Once again, we’re at Saturday! Which means that it’s time for another weekly wrap of reviews! For the week of 2/6, I read 11 books! So many! A couple of them were definitely graphic novels, plus I had two book reviews to finish. And I did! Yay! Of course, then I added a bunch more books to my NetGalley shelf. There are just too many books coming out this year that I want to read.
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 2/6
Stepping Stones by Lucy Knisley (2/6)
Jen didn’t want to move from the city to a farm, but she didn’t have much say in the matter. Her mom’s new boyfriend has a farm. She wasn’t really read to get new sisters, either. Even though they seem different at the beginning, they slowly learn how to work together. This is a cute, fun middle grade graphic novel. The art was great, and fits the recent trend of graphic novels for middle grade readers. I honestly hope this trend continues! (4 stars)
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (2/6)
8 years have passed since the events in Graceling and Bitterblue finds herself trying to rule a broken country. However, it seems that no one will actually tell her the truth of what’s going on. So, Bitterblue decides to take matters into her own hands. This is a very slow moving book, but picks up about halfway through. I still love the characters and this world that Cashore has built. Can’t wait to read her new book! (4 stars)
Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists by Mikki Kendall (2/7)
This is a graphic novel history of strong women all across the world. Kendall doesn’t leave any corner unturned as she shows the history of women’s rights all across the world. This is a great way to learn about women’s history in areas that school often doesn’t cover. It’s full of great information that I didn’t know, and it should be a part of every library or collection (4.5 stars).
Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson (2/7)
ZJ’s dad has always been everyone’s hero, including his. As a famous football player, he’s a beloved part of the neighborhood. But lately, his dad has taken a turn for the worse, forgetting things and quick to anger. Told in verse, Woodson nails all of the emotions on the head in this book. As always. Don’t jump in unless you’re ready for an emotional roller coaster! (5 stars)
The Sacrifice of Darkness by Roxane Gay (2/8)
After an event puts the entire world in darkness, people try to figure out how to cope in their new situation. Flipping between before and after, we get the stories of two different couples. The art in this is fantastic, portraying this new world and drawing you in immediately. While at times, I wish the world was fleshed out a little more, this is a great, quick sci-fi read (3.5 stars).
Muted by Tami Charles (2/8)
I already wrote a review for this, so just a few thoughts here! This is a novel in verse that deals with a very difficult topic. Similar to Grown, actually. But overall, a powerful read and definitely an important one. It should be on your radar for sure! (4 stars)
All Together Now by Hope Larson (2/9)
Bina is having a great time playing in her band with her friends, Darcy and Enzo. So far, they seem to jive together really well. However, when Darcy and Enzo start being an item, Bina realizes that three might be a crowd. Even though I didn’t realize this was a sequel, I still really enjoyed it! It was fun and felt like middle school. Now I’ll have to go back and read the first one! (3 stars).
Lobizona by Romina Garber (2/9)
Manuela’s existence has been too small for her. She can’t wait for her mom to get their Visas so she doesn’t have to hide anymore. But when her mom is taken by ICE, Manu finds herself on her own. And weird things start happening to her. When she stumbles upon a magic school, she learns that part of her existence has been kept from her. Werewolves, magic, and important discussions fill this book. The themes and the discussions are the strongest aspect of this book! And with that ending, I can’t wait for the sequel (3.5 stars).
Go With the Flow by Lily Williams (2/10)
Abby, Brit, Christine, and Sasha are sophomores ready to make change at their high school. There are never enough pads or tampons in the girls bathrooms. So, they decide to make a change. This graphic novel is perfect for high schoolers who are also ready to make a difference in their own schools. Plus, it’s relatable and discussions periods, which is taboo, in general (4 stars).
A Shot at Normal by Marisa Reichardt (2/11)
This is another book I reviewed this week! It really gets to the heart at the anti-vaxxer movement, from the perspective of a teen that wants her vaccinations. But her parents don’t. While normally I like character-driven books, I wish that more had been about the plot here. Instead, it was more about Juniper discovering her independence. Which is fine! Just not what I was expecting (3.5 stars).
The Castle School: For Troubled Girls by Alyssa B. Sheinmel (2/12)
Stay tuned for a review for this next week! Moira Dreyfuss’s parents announce that they’re sending her to an all girls boarding school, she knows it’s because of the way she’s been acting since her best friend Nathan’s death. When she gets there, she discovers there’s an all-boys school across the way. There’s a bit of mystery here, but the strength stands in the discussions about grief and mental health throughout the book. More thoughts next week! (4 stars).