girls – Cannonball Read 17

I can’t help myself! I keep finding things to read!

The Shadow and the Ghost by Cat Min

A Damsel Not in Distress! by Bethan Stevens

December 26, 2023 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Cat Min’s April 2024 picture book, The Shadow and the Ghost is an odd tale. The story starts with a ghost and how they are not the typical ghost, and when they get the chance to make a wish on a falling star, they wish for a friend. They then see the rock they love sitting on with the word “Hi” written on it. Then we have a shadow of the rock. They are lonely too. You see, the ghost is from the night (when […]

Which Witch is the worst Witch?

Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things (Courtney Crumrin, #1) by Ted Naifeh

July 26, 2023 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Can you like and dislike a book at the same time? I say yes, as the graphic novel Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things (Courtney Crumrin, #1) by Ted Naifeh is exactly that. And due to that, I am not really sure I want to explore the rest of the books in the various Courtney Crumrin series. Unless, there is a collection of everything…. Well a girl can dream right? There is really nothing likable about any of the characters, even Courtney who we follow through […]

Keep an eye on your enemies, but watch your family closer

The Keeper by Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes

June 6, 2023 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Some days I just cannot get into reading (and you know I like to read). And when that happens I take a break from reading. This happened recently, and when I came back to it, I found the graphic novel, The Keeper by Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes. I was not sure what I would be reading about. It was not giving away secrets: there is a girl on the cover; some designs look like it could be a combination of adventure and maybe fantasy. […]

Strap on your tiara and wear your pirate sword

Beautiful by Stacy McAnulty

May 13, 2022 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Beautiful by Stacy McAnulty was published around 2016. “Back in the day” when books for girl power were still somewhat new. Therefore, reading this gem now feels a little cliched. However, it is still relevant and a kick-butt tale. This dual aspect made me think I would love to see the reverse side of the story for boys. Have him “be tough” as he gently plays with a doll. Or “proper attire” and is in top hat and tails (of course, if he/they wish to have […]

Power. Period.

Period Power by Nadya Okamoto

August 16, 2021 by Nannerbears 2 Comments

Remember that line in 30 Rock when Liz says “that little girl taught me how to use tampons?’ That’s how I felt about this book. It’s written towards a YA audience—for good reason—but has value way beyond that. Period Power showcases the author’s experience with period products and her own menarche, but it also digs deep into why period product accessibility is a large issue. Plus, as large as the issue is, it should be an even larger one. Okamoto goes into the history of […]

Joy in a comicbook form – great to read, great to gift, two enthusiastic thumbs up.

September 16, 2018 by cheerbrarian Leave a Comment

The Lumberjanes fill me with so much joy it is hard to encapsulate on the page. I want to sing about it from the rooftops, and I just might do so, to get more people reading these powerful comics. I first heard of this delightful series from the Literary Disco podcast, my go to source for reading material. I don’t read a ton of comics/graphic novels, so I sort of put it out of my mind, and I am kicking myself squarely in the butt […]

Zirza on A Gothic Classic for a ReasonIt's one of those wish-you-could-read-it-again-for-the-first-time books. I loved it.
Emmalita on “It came to something when you found yourself hoping that the footsteps you heard were ghosts.”I loved the ending! I don’t think it’s been out long enough to talk about why though.
Dixie on Track Her Down by Melinda LeighI am just starting Track Her Down and I have read them all in order till now and thought I...
Roland of Gilead on How can you give us the gift of a crazy character named Rando Thoughtful and then just as suddenly take that gift away? We need to talk, Uncle Stevie.I came across this randomly years after it was written because I was searching "Random Thoughtful. But I have the...
Emmalita on “Only you, Em, would refer to heartbreak as a distraction. I think I would have a more sympathetic response if I asked to marry a bookcase.”Oh my goodness, Gallifrey was beautiful. I’m sure her mittens were gloriously murdery.

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