12-year-old Dominican American Aniana Del Mar was born to be in the water. Due to a tragic accident when her mother was younger, Ani’s mami has forbidden Ani from returning to the water, so she and Papi must keep her swim practices a secret. That is, until she is diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis and the doctor believes that swimming paired with the right medications will help Ani manage her disease. This is a powerful novel-in-verse about a young person living with and managing her chronic illness, learning to balance family dynamics, and celebrating the victories that keep her going. 

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this title in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.*

This adventure, mystery, fantasy novel holds a lot of depth and so many lessons for our main character.

I enjoyed that this story included many relevant topics that our middle-grade readers have experienced, like pandemics and the police. It also packed a punch with world-building in the magical jungle. 

The story moved a little slow at some points, creating a fairly long middle-grade book, however, there are so many lessons packed into this story that I think readers will become really passionate about cheering Hamra on. 

This will be a book that I will definitely be recommending, however, I will likely stick it with readers looking for older middle-grade reads.   

Full of passion, love, and self-growth, Nat explores how to build community within a sport she loves so dearly, how to advocate for her interests with her family, and how to let her beauty shine.  

*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this title in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.*

Land of Broken Promises is an emotionally raw middle-grade novel in verse that sheds light on the difficulties of visas (keeping and gaining access) in the United States.

Anna and her family have had a successful year - the business was thriving and Anna was making friends at school. After discovering their visas have expired, however, Anna begins to worry about what this means for her family and feels very alone with no one to talk about it with. 

I love novels in verse. This one used delicate emotion to transport readers into Anna's experiences in a concise yet powerful way. 

*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this title in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.*

What a fun novel with lots of hopes, dreams, and...vampires!

I love the way in which this story gently and firmly calls out the flaws in diet culture while also creating a fun, mysterious camp experience. Julie Murphy always tackles the topics surrounding weight with grace and confidence, something I will always appreciate. 

Maggie is a wonderfully curious, question-asking camper who will not let the decisions of adults carve the path of her future. I will definitely be recommending this in the future. 

Maggie is set on attending Camp Rising Star this summer to overcome her stage fright and claim the spotlight like she has always dreamed. The day before she is set to leave for the best summer ever, her parents announce that they have different plans...Next thing she knows, Maggie is shipped off to a fat camp run by the world-famous wellness influencer Sylvia Sylvania where her parents believe she will "become healthy." Maggie quickly discovers that something is...not right at Camp Sylvania...especially after dark. Author Julie Murphy manages to gently and firmly call out the flaws in diet culture while also creating a fun, mysterious camp experience that will leave readers slightly weirded out.