I think this book is, at the very least, a good illustration of what dealing with depression and anxiety can look like for teens. Obviously, it is not going to connect with every individuals' story, however, I think it provides a solid mental health representation for those looking to see themselves in YA graphic novel. 

Though this book is on the shorter side, I feel that Mona's character offers a glimpse toward the struggles that come with negative self-talk, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. The black and white illustrations help to emphasize the feelings of Mona having a black hole in her heart and also to show when progress shines through. (And yes, progress looks different for everyone, especially on mental health journeys.)

I know there is a lot of discussion around the medical emergency scene. I still am not 100% sure how I feel about this, and I am by no means a doctor, so please take what I say with a grain of salt. I know that stomach problems can manifest as a result of prolonged, intense anxiety and depression. It did not seem unreasonable that the medical emergency Mona faced was related to her depression. However, I do with it was elaborated more on throughout the story and not just chalked up to something that Mona just assumed was related to her mental health.  

Overall, I think this is a book I would recommend in the future for readers looking to see mental health representation or who are looking to learn more about what depression and anxiety can look like.

This book has the potential to be something exceptional for readers. 

I was hesitant about the book in the beginning because it started a bit slow for me, but the themes and values throughout the book hold true to the overarching message: Love who you are, always, no matter what. 

I adored the characters of Cora and Adrian. Their friendship was special and unique and McNicoll did a great job creating depth and texture. This is one thing, if done right, that I really appreciate about middle-grade stories. The friendships can be so powerful.

I appreciate Adrian's outlook on life and the way he so unapologetically encourages and supports Cora.

Adrian's mother - love her.  

And Cora, a truly strong, powerful female main character. I enjoyed her development throughout the book and feel that her character has the ability to spark inspiration among young readers. 

**Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Andrea Beatriz Arango for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.**

Wow...just wow...


Those were the only words to come to mind when I finished reading Andrea Beatriz Arango's debut novel in verse. Iveliz Explains it All is a middle-grade novel in verse that deals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and anger. The story is told through the perspective of Iveliz's journal entries as she grapples with trauma from her past and how it plays into her life today. 

Iveliz is struggling with her mental health. She is trying to learn how to process her emotions and doesn't feel like the support system she has is always listening - genuinely listening. Iveliz tries therapy, tries medication, and tries being open about her feelings, but things are not lining up and it becomes increasingly more difficult for her to fit in at school and at home. 

I was blown away by how deeply this story touched me while reading and how accurately (to my best knowledge) this story can explain how some children cope with mental health. This story, Iveliz's story, will be an extremely impactful read for many young readers, but especially those who can feel seen through her journal, through her thoughts. 

I wanted to hug Iveliz. I wanted to cry with Iveliz. I wanted to lend a listening, compassionate, and empathetic ear to Iveliz. I wanted to tell Iveliz that things will get better and that the world is a better place with her in it. There will be so many young people who will need to hear and feel these things, and I hope this book gets up into their hands when they need it. This will 100% be a go-to recommendation for my reader's advisory in the future. 

Thank you, Andrea Beatriz Arango, for writing Iveliz's story and for providing resources at the end of your book for those who might be hesitant to ask. 

- Normalizing therapy and medication for mental health
- Iveliz's growth in understanding herself throughout the book
- Learning how to prioritize support systems
- Living with a family member with Alzheimer's disease 

- GHOST DOGS? I'm sold. 
- I love how this world is one where ghosts and the supernatural and fully integrated and accepted as an everyday thing
- Ellie is a strong female main character that embraces her powers and is not afraid to explore the limits of her capabilities
- I appreciated the casualness of Ellie's identity as asexual. It was there but not a crucial part of the plot. That was cool. 
- Darcie Little Badger did a beautiful job of integrating in Native American history and culture into this fantasy story. I also appreciate them representing the oppressions of Native peoples that is still occurring today. Often times it seems people forget that Indigenous voices, land, and culture are still being oppressed today. 

- An adorable holiday read
- Nana Jean had me laughing out loud while listening to the audiobook (applause to the author and also the narrator)
- The romance throughout was a warm and fuzzy blanket that made me blush in a "that's absolutely adorable" kind of way

Another stellar novel from Tiffany D. Jackson.

This modern-day Carrie retelling brings in classic Stephen King pops with the well-known Tiffany D. Jackson surprises.

I have not read Carrie, but I believe I watched the original movie a few years ago. Jackson did a fantastic job creating a modern retelling of this horror story while integrating in important conversations around race and the oppression that Black individuals still face today. This story may be fantasy but it is relevant. The events take place in 2014, not too far back from where we are today, though we are still seeing the racial bullying, the white supremacy mindset, and the horrific treatment of black folks (male-presenting, specifically) by police officers.  

Like many have said before me, though I knew mostly what the ending would bring, I was not able to put this book down. Jackson expertly knows how to keep a reader invested in the story.

I also want to note that this book does come with a heavy content warning list, so please glace over that before reading if you feel this book might be triggering in any way. 

Thank you, Ms. Jackson, for creating yet another powerful, emotional, relevant, and capturing story. I will absolutely be recommending this to my readers in the library. 

**Thank you to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.**

As always, I absolutely loved this Rebel Girls book. I think this collection can impact every young reader who picks it up becuase it shares stories that are inspiring, and informative while also providing wide inclusivity. 

I love how this collection highlights strong, amazing young women from all over the globe who have paved the way for young activists and advocates to come. I feel this collection has also expanded its representation in culture and career.

I always LOVE the illustrations that accompany the stories in Rebel Girls' books. The uniqueness and detail in each of them is incredible, and the fact that they are all drawn by different female artists is wonderful. I appreciate the end pages that recognize each individual illustrator. 

Bravo, Rebel Girls, for another amazing collection. 

**Thank you to NetGalley, the authors, and HarperCollins Children's Books for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.**

Messy young adult romance with a side of regret sprinkled with forgiveness. Oh, and a giant snow storm in Atlanta, Georgia. 

I was not blown away by this book, however I think it is a cute YA winter/holiday read that is bound to make you shake your head and smile all in the same chapter.

The talented group of authors created multiple storylines that all worked all off of each other too create winter love. I enjoyed the intrrsectionality between all the characters who inevitably helped hold the central plot together while also living their best snow storm life. 

I don't think know that this is a book I'll be rereading every year, however I will recommend it to readers in the future. 

 Muldoon and Hernandez have created a conversational graphic novel that gives introductory information about asexuality. The beginning of the book shares who should read (spoiler: everyone), content warnings, what is being covered, and what is NOT being covered. This is an engaging and essential guide that covers information on an often overlooked and misunderstood identity in an accessible format.  

This is a cute story about forest friends connecting through books. One thing that concerns me about its appropriateness for young readers is the smattering of complex words throughout. I think these words could cause some confusion and maybe frustration with young readers. I do really enjoy the illustrations and the fact that it is centered around borrowing books from the library!