It's been a while since I've read an Alex Gino book and Rick did not disappoint!
Although it's not a direct sequel to Melissa, Rick allows readers to It's been a while since I've read an Alex Gino book and Rick did not disappoint!
Although it's not a direct sequel to Melissa, Rick allows readers to seeing some of their old favorites including Melissa! This book specifically follows a main character by the name of Rick who is exploring his own feelings about attraction and romance. Unfortunately, he has a close friend that is misogynistic and homophobic and prevents Rick from being able to discover who he really is. Through the help of his school's QUILTBAG+ group and his amazing grandfather, Rick is able to put words to the way that he's feeling.
I loved that this was story about questioning your identity without coming to a clear resolution. We're constantly evolving as individuals, and I think it's important for kids to understand and recognize that it's a normal part of growing up. Although Rick experiences some horrible behavior at the hands of Jeff, it was great to see that he had a support network in not only the QUILTBAG+ group, but also his grandfather. The two of them shared great conversations about respecting boundaries, identities, and standing up for what's right even when it's your friend doing the wrong thing.
Overall, this was a quick, easily digestible novel that brought constant smiles to my face. Definitely check it out....more
Absolutely adored this! I’ve seen this so many times but I didn’t have the time to pick it up. I’m glad that finally did. It’s such a sweet coming of Absolutely adored this! I’ve seen this so many times but I didn’t have the time to pick it up. I’m glad that finally did. It’s such a sweet coming of age and coming out story that’s perfect for a middle grade audience. There are some difficult moments in terms of content warnings where Riley is bullied and experiences homophobia from other students but she has such a great support system and is able to really connect with another student. I loved the emphasis on being true to self and only making space for those who allow you to do the same. Riley is an imperfect character and has a lot to learn, but overall she’s sweet, kind, and quirky character that even I could relate to. Overall, a good debut!...more
What a devastatingly beautiful and heartwarming book. I originally checked this book out because I was looking for something shorter to read fOh my...
What a devastatingly beautiful and heartwarming book. I originally checked this book out because I was looking for something shorter to read for a readathon, but I wasn't anticipating the beauty of this story.
The Deepest Breath told in free verse, follows main character Stevie who is an avid reader and knows a lot about a variety of things. With her mom, she's learning how to manage her anxiety, but she's having trouble figuring out the fuzzy feelings she's been getting when she is around her friend Chloe.
This book. This book. This book. This is one of the most heartwarming coming of age books that I've read in a while. It's a love letter to librarians. It's a love letter to identity. It's a love letter to coming out. I can't imagine how many younger readers have read this book and have connected to it and felt seen. Stevie is such an amazing character with a warmth about her that made her one of my favorite characters that I've read so far this year. I was happy to see that through all the various things she experience in this book there was strong support network standing by to assist her through her emotions.
An excellent read that I recommend everyone read at least once....more
I haven't been a HUGE fan of all the graphic novels that DC has been putting out that are seemingly geared 3.5 Stars. CW: misgendering and transphobia
I haven't been a HUGE fan of all the graphic novels that DC has been putting out that are seemingly geared towards a teen audience; however, this one worked. It's an origin story for the character Dreamer who made her debut on the Supergirl TV show and became the first trans superhero on TV. I am familiar with Supergirl, but never found myself compelled to watch the TV show. To be honest, I would have probably rated this a little higher if I was more familiar with that narrative before diving in. Nevertheless, the showcasing of queer culture, found family, complex family dynamics, and the discovery of one's own internal power were great. This graphic novel is sad in a lot of ways and ends on a pretty somber note; however, it is that exact element that makes it feel real. Nia dealt with a lot of issues associated with her family especially her mother and sister. And those things don't necessarily get resolved, but Nicole Maines does leave the reader with hope which I think is most important. This could have used a little more world building especially if the intent was to draw in readers who were not familiar with the TV show. I found it to be interesting and wanted to know if there were any connections to Superman; however, readers are left a little in the dark about the history of this specific group of aliens and the world from which they came. Overall, a solid read and I'm interested in knowing more about this character....more
You know what? I’m kind of kicking myself for not reading this sooner because it’s actually a good series. It’s not exactly a five star read, but I’m You know what? I’m kind of kicking myself for not reading this sooner because it’s actually a good series. It’s not exactly a five star read, but I’m really enjoying the character development and how well the sport of fencing is explained since I have no familiarity with it. That last scene was WILD and I’m really looking forward to the next volume. ...more
Well....who thought I would be this interested in fencing?!? Haha. This series is much butter than I anticipated even though I know a lot of people enWell....who thought I would be this interested in fencing?!? Haha. This series is much butter than I anticipated even though I know a lot of people enjoy it. It's about teamwork, confidence, friendship, self-evaluation and more. This specific volume continues the round robin competition for the open spots on the team. Some of the matches are surprising, while others are not. I love the artwork and the storytelling included in each one of these issues that caters to the larger narrative. I don't know if I'll make it to the next volumes this month, but I'm really excited to continue the series as a whole....more
Somebody please explain what I just read. This book had so much potential, but I'm so confused on how this was even approved What the hell is this?!?
Somebody please explain what I just read. This book had so much potential, but I'm so confused on how this was even approved for release. I thought that the medical aspect of it was interesting, but none of that was explained. We don't know any more information about Dorian. Their romance had potential, but felt stilted and unrealistic. I'm beyond disappointed with the number of plot holes and lack of character development. I do not recommend this one even if the artwork was beautiful. Too much potential went to waste with the creation of this story....more
So sad that this is on hiatus! I absolutely love and adore all the characters. It was great to see Kasuga and Nomoto make the next step to developing So sad that this is on hiatus! I absolutely love and adore all the characters. It was great to see Kasuga and Nomoto make the next step to developing their relationship. I won’t spoil it, but this is such a beautiful, heartfelt and carefully crafted series. ...more
Another cute installment in the series! While I thought that this was going to focus on Batcat's friendship with their friend turned roommate, it primAnother cute installment in the series! While I thought that this was going to focus on Batcat's friendship with their friend turned roommate, it primarily focuses on what it means to face your fears (or maybe not). Batcat has an extreme fear of water and is forced to help the skeleton mermaids figure out who has been stealing the color out of their tails. The story introduces some new, fun characters. It was fast read and definitely is a great selection with pride as Batcat is nonbinary and Ramm spends the backmatter discussing what it means to be nonbinary. I'm hoping that we eventually get more in this series....more
I would be lying if I didn't say that this was a bit of disappointment. I think I was looking for something a little different and this isn't what I gI would be lying if I didn't say that this was a bit of disappointment. I think I was looking for something a little different and this isn't what I got with this particular title. CW: sexual assault.
How to Excavate a Heart follows the relationship between two Jewish queer girls: Shani and May. The first time they meet it's because Shani's mom almost hits May with her car. Shani is in town to a complete a month-long paleoichthyology internship. The two meet again while Shani completes a dog walking job, slowly become friends, and they find themselves growing romantic feelings for each other.
What Worked: The development of the side characters was exceptional! I really enjoyed Beatrice more than the main characters. She was fresh, exciting, and fun! While I was annoyed by the way in which Shani would become completed immersed in a relationship in unhealthy ways, I did think that it was a realistic portrayal of the experiences of those still in their teens. Although Shani is college age during the course of this novel, these feelings are realistic and are something that a lot people struggle with.
What Didn't Work:Shani was not a likeable character. AT ALL. Her lack of communication with her mom and with May really bothered me especially the moment where May was extremely transparent about her struggles with her dad and her sexuality. Their romance also happened rather quickly and in a way that just didn't always add up. They didn't have the opportunity to get to know each other well enough to make that romance work in any way shape or form. And finally, that last drop in the story, the reason why Shani is hesitant about sexual content caught me so off guard and felt so ill placed in the context of the entire story.
Overall, this wasn't a bad read, but it wasn't what I expected and I wanted so much more....more
A cute mix of vampires and roller derby. This could have used a little more development in the end but overall it was a fun story with good illustratiA cute mix of vampires and roller derby. This could have used a little more development in the end but overall it was a fun story with good illustrations....more
Another book completed in the YA remixed classics! I've been meaning to get to this one as it is a retelling of my favorite Shakespearean play Romeo aAnother book completed in the YA remixed classics! I've been meaning to get to this one as it is a retelling of my favorite Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet. Although it didn't always deliver, it was solid and more cheerful reimagining.
Teach the Torches to Burn is a reimagining of Romeo and Juliet with the romance focusing on Romeo and Valentine instead of the original story. While the Capulets and Montagues are still feuding in this story, it takes a closer look at identity, self-discovery, and feminism.
What Worked: I LOVED both Romeo and Juliet in this. The background regarding those characters in the original is quite dicey (even though I love the play), but in this we see a Romeo that is struggling to understand his attraction to other men, and a Juliet that is determined to fight her way out of an arranged marriage. Not only did these two characters bode well on their own, but they were a force to be reckoned with when they were on page together. This more vocal, confident Juliet is something that will resonate with teen readers of this generation as opposed to the Juliet that we encounter in the original play. Roehrig did a wonderful job taking the framework of the play and creating something that was modern, relatable, and enjoyable for a newer generation. This is the story that I wish I would have been exposed to as an 8th grader. The budding romance between Romeo and Valentine was also enjoyable even if it happened quick (this stayed true to the original work).
What Didn't Work: While I enjoyed the writing as a whole, I would say that there were certain moments when it became quite dense and wasn't as enjoyable.
Overall, this was a solid retelling! I've been enjoying all of the titles that I've picked up in this series and I'm happy that I was able to add another to my growing list of recommendations for those who want more modern twists on classics....more
What's so funny about this is that I don't read or know much about poetry, but Danez Smith might be slowly changing my mind about it!
Homie is more thaWhat's so funny about this is that I don't read or know much about poetry, but Danez Smith might be slowly changing my mind about it!
Homie is more than just a poetry collection. It is analysis, a critique, a love letter to everything that is Black, everything that is queer, friendship, family, and everything in between. I'm not one that knows how to best analyze and understand poetry, but something about this collection was so easing going, something about this had me nodding my head in agreement, reminiscing on my own experiences, feeling my heart break as Danez described theirs. Every single word in this collection is crafted with care that it's difficult not feel it's authenticity. It's pure beauty, heart, and soul. I CANNOT wait to read more from Smith....more
A wonderful graphic novel compilation of artists who have come together to speak about their experiences struggling with their gender identity, but alA wonderful graphic novel compilation of artists who have come together to speak about their experiences struggling with their gender identity, but also about their experiences finding comfort, love, and peace in the acceptance of their identity. There is great variation in the artwork and storytelling style which is a direct reflection of the differences in experience. As with any group, it is easy (yet unfortunate) to lump the experiences of all trans and nonbinary individuals into one group. The Out Side does a wonderful job pushing back against this narrative by illustrating that peoples perception of themselves, their gender, and more varies so vastly. While there were some selections that I enjoyed over the other, as a whole this works very well. ...more
A great graphic memoir about Sara's relationship with her partner Diana as they both discover more about their gender identities and sexual orientatioA great graphic memoir about Sara's relationship with her partner Diana as they both discover more about their gender identities and sexual orientations. I loveeee that this graphic novel focused on utilizing the colors pink, blue, and white as they are the colors of the trans flag. Us is also extremely informative about the bi and trans experience and how it specifically impacted their relationship with each other and others in their families and communities. It was a quick read, but one that I would readily recommend....more
See, I need more romances with older characters. The maturity speaks to me on a completely different level. CW: pan/biphobia, distressing family dynamSee, I need more romances with older characters. The maturity speaks to me on a completely different level. CW: pan/biphobia, distressing family dynamics. 4.5 Stars
Role Playing is everything that I need in my adult romances. It follows two main characters, Maggie and Aiden, who are older, each dealing with troubles in their interpersonal relationships. Maggie's son has left home and she's determined to remain a hermit until her son forces her not to. Aiden's ex-fiancé is now engaged to his brother and he is left to take care of his aging mother as she attempts to meddle in his romantic life. Both Aiden and Maggie end up joining an online gaming community to get away from the troubles of their life while also finding new ways to socialize with others. What starts as a cute, realistic friendship ends up turning into a mature, grown romance.
What Worked: Cathy Yardley can write her ass off! It's been a while since I've read a romance with older characters, but Maggie and Aiden feel so real. I'm not in my 40's yet; however, this urge to keep to myself and be a hermit was relatable. The struggles that Aiden faces with his family is something that I've experienced first hand. The way in which Yardley captures the emotional toil and impact on Aiden is spot on. I also appreciated the geekiness and the dynamics of their relationship. I used to game a lot more when I was younger and I must say reading about their gaming escapades was fun and gave me a sense of nostalgia. While I don't want to completely spoil the nature of their relationship, I will say that they are a sounding board for each other. They support each other in all facets of their experiences including sexual identity. There is a specific scene in the book where Maggie reads Aiden's family and his ex-fiancé for fucking filth and I appreciated every single moment. Although it took them to a while to process their feelings for each other, their romance developed in a way that was mature and grown and as someone who is close to their mid 30's, I'm learning that I prefer to have those elements in my romance than those meant for younger audiences. This book was a breeze and easy to read and beautifully written.
What Didn't Work: Their romance was a little to slow burn for me, but I understand the intentions that Yardley had for their development.
Overall, this was an amazing read. I enjoyed every second of reading it and I'm looking forward to checking out more books by Cathy Yardley in the future....more
This is my second book by Tuesday Harper! She is my go to when I'm interested in reading more Black sapphic romances. While this wasn't the most actioThis is my second book by Tuesday Harper! She is my go to when I'm interested in reading more Black sapphic romances. While this wasn't the most action packed read, I found it to be hot and steamy and a quick read. It follows two characters Simone and Kenya who meet in a coffee shop. Their attraction to each other is immediate and they begin what might be a world wind romance. There isn't much to this, but if you're looking for fun characters and good voyeuristic sex then I would definitely check this out....more
Can we please get a round of applause for the damn pig?!?
I remember starting Chef's Kiss a while ago, but I never got the opportunity to finish it so Can we please get a round of applause for the damn pig?!?
I remember starting Chef's Kiss a while ago, but I never got the opportunity to finish it so it was nice to come full circle. This book has everything that I want: queer characters, a cute romance, and food. It also has these great discussions surrounding familial expectations versus following your hearts desires. The friendships were great and realistic, the cooking was fantastic, and the artwork was stellar. This was a cute and fun read that I plan to recommend to fans of graphic novels. ...more
Out of Left Field is a YA graphic novel that focuses on main character Jonah as he comes to terms with his place in high school as well as his sexualiOut of Left Field is a YA graphic novel that focuses on main character Jonah as he comes to terms with his place in high school as well as his sexuality. He's really into history and movies like Lord of the Rings (it's called something different in the graphic novel for copyright purposes). In order to appear more "manly" he decides to try out for the high school baseball team. He definitely isn't talented, but he feels like being around the jocks will prevent anyone from noticing that he's gay. There are a lot of content warnings for this one including: homophobia, misogyny, outing, internalized homophobia. Please understanding that some of these behaviors go unchecked and come from authority figures (i.e. teachers). I really enjoyed the artwork for this one. Newman put in a lot of detail to the school design, the characters, and the action scenes when the characters are playing baseball. He also did a great job showcasing the emotions and struggles that are closely aligned with a teen that is trying to figure out their sexuality. Jonah battles with his attraction to a teammate while trying to keep a relationship with another student secret. Although Jonah experiencing a lot of horrible things, he did have a great support system in his best friend. Nevertheless, I think that this moved too quick. Readers experience all four years of Jonah's experience in high school in a little over 250 pages. That wasn't enough time nor space and everything felt rushed. This was definitely a solid read and one that I recommend giving to teen audiences. ...more
What in the hell did I just read?!? This was too all over the place and quite frankly a good portion of it didn’t even make sense. I’m not sure if I’mWhat in the hell did I just read?!? This was too all over the place and quite frankly a good portion of it didn’t even make sense. I’m not sure if I’m going to continue the series or just drop it at this point. I was fond of volumes 1-3 but this volume feels so drastically different from the rest. The constant changing of timelines, the introduction of new characters that didn’t really fit the story, strange writing just made for a horrible reading experience. ...more
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