A bit of a mixed bag for me. The story had a very strong beginning, full of suspense, terror, and a genuine creep factor, but I think the creepiness was lost on me when the ghost suddenly had a ghost truck for some reason? The ending I think was also decent, but the middle tended to be a slog at times. The book tries to balance horror and drama, but I think the book was simply too long for the two aspects to really even out. 

Such a sweet story about the bonds we make through community and the power of stories tying people together. Really just as simple as that. If you're in the mood for a down to earth, heartwarming tale about a young child opening an old man's eyes to the people around him and are a bibliophile this book is for you.

The audiobook was amazing with a full cast and a good soundtrack to boot. It really helped heighten the suspense and mystery. I think if you have read enough mysteries and thrillers you can sort of see it coming, but the social commentary does help it to stand out. Each of the boys were so likeable and were given enough time and focus to become real meaningful characters, which is hard when it comes to multiple POVs. 

We love a queer coming of age story right at the beginning of Pride Month. Derrick is a middle school basketball player sent to live with his grandmother for the summer and becomes interested in the local pageant scene. What follows is an emotional journey as Derrick comes to terms with the person he has always been and the joy he feels when he gets to be his true self. I adored how positive this book was, the language Derrick used for how he feels doing drag and the confidence it gives him. It's a bit sappy at times, but I think at this age, kids need a little sappy every now and again.

Not giving a rating, since I try to lean away from rating someone's personal experiences.

An absolute must read for those looking for queer voices and stories to learn from and broader their world. Johnson details his experiences with such palatable emotion that makes it so easy to connect with him. It really is nice to see him talk about how much support he had from his family, that his queerness was mostly accepted, even though not everyone is lucky enough to relate to that. It shows that support is possible, that having loving people in your life that love every part of you is possible, that the queer life can be a loving one even in the face of oppression and bigotry.

His conversations around sex are also so important to give to teens. Without becoming too graphic, Johnson states them matter of factly, highlighting the emotions and feelings he had around various sexual experiences, one good, one not as good, as well as one more traumatic event. It stirs important lessons about consent, healthy sexual practices, and advocating for your body. I know these passages are typically what causes Johnson's book to be banned repeatedly, but these conversations are necessary to promote safe sexual encounters. Because of them though, this book is suited more towards the older end of young readers, at least high school age.

I can see many teens finding comfort and solidarity in Johnson's words, as well as many people who could really learn from them. I hope this book finds its way to the people that need it.

Very much enjoyed a nuanced take on an ex-superhero trying to deal with normal, mundane life while being thrust into the question of what makes heroes and villains of us all. I've been meaning to get to this series for ages, mainly drawn in by Molly Knox Ostertag, but, after watching a lot of Dimension 20, seeing another world of Brennan's is always a treat. You know you're always in for excellent humor tied with very interesting takes on ethics, humanity, and civilization with his stories. 

Thank you to NetGalley, Skybound, and Image Comics for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Fans of Voltron, Power Rangers, and Big Hero Six are in for an action-packed treat with this new series from Amphibia's Matt Braly and illustrator Ainsworth Lin.

Maise comes from a long line of heroes, tasked with keeping the world safe from space monsters. Of course, she'd rather be a normal teen, hanging with friends, drawing for her school newspaper, or hanging with her crush. But when tragedy strikes her family, her team, Maise has to come to terms with what it means to protect those you love while also not losing sight of yourself in the process.

This first entry in the series was a blast from beginning to end. I am a big fan of Amphibia, so I'm ready to fall in love with Matt Braly's storytelling, character work, and comedy all over again. The family element really helps ground the story and set it apart from its inspirations. Maise's struggle to balance normal teen things with superhero life is one that's been seen again and again, but the way she devotes herself to her family and how she ultimately handles her responsibilities makes it feel fresh. 

Ainsworth Lin's art absolutely flows and creates a real sense of tension with its action. I loved the designs of the monsters and the Moon Troopers feel so nostalgic yet unique. 

Definitely pick this one up for any teen that is interested in kaiju-fighting fun!

Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for a review.

Creator of Loud and Smart, Alex shares the loss of his father and the events/emotions/reflections that follow. Exuding his trademark humor, the comic delivers a resonating story for anyone who has lost a parent. 

As a fellow member of the Dead Dad Club, there were so many ways I related to the grief on the pages. The jokes, reaching out to share stories and memories, imagining what my dad would say in a situation. Feeling like through the lessons he taught and his advice, he's never really fully gone.

So many times I would take a break from reading just to reflect on memories or funny moments from my dad, and I really am appreciative of this book for that.