First of all, this book has the AUDACITY to look like (and sound like) an adorable rom-com and it is absolutely not that. You have been warned. Is there a romance at the center of it? Yes. Are there great romance tropes abound (like the only one bed trope)? Yes. But it is not the lighthearted, fluffy romance that I was looking for after reading the very heavy [book:As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow|57390604]. 

Don't get me wrong, the writing is incredible and I basically read the entire book in one sitting, but damn. It was an emotional sitting. I always appreciate the way that Tess Sharpe formats her books, with flashbacks throughout to give you the whole picture. Both Tate and Penny are dealing with some heavy things, as Penny's mom became absent after the tragic death of her father, and Tate's mom is dealing with cancer. This is a book about grief, about getting help for mental health things, and about overcoming trauma. It's complex, emotional, and has an absolutely great cast of characters.

Sharpe's writing is on point in this book, as not only are there a lot of punches to the gut, but they're also balanced with some moments of joy. The style of writing easily pulls you in and doesn't let go until the end. I'd say as long as you know what you're getting into, I'd 100% recommend this book.

This is a quick snapshot of grief after a tragedy, even if it's unclear who exactly it was written for. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and well done. And this is apparently based on a short film, so I'd be interested in seeing how they line up! And if the art is just as gorgeous in the film.

 I wish this had been a little more developed because the concept is amazing and the art! I loved it! But some of the world building definitely needed to be fleshed out a little bit more, because some of the storylines were a bit difficult to follow. A little more background at the beginning would have helped establish what was going on a little later.

Despite that, the characters were all fantastic. Maybe a few things were a little rushed, but it was a great little queer found family. Heck, I'd read more stories about them! this could be at least twice the size and I would still definitely read it. Mostly for the characters, really.

If you're look for a fun, found family, adventure comic, I'd recommend picking this up! 

Not my favorite graphic novel I've ever read, but it's a good sort of coming of age story, following the author's summers in Egypt with her dad. There were some panels that were gorgeous, and there are themes throughout that a lot of readers will be able to relate to. Especially the parts about growing up and kind of moving away from your parents. The emotional scenes are well-written, and even though it's on the longer side for a graphic novel, it doesn't necessarily read that way.

I do really like the cover of this, though. And I can see fans of graphic memoirs absolutely loving this as well. I'd definitely recommend it for that!

This is a straightforward, engaging graphic novel memoir about Lewis's discovery of his trans identity and his eventual transition from female to male. There are so many teens who will find themselves in this story and I'm happy that it's a book that exists. Those teens need the chance to see themselves in graphic novels, too!

The overall format and tone wasn't quite what I was expecting for this, but it works for the intended audience. The general tone is, for the most part, light and entertaining, despite the fact that it's dealier with heavier issues like bullying, homophobia, eating disorders, and transphobia. It's a good conversation starter, and I'm glad for the ways that it will make teens feel seen.

Winter Young is an international pop sensation. Everyone across the world knows his name. But then why does he always feel so lonely? He thought star power was the answer, but it doesn't seem to be combating the loneliess. On the opposite end, Sydney Cossette is a Panacea agent, a covert spy unit. Someone who's comfortable being on her own.

When the two are paired together to take down a major crime boss, at first, it doesn't seem like they'll get along. In order to infiltrate a private concert, Sydney acts as his bodyguard. And maybe, just maybe, there's more to Winter Young than meets the eye. And even Sydney isn't immune to his charms.

Thanks to Macmillan Children's and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu to review! It's Marie Lu, so I knew that I was in for a treat. I always know I can expect action with a side of romance with any of her books!

This is being advertised as enemies to lovers, which I wouldn't quite say fits the central romance. Since Winter and Sydney aren't exactly enemies. And they're not really rivals? More like--unwilling co-workers turned lovers. Is that a thing? Either way, I loved their evolving romance and the chemistry between them was well done. I also can't think of that many spy novels written specifically for older teens, so this is a great addition!

The pacing of this book was spot on. With Marie Lu, you can always expect something fast-paced that is going to keep you on your toes the whole time. This book is no different! Perhaps it isn't my favorite book of hers, but I can see it bringing a lot of new fans her way. Especially with all of the comp titles this one is given. There are a lot of big names there, too!

I think this is the start of a new series, so be on the lookout for more adventures from Sydney and Winter in the future!

There was a lot of hype for this book, and for good reason! I'd actually really recommend the audiobook because it has a full cast and really immerses you in the format of the reading experience. This is exactly the type of novel that teens will devour; a bit of mystery, a bit of a thriller, and some hard-hitting issues at the center of it. If I could have, I probably would have listened to the entire thing in one sitting. It was that engaging!

Brooks introduces some twists and turns, and while ultimately, I had an inkling as to what actually happened, I appreciated the red herrings included throughout the book. I can definitely see teens who enjoyed books like One of Us Is Lying and The Hate U Give also enjoying this book. Can't wait to recommend it to teens at the library!

What a novel, honestly. There isn't much (if anything) about the Syrian Civil War written for the young adult audience, and this book was so well-written. There are moments that are hard to read, as one would expect, but Katouh weaves hope throughout. The characters are also really well written; from the very beginning, you're desperately hoping that they make it through safely. I can see why this book got so much praise, and I think Zoulfa Katouh has a strong writing career ahead of her.

You'll also fall for the romance at the center of this book, happening despite all of the destruction happening behind them. The way PTSD is also handled is different than I've seen before, but it worked well with the plot and the characters. There's so much about the writing that draws you in as a reader, and it will be difficult to put this book down. Just know, you might need something happy to read after you're done. 

I think this is a great way to introduce a new generation to a piece of history that they might not now. I know I didn't know it before reading this book! The format of a novel in verse also works well in general for the story, especially for some of the more action sequences. Plus, the narrator of the audiobook does a phenonmenal job as well!

This is 100% a character driven novel, mostly cataloging Avi's first year at a Briarcliff Prep, a Historically Black Boarding School. A lot of the story at the beginning focuses on Avi, her adjustment to boarding school, and just kind of learning the lay of the land. We also a layout of the cast of characters, and just in general, there is a lot of set up in this novel to get to the actual dating violence storyline. Which isn't a bad thing! Just something to know before jumping in.

The amount of setup does make the pacing seem a little lopsided, as the ending felt a little bit rushed. I think it just needed another chapter or two to give the ending a little bit of breathing room. However, I do think this kind of story is one that teens will be drawn to, and it shines a light on an important topic!