Happy Sunday, friends! We are once again at the end of another week, so you know what that means. I meant to post this yesterday, but the day honestly got away from me. Anyway, time for another Bite Size Review post! For the week of 9/25, I read a total of 9 books! Mostly because that’s bascially all I did last weekend was read. You know how it goes. But, I made it through a good chunk of the library books I currently have checked out, so bonus!
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 9/25
The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (9/26)
This sequel picks up right where The Inheritance Games left off. Avery has to figure out why exactly she’s been left the Hawthorne Inheritance. She thinks she knows why, but someone is determined that she won’t figure it out. What I like about these books is that they’re fast-paced and really easy to read in one sitting, which is exactly what I did with this book. However, it is a bit predictable, even if the book is a fun read (3 stars).
Lilla the Accidental Witch by Eleanor Crewes (9/27)
Lilla is 13 and doesn’t really feel like she fits in. She’s shy and doesn’t feel comfortable in the company of boys like her friends do. When staying with her aunt for the summer, Lilla discovers a book of magic that will change her life forever. This was a really cute middle grade graphic novel, perfect for readers who might be questioning their own identities. I wanted a little more from the art, but the story was great! (3.5 stars).
Fights: One Boy’s Triumph Over Violence by Joel Christian Gill (9/27)
Another graphic novel! This one is a memoir, about Gill’s childhood and the abuse he faced growing up. For the most part, this book is about a boy who often has to turn to violence to solve his problems, but violence isn’t something he wants to engage in. I think this book will feel really relevant to a lt of teens, and it deals with tough topics really well. Plus, I loved the art (4 stars).
Gilded by Marissa Meyer (9/28)
Based on the classic story Rumpelstiltskin, Meyer has created another re-telling fans will love. After Serilda’s tales draw the attention of the Erlking, she’s whisked away to his castle to spin gold. Even though she doesn’t have the skills to do so, she meets someone who does. I’ll be writing a full review for this soon, so stay tuned! I didn’t like it as well as Meyer’s other books, but I still think her fans will like it (3 stars).
Me (Moth) by Amber McBride 9/28)
This novel in verse follows the story of Moth, who lost her entire family in a car accident. She feels lost until she meets a boy named Sani, who also feels a bit lost. Together, they figure out how to live again. This is a powerful book in verse, with a plot twist you probably won’t see coming. There were some absolutely beautiful lines in this, which really pull you into the story (4 stars).
That Weekend by Kara Thomas (9/28)
A weekend getaway in a mountain turns deadly, with Claire as the only apparent survivor. Except things aren’t adding up. Claire can’t remember what happened on the mountain, but unlocking her memory is the key to finding out what happened to her best friends. Okay, with this book, I’m crowning Kara Thomas the queen of thriller books. There were twists in here that I didn’t even see coming! Once you start, it’s difficult to stop (4 stars).
Both Sides Now by Peyton Thomas (9/30)
There’s one event standing between Finch Kelly and the rest of his senior year: the National Debate tournament. However, when he learns the topic, he’s not sure he wants to go through with it: transgender rights. As a trans teen, Finch doesn’t want to argue something so personal. But it’s what’s standing between him and his dream to go to Georgetown. While I thought this had a great premise, there were a lot of problematic things related to race in this book. Check out Goodreads because there are a lot of other people who discuss it better than I can! (2 stars).
When Dogs Heal by Jesse Freidin (9/30)
This book is a series of real life stories about people with HIV where dogs have helped save their lives. Most of the stories are pretty short, but I love the premise of this book. Plus, it helps to de-mystify the stigma around HIV, which was one of the author’s goals. There are also some great pictures throughout the book (4 stars).
Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall (9/30)
I already wrote a review for this one last week, so just a few thoughts here! I loved the art and the color palate, and it had a bit of an 80s vibe to it. But maybe that was just me. The werewolve premise was fun, and overall, it was a really entertaining read! (4 stars).