I couldn't stop turning pages. I had to know what happened! I loved the contrasting worlds that the main characters visit and how the story reads likeI couldn't stop turning pages. I had to know what happened! I loved the contrasting worlds that the main characters visit and how the story reads like a modern parable. I don't think I've read a middle grade novel that touched on colonialism and dualing civilizations in such an understandable, human-scaled way. Brilliantly done, Chad Lucas, and I can't wait to see what he writes next!...more
I could not put this book down. It kept me up past my bedtime every night for a week (which says a lot because I really like sleeping). I couldn't stoI could not put this book down. It kept me up past my bedtime every night for a week (which says a lot because I really like sleeping). I couldn't stop turning the pages. In addition to being "romantasy" it's also a terrific mystery.
I already preordered my copy and can't wait to share this with my friends! The ending has me screaming for book 2 now... ...more
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end. More review to come. I LOVED THIS BOOK! I couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end. More review to come. ...more
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of this new fantasy from Alexandria Rogers. The story effortlessly walks a tightrope of being funny, creepI was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of this new fantasy from Alexandria Rogers. The story effortlessly walks a tightrope of being funny, creepy, and whimsical simultaneously. The setting and family curse about gave me strong "Practical Magic" vibes and I know readers young and old will enjoy!...more
This novel was even more beautiful than I was expecting--and my expectations were already high based on buzz I'd heard and its recent Cybils Award.
JoThis novel was even more beautiful than I was expecting--and my expectations were already high based on buzz I'd heard and its recent Cybils Award.
Joanne Rossmassler Fritz beautifully captures a family's struggles as the kids reconcile the roles they play in their family with the individuals they've become. The main character, Maddie, is a budding musician who thinks and describes the world in musical terms. Her older brother, Strum, is a climate-change activist who constantly finds himself at odds with their climate-change-denier father. Strum's disappearance sends their sister, Aria, into a tailspin--or perhaps she was already falling before he left, as Maddie soon discovers. I related to pieces of every character and devoured this book quickly. I very much recommend it!
Merged review:
This novel was even more beautiful than I was expecting--and my expectations were already high based on buzz I'd heard and its recent Cybils Award.
Joanne Rossmassler Fritz beautifully captures a family's struggles as the kids reconcile the roles they play in their family with the individuals they've become. The main character, Maddie, is a budding musician who thinks and describes the world in musical terms. Her older brother, Strum, is a climate-change activist who constantly finds himself at odds with their climate-change-denier father. Strum's disappearance sends their sister, Aria, into a tailspin--or perhaps she was already falling before he left, as Maddie soon discovers. I related to pieces of every character and devoured this book quickly. I very much recommend it!...more
Whimsical talking cats, dark magic, and a villain that will make your whiskers curl. I love The Cats of Silver Crescent and would have written so muchWhimsical talking cats, dark magic, and a villain that will make your whiskers curl. I love The Cats of Silver Crescent and would have written so much fan fiction about these delightful creatures in my middle school days....more
A visiting friend's 10 year old daughter looked through my entire bookshelf and chose an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of Valor Wings that I'd just finisA visiting friend's 10 year old daughter looked through my entire bookshelf and chose an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of Valor Wings that I'd just finished. She was so drawn into the story that when the rest of our group walked to the pool, we had to lead her by her elbow so she could keep reading while walking. She swam for a bit, then got out to read some more. She didn't put it down for the rest of the weekend and loved it! If you're looking for the perfect book for your Wings of Fire fans, she says to check this one out right away! Her parents love that she's learning real WWII historical facts along with the exciting dragon narrative. She's already planning to recommend it to all of her friends and I will too! ...more
Kalyn Josephson is a must-read for me now. I loved her Storm Crow duology and devoured Ravenfall. She's done it again with this fast-paced, heartwrencKalyn Josephson is a must-read for me now. I loved her Storm Crow duology and devoured Ravenfall. She's done it again with this fast-paced, heartwrenching novel. I loved the characters and mourned that I will have to wait until the next book in order to be with them again. I couldn't put it down!...more
This book should be in the hands of every tween and teen with a phone. Seriously. It's entertaining and informative. Help your kids avoid making the kThis book should be in the hands of every tween and teen with a phone. Seriously. It's entertaining and informative. Help your kids avoid making the kind of mistakes that last as long as the internet and buy this book today. ...more
I was fortunate to read an early edition of this forthcoming title by Alysa Wishingrad. I loved THE VERDIGRIS PAWN, but have to admit that I think I lI was fortunate to read an early edition of this forthcoming title by Alysa Wishingrad. I loved THE VERDIGRIS PAWN, but have to admit that I think I love this story even more. The main character, Dare, had heard all her life that she's an awful girl, and she believes it. But that theory is really put to the test when she's sent from her home on an isolated island to live with a distant relation on the mainland. There, Dare learns that the stories she's always heard about monsters being extinct might not actually be true...and that there might be things more monstrous in the world than monsters themselves.
Magic, mystery, dark creepy things, and adventure, all in one fabulous story. Librarians take note: Your readers will be clamoring for this one when it hits shelves!...more
Oh this beautiful book. Oh my heart. I’ve been saving NOTHING ELSE BUT MIRACLES as a reward for turning in a major project. I loved Kate Albus’s firstOh this beautiful book. Oh my heart. I’ve been saving NOTHING ELSE BUT MIRACLES as a reward for turning in a major project. I loved Kate Albus’s first book so much. I am mad at myself for not reading it sooner, thrilled that it was the perfect reward read, and happy—because, if there is one thing this book does extremely well, it makes you happy. Like, grinning through the tears, “it’s so beautiful” happy.
With their Pop away fighting in WWII and their meanie new landlord threatening to call social services, Dory and her brothers run away a hidden hotel —accessible only by a dumbwaiter and boarded up for more than 50 years (and based on a real place! See the author’s note at the end of the book!). Pop always said, “The neighborhood will give you what you need,” but when his letters (and the money he sends) stop coming, the three siblings must band together stronger than ever—and hope for a miracle or two. Set during the last year of WWII, this book reads like a love letter to the human kindness that emerges during times of great strife and upheaval....more