This is basically a modern day Shop Around The Corner/You’ve Got Mail for middle schoolers so obviously I loved it. I think my students would too. Always looking for upper middle grade romances and the fact that this one centers gamer nerds? *chef’s kiss*

I didn’t understand most of these, but the ones I did I liked. My favorite poem was “why some people be mad at me sometimes”

I will be thinking about portions of this book for a long time, particularly the sections on the histories of schooling and the chapters on discipline. Ewing makes many connections that I have never seen so succinctly and clearly between the history of education in the US and how we treat Black and Native children today. Her framework is staying with me both as an educator and a parent. 

Thank you to Libro.fm for the educator ALC. This was cuuuuute. I can see lots of my students eating this up. Upper middle grade romance perfection. We need more like this.

Thank you to Libro.fm for the free educator ALC. This is a unique tale of a Black sharecropping family who participate in the Oklahoma land rush. This is a very well done story, though I unfortunately think it would be a hard sell for my middle schoolers. For those that read it though, a very rewarding, action-packed climax and conclusion.

Thank you to Libro.fm for the educator ALC. This was another great title from Renee Watson, read by the incredible Bahni Turpin. A quick, poetic reflection on grief from the perspective of a young Black girl. No complaints. 

I kept expecting more from this, on a lot of levels, but it is a an extremely easy listening experience. 

The Chaser was my favorite. It felt the most vivid and urgent. Would have read a whole novel of it. Will read whatever Torrey Peters writes next. 

I didn’t love book 2 as much as the first, so I was skeptical going in but this was so good! And that ending! Cannot wait for book 4. I need more Sel, more William x Lark, more Alice, and more Zoe. 

Did not like this as much as the first, but would still for sure read more books in this world. The whole premise of their world makes almost no sense but that’s part of the draw. 

I listened to both books on audio and the narration is part of what made the first really shine and this narration was just ok. I also did not feel as attached to Kris as Coal, nor did I really understand him and his chemistry with the love interest as well. The spice level also kicks up SEVERAL notches in this book, which contributed to this one feeling a little surface level to me I think.  But the dynamics between the main characters and their parents was an interesting surprise aspect that I appreciated seeing explored.  Overall, still a fan and want Iris to have her love story.