This is a post-apocalyptic graphic novel focused on two different stories and two different romances. The characters and romance are absolutely what drive this book forward--that, and the gorgeous artwork. However, there were times where I wish the world was just fleshed out a little more. It would have grounded the characters even more.

This is an graphic novel history of women's rights, and it's so informative! Kendall takes us through different periods in history on women's rights, touching on a lot of stuff that they didn't teach in school. Focusing on different cultures across the world, Kendall shows us how it's all connected. Well researched, well illustrated, and well-written!

Once again, perfection from Jacqueline Woodson. This is a short novel in verse, but it still packs a punch. ZJ has to watch as his father, a pro football player, slowly looses his memory and it is absolutely heartbreaking. Woodson's verse is beautiful as always, portraying the emotions ZJ feels throughout and everything that's happening to him and his family. The way his friends are changing, the way they're still there for him in difficult times. A gorgeous book all around.

This is a light-hearted middle grade graphic novel about learning how to adapt to change. And realizing that not everyone has the same strengths. It fits the recent middle grade graphic novel trend, focusing on a small family on a farm. I thought the characters were relatable, the art was lovely, and this was a wonderfully heartwarming story.

This was filled with tons of facts Krug's journey to learn about her family's history was fascinating. So much German history focuses on what happens during WWII, and it was interesting to see how many Germans reacted after the war. The secrecy, the not wanting to talk about what happened. This is all stuff I didn't know, and I could tell Krug had done her research.

However, there were pieces of this graphic novel that I felt could have been designed a bit better. I wasn't a fan of the images cutting the text in half; it made it difficult to follow at times. This doesn't take away from the meat of the story. For the most part, the images and illustrations really add to the story Krug is telling. Can't wait to discuss this at my book club!

This book is atmospheric in just the right ways. The premise drew me in right away, with music and ghosts and a mystery at the heart of the story. For me, this is what carries the story. Waters excels at writing this world and pulling the reader into this southern gothic mystery.

However, I felt like the story itself got a little muddy in the middle of the book. There is a fairly large cast of characters, and many of the side characters aren't fully developed. I wanted to see more from Shady and her friends, to help flesh out the story a little more.

Thank you to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for an ARC copy of Everything That Burns to review! I loved Enchantee (which has been republished as All that Glitters) back when I read it, so I was excited to read the sequel. At first, I was afraid that I wouldn’t remember enough of the first book to get into this one, but I was pleasantly surprised! I was able to jump into this book without much difficulty.

There aren’t many historical young adult books about the French Revolution, which I think makes this series stand out. I also love the way that Trelease weaves magic into it, making the history even more engaging. What works well about this book is the layers of stories. Camille is writing a pamphlet; so, even though the book is focused on her, we get bits and pieces of other stories, too. It gives the book as a whole   more complex feel, and makes it all the more enjoyable.

However, there are moments where the book gets a little bogged down with details and makes it a little slow going. There are also a lot of subplots that muddy the main plot a bit, making it unclear where the focus lies. This detracts from the story a little, but the magical world and the characters help to make up for it.

Overall, this is a strong follow up to the first book. If you’re looking to read more about the French Revolution, I definitely recommend picking up this duology!

 Thanks to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy of this to review! Gravity of Us was a standout for me last year, so I was super excited to read Stamper’s follow up novel. And it definitely didn’t disappoint!

This book excels in the way it portrays anxiety and panic attacks. Marty struggles with this a lot in the book, and I really appreciated the way Stamper included it in Marty’s story. It felt authentic and true to what happens in real life. 

The relationships are also where this book excels. This is definitely a character driven book, as it’s more about Marty’s journey than where he’s going. The relationships throughout help propel him on this journey. He has struggles with his best friend back home, realizing their relationship wasn’t what he thought it was. He also jumps into his first romantic relationship, which isn’t what it seems on the surface. Both of these experiences help Marty get to where he is at the end of the book, becoming a stronger person.

One of the reasons this isn’t getting 5 stars from me is due to the way the text deals with eating disorders. While Stamper nails anxiety and panic attacks on the head, Marty’s struggle with eating feels like it was a little brushed under the rug. The two do go hand in hand, and I wish that Marty’s eating disorder was given a little more page time in the book. He seems to get over it rather quickly, despite his continual struggles with anxiety. 

Despite that, I had a difficult time putting this book down. Stamper has created a story that is filled with music, found family, and learning your place in the world. It definitely grabs onto your heart and doesn’t let go. 

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I loved Marty and his journey. I actually read this entire book in one sitting! Stay tuned for a full review tomorrow!

What a follow up to Dread Nation! We pick up right where that book left off, with our favorite characters out fighting zombies once again. What I love about Ireland's books is that they're so infused with history, yet they have this twist that pulls you in: the zombies. However, a lot of the issues that Jane and Katherine face are very real, especially when it comes to race. 

While there were times where the story felt like it dragged a bit, the rest of it definitely makes up for it. 

While the beginning of this is mostly an info dump, once Emilia finds her sister dead, the plot really picks up. Maniscalco has really crafted this intricate, dark story full of witchcraft and demon magic. All set in Italy. The audiobook honestly brings this story to life, with the accents and even include music now and again. Audio might be the way to go for this story, because it was captivating!