I didn't love this one. I had high expectations with the hype around John Green, but I was left feeling meh about this story. I think it brings up important topics like mental health, trauma, and substance use, however it didn't feel like there was much more to it than bringing up the topics. I don't hate that I read this one, but I don't think it will be a go-to for recommendations. 

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!

This is a collection of stories that everyone can benefit from reading. 

Alice Wong has created a collection of stories from disabled people and disability advocates that can successfully serve tween and teen readers. The stories were not extremely complex and often introductory to the disability being discussed, making the content of the book great for younger readers. There is complexity in the experiences and emotions throughout each story, and the way that Alice has woven the 17 first-person stories together to create this anthology is rich with inclusion and representation. I am looking forward to recommending this to youth readers as well as reading the full version myself. 

By popular young-adult author Elizabeth Acevedo, Inheritance: A Visual Poem presents readers with an incredible amount of reflection and introspection about the beauty and meaning of natural Black hair. Acevedo creates texture and movement with her written poetry while Andrea Pippins compliments those words with illustrations of full color blocks and popping artwork. This is a nonfiction masterpiece. 

This book left me in awe. I felt so many emotions while listening to the audiobook, and I am sure that my review will not do the book the justice it deserves.

Achut Deng retells the trauma and horrors along with the hope and excitement that she faced from childhood through adulthood as she, and thousands of others, fled South Sudan during the Second Sudanese Civil War that attacked many tribes, including Deng's own, the Dinka tribe.

The writing in this book is friendly to a wide audience though the content is extremely sensitive and heavy at times. I am pretty ignorant about what happened during the Sudanese Civil-War, and while listening to Deng's retelling, I felt upset and sad for her experiences as well as frustrated that I have not learned more about this conflict.

Even after Deng made her escape from the rebel groups in Sudan, ending up in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya and then to the United States, things did not go straight up. There is sometimes a misconception that once refugees are out of their home country they are able to start living a better life. As Deng shows through her intricate writing, trauma and hauntings from the past as well as new ones can form even after escaping the direct conflict. 

There were times when I wanted to cry, throw up, and just stop. Stop listening. Stop imagining. But I think that is part of reading a memoir such as Don't Look Back. We are supposed to feel uncomfortable. We are supposed to be upset. We are supposed to not be content just sitting and listening. 

Thank you, Achut Deng, for sharing your story.

As written in the forward, Seeing Gender is a combination of “historical, eye-opening fact, and human feeling and experience.” This colorful and detailed nonfiction title provides education, experience, support, and validation for those wanting to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community in an introductory manner. Some of the content is sensitive, but it is explained and explored through an educational lens that assists readers in answering questions in a safe format. This is a good book for readers looking to learn about gender and sexuality. 

This is the sweetest, most adorable nonfiction animal book I have ever read. 

Ally Burguieres does a great job of convincing readers that possums are fun, helpful, adventurous critters who enjoy munching on ticks and other pests and waddling through the night. I will 100% be recommending this read in the future to those looking to learn more about a misunderstood night critter or someone just looking for a fun read!

 **Thank you to NetGalley, author Claribel A. Ortega, and First Second Books for the eArc of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.**

This is a must-read middle-grade graphic novel.

Frizzy follows Marlene's journey to loving her natural, curly hair. Marlene is looking to discover more independence and self-love, but there are a few obstacles in her way that she works toward overcoming. From family traditions and expectations to peer judgement, Marlene's story is emotional, impactful, and brave. 

 I love the support Marlene receives from her Tia and best friend, Camila. I love the bravery Marlene shows to her mother at the end of the story. And I love the power that Marlene's story will share with readers across the age-line.  

Ortega's story writing partnered with Rose Bousamra's illustrations make this graphic novel so powerful and empowering. I felt Marlene's emotions as the story progressed and was cheering her on in her search for self-love and acceptance through her hair. 

**Thank you to NetGalley, author Juliana Brandt, and Source books Kids for the eArc of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.**

This story is kind of a wild ride. I really enjoyed the setting and overarching ghost story that Brandt built, however, there were definitely some slow parts thoughout. 

What worked well was the building of Isle Phillapeaux. Throughout the entire story, I felt was though I had a clear image painted in my head of the island with its spooky mist, mysterious noises, and mixed cast of characters. I also applaud Brandt for incorporating the extremely tough topic of verbal and emotional abuse. For a middle-grade story, the content was not too heavy, however, it was able too show the lasting impact of such traumas. 

The part that could have worked better for me was the overall pacing of the story. It was a little slow to get into and didn't really hold my attention, and because of this, I feel that some parts also felt repetitive. 

Overall, I think this is an adventurous ghost story that tackles both supernatural hauntings as well was real-life trauma  in an introductory way.

The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez is a perfect book to begin the spooky season!

Nestor and his mother have moved around. A lot. Nestor had ten first days of school when he enters sixth grade (for the second time that year). He never stays long enough to become involved in school activities or make lasting friendships, but one thing that always travels with Nestor is his ability to communicate with animals. From the classroom hamster to the deer in his backyard, Nestor not only can talk to them and have them under what he is saying, but he can also understand exactly what they are saying.

I was initially intrigued by Cuevas' integration of the Panamanian folktale of the Tule Vieja described on the back of the book. I find folktales fascinating and had never heard of this one, so I was excited to see how Cuevas had interwoven the story of the Tule Vieja into this middle-grade novel.

Wonderfully, it turns out.

This is a funny, spooky, and relatable story all wrapped into one. The communication between Nestor and the animals made me laugh, the description of the witch and forest made my skin bump, and the connection between family and friends made me want a warm hug from all of the characters (animals included).

One thing I always enjoy about middle-grade stories (Nestor Lopez no exception) is the friendships. We aren't reading about friendships that may turn into romances like young adult books. Instead, we are reading about real, true platonic friendships. Nestor, Maria Carmen, and Talib may have been the three outcasts in the sea of middle school, but they create a friendship bond that truly shows Nestor that connections are worth making, even if you don't know how long they will last.

The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez captures also takes on the task of incorporating small details of what it is like to have a loved one (especially a parent) deployed overseas. From the ways each person copes to the triggers and traumas to the grief and absence. Cuevas delicately but smartly integrated this plot point into the story to create the complex character that is Nestor. 

I am definitely adding this one to my list of recommendations, and I am looking forward to checking out Cuevas' other works in the future.