zoeelizabethk's Reviews (642)

Maggie and Daija have plans to earn money over the summer by braiding hair at summer camp. But then Maggie's half-sister, Callie arrives and the three girls struggle to figure out how to go into business together and how to handle sudden new business rivals across the street. The Braid Girls is a great middle grade novel about the value of communication and honesty and the need to understand that everyone has their own priorities and struggles, but that friends and family always make it easier.

I enjoyed The Braid Girls, and would definitely recommend it for middle grade readers who want a book about friendship, step-families, or trying to earn some summer savings. It was a lot of fun too. It had enough to interest me as an adult, though it is a very short and contained story.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Erin Ruth Walker; Tyla Collier; Jade Wheeler. I"m not sure if it was a writing issue or a narration issue, but several times during conversations between the girls, I found myself struggling to keep track of who was talking. Other than that, the audio was great.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for an audioARC in exchange for an honest review.

Riley Finds His Beat is a poetical story about patience and perseverance when learning a new skill. A great book for kids learning any skill, not just music! The story was charming and heartfelt, and I loved how the story showed Riley being frustrated and working it out several times rather than just once for narrative effect.

Thanks to the Ella Riley Group and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

 

This tender picture book follows a girl who is told she is too intense, too sensitive, too much. She's told to grow a thicker skin, but the words of others slip right through. They somersault around inside and press against her heart.

What can she do to stop the hurt?

She needs to take time alone to think and read, rest and create.

Thoughtful text, detailed collage illustrations, and an unexpected word puzzle combine in Sara Levine and Mehrdokht Amini's moving portrayal of a girl who discovers that what others call a weakness can also be a gift. 

Rhythm was beautifully illustrated and a nice story about how difficult seasons come and go and that there are always ways to give back even when we don't have much. I loved the representation in this book as well. The illustrations were the biggest hit for my two-year old. The story was a bit above his level, but would be great for older toddlers/young grade school kids.

Thanks to the APA, Magination Press, and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Step by Step is a great book about acknowledging and facing fears and about taking a breath and being brave to just just the next step needed to go forward. As a parent of a two-year old who is often anxious about new things and experiences, this was a great book for him. He understood that Sam was scared and that his mom was helping him feel calmer. This is definitely a book I'll be getting and we'll be reading on repeat and my son grows to help him build skills to deal with new experiences.

Thanks to the APA, Magination Press, and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fun in the Mud is a beautifully written and illustrated book about wetlands for children age 3 and up. Part fantasy/myth, part nature guide, part reflection on the value of slowing down to appreciate nature, this is a book that kids and grownups alike will love. The author was involved in the planned restoration of the Giacomini Wetlands, and her love for the area shines in this book. I did read this to my two-year old, but because of the more gentle, minimalist art style and good number of words, he wasn't as into it. But it's definitely a book I would buy and keep for when he's a little older!

Thanks to Roundtree Books and to Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Once, a Bird is a very sweet no-words picture book for ages 3-5. Because this has no words, this is better either as solo reading for a child or an opportunity for solo/collaborate storytelling with the parent or child. I struggled a little bit reading it to my 2-year old as I'm not the most imaginative storyteller, but the art is great, and I would enjoy reading/telling it together when he's a little older and would recommend for the intended age range.

Thanks to Orca Book Publishers and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Will of the Many is one of the best books I’ve read in quite awhile! By the last quarter I had that magical feeling you get when you’re reading something that you think might just be your book of the year. If I hadn’t finished Realm of the Elderlings this, I think The Will of the Many might have done it! It’ll be in the very top group for sure!

I’m going to pitch this as Red Rising (but make it more political) meets the magic of Warbreaker in a dark academia setting. It’s lightly dystopian with a fascinating sci-fantasy, Roman-esque society. 

That may sound like a lot to pull off. But Islington pulls it all off seamlessly and the tone and vibes are consistent and pretty flawless despite the impressively large number of different locations and plotlines covered in this book. I also enjoyed our characters and how Islington slowly revealed backstories and motivations and schemes. Vis is a character who is flawed and a bit stupid at times but is incredibly motivated and clever and he’s a great MC I can get behind. 

My only negative is that it does have a slower start and it took me awhile to feel settled and really get into the story. This is going to feel like Red Rising a bit at the beginning. But it really blossoms into its own thing quickly so don’t get bogged down in that first part if it feels familiar. I still enjoyed the first third but the second two thirds had me on the edge of my seat and fully immersed. 

And that ending shook me. If you’ve read Licanius you’ll have an inkling of what Islington is capable of to subvert expectations. And this one’s at least as good as Licanius! I’m devastated I have to wait for the second book. 

Thanks to Saga Press, Gallery Books, and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! I also listened to the audiobook narrated by Euan Morton and he did a fabulous job!

Doctorshipped was so cute and fun! Perfect if you like grump x sunshine (and the banter that goes with this), gossipy small town, single dad tropes. It was a tad insta-love/infatuation at the beginning, but Grant and Jamie are super loveable and the book takes its time developing the relationship. It's also completely clean, not even an closed door romance which really allowed the characters to shine in my opinion. If you like Hallmark movies and Sweet Maglonias, check out Doctorshipped.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for an audioARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh I just love Anne and Gilbert. I seriously got teary in this one.