I listened to this recently released middle grade fantasy on audio and had an incredible experience. The method of storytelling really incorporates the use of call and response in Black Diasporic traditions. The tradition of oral storytelling in the Black community, specifically in the Caribbean, is expertly woven into the story. The dual perspectives between little girl Kela and mermaid Ophidia adds a sense of anticipation and foreboding. This novel has lots of heart and deals with grief, specifically death of a parent. I’m excited for my students to discover this one!

I'm really loving discovering this whole backlist of books by Selena Montgomery/Stacey Abrams in the world of romantic suspense. I kept wanting to come back to the story and found myself eagerly reaching for Secrets and Lies. The pairing of characters is so interesting and pulls you in because you have these two with completely opposite views on what's right and wrong and the value of morality. It was a hard earned and satisfying love journey.

Incredible vapid main characters, especially Ramón - he only describes women on how they look in an incredibly judgmental manner. I couldn’t stand him, and Julieta isn’t that memorable or lovable to make me continue. I did, however, enjoy the sprinkles of the original Romeo and Juliet story.

I appreciate the strong friend group of Black women and the exploration of those dynamics, mainly how we tend to hide our struggles with those closest to us without realizing it. Tabby has a strong support system, from her best friends to her grandmother. There are tons of memorable characters, even the ones we don’t see a lot of (Tabby’s parents, coworkers, etc.), and I would totally read a book about Tabby’s two besties. BLACK GIRLS MUST DIE EXHAUSTED has humor mixed in with the heartbreak, fear, and exhaustion. There’s themes of infertility and family planning, as well as the varieties of love (familial, friend/platonic, romantic, self).

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY by Brendan Slocumb, but let’s just say I was impressed and then some. The first 15% gives thriller vibes, but then the story shifts to a more reflective story of young Ray’s journey. The beginning of the novel propels us into the story with no precursor, and we feel as frazzled as Ray does when he discovers his rare and acclaimed violin has been stolen right from under his nose. I was initially put off by the pacing in the beginning, but I can appreciate why it was executed in the manner that it was.

I enjoyed 17-year-old Ray’s perspective and enthusiasm, and appreciably how we’re shown Ray and the violin’s journey: we start close to the end, then jump to the beginning and are given context. This look into Ray’s journey and experiences make the beginning even more panic inducing.

Slocumb did an excellent job showing Ray’s understanding of balancing his talent, his luck, and his Blackness on a daily basis and this was incredibly affirming to see. Also, for those without an musical training, don’t worry; this book is def accessible for those without any classical music or choir training.

Excellent collection of a variety of approaches to talking about Black love. This collection features cultural critiques, personal revelatory essays, and academic deconstructions of the concept of Black love. Unlike most anthologies, I found myself wanting to return to this anthology just to hear more of these brilliant voices. This highlights the importance of different types of Black love stories and the presence of Black love in general. I felt so seen and comforted while reading this anthology.