This is a powerful novel in verse that tackles things like body image issues, female friendships, and the constant drive to be the best at something. Written as a series of poems and letters, in a mix of Spanish and English, it's easy to get hooked into the story. It's a quick read, but that doesn't take away from the overall messages of the book.

Like with most verse novels, I would actually recommend the audiobook because once again, it is read by the author herself. Honestly, I think all verse novels should be read by the author because poetry is so much more effective if read by the person who wrote it. I highly recommend reading/listening to the author's note at the end because she explains her inspiration for the book and how it relates to her own life. There are little gems in there, too!

While I don't necessarily think the cover does this book any favors, it's a book that you definitely won't forget after reading it. There are ample opportunities for discussion and I would recommend it for teens who love poetry and hard hitting topics.

Little bit fairytale, little bit heist story, this was a fun read! I loved the little tales included throughout, and the mythology aspect were fun. For the most part, the pacing was spot on. I'm not really sure that a sequel is needed, but it would be great to visit these characters again.

This is pretty much everything you could want in a queer YA romance about boy bands. More to come in a full review later this week!

The concept of this is so fun! A jukebox that can bring you back in time based on the record that's playing. Not only is this graphic novel about music, but it's also about family and how family relationships can change. The art was great all around, overall I just thought it was maybe a little longer than it needed to be.

One of my favorite things about this graphic novel is the color palette. It is absolutely gorgeous. While I thought the story itself lagged a bit in the middle, the magical world building was well done. It was something I hadn't really seen before, and Vonceil is such a strong willed character. I loved her tenacity. She's really what makes the book, with the art!

Picking up right where The Marrow Thieves left off, it was fantastic to return to this world. I opted to listen to the audiobook this time, and I feel like I was even more immersed in the world. This might be a dystopian-esque world, but it parallels what is currently happening to the Native population. There were some really powerful moments, and man, by the end, I didn't want to stop listening. I needed to know what was going to happen next.

While The Marrow Thieves didn't necessarily need a sequel, I loved the way that the world was expanded. Honestly, I can't wait to see what else Dimaline comes up with.

Oh my goodness. I will admit that I was a little nervous about this at first but. The romantic tension in this book! So well done. More to come in a full review next week!

While the world here is interesting and I enjoyed what the author did with Asian mythology, the pacing was off for me. The book felt too long for what it was trying to accomplish, and then pieces of the end felt rushed. I am also confused whether or not there is going to be a sequel, especially with that epilogue.

Overall, there was pretty strong character development, and Tan did a good job making each of the voices disntinct. Do I think there needed to be a romance? Not really. There was enough going on without it. But there is promise in this YA fantasy debut, and I'm interested in seeing what else the author does in the future!

I definitely recommend the audiobook of this because it's read by the author and there's just something about listening to poetry read by the author. Phenomenally done. A lot of the poems here pack a punch. Something I'd want to highlight if I had a physical copy!

Okay, I loved this. There were some absolutely great characters in here, and if you're looking for YA m/m romance, I would absolutely recommend this. Jules' journey tugs on your heart, but it's about him learning to accept himself and that he has more courage than he knows. His little found family always has his back, and all of the characters were fully fleshed out, making you want to be a part of their little group.

The romance in this was also sweet, starting online and moving on from there. I loved how supportive they both were of each other, and you were rooting for them to work it out throughout the whole book. This might be one I have to own and file it away as one to read when I just want a good romance. Can't wait to see what else Villa writes!