I loved this take on werewovles vs. vampires in middle grade graphic novel format! Artie is just trying to find her identity and ends up learning that her mother's family are all werewolves. Artie as the main character is such a driving force behind this book, as she's learning that she's a werewolf and that she also likes girls. I appreciated that that was just a natural element to the story, flowing with everything else that was going on in Artie's life.

However, at times, I really had a hard time pinpointing Artie's age. For me, I felt like she read a lot older than she's supposed to be for the majority of the book. Honestly, I don't think I really even realized she was in middle school until almost the end of the book, despite knowing that this is marketed as middle grade. 

Despite that, I think the art in this was fantastic, and the twists on classic werewolf and vampire tales were really fun. Definitely an author I'll keep an eye out for in the future!

If you're looking for something that's super weird and just kind of out there, I would recommend this 100%. For me, it wasn't necessarily what I was expecting? There's sort of a cohesive storyline that ties all of these comics together, but it really reads as a bunch of mini comics put together in one book. And I can't emphasize the weird enough. Honestly, if you're looking for something that's different than pretty much anything else you've ever read, definitely pick this one up.

There is a sort of subtle world building that happens in this book as well. You get it in bits and pieces as you read these mini storylines about each of the main characters. There's some additional stuff thrown in there, too, and it just makes for a really interesting reading experience overall.

While this was not what I was expecting and not necessarily what I was in the mood for, it's still an entertaining, engaging book that will probably make you think "Wait, what?"

To me, this felt like a realistic portrayal of mental health issues and the way that teens often struggle with it. Lily especially felt very real, as she didn't feel like she could reach out for help because there was so much going on with her sister and her family. She felt like she had to be the "perfect child," the one that didn't have any problems. The way Stewart portrays this in the book absolutely felt real, especially the way she included Lily's intrusive thoughts. 

Before jumping into this book, know there are a lot of discussions about self-harm, OCD, intrusive thoughts, and suicide. Stewart deals with all of these in a way that feels authentic and realm and I honestly think there are teens who will read this and absolutely feel seen. And maybe it will allow them to get the help that they need.

I also loved the connection to art and poetry throughout this. Art is deftinitely a way that so many people deal with and process their own mental health. I recommend this to anyone looking to read teen fiction that deals with mental health issues, especially if you like books like [book:All the Bright Places|18460392].

Ever since almost confessing his feelings to Marcos at summer camp, Milo felt like he could keep his feelings hidden. So far, his plan was working. Until Marcos moves back to town three years later. Per Milo’s calculations, it’s probably because he was due for some teenage catastrophe, anyway.

Now, Milo is forced to confront the feelings he had for Marcos three years ago. The only problem? Every time the boys start to get close, something strange happenes. Meteors, sinkholes, blackouts. For Milo, it seems like there’s a force trying to keep them apart. A force that could possibly bring about the end of the world. They have to decide, is their love worth the risk?

Thanks to HarperTeen and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! From the description, I absolutely knew that this was a book that was right up my alley. And I’m so happy I picked this up! I would continue to read about Milo and Marcos for as long as Snipes wants to write about them.

Let me start by saying if you’re looking for a post-apocalyptic romance, this isn’t it. There are some natural disasters and weird things that happen throughout, but it’s not an end of the world kind of situation. Honestly, I would actually compare this to Shaun David Hutchinson’s books. It almost has that kind of feel to it, with all of these strange things happening. I wasn’t disappointed by this, though! The events all had their part to play, and they fit Milo and Marcos’ story well.

Milo and Marcos! And Van! The characters in this were phenomenally done. Especially Milo, and Milo’s voice. From the beginning, I was hooked. I didn’t want to put this book down. Snipes nails Milo as a character, even if his internal monologue is sometimes hard to read. Growing up religious, he can’t reconcile his feelings for Marcos with his beliefs. Snipes does a great job putting the reader in his head and putting them through his thought process.

The side characters were just as well done. Marcos speaks his mind, is ready to stand up for himself and for Milo. Van is Milo’s best friend and goes above and beyond for him. As a little trio, I love them and desperately want another book about them.

All in all, if you’re looking for a strong, character driven MLM romance, definitely pick this one up when it comes out later this May!
----
Be warned going in, Milo has <i>a lot</i> of internalized homophobia and deals with the trauma of that due to his religiou. But the voice in this. My god. I was hooked from the beginning and I didn't want to put this book down. Stay tuned for a full review to come tomorrow!

Oh this was absolutely adorable. Petition to get this made into a movie ASAP because it would make a fantastic movie. Because we could definitely use some more sapphic rom-coms in the movie theater. But I digress! Right from the beginning, you're going to love Molly and Alex. The chemistry between them just builds throughout the book, and you will definitely be rooting for them to get together by the end.

I think really my only complaint is a I kind of wanted an epilogue or something that showed what happened after that moment at the end. Was it satisfying? Absolutely yes. But all I wanted was a little glimpse into what the future might hold.

All in all, if you're looking for a cute romance to add to your spring TBR, definitely pick this one up!

Well...that was not really what I was expecting. I went in thinking it was going to be a magical heist novel, with action and magic and a morally grey crew. That definitely isn't what this book is, so just know that going in.

I had seen somewhere that this is being marketed as Six of Crows meets How To Get Away With Murder. Much of the book is focused on the trial of Cayder's sister. Which is fine, it just felt like it went on for too long. I wanted more action, more about the magical system, more about the world. And I didn't really get it.

The characters also kind of fell a bit flat for me. I do think they get better by the end, but I honestly didn't really feel much of a connection to any of them. And wiwth that ending, there better be another book. Because what? Such an abrupt, cliff hanger-esque ending. Like, I don't think this story ends there, but there's nothing indicating that there's going to be a second book.

All in all, if you're interested in magical court cases, this is definitely something that you'll enjoy! Just know that it's going to be a bit slower than you might expect.

Growing up, Zachary Ying never really had the opportunity to learn about his Chinese heritage. Especially since Western schools don't teach anything but Western history and myths. So, when he discovers that he was born to the be the host of the spirit of the First Emperor of China, he's unprepared. Very unprepared.

Now, he must take part in a vital mission: seal the portal to the Chinese underworld before Ghost Month blows it completely open. However, the mission immediately starts off on the wrong foot when the Emperor bonds to Zack's headset instead. Now, Zack has to travel across China collecting magical artifacts and battling figures from Chinese history. Before it's too late.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of this to review! Ever since reading Iron Widow last year, Xiran Jay Zhao has been on my radar. I'm so happy that this lived up to their debut! This book is so much fun, and middle grade readers are going to love it.

There is so much Chinese history and mythology packed into this book. As readers, we get to learn as Zachary learns. Plus, the magic system was interesting, where their power is based on old stories. It was a super cool way to set up this fantasy world! Also, fans of Iron Widow will definitely recognize some of the names from that book as well.

Outside of the world building, the characters were also well developed and you cared about them from the get-go. Especially Zack! He's such a great narrator, and makes the book incredibly readable. Zhao injects humor into this fast-paced, action packed fantasy. Even in the chapter titles! They nail the overall tone, especially for their middle grade audience.

My only complaint is that at times, the amount of history can be a little overwhelming. It can be a bit difficult to follow at times when a bunch of different stories and myths were being introduced.

Despite that, fans of Percy Jackson will definitely love this when it comes out next week!
-----
This is so fun! Readers who love Percy Jackson are absolutely going to love this, right down to the chapter titles. Stay tuned for a full review!

This is a totally queer, totally music driven middle grade novel and I am here for it. From the beginning, Cline knows that she likes other girls, but she's afraid to tell other people. What she finds, though, is that she feels like she can communicate it through song. Music gives her the confidence to be herself, and that's such a beautiful thing in a middle grade book.

However, Cline also struggles with changing friendships because of her identity. There are discussions in here about religion, about finding yourself, about allowing yourself to be open with your friends. I loved Cline's journey of accepting herself, and her little butterflies for her new songwriting partner were adorable. Ormsbee's middle grade voice feels real and authentic, and I am so happy that this book exists.

A trip to get their dream car turns into a murder mystery/thriller that takes these four teens into Mexico. I honestly went into this book not really knowing much about it, but the writing is strong and the story engaging. We get some strong character development in the main characters, as well as a glimpse into life for these teens living near the Mexican border.

Flaco and his friends are desperate to find any information that proves that their friend is innocent. The mystery is compelling, the pacing is pretty well done, and you'll enjoy the complexity of the main characters. My only complaint is that maybe there was a little too much going on, at times? But other than that, an entertaining read.

Such a fun follow up to the first volume! Obviously, I'm going to love it because cats. Who wouldn't like a superhero who's helped out by a large herd of cats? This one also allows Katie to explore changing middle school friendships. We know what it's like becuase we've all been there. She's just trying to figure out who she is, while also maybe trying to be a superhero. And it's a fantastic combination.