read? No, but it's a nice palate cleanser and a quick, cute romcom set in Paris. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
These Hollow Vows is one of my favorites in fantasy from the last few yeaThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
These Hollow Vows is one of my favorites in fantasy from the last few years (I say this but haven't reread them) so I was excited for another one in the world featuring the sister while also continuing the plot -- albeit with a time skip of 3 years. I really liked how this was split between two FMC, each with their own plot that combined into the larger plot. It was a fast paced read, but I do wish I would have reread THV duo first because I did not remember basically any of the characters or how the world worked.
Also...it is not a standalone. Do not be fooled. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this graphic novel. 3.5/5 stars.
I liked this in terms of it combining modern elements with the Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this graphic novel. 3.5/5 stars.
I liked this in terms of it combining modern elements with the samurai history and elements. I also like how it tackled sexism with samurai and tradition. It did also explain a bit about folklore, but I think it needed more world building especially with why a certain twist/plot point happened which then created more issues within the novel.
The art style is fantastic and the humor reminded me of Nimona at some points. A good, quick read. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this graphic novel. 4/5 stars.
Set in the 90s, our main character is spending the summer with heThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this graphic novel. 4/5 stars.
Set in the 90s, our main character is spending the summer with her father (who she never met until now). They have a language barrier between them, and the main character is faced with identity issues while suddenly learning she is Guatemalan (not Mexican like she assumed) and everything that comes with that -- including the identity crisis of not knowing Spanish. While she helps her father renovate a Brownstone, she becomes immersed in the community. There is LGBTQ rep as well.
I really enjoyed this. It's a quick read with beautiful art and a great story. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this Graphic Novel. 3.5/5 stars
I've always been interested in the witch trials, but even more sThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this Graphic Novel. 3.5/5 stars
I've always been interested in the witch trials, but even more so after teaching the Crucible (and I still remember reading it myself in HS). I think this would be a good supplementary text to teaching the Crucible. I also think it is a good graphic novel that goes into the trials, but a lot of the context that is given (which is good context) still doesn't provide enough historical elements to truly understand parts of the story. It does mention all of the fighting that could have increased the tensions, but it doesn't really go in depth as to how it impacted the different people. Also, it just....missed some of the historical elements it needed.
The art was great, and I loved how the hysterics/group mania was depicted in the illustrations....more
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