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raethereviewer's reviews
828 reviews
A Split Second by Janae Marks
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
I think this is a very timely book in the way it addresses anxiety and loneliness in adolescents with a magical plot line that helps relieve some of that tension. This is one I’d recommend to upper elementary and sixth graders.
The Most Famous Girl in the World by Iman Hariri-Kia
4.0
I’ve been seeing this everywhere lately and decided to dive in. This book has one of the most unhinged main characters I’ve ever read. I see why it’s so polarizing and there were times I wanted to shake Rose to make her see what was staring her in the face.
Tales from Cabin 23: The Boo Hag Flex by Justina Ireland
4.25
This was a fun horror that’s perfect for fans of R. L. Stine. It’s one I’d definitely recommend to upper elementary schoolers, especially reluctant readers.
Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I was a little nervous going into this one because I didn’t know if it could live up to the concept but this surprised me in a wonderful way. It was so engaging and fun to see messy small town drama to show how ridiculous book banning is. There are a lot of characters to keep track of but they do come up regularly to show the connections between these town members. My only big qualm with this book is that the reveal of who has switched the book covers happens in the first chapter but it could’ve built in some mystery and tension if that wasn’t revealed so early on.
The Firelight Apprentice by Bree Paulsen
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I wasn’t expecting to cry but this graphic novel was well worth the tears. Bree Paulson has done an excellent job of showcasing the subtle aftereffects of war in a child-friendly format. The fantasy element adds a much needed lightness to the narrative. This would be perfect for reluctant readers.
Super Boba Café by Nidhi Chanani
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was such a creative story! I like the way that the dangers of social media are incorporated as a subplot. It doesn’t go super in-depth for it but it works perfectly as a cautionary point for younger readers. The boba aspect was very fun and this is definitely the kind of book I’d give to upper elementary and lower middle schoolers.
Scorched Earth by Tiana Clark
4.0
I was gifted an advanced reader copy of this poetry collection by Atria books.
I enjoyed the vulnerability within this collection and the way Tiana Clark experimented with form. The stream of consciousness aspect of many of these poems brought in a lot of variation in theme and tone. There were a few poems that I didn’t enjoy as much, but the majority of this collection resonated with me in various ways. The stream of consciousness style also made this a very quick read as Clark uses little punctuation.
I enjoyed the vulnerability within this collection and the way Tiana Clark experimented with form. The stream of consciousness aspect of many of these poems brought in a lot of variation in theme and tone. There were a few poems that I didn’t enjoy as much, but the majority of this collection resonated with me in various ways. The stream of consciousness style also made this a very quick read as Clark uses little punctuation.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
At the Bottom of the River by Jamaica Kincaid
4.5
I love the way Jamaica Kincaid uses stream of consciousness in her writing to add surrealist and magical realism elements. It really builds for an engaging story. I also love the tidbits of these stories that ended up being larger parts in her novels.
Set the Record Straight by Hannah Bonam-Young
4.0
This was so adorable and perfect for reading in bed on Christmas Eve. I loved the neurodivergent rep!