The Hole by Lindsay Bonilla
If you can say that something is both sweet and bittersweet at the same time, it would be the picture book, The Hole by Lindsay Bonilla and illustrated by Brizida Magro. It is due in February 2025 and I read via an online reader copy. But it might have to stay a one time read as it is not a happy story, but so tenderly done. The loss of the brother in this story is handled with care and empathy. The overall tone is modern […]
Muted: Volume 1 by Miranda Mundt
I almost skipped reading Muted: Volume 1 by Miranda Mundt. It looks too “girly” and maybe even a bit too graphic in the “thriller/horror” elements. And before I go much farther into the review: TRIGGERS include, but are not limited to: bullying, child death, parent death, fire, death, blood, a form of self-harm, form of racism towards other classes of witches, fantasy elements and mental abuse. And even though the cover made me iffy about reading things, I did finally “pick up” the online reader. […]
When You’re a Boy by Blake Nuto
We know the stereotypes of what “boys and girls should be.” And there are several books out there that talk about how girls should break that mold and be bold, brave, aggressive, smart, funny, and basically be “like a boy” and not the shy, demure “should be” of a girl. This time Blake Nuto takes that concept, but for boys. A boy should be like the cruel wild, but the narrator is also saying they have learned about kindness. There are several parts to this […]
The Girl Who Flew Away by Lee Dean
The Girl Who Flew Away by Lee Dean was sent to me as an online reader copy. And I am glad of that as this is the kind of book I hate everything about… yet it is one of the most amazing books I have read. We are getting a slice of life from some really not nice people (including our girl who flew/the point of view the story is told from) who are just trying to get out alive. The feeling of the time […]
Foothold: Rigsby WI by S.E. Case
Foothold: Rigsby WI by S.E. Case is a typical coming of age story that has some mature themes and language, therefore it is not for the too young or sensitive reader. Overall, it feels like a realistic and interesting portrayal of five high school students (four in high school, one who is homeschooled by her aunt). It is a story that is familiar and has a typical feeling of the era it is set (early 2000s, high school). As this seems to be volume one […]
Botticelli's Apprentice by Ursula Murray Husted
Botticelli’s Apprentice is a nice cozy read that is not just a “girl wants to paint because can’t because, you know, “girl” story.” While this book is not a “perfect five” (there are a few things I was not 100% liking (sorry Blue, you’re cute, but OMG what a problem pup!) it is almost there. It was a book I read in almost one sitting (and probably would have if it hadn’t been online). Ursula Murray Husted has a story that is about the time, […]
