1.48k reviews by:

libraryalissa

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Wow wow wow. Atmospheric, immersive, memorable. Brilliant on audio. I couldn’t turn it off. 
emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A nuanced and fun story of family, culture, and wrestling. 
dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

3.5 A middle grade graphic novel retelling of Anne of Green Gables, set in modern day Philadelphia. Straightforward, sweet, and ideal for upper elementary.
emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

4.5 A sweet, queer coming of age/love story with a strong voice. 
challenging emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Great historical fiction in verse for middle school and above. The story starts slow but reaches a powerful crescendo. I hope this is one that teachers use with students for years to come. I look forward to the rest of the trilogy.
adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

A fun, unique fantasy romp ideal for upper elementary, especially those who love Studio Ghibli films.
hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

We need more books like this. Emmie has such a strong voice and isn’t interested in being anyone’s inspiration. She just wants to have fun and get in trouble like any other middle schooler. Yes, please.
challenging dark sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Mystical, deeply rural, grim af. I struggled to get my footing with this one, but I appreciated it’s deep sense of setting and thoughtful depictions of life in rural Kentucky. Gothic horror fans, YA and otherwise, will find a lot to love. 
adventurous hopeful informative inspiring tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

A fast-paced adventure story with a compelling message. Perfect for middle schoolers.