A bit of a late post, but better late than never! Also good news on my end, I got offered a new job this week! I will now be working full time at a library in my hometown, which I’m super happy about. No more commute for me, just in time for winter. Anyway, I did a decent amount of reading this week! For the Week of 10/23, I read a total of 9 books. A lot of audiobook listening happened this week, so I think I can attribute it to that.
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 10/23
Sugar Town Queens by Malla Nunn (10/23)
For as long as she can remember, Amandla has gone along with her mom’s strange behavior, like wearing a sheet dress that will help guide her father home. When Amandla finds a note with a strange address at the bottom of her mom’s bag, she doesn’t realize it’s about to set off a series of events that will show Amandla a family history she never knew she had. I listened to the audiobook for this one, and it was such a fascinating story. It is definitely a more character driven story, and the way Amandla’s family history unfolded worked so well for the story. Plus, I got to learn more about South Africa, as there aren’t many YA books set there. Definitely an entertaining, engaging read (4 stars).
Tidesong by Wendy Xu (10/24)
Sophie is a witch, but a witch whose magic doesn’t always work right. In order for her to get the best education, her mother and grandmother send her to her Great Aunt’s house to prepare for her audition to get into magic school. However, her magic accidentally gets tangled with a water dragon, and the two have to figure out how to stand on their own. I already wrote a full review for this book, so just a few thoughts here! Not only did I love the art style, but the story was engaging and relatable. Sophie just wants to fit in with her family, and the book is really about her getting the confidence to be herself. I absolutely loved it! (4.5 stars).
Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko (10/25)
Tarisai is the first Empress Redemptor to sit on the throne. In order to fully take her place, she now has to find her own council, followed by a trip to the Underworld to complete the process. Determined to survive, she sets off to do what she has to. However, everything is made more difficult when she starts getting haunted by child spirits of the past. Beautifully written, fans of Raybearer will definitely be satisfied with this ending. Ifueko takes the world she built in the first book and expands on it in creative ways, adding more mythology and tackling real world issues in this fantasy world (4.5 stars).
Graceling (Graphic Novel) by Kristin Cashore (10/26)
In Katsa’s world, people with Graces are people born with extreme skills in one area. Katsa’s just so happens to be killing people. However, after secret mission intersects her path with Prince Po, she starts to realize maybe there’s more to her existence than that. This is an adaptation of one of my favorite YA fantasies, which I’ve already written a review for. But I really enjoyed how this was adapted, and would be interested in seeing others in the series as well (4 stars).
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber (10/27)
Evangeline Fox has always believed in happy endings. But when she doesn’t get her own, everything is turned on its head. So, she strikes a deal with the Prince of Hearts. In order to get his help, Evangeline has to give three kisses, at the time and place of his choosing. However, there is a lot more at stake than Evangeline could have ever imagined. Even though I haven’t read Caraval, I was pretty much able to jump right into this one. Though maybe I would have liked it more if I would have had that background. This is a very fairytale-esque story, with great world building that really pulls you in. I just wanted a bit more character development (4 stars).
Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask: Young Readers Edition by Anton Treuer (10/27)
This is a young reader adaptation of the popular adult version of this book. Basically, Treuer takes the reader through questions he’s commonly asked as a Native American, expanding on history and different cultural facts. I thought the overall format of the book was really engaging, and I learned a lot in each of the sections. The text itself is accessible to younger readers and would be a great supplement for any library or classroom (5 stars).
Borders by Thomas King (10/27)
A young boy and his mom are on their way to visit his older sister in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, when they get to the Canadian/American border, they’re stopped when his mom simply states their citizenship as “Blackfoot.” Now, they’re trapped in limbo until someone acknowledges their true identities. This is a graphic novel, and even though it’s short, I think it still packs a punch. The citizenship question is one that we don’t often think about, and this one makes it accessible to middle grade readers. Plus, the art is gorgeous throughout (4 stars).
Horrid by Katrina Leno (10/29)
After the death of her father, Jane and her mother move across the country, from California to Maine. They are ready for a new start, but the old house they move into has different plans. However, their transition isn’t as smooth as they would like, especially when Jane discovers an untouched bedroom in the house. Definitely has a lot of spooky vibes, which is perfect for this time of year. I do wish the characters were developed a bit more, which I think would have added more to the story. The format was really fascinating, though! (3 stars).
The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass (10/29)
Jake has had a hard time fitting in at his prep school as the only Black kid. Basically the polar opposite of his older brother. Oh, and he also sees the dead. Who are mostly harmless. But when Jake encounters Sawyer, the spirit of a teen who killed six teens at a local high school, everything changes. He has plans for Jake, and they aren’t good ones. I had a difficult time with the world building in this one, as it seems like Jake was the only one with powers, but everyone seemed to know he had these powers? It was a bit difficult to follow. There were some good characters and great spooky moments, I just didn’t feel like I could completely get lost in the book (3 stars).