It's absolutely wild that it's been nearly twenty years since I read the last installment of this series and am just now picking up the second. Blame younger me for not keeping up with book release dates and utterly forgetting about this sequel series. Spiderwick has always been incredibly nostalgic for me and one of the standout series I remember reading in fourth grade. I remember being somewhat ambivalent about the Beyond series, even though it was just getting started.

I will say, I don't know if it's nostalgia or not, but the Beyond series doesn't really hit in the same way as the first one does. There's nothing really standout about Nick or Laurie, only except that Laurie makes so many bad decisions it's a marvel the faeries haven't kidnapped her already. Nick is just a blank vessel and our two leads don't really mesh well together. The faeries as well seem so bland and toothless in comparison. I know that there's still one book left in this series to go, but I'm struggle to see why it was made or what it attempted to accomplish with expanding(?) the world. 

The illustrations though are also gorgeous and the creatures wonderfully designed. DiTerlizzi always excels at making them appear both ethereal and otherworldly. 

I'll probably wrap this up with the last book, as it may only take me an hour or so to read and just for some completion points.

Though I got more than halfway, I really couldn't bring myself to finish this book. It was great to see a book that celebrated Welsh mythology, but there weren't any qualities in the characters, writing style, or plot that made me want to keep going. Introducing a love triangle about halfway through was a choice and it doesn't help that that's one of my least favorite tropes.

There was an idea here, along with an amazing cover that made me want the story to be good, but it didn't turn out to be an engaging one. 

A perfect read for upper elementary readers that are interested in the world of Dungeons and Dragons. This book gives an adequate introduction to the world of Faerun and all the creatures and magic that inhabit it. While some of the creatures may give first timers some pause, the illustrations make up for the lack of descriptions.

The story basically serves as a quick, simple one shot, a team of misfits going to investigate the disappearance of their classmates and necromantic shenanigans ensue. Each character is endearing and brings a good variety of personality to the party, whether it's the shy owlbear Hugo or the brash kobold Snabla. 

I personally would have loved a bit more worldbuilding, given how expansive the setting is and the target demographic is middle schoolers, but I could see this being a way to ease kids into the world. 

It's a silly goofy adventure with heart and a found family and that's really good enough for me.

 Thank you so much to Penguin and NetGalley for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
 
So what you want about the art style, but it definitely celebrates the throw everything at the wall, maximalist vibe of punk. It immediately struck me as a polished zine, with cartoony, energetic designs that felt so familiar and engaging.
 
The plot seems to bounce along from one point to the next, which makes it a bit difficult to keep up with at times, but the representation of queer black punk artists will definitely be appreciated. 
 
The inclusion of a "soundtrack" throughout the story was an incredible touch. It gives newcomers to the punk scene a look into what it has to offer, as well as celebrates the artists within it. I know I'm definitely creating a playlist the moment I finish this review. 

Going to keep this unrated as I try not to rate biographies/memoirs.

Numb To This is an especially emotional and poignant graphic novel in an age where gun violence seems to be the norm as practically every day there is some type of shooting taking place. Despite the rising violence in schools, in society, all that seems to come from the higher ups are "thoughts and prayers" and no thought towards the people affected by these tragedies or the future casualties that may come from such inaction. Neely grapples with such feelings as she navigates PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and figuring out how to go on after experiencing such a tragedy.

It's a memoir that hurts but spreads awareness. There are a few moments that are conveyed a bit oddly, such as the shooting itself. It takes a moment to realize what is actually happening, as it's a bit confusing as to whether a shooting is actually happening. It feels odd, not dramatic, just all jumbled, which I wonder if that was the intention behind portraying it in such a way. 

The flow of the memoir also feels a bit off, like it sort of zig zags from each experience without much direction or even a culmination into some bigger emotions. It just goes from here to there without much in between.

As a piece meant to highlight gun violence in America, I think it's incredibly effective, especially towards teen readers. 

Got nearly halfway but I never felt settled into the book. It took too long for things to really get going and even at the midpoint it felt like things were still gearing up. I just have too much to read at this point to finish something I think I may just give a three at best. 

As I work my way through reading the Lincoln Award nominees for this year, I figured I would get the sport book over with right away since they're not exactly my genre. But, much to my surprise, this is much more than just a sport book. It's about identity, grief, loss, reinvention, uncertainty, told in such a way that is moving and accessible for teens. Isaiah is such a likeable lead, prone to mistakes and messing up, but you can tell that he has a genuine desire to make things right.

The book focuses on the aftermath of a serious head injury Isaiah sustains during a game, one that may prevent him from continuing to play. After a rough childhood and the death of his sister, football gave Isaiah structure and goals and kept him out of trouble. And now, with the threat of losing the thing that gave him a second chance, he must choose between the new life he made for himself or run the risk of falling back into bad habits. 

This book has all the childish whimsy of a Roald Dahl classic minus all the children endangerment. I have to say that I'm always a sucker for a magical tale with a lot of heart and a lot of hope, especially when books and stories are at the center of it. 

It's a very sappy, saccharine sort of book, though our characters has been through some very rough experiences. It's pure wish fulfillment, but I think we need stories like that every now and again, where everyone is happier and everything has turned out for the best. Though you know the happy ending is guaranteed whether the characters win or lose, you also know it's about the journey where they can face their fears and grow beyond them.

It's a quickly paced book, but doesn't throw too much at you at once. There is a Slugworth-esque character that appears for a chapter and then you never hear from him again. It sort of muddles the sense of conflict, which if anything is more emotional in tone here, but it resettles back into its groove quickly.

Definitely pick this one up if you're looking for something warm and uplifting.