More like a 3, but I really liked the charm of this story and the focus on the need for community.  There's also the subtle message that your family doesn't have to be who you were born to but the ones who loved and took care of you instead.

The different creatures of the world were fun! There's a mixture of imaginative and realistic creatures. The artwork is simple but extremely effective in conveying the story. The scenes in the cave were a pleasure to look at.

I hope this could become a series.

The story really has middle-school and sister drama down to a tee. Jessica was downright ANNOYING throughout this story to the point it's a lot hard to read.. Major hater energy, but she's also vindicated.

To be honest, there was a lot of gaslighting with Jessica because kids know when they're being overlooked. I thought the story may have delved into when teachers have animosity against you. But regardless, I thought this was good and the artwork elevates it.

About Madam André...

now, the jury's still out on madam André. was she really that overwhelmed she didn't have time to pour into each student individually? or, did she have a vendetta against jessica?

 Loved it! And I’m someone who hates horror. But this was just the right amount of unsettling and charming. I think the art style goes so well with this, and the first story was my favorite. I would love a second volume/book two. 

One of the strongest and best parts of this story is the motif of music. It’s constant and immersive in the text even though we can’t physically hear it.

The other great part is Mateo’s narrative voice. It was excellent (with some corny dialogue here and there), and he has a clear character arc. He’s insecure and the equivalent of a nomad since he’s moved around his whole life. He knows of his culture but never had a chance to really experience the more tangible parts or set roots anywhere. 

I liked the idea of Chela. She was ruthless but not heartless. More combative and confident than Mateo; his foil. But she felt a little flat. Definitely not a manic pixie girl but just shallow. Ending spoiler:

maybe it's the quick attraction they had to each other that felt instalovey. everyone just assumed mateo had a crush on her, and he eventually did. but i don't know why chela took a liking to him. but it makes sense in the grand scheme of it since they're reincarnated lovers.

Tams was forgettable. Sorry not sorry.

The world-building is unique and plays off of Latino, Jewish, and pirate influences. But there’s a lot going on. Sometimes, it feels like too much. Too many characters. Too many alliances. Too much lore. Thankfully, it’s not a bunch of exposition dumps and is introduced gradually. But it’s noticeable if you take a break from reading because it takes time to get back up to speed. 

This is both well-paced and terribly long-winded, but I think the ending wrapped up nicely. I also wish so much that books would advertise in the beginning pages that there's a glossary.

This was pretty cute though extremely fast-paced. The focus on communication and the simple first love is the highlight.

I’m not sure if I’d read another volume of this because there isn’t really a plot to motivate me to keep reading. Yagyu’s friend Tenma is a total HATER, but he was entertaining amongst the less memorable characters. He is definitely going to play a role in this later on. my prediction:

$5 he's Satomi's first crush and she doesn't remember him so he's in his feeling. this boy will be a part of the love triangle somehow lol

Cute! I also liked the different perspectives between Viv and her mom.

 This was really dumb, but I mean that in the best way possible. It was imaginative and fun with some heart. Alvida gives such Team Rocket energy! 

 Pleasantly surprised. Filled with wanderlust and lovable agents of chaos. The main character Safia is blind, but it's not the focus of the story.

In fact, the story explored Safia's want to travel and need for connection with others. The prologue also has a sing-songy, fairytale narration in the beginning that I thought was fun.

 Have read both volumes previously. I wasn't aware this was just compiling both and not new scripts, but Big Nate's still fun.

Revenge of the Cream Puffs - 5 stars
What's a Little Noogie Between Friends? - 3 stars 

Really liked this one more than the first! I like how the monsters and lore are expanding.