Thanks to NetGalley and First Second for an advanced copy of In Limbo by Deborah Jung-Jin Lee to review! I was immediately drawn in by this cover. It is absolutely stunning. Since this is an advanced copy, the illustrations were in black and white, and I'm not sure if the final draft will be in color. Even so, if they stay in black and white, the artwork throughout the book is just as stunning as the cover.

There have been quite a few graphic novel memoirs of this nature that have come out in the past few years, about growing up an immigrant in the United States. This one delves a little deeper in talking about mental health, specifically suicide and depression. There are some absolutely heartbreaking moments in this, and you can feel the emotions through the illustrations. The writing paired with the art makes this book a truly emotional experience.

Lee doesn't shy away from the difficult nature of suicide and the aftermath of a suicide attempt. I appreciated that art was one of the ways that she used to help take care of her mental health, and it's reflected in the graphic novel format itself.

I always have a hard time rating memoirs because they are accounts of real people's lives. But I think there's a lot teens will find to relate to in this one, and I can't wait to see what the final illustrations look like, honestly. I'll have to check out a final copy when it comes out in March.

All in all, this is a powerful, emotional graphic memoir that you'll want to add to your shelf. 

This book is essentially three different stories taking place over a span of 20 years at the same house, with the house as the narrator (though the three stories do end up connecting at the end). While I think the concept of the house as a narrator was an interesting one, it just wasn't necessarily my jam. I couldn't suspend disbelief enough to believe that the house knew what the characters were all thinking.

Outside of that, though, I did enjoy each of the stories told here. It's very much a character driven story, with each character working through something different in their lives. Each individual story was well written, and I could really get into it when I forgot that the house was narrating.

All in all, an enjoyable read for the most part, especially if you like character driven stories.

You know, I think if more nonfiction was in graphic novel form, I would read so much more of it. You can tell important stories in graphic novel format, and I'm so glad that more and more of them are happening. I honestly didn't know much about this story before jumping into this book, but there is so much to love about it.

Fans of graphic novels like March will definitely enjoy this one, I can see why it got so much buzz when it came out at the end of the year last year. It's a fairly quick read, but packed with information about segregation, especially how it related to sports and the Olympics. 

The illustrations throughout were also great! I enjoyed how they depicted the track meets and such. It felt like they were moving, even though they weren't. If you're looking for a good graphic novel informational read, I recommend picking this one up!

 Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's for an advanced copy of Chaos Theory by Nic Stone to review! Of course, Nic Stone is always on my to-read list when she has a new book coming out, and I think this one might be one of her best ones yet.

One of the ways the story is told in this book is through text exchanges between Shelbi and Andy. They both have impeccable chemistry, even from the first time they interact. They're both dealing with heavy stuff, Andy with alcoholism and grief, Shelbi with bipolar disorder, and they find solace in each other. This entire book speaks to prioritizing mental health, and getting help when you need it. We honestly need more books like this one!

Outside of Shelbi and Andy, we have a well-fleshed out cast of characters. From both of their parents to their friends, you'll find a fully vibrant cast here. I especially loved Shelbi's parents; they were so supportive of her and worked to get her the help that she needed. And the way they bring Andy into the fold! Just lovely.

This is quite a heavy book, but in a way, it didn't feel that way? It's about two people finding each other in a time of need, and growing together and helping each other. It'll hit you right in the feels at a number of points, and in an entirely good way.

Overall, this is a powerful book that I hope makes it into the hands of those that need it! 

A dark, twisty thriller that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as you're reading it. All the clues and pieces are given to you fairly early in the novel, but they don't really all come together until the end. And when they do, you will be despearte to see how it all unfolds!

One of the comp titles for this is One of Us is Lying, which I think is a great comparison. Fans of that book will definitely love this one. As we learn more and more about Nova's history, the mystery behind her death gets more and more complex. As a debut book, Jumata Emill should definitely be on your radar! 

The two narrators also helps to add to the mystery of the book overall. Each of their voices were distint, and the two narrators for the audiobook did a fantastic job. Thanks to LibroFM for an advanced audiobook copy of this book! You'll definitely want it on your TBR when it comes out at the end of this month!

Such a delight wrapped in the form of a book! About a boy whose parents are getting a divorce, so he and his dad spend a week in the summer at the Oregon coast. It's there that Jeremy meets Evan, who he can't stop thinking about. As they start spending more time together, they realize they are more alike than they thought. And Jeremy has to decide if he's ready to announce his newfound identity to the world.

The romance at the center of this book is so sweet and tender and has just the right tone for two 12-year-old boys. They're awkward around each other, but it's clear there's a connection there and they just want to spend time with each other. Loving that there's more of this kind of representation in middle grade books, because I think it will make a lot of middle grade readers feel like they are not alone.

Jeremy and Evan's seabird language is also adorable. I loved how they used it to talk in code. And there are a lot of bird facts in this book, for the bird lovers out there!

If you're looking to dive more into middle grade this year, I definitely recommend this book!

The concept for this middle grade book is fun and different, a world where vampires are completely out in the open existing with humanity. Sophie was adopted by two vampires, meaning there are certain precautions that need to be taken in order to ensure she's safe. But when vampires start turning rogue, it's up to Sophie to find the cure.

There were some holes in the world building (like humans being able to adopt child vampires? That one was a bit weird for me). But outside of that, this is an entertaining read! The main characters were pretty well developed, even if some of the details fell through the cracks. Sophie just wants to keep her family together, which worked so well for the story.

The tone also worked well for a middle grade novel; I think middle grade readers will thoroughly enjoy this! Especially since there aren't a lot of vampire books for middle graders out there.

I don't think this is the strongest book in this series, but I liked the idea of Stevie going abroad to solve a mystery! It's a fun way to expand the series, and I'm assuming that there will be another book because this one kind of just feels like it ends. The mystery is solved, but the drama in Stevei's personal life is not.

I will say, I don't like David as a love interest. Personally, I don't think he and Stevie have good chemistry and I think Stevie can do better. But that's just my opinion! The mystery in this one was a good twisty one, which is one of the main reasons to read this series, anyway.

All in all, a fun addition to the series, and I'm sure that will be another coming at some point!

I feel like it's only fitting to end 2022 with a banned book, so here we are! Am I surprised certain people want this banned? Unfortunately, no. But it's a great introduction to the LGBTQ+ community, breaking down sexuality, gender, and some of the history behind the LGBTQ+ community. I think it's  a great jumping off point for teens questioning their identity, and even for adults who don't know, either.

The tone of this book is really easy to read; it's lighthearted (for the most part), and interspersed with illustrations throughout. It's a really easy book to read, and I hope that it makes it into the hands of people who need it.

Miles only made two New Years Resolutions this year: win back his ex (Shane), and finally beat his arch-nemesis at the state-wide piano competition. The first is proving difficult, since Shane broke up with Miles after he came out at trans. And now, Shane won't even acknowledge his presence--or answer his text messages. And it's distracting him from his piano.

However, when Miles meets the new kid in town, Erik, he feels an almost instant connection. After all, he's one of the first people to immediately ask Miles his pronouns when they meet. They start an easy friendship that evolves into something more. But Miles doesn't get what Erik sees in him. To land the boy and win his piano competition, Miles has to learn to finally feel like enough for himself.

Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an advanced copy of Always the Almost by Edward Underhill to review! From the moment I saw the cover, I knew I had to read this book. Plus, who doesn't love a good queer romance for the Valentine's Day season?

From the beginning, I loved the voice in this. Miles has just recently come out as trans, and he's still trying to get used to being out. He has two best friends who are willing to go to bat for him in pretty much anything. Does their friendship get messy because of romance in the book? Yes. But all teenage relationships kind of get messy. It's just a fact of life.

Miles and Erik also have a great chemistry, even though Miles is trying to work through his own insecurities throughout the book. He doesn't feel like he's worthy of someone like Erik, and his process working through this feels realistic throughout the book. And being able to build confidence in his piano playing. I loved his relationship with his new piano teacher, who helps him use his own identity to make his piano playing better. Plus, she shows him that there's more to music than just winning competitions, and we love to see it.

There's some great character development in this book too, from Miles's friends to his parents and even Erik's sister. There's a whole great cast of characters, and it's helps in making you want to fly through this book.

All in all, I couldn't put this book down once I started it, and I already want more from Edward Underhill! Can't wait to see what he does next.