**Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for giving me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**

This is a cute graphic novel about exploring and rediscovering who you want to be. 

I think the romance is cute and the ending is warm and fuzzy. I do feel like it was missing a little something to REALLY draw me into the story, though. 

The characters did not seem to have much spark to them that was new and different, though I think the complex dynamics between the relationships are something to praise. 

I still enjoyed the read and will recommend this. 

A raw, emotional roller-coaster of never knowing what is coming next. The story was predictable at times, yes, but what I mean is that the responses from characters were always something new. I felt like I knew what was happening in the plot line, but I found myself getting so sucked into the story, that sometimes I was caught off guard by the way in which characters responded. 

Coming Up For Air shares the emotional story of Hadley, a teen who is dealing with the past trauma of a cancer scare for her mother. She has not been the same since and has told herself that she isn't interested in a relationship. After meeting Braden Roberts, things start to change. Braden shows Hadley how to start living again and encourages her to take risks, live life, and be happy.

After life-shattering news comes, everything changes for Hadley, and she begins to see the dark secrets that those closest to her are hiding.

The story becomes messy, and at times, creates moments of anger and questioning of what the characters are doing. I was so mad at Braden for the way he was hurting Hadley, and I was also mad at Hadley for feeding into Braden's addiction. But I think all of this helps to show the true impacts of addiction on those being directly impacted as well as those who are indirectly impacted.

This book reminds me a lot of Heroine by Mindy McGinnis.

I am mostly happy with the way this story ends. It wasn't all wrapped up nicely in a bow. We are left with challenges. Left with Questions. But ultimately, that is what happens. 

I will be recommending this title (with caution). 

Hollow is a fun, unique twist on the classic haunting story of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The town of Sleepy Hollow is obsessed with the literary history and the legend of the headless horseman. After being forced to move here due to her mom's work, Izzy is not too impressed. She finds all of the hype a bit much and doesn't believe in ghosts...that is until she is chased down by THE headless horseman. Choosing to confront them, Izzy learns a truth that could be fatal. 

This is a charming graphic novel that brings together three unlikely heroes who are set forth to find answers, discover who they want to be, and protect each other along the way. 

This can be read at any time of the year, and I think it will make a great spooky season recommendation. 

The graphic novel of a tween goblin-witch, a trapped blob ghost, and witchcraft. Beetle & the Hollowbones is an adorable graphic novel that brings together an unlikely friendship, strict magical rules, and possible young romance. 

I found this graphic novel to be so wholesome and cute.

The villainous characters are given their due justice and the friendship blossoms and the romance grows. I was all warm and happy feelings at the end of this book

I thought the way in which Blob Ghost communicated was unique and fit perfectly in the graphic novel format. It was heartwarming to see the relationship between Blob Ghost and Beetle, and though this is a fictional, fantasy story, I was warmed by the connection they had.

I will absolutely be recommending this one!

The unique story of a human girl traveling to an alien planet for a chance to study at the most prestigious school in the galaxy. On her way there, however, Binti's ship is attacked by an enemy ship. Left as the only survivor, Binti must draw on the gifts of her people and the strength she has within to try and make amends amongst the galaxy. 

I have not read much sci-fi in the past, so I was glad to take a small story as a starting point. I thought for the length of the story the world-building was strong and created a vivid picture in my mind while listening. I thought the struggles were unique and interesting, and I found the ending to be satisfying. I know there are more books in this series, however, I am not sure yet if I will be continuing. 

This is a face-paced, narrative nonfiction about a historical figure I knew nothing about.

I loved learning about Virginia Hall's story and the amazing feats she conquered during WWII. She was the target on many radars but managed to keep herself going to fight the good fight for years. 

Though there was nothing super special about the writing of this story, I think it will be a good nonfiction to recommend to readers, especially because it reads so much like a story. 

This was a fine, enjoyable read. I read it at the same time as Better That the Movies, not realizing that they are very similar in plot lines, so it wasn't anything spectacularly special for me. 

I feel like this is a nice summer romance read that is fun and adventurous with a satisfying yet not wrapped-up-in-a-bow ending. 

I don't foresee myself reaching to reread this title, but I will likely recommend it, especially as a summer read. 

I have recently discovered that I don't particularly enjoy young adult romance. I have never been a huge romance reader in general, and I think I have been finding YA romance especially repetitive in recent months. This one, however, I thoroughly enjoyed.

Better Than the Movies follows mc Liz as she finds out her childhood crush is back in town and her crush is still lingering. Liz recruits the bad-boy-next-door, Wes, to help her win over the heart of that crush, Michael. When things do go according to Liz's meticulous, rom-com-inspired plans, she is left with decisions that could lead to heartbreak and unmendable relationships. 

I laughed out loud, cheered, and questioned what was happening so many times in this book. I had fun reading it, and I think that is what made the difference in the enjoyment of this YA romance versus others. I question if the characters made the right decisions in forgiveness, but I suppose when everyone messes up, it's hard to hold grudges. 

This is one I will be recommending frequently. 

Wow, this book has a lot packed into it. It is dark, emotional, and horrific.

The Getaway takes place at an amusement park, known as the funnest place on Earth. What lies behind the walls of this Dinsey-like theme park is unknown to many who live within. They are told that if they stay within the walls of Karloff Country, they will remain safe. This, unsurprisingly, turns out to be a lie. 

Following Jay and his group of friends, readers are thrown into a dystopian world that emphasizes the ugly and utterly horrific dividing lines in the classism and racism of Karloff Country. 

I want to start by saying this book was good. It was really well done, and WOW does it pack a punch. I still find myself thinking about it when thinking about books to recommend and share. There is so much in this story that will bring readers in and keep their attention all the way until the end. 

There were many times throughout this story that I stopped and said WTF, and I feel like that was really the intention of the author. To make readers stop and ask what the heck is happening, and why is it being allowed? Hats off to Lamar Giles for making a dystopia horror novel that sadly holds truth of our society today. 

With all that being said, I do wish I got more with certain parts of the story. To keep this spoiler free, I will leave it at each this: after the initial reveal that something was fishy in Karloff Country, any time after that something big and seemingly wilder than last was brought up, that was kind of it. It was just, brought up. This is still a really good book and a well-done story, I just wanted more. 

I will be recommending this title. 

**Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for giving me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**

It's Boba Time for Pearl Li is an inspiring, adorable middle-grade novel about a young girl navigating changes in her friendships, family dynamics, and town. Pearl is hoping to have a great summer before her seventh-grade year begins, and she begins to dive more into her new-found art of amigurumi, something her family doesn't quite seem to understand. 

Pearl feels like the only adult to understand and encourage her artwork is the owner of the local boba tea shop, Boba Time. Once Pearl learns that Boba Time is struggling financially, however, she tries to brainstorm a plan in which she might just be able to save the tea shop. 

I really enjoyed the dynamic between the cast of characters and feel like they all work really well together. There were arguments and successes for which each character played important roles. 

I also really enjoyed the local, small business plot line. The book had a wholesome feeling watching the characters work so hard to support and save the small businesses within their community. 

And we can't forget about the growth of cultural appreciation. Pearl and her friends are challenged to understand and balance their own cultural identities while also leaving room to understand and appreciate the others around them. 

This book is definitely very middle-grade - I say it will probably appeal most to younger middle-grade readers.