An absolute whirlwind of a book. I don't know if I enjoyed it as much as The Hate U Give, but it's certainly going to have its own kind of impact on readers. You're rooting for Bri the whole way though, even when she acts a bit too rashly. There were moments where I was kind of on the side of other characters going "Oooo, now that's going to blow up in your face, Bri." But you can tell that everything she does is tied to her passion for rap and dedication to making the lives of her family better. 

I think some events could have been trimmed or combined to make the flow a bit better and not have the book seem as long, but it still makes an impression.

Gill's voice is magical and mesmerizing as she breathes new life into gods, goddesses, and notable figures from Greek mythology. Their flaws are on full display, but so are their more human sides as Gill gives voice to the trauma that has lead them to become such complicated figures. I loved seeing their more modern interpretations, to see how they live on in a world that has moved on from them but there are still lingering memories.  One may need a good knowledge of mythology to get the full context and meaning behind some of the poems, but luckily there is a handy guide in the back for those not as familiar as others.

Probably one of the most harrowing, disturbing books I have read in a while. It hits real close to reality, what with showing the exploitation of people of color to entertain, appease, and work for the social elite and how those in power are always quick to dehumanize those that they consider lesser to a terrifying degree. Every new development, every new horror that was thrust at Jay and his crew left me at the edge of my seat while also making me afraid to go on any longer. 

Also I do appreciate a very literal 'eat the rich' message.

Too much surface level feminism/no effort towards intersectionality even though it takes place mostly during the civil right movement. I didn't really find Alex an investing main character, so it was difficult to keep any attention/interest. It just felt like more could have been done here but it just lingered too long on her school/teenage life.

Cute story that would have made a good episode of the series. Just a bit of a side adventure from the main quest. Always love a children's story that encourages them to think for themselves.

Everything about this comic is Ostertag at her absolute best. So many emotions, such a heart-wrenching look at living with a special kind of self loathing. From its queer to mental health rep, this story is going to resonate for so many people. Most likely earning a spot on my best of 24 list.

As a big fan of the Starcatcher series as a kid, I flung myself into this fourth installment of a series that has taken me nearly a decade to return to. For the first 100 pages or so, I felt the excitement as all these characters from my childhood returned older, a little wiser, but still so familiar. However, as the story went on, it didn't feel as grand or resonating as the first three books. Granted, it could be the gap between readings, but I don't remember the first three feeling so emotionless.

Sure, there is a wonderful moment where Peter has to face a debilitating fear and show a great amount of strength, but that was about it. No complex feeling from tender reunions or seeing how old his friends had gotten. Even him seeing Molly again felt like nothing.

And then when it's time for Peter to leave London, he just leaves. No tearful goodbyes, no reflection, just bouncing out to return to a B plot that felt so unneeded.

The B plot with Capt. Nerezza felt like a waste of time. They were trying to tie it to the main plot but the threads never really connected. It felt more like an easy way to keep the Neverland crew occupied but it took away so much time from the main plot. 

To be honest, this book felt largely unnecessary, as wonderful as it was to see these characters again. The execution is notably weaker than previous installments and it didn't feeling as satisfying of a conclusion as Secret of Rundoon. I know that there is technically a 5th book in the series set in modern day with the pitch of "Peter's adventures were turned into books and kids find out that the books are real!, but I don't think I'll be getting to it. Just feels like so tired of a concept now.

Kind of a historical novel masquerading as a fantasy. I would have loved more from the other folk side, but Puck and the rest became an afterthought once the first 50 pages were through. Probably once a great way for kids to learn a bit of history back in the day, but not really what I'm looking for. 

Great voice/writing for Kipling, but I'm ready to move on.