You know, it's a special kind of author who can write for multiple audiences. Blake nailed the voice in this book; Ivy is struggling with her identity, struggling with figuring out her new places in her family, and now a tornado took away their home. This book is full of emotion, full of heart, and just a great message to middle grade readers to be themselves.

There are so many sweet moments throughout this book, especially as Ivy figures out how to advocate for herself. Plus, middle grade readers need to see these kinds of stories, the kinds of stories that people are trying to ban. I'm so happy that these stories exist because we need them!

The summary of this book really does it a disservice. I was expecting more of a romance, with Honor struggling with what to do with the fact that her family is so in the spotlight. While that's a part of the book, it's really a small part. More of the story is about Honor trying to keep her family together, while also maintaining the perfect image that they have in the media.

What I will say is Kelly Loy Gilbert is always great at handling mental illness. Honor deals with severe anxiety and panic attacks, which felt realistic and true to her character. But, there aren't many likeable characters in this book, which made it difficult for me to fully get into. This is a family that needs a lot of therapy. Like a lot. They aren't particularly nice to each other, unless it's in front of the cameras.

Also the ending felt rushed to me. For one of the major plot points (which I won't include because spoilers) it felt like there weren't really many reprecussions? Or, like, resolution for the conflicts it created. 

If you don't mind stories about growing up in the media, about dysfunctional families, with a tiny splash of romance, then this might be for you! It just didn't quite hit the mark for me.

A recounting of the Transatlantic slave trade from Olaudah Equiano, told in verse form and abridged from the original text. The way this story is told is definitely accessible for teen readers. There's context given between exerpts of his story, and the audiobook narrators do an excellent job of distinguishing between different voices.

I know there are pictures and such included in the print book, so I'm interested in checking those out! But if you're looking for a good introduction into the Transatlantic slave trade, this is a great book for that.

This was...a strange book. It took turns I wasn't really expecting it to. Where [book:The Dead and the Dark|53141419] was a ghost story, this is more of a story of time, of relationships, of people in power controlling others. It's a slow moving story, definitely more focused on the relationships throughout the story instead of the specific plot.

There were times where it was a bit difficult to follow what was going on because there is some time jumping, but it adds to the mystery of the story. It did make it hard for me to get fully invested in the story, though.

The plot itself is tense, with the ending coming in a bit of a rush. I kind of wish the plot was more even, but if you're looking for a relationship driven, tense book, this book is definitely for you!

Adina Walker had everything going for her: graduating from the prestigious Edgewater academy with acceptance to Yale. At least, until the incident with her ex-best friend Esme. Now, she has nothing to show for her work and no plans for after high school. Except for one thing: the Finish. A competition run by the Remington family, the richest family in New England, to welcome them in their fold.

When Adina is accepted into the Finish, at first she's ecstatic. It's her opportunity to gain back everything she's lost. But when she arrives to the competition, it's different than she expected. More vicious. A fight to the death. In order to win, she has to be the last woman standing. 
 

Thanks to SimonTeen for an advanced copy of Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington to review! This book is being pitched as Ace of Spades meets Squid Game with a little bit of The Bachelor. At first, I was skeptical of that combination, but it's actually true to the story. Once you get into the game, this book is difficult to put down!

There is a lot of commentary in this book about class and race and the advantages (and disadvantages) that can come with that. Honestly, the overall tone reminded me of a much darker Selection. There are a lot of twists and turns that keep you guess at every moment in Adina's story. As the Finish gets more and more dangerous towards the end, it also makes you want to keep reading. Despite being 400 pages, you'll fly through this book because you will be desperate to know what happens next.

The ending did feel a little bit rushed to me, but that's the main complaint that I had. Everything else, from the characters to the world building to the pacing, works well to keep you engaged all the way through the story. Are the characters the most likeable? Not necessarily, but they are so interesting to read about. It's kind of like dark academia with a twist.

All in all, if you're looking for an engaging thriller to pick up at the end of the summer, definitely keep this one on your radar! 

Eli and his family left their small town in Minnesota to move to New York City, ready for a fresh start. But once they get there, his mom dies unexpectedly. Now, Eli is stuck without friends and family, struggling with his grief. What makes matters worse is that his dad won't even talk about his mom, leaving Eli feeling lonelier than ever.

When Eli discovers some cooking videos that his mom made before passing away, highlighting her love of cooking. In order to feel closer to his mom, Eli decides to start cooking. With the help of his new neighbor friend, Mathias, he embarks on a summer of cooking. A summer of cooking that just might help him and his dad figure out how to move forward with their grief. And show them that they might just have a community in New York after all. 
 

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy of Eli Over Easy by Phil Stamper to review! This is Stamper's second middle grade novel, and he just has a knack for writing that voice. Where his other middle grade is a bit more lighthearted, this story focuses a lot on the different ways that people deal with their grief.

Having stories like this for middle grade readers is so important because it's important to see that grief is different for everyone. Eli wants to remember his mom by talking about her, by making her favorite meals, by just cooking in general. Meanwhile, his dad just wants to forget, to hide their sadness from the rest of the world. Being able to see how they both end up working together to move forward without someone they loved so much is such a beautiful story.

I also appreciated how Eli's sexuality isn't necessarily a huge part of the story. Yes, he talks about crushes with Mat, and they have a sweet conversation about it. But it feels normal; it doesn't feel like an earth shattering revelation. Sometimes, we get so focused on that in YA and middle grade that we forget that for some people, their sexuality isn't some big fanfare.

The characters were also well developed. I loved the way Eli and Mat's friendship blossomed, and that they were both able to be there for each other in difficult times. While I wasn't a fan of the COVID references (I still think it's too soon for that to be in fiction), this was a story I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end.

All in all, if you're looking for a heartwarming, heartfelt story about grief and how to move on, definitely pick this one up! 

This novel-in-verse took me longer than usual because it is dealing with heavy topics. Normally I read verse novels pretty quickly, but I sat with this one longer than I usually do. Sadie, our narrator, is dealing with severe anxiety and agoraphobia, but still trying to figure out how she can be a part of a social justice cause in her town. The verse is done beautifully, and this book really has a strong emotional core.

What I appreciate about this book is the fact that Sadie wants to help at protests and help fight the social justice cause, and she finds a way to do that without always having to attend protests. For teens that might be in a similar situation to Sadie, I think seeing that play out in a book is powerful for them. 

This was pretty good! The magic system was really interesting and intricate, with pretty strong core cast of characters. It's bit like a pirate adventure, with magic. The plot did seem a little YA cookie cutter, but that's not always a bad thing. Of course, we end on a cliffhanger, so be warned if you do pick this one up!

There was a lot of detail put into the magic system, but I wish there was a little more detail put into the actual world building. At times, it was difficult to really place where all the countries were and what was happening with them. Maybe a map would have been helpful! Perhaps a hazard of listening to the audiobook.

Anyway, despite that, still such a fun read overall!

 Alix should be celebrating, since her hockey team just won a tough game. But when her teammate, Lindsay, decides to make fun of her after the game, she decides she can't take it anymore. The anger she normally keeps leashed lashes out. Now, Alix is in danger of losing her spot in the hockey camp she's desperate to go to that summer.

Enter Ezra, the popular theater kid from school. When Alix witnesses him deal with a bully with ease, she enlists his help with controlling her own anger. However, as the two spend time with each other, sparks start to fly. Maybe their budding friendship might just turn into something more. 
 

Thanks to NetGalley and First Second for an advanced copy of Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy by Faith Erin Hicks to review! Ever since reading Friends with Boys, Faith Erin Hicks has definitely been on my radar. This opposites attract romance graphic novel should definitely be on your radar this fall!

The core of this story is the friendship between Alix and Ezra, and their budding romance. They both realize despite traveling in different social circles, they actually have a lot in common. They go on a little adventures together, helping each other out and meeting each other's families. The way Ezra helps Alix deal with her anger management, with kindness and consideration, actually helps her gain confidence to deal with her own bullies. Such a great character arc.

There was just one thing that rubbed me the wrong way, and it was Ezra's conflict with his best friend. It was a little too friend zoney to me. Yes, they're teenagers, but the whole thing just felt kind of awkward to me. Ezra is queer (without putting labels on himself), and there's a little jealousy when he starts dating a girl. Not my favorite plot line for romances.

Other than that, I enjoyed everything else! Hicks has such a unique art style, and I enjoyed the way that it was used in this book. All in all, if you like opposites attract romances, you'll definitely love this when it comes out in October! 

For the most part, I really enjoyed this romance! It's definitely more focused on Vale's personal journey, working through her relationship with her dad and how it affects her relationship with soccer overall. She does have a good character arc, even if the ending felt like it might have been slightly rushed. I wanted a little more of the bonding between her and her team there at the end.

The romance was also sweet, evolving from rivals to friends to lovers. It worked well with Vale's own arc, and we get to learn more Leticia along the way. There are some great side characters as well, who felt almost as developed as Vale and Leticia.

Plus, the ace rep is good! There are some good discussions about that throughout the book as well.