The Dark Side of Light was entertaining and brought up a good point about where trans people fit in the prison system.  Food for thought.  That said, I thought this book made prison seem like a harsh college dorm setting and also a place where you fall in love.  Def no love in jail.  The guidance of the grandmother was beautiful though.  Other than that, good plot and execution.  Book could use a good edit too.  Definitely worth checking out though.

 Grease Bats was meh for me.  I enjoyed the comedy, simplicity of graphics, and that it covered so many different topics, but it also annoyed me book covered so many different topics without going in depth.  Every story was get in, get out with quick resolutions.  And I also didn’t like the dumb shirts Andy kept wearing.  That said, I kept looking for them.  And while they is a fun character, I barely saw growth.  They are too damn old for those shenanigans.  Overall, this book was not my cup of tea. 

Wander in the Dark was so good.  Oh, that school pissed me off.  Race will always be a factor sadly. The plot was suspenseful, realistic and entertaining.  The characters were well done also.  Jumata Emil has very good knowledge of American society today (past too) and the criminal justice system.  This book was real world issues.  I didn't mind the essayist parts to describe them.  Fantastic follow-up to The Black Queen, which I enjoyed as well.  What you got next, because I probably read it. 

The Tusks of Extinction is futuristic sci fi, but killing of animals for monetary gain is horrific and all too real.  Parts of this book sickened me. I wish people could have a mental connection with animals like in the book so they can know the true tragedy.  I liked the animals got a bit of revenge (I know it’s a bit sadistic, but oh well). The animals have more humanity than the humans. The queer rep was also a nice more worldly view touch. Book is a bit confusing until about 30%, then it all started coming together in my head.  It is worth sticking with.  Good story with history and science behind it. 

Craig is not worth keeping in my opinion, but hey maybe he can change.  Hence the Eden Test.  It's one way to keep a marriage together if you want to lie and deceive.  The Eden Test is a wild ride with a good plot, lots of suspense, horrible characters, and some unreality. I loved the notes and the drama, but some parts I was left shaking my head...nope, too simple.  Story was a slow burn, but good pace...until the end.  I felt the end dragged to reveal the back story of how many of the characters came to be.  I kept expecting something more, and didn't get it.  But for the story itself I enjoyed it. 

As someone that believes there is beauty in everything, I found Something Beautiful amazing.  The illustrations were realistic and vibrant.  And the message of finding beauty in anything, even yourself is wonderful.  I will say that believing in beauty starts at home, and I am glad that was expressed. 

The Night is Yours is beautiful.  Illustrations are so realistic.  I love the diversity celebration and responsible family units.  Great representation.  Beautiful message celebrating the night, just like your skin.    

I Love My Hair is amazingly illustrated.  I wish I had a book like this when I was younger.  It shows that bond between mom and daughter during hair time, pain and all.  I love how it celebrates the beauty and versatility of black hair.  I wanted more pages.  So sad to see book end. 

Bob, Not Bob is so cute and fun.  And I can relate about the nasalness.  This books shows a boy's best friend will always be mom.  Fun dog also.

Firebird is a beautiful book with a great story about being able to achieve your dream in the arts. I am glad little black/brown girls have a role model to champion behind. Although I will say the stage performance image of Misty in the back of the book looks like a white woman.  I’d rather a legit photo of this beautiful brown woman was used.