This Morris Award Finalist was action packed and filled with memorable characters, settings, and events. I would love to see it on screen. We need way more representation of indigenous teens in all forms of media and I love that Heartdrum is bringing them to the YA/middle grade scene. Any readers who love sports stories will be obsessed with this one, but it also serves as such a great mirror/window book (a la Rudine Sims-Bishop) for those who are in, or know little about, rez communities. Can’t wait for more from Graves and the imprint in general.

Another Morris Award Finalist. The concept is 💯 on this one. Haunted house, Vietnam setting, themes of colonialism, queer protagonist, ghosties and bugs with the potential to creeeep you out. But the execution slowed the story down and I felt the writing didn’t take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the premise to really set a VIBE. I also wanted to get to know the characters more I did. Definitely a lot of potential here though so I would read another book from this author for sure. 

This was a thoughtful, well done, genre-bending middle grade sci fi novel set in a dystopian future. It’s hard to say too much about the story without giving it away. It’s probably best to not even read the book description and just dive in. 

That being said, if you must know more, I will say there is a twist about two thirds in that I think works really well. You kind of begin to approach a dissatisfaction with the story and writing and then the book gives you an aha moment that makes you reflect back on those dissatisfactions. I thought this was a really clever way not only to tell a very important story, but also to have readers thinking deeper about point of view, inspiration, and trauma. Highly recommend this one. 

 This Morris Award Finalist was a slow paced, reflective, character driven story about two Bribri (indigenous Costa Rican) American brothers in Minnesota and their relationships with each other and others. I appreciated hearing from their perspectives and the different writing styles used to express them. I’ve definitely never read anything by or about a person of Bribri heritage before so that made for a unique reading experience. I hope Tison continues to write YA. 

I LOVED the world building in this one, and the fusion of tales and creatures from around the world with Persian storytelling. I listened on audio, which I would not recommend because there are a LOT of characters and settings and creatures to keep track of and it diminished my comprehension and enjoyment somewhat. But otherwise it was a delight. Definitely looking forward to more from the author. 

 I’m very picky with romance but this was a hit for me! Excited to read the others in the series. 

This Morris Award Finalist is a novel in verse about a teen girl who survives sexual abuse by a pastor and decides to testify against him in court. This was a stunning debut that deals delicately with the topic without shying away from the reality of the aftermath, not just for the protagonist, Amina, but also for survivors in general. The focus of the story is on the healing journey more than the abuse itself and leaves room for all the ups and downs that entails, and for the different forms healing can take for different survivors. This is definitely a needed, empowering story and I look forward to what Sawwyer writes next. 

I liked this one even better than Iveliz Explains it All. I love how Laura is given room to feel the intensity of her feelings and the adults around her are also allowed to have flaws. The verse format works really well for a heavy topic that is balanced perfectly with the sweetness of her relationship with Sparrow. This is a sorely needed title that is certain to be cherished, especially by foster kids and those who love them.