Okay, July is absolutely flying by. Maybe it’s because I’ve been so busy? But that hasn’t stopped me from getting reading done! Especially on the weekends, when I have a bit more free time. For the Week of 7/10, I read a total of 11 books! A good chunk of them are graphic novels or manga, which I had to finish before I had to return them. That will be the theme for the next few weeks, I think! I’ve gotta read through my pile of library books. My goal for the near future! In case you missed it, I also posted a current top ten for the year last week!
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 7/10
Haikyu!! Volume 12 by Haruichi Furudate (7/10)
We pick back up with the competition in this volume, and it’s great to see the team working together so well! It’s also cool to see that the other teams aren’t really expecting what they can do. I think that’s one of the things I really like about this series. There are so many great friendships in here, and it just makes everything stronger! (4 stars).
Cattywampus by Ash Van Otterloo (7/11)
Magic is off-limits in the town of Howler’s Hollow. However, that doesn’t stop Delpha when she finds her family’s hex book. Nor does it stop Katybird, who is trying to figure out how to control her magic. When they accidentally release a curse on their town, it’s up to them to stop it. This was an adorable middle grade novel about friendship, magic, and overcoming challenges. Plus, it features an intersex character, which is pretty rare in middle grade, I think! (4 stars).
Blue Flag Volumes 4 & 5 by Kaito (7/11)
Once again, volume 4 was emotionally heavy. Learning more about Toma and his family relationships. But Taichi and Futaba are getting together, so that makes up for it! I still really like the art in these. It’s just really well done, especially the covers. Plus, the characters are compelling and I need to know what happens next (Vol. 4, 5 stars, Vol. 5, 4.5 stars).
One Great Lie by Deb Caletti (7/12)
Charlotte wins a once in a lifetime trip to Italy to study writing with famed writer Luca Bruni. For her, it’s the first step towards a future career. While there, she realizes that Luca Bruni isn’t all that he seems to be. As she uncovers secrets about past Italian women writers, she also uncovers secrets about the present. This is one that I listened to on audiobook, and it’s such a dark story. All about power relationships and how powerful men get away with things becasue of that power (4 stars).
Girl Haven by Lilah Sturges (7/12)
When Ash and his friends are transported to a magical world his mom created, Ash learns that he might actually be a transgender girl. And the key to freeing the world. This is a fun little graphic novel, really exploring gender norms and expectations. However, I just wanted the world and the characters to be fleshed out a little more (3 stars).
Notes from a Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwuachi (7/12)
This is a memoir from Chef Onwuachi about his journey in making it as a chef. Each chapter is accented by different recipes, showing how they helped to shape his life. Onwuachi’s writing is compelling and even if I don’t read a lot of memoirs, I was engaged by this story. Plus, there are some great recipes in here! (4 stars).
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy by Emmanuel Acho (7/13)
The young reader edition of Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, Acho does a great job of writing this in a way that’s really accessible. I think middle grade readers who pick this book up will find the situations relatable and see how they can make a difference regarding racism. Honestly, this should be used in classrooms (5 stars).
Cosmoknights by Hannah Templer (7/14)
Pan’s life was pretty uneventful until she helped her friend, and princess, Tara escape their planet. Years later, Pan is still seen as an outside. Until two strangers show up and give her a chance to escape. Let me start by saying the art in this is gorgeous and I absolutely want to own my own copy. Also I need volume 2 already! Because what a cliffhanger (4.5 stars).
The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons (7/15)
Trans teen Spencer is ready to start over at a new school where no one knows he’s trans. When he gets a chance to try out for the soccer team, he’s nervous but excited. Especially since the boy he likes is also on the team. But when a law prevents him from playing, he has to decide if he wants to come out and fight. I basically read this in a day, and it was such a great read. It focuses a lot on queer joy and the characters were just so well done (4.5 stars).
Flamefall by Rosaria Munda (7/16)
The sequel to Fireborne, this picks up where the first book left off. However, in this book, we get another point of view added in addition to Annie and Lee: Griff. We get more sides to the story, and we see how those in charge after the revolution are making the same mistakes as the previous rulers. This is such a complex world, and with that cliffhanger, I can’t wait to read the next one! (4 stars).