Because I couldn't previously find anyone that mentioned it: the dog does not die in this book. Just in case that's something you need to know before jumping in.

This is a hard read, but an important one. Despite all that Ian goes through, there's an element of hope running through the book, buoyed by the community that surrounds him and supports him. I don't think this is a book that teens will generally be drawn to, but it's a story that isn't often told in YA.

Cadow really nailed the voice in this; I almost wish there was an audiobook to listen to because the way it is written lends itself to that for sure. I can definitely see why it was nominated for the National Book Award, even if I don't think teens will generally pick it up. The writing itself is very well done.

This is one of those books that flew under the radar until it was nominated for the National Book Award, and if you're in the right head space to read it, I'd definitely recommend it.

This is my second time reading this book, for a book club, but this time I read the physical book instead of listening to it. There's so much in here that's written for teens to see themselves, especially Black queer teens, who don't normally get to see themselves reflected in media. Which is why these kinds of books are so important to include in library collections.

Johnson has an easily accessible writing style, and many of their experiences are ones that teens will be able to relate to and learn from. I highly recommend it if you like memoirs!

I'm just going to start out by saying I am due for a happy book soon because reading this immediately after [book:The Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian Famine|60316963] was a lot. These historical fiction stories are vastly important, but definitely make sure you're in the right head space to read them because they are a lot. Especially this book!

Based on Arnold's own family history, this focuses on what happened in Romania during the Holocaust. Not a lot of YA historical books, especially ones about the Holocaust, focus on Romania, so while you might be familiar with the story, there are some differences that happen in Romania. It's a tough read, but Arnold's writing is beautiful, and there's a light undercurrent of hope despite all the bad that's happening throughout the story.

This book definitely won't be for everyone because it is an unflinching look at the horrors of the Holocaust, but it is an important one. Just make sure you're in the right place to read it.

Told in alternating points of view between 2020 and 1930s Ukraine, this is a hard read but an important one. Personally, I didn't know about this aspect of Ukrainian history, and the author's note explains why. Framing this by having Matthew hear this story from his great-grandmother makes the overall story relatable, and almost more heartbreaking in the fact that she never told anyone her full story.

Matthew's struggles with the COVID pandemic will also be relatable to middle grade readers, though I find a lot of kids and teens don't necessarily want to read about that yet (still too fresh, I'm guessing). But putting these two historical events together makes sense, especially in showing how they affected children/young teens.

I can definitely see why this was nominated for the National Book Award. Though I do think it's one of those books that more adults will read than kids.

Is this much longer than it needs to be? Yes. Is it the best written fantasy/romance? Nope. Are there are there a lot of common tropes throughout? Also yes. But man, there's something about the story that just hooks you and keeps you reading. I'm gonna say it's the dragons because the dragons are absolutely the best part of this book.

I am still not sure how this story is going to stretch over 5 books, though with that cliffhanger, I guess we have a seed for the next book. Maybe even the plot seed for the rest of the series. We'll see where Yarros takes this story next!

The whole back and forth with Xaden and Violet did get a little old by the middle of the book; just commicate with each other already! That whole kind of trope just gets on my nerve in general, but also Xaden's "just ask me the right questions" thing was another level that drove me crazy. How the heck is she supposed to know what questions to ask when she didn't even know what was going on in the first place??

Anyway, if you're looking for an entertaining romantasy that won't make you think too hard, that isn't too heavy in the world building and fantasy aspects, this is the series for you. But be warned: Yarros definitely likes her cliffhangers.

Only an elite few are permitted to study alchemy–and Ash Woods is not one of them. Denied entry into the Lancaster College of Alchemic Science, the only alchemy practice he gets is in secret, in the afterhours of his job as a groundskeeper. At least, until he’s discovered by Ramsay Thorne.

When Ramasy discovers Ash practicing alchemy, Ash is sure he’s in trouble. Instead, Ramsay asks for Ash’s help in finding the Book of Source. Ash agrees, but as they start on their quest, there’s danger lurking around every corner. Soon, Ash finds himself against powerful alchemists–including his father. In order to win, Ash and Ramsay might have to find an unlikely ally in a person from Ramsay’s past. 
 

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Teen for an advanced copy of Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender to review! This is Callender’s first foray into the YA fantasy world, and I’d say it’s a huge success. Honestly, I think Kacen Callender can do no wrong, no matter what genre they write in.

To start: this book has a wide variety of queer identities, and they’re just accepted at face value. Ramsay changes pronouns quite frequently throughout the book, and none of the characters blink an eye. Ash himself is a trans man, and while it’s clear he’s struggled with that before, by the time we meet him, he is fully transitioned. It is nice we’re getting trans-led stories that aren’t just about finding identity. 

The magic system in this was also fascinating. It’s sort of energy based, with the ability to go onto different reality planes. There are parallels that can be drawn between their world and ours, especially in the decision of who gets to practice the power and who doesn’t. Of course it’s people with money and status who fit a certain “norm.” It works well as a commentary on our own society.

There’s also a polyamorous relationship by the end of the book, which doesn’t happen a lot in YA. At the moment, it also seems like a standalone fantasy, another rarity! YA fantasy just seems allergic to writing standalone books at the moment.

All in all, if you’re looking for an intricate fantasy featuring a magic school with some fantastic characters, definitely pick this one up when it comes out in February! 

A beautifully written book about healing from trauma and the friends that you meet along the way. Simon is dealing with the aftermath of a school shooting in which he was the only survivor. Trying to get away from all the media attention, him and his parents move to Grin and Bear It, Nebraska--a National Quiet Zone where the internet is banned. Here, Simon is determined to not let anyone know about his past.

The tone of the book fits perfectly for a middle grade audience, despite the slightly darker undertone of trauma. Simon and his friends get up to some ridiculous hijinks (some of them include emus), and I think it works so well for the target audience.

All of the characters are also fully developed, including Simon's parents. Their interactions are just lovely, and it's clear that Simon's parents care a lot for him. 

I can definitely see why this was one of the longlist books for the National Book Award!

A fascinating look the different systems that power current society, written in a way that's accessible to a wide audience. I'm impressed that this book was drawn with pen and pencil on Bristol board; the illustrations are great throughout and really add to the text. Though this is a nonfiction, information based text, it reads more like a story in a way. About how all of these systems came to be.

I can definitely see why this made the National Book Award Longlist. It's well researched, well written, and well illustrated!

A biography in verse that follows 6 different people throughout the course of America, focusing on race. I enjoyed the way this was presented, as it felt accessible and included a lot of information. The timeline aspect I thought was really handy, especially all of the information provided at the end of the book. I could definitely see this being used in history classrooms, as it would be a text that could supplement various parts of American history.

I remember when I was working on my MA thesis and thinking about this book in particular because Collins does such an interesting thing with this ending in regards to the power structures in Panem. It's one of those things that you keep thinking about even after you're done reading it. In my case, for years to come. I'm sure getting Haymitch's full story will also shift my reading of this book!
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This book is devastatingly heartbreaking, and yet somehow, full of hope. I did forget how violent it gets there at the end, even more so than the movie. The way the story is constructed, with the rebels mirroring the Capitol, was brilliantly crafted, in my opinion. It's not a lot of people's favorite, but I'm always amazed at how Collins wraps up this trilogy.

Knowing Snow's background also paints this book in a different light, and I can't wait to see how that gets adapted into the movie.