Hello, friends! We are once again at the end of another week. And almost at the end of February! Man, this month flew by. As February usually does, being the shortest month and all. This week was a weird week for me, with an extra day off. But it was kind of nice! I don’t know the last time I had that many days in a row off. It was a nice chance. Anyway, for the week of 2/13, I finished 6 books!
It feels like I didn’t do as much reading this week, but I did read a bunch of graphic novels last weekend. So I guess that made up for it! One of the books I’m currently reading is nonfiction, so that usually takes me longer than usual. It’s really interesting, though! I can’t wait to dive back in. Now for my reviews for the Week of 2/13!
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 2/13
The Witches of Brooklyn by Sophie Escabasse (2/14)
After losing her mom, Effie has to move in with two aunts she barely knows. What she doesn’t know tis that these two aunts are witches. And she just might have the magical spark, too. This was an almost perfect middle grade graphic novel. I loved the art and the characters and the plot. It all worked together just right to create a beautiful story. I can’t wait to read more in this world (4.5 stars).
Sheets by Breanna Thummler (2/14)
Marjorie is just trying to get by, running her family’s business after her mom passed away. However, it seems like the laundromat she runs might be haunted by a literal ghost: Wendell. He’s desperate to make a connection. The two might just be what the other needs. This book has been on my TBR for ages, and I’m glad I finally picked it up! Thummler’s imagination with ghosts is really unique and probably my favorite part of the book. And the art was stunning! (4 stars)
The Phantom Twin by Lisa Brown (2/14)
Isabel and Jane are conjoined twins working at a carnival. While Isabel is fine with their life, Jane wants more. But when the surgery to separate them leaves Isabel alone, she isn’t sure how to move forward on her own. About finding your independence with a carnival setting, I just wish some of themes could have been expanded on a little more. But it was a good story on its own, with some great characters (3.5 stars).
Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland (2/14)
It’s been three years since Sia’s mom was taken away by ICE and then disappeared in the desert making her way back. Sia’s been trying to accept her mom’s death, but that all changes the night a spacecraft crashes in front of her car. I loved the first half of this book; I was sucked in by Sia’s story and the characters and the setting. The second half gets a little out there, which I was expected, but it doesn’t quite work as well with the first half of the book (3.5 stars).
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley (2/15)
Daunis Fontaine has never really quite fit in as a biracial teen. She’s not an official member of the Ojibwe tribe, but she also doesn’t fit it in her hometown. Lately, the only bright spot has been meeting Jamie. When tragedy strikes and Daunis witnesses a murder, she goes undercover to find out what’s really going on. This is a debut author (and the novel is set in Michigan!), and I was hooked from the beginning. From the culture to the characters to the high stakes, Boulley will leave you on the edge of your seat. But she doesn’t forget about the quiet moments, either. I absolutely loved this and can’t wait for other people to read it! (4.5 stars).
Here the Whole Time by Vitor Martins (2/16)
Finally ready to relax over winter break, Felipe is taken by surprise when he finds out that his attractive neighbor, Caio, will be spending all 15 days with him. At first, Felipe is too anxious to have a conversation with him, but the two quickly form a close bond. Definitely more character driven than plot driven, I loved witnessing the relationship between Felipe and Caoi. It felt so natural and real. And there was great positive representation of therapy and mental health. I loved it all around! (4 stars).