ashylibrarian's reviews
975 reviews

An Outbreak of Witchcraft by Deborah Noyes

dark emotional informative medium-paced

4.0

This is a unique and gripping narrative nonfiction graphic novel that brings the notorious Salem Witch Trials to the page in an accessible way. The detailed illustrations help to support the text as the panic, widespread mistrust, and false accusations fly around. The author also breaks up each section (of which there are four) with historical notes. I found the transitions of these to be the tiniest bit choppy, however, I do think the background was helpful for the story and expanding for readers the impact these trials had beyond the stories represented on the page. One hiccup I would say this book has the number of characters shared with the readers if for no other reason than a lot of them share the same first name (as was the case in Puritan New England). Overall, though, I think this book will be helpful for readers who know of the trials and those new to the topic.

Homebody by Theo Parish

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emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

5.0

The calming cover vibes are exactly what you will find in the pages of this book. Homebody is a heartwarming graphic memoir where author Theo Parish shares their journey of finding home within themself. The beautiful purple-toned illustrations drive this novel forward as readers join Parish on a path with no set destination. A path that helped them discover themself in an affirming, gentle way. One of the biggest highlights that elevated this graphic memoir for me was that when Parish would talk about negative and intrusive thoughts throughout their journey – thoughts that could make them feel small or make the room feel dark - they would immediately follow them up with affirmations or moments of reflection on self-growth and found family.

Wall to Wall: Mural Art around the World by Mary Ann Fraser

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informative reflective medium-paced

4.25

From the introduction: “Artwork painted on a wall, ceiling, or other permanent surface is called a mural. There are many ways of making murals...spray cans, hot bristles, flour paste, gold foil, rollers, eggs, twigs, cow urine – all of these and more have been used to decorate walls.” Filled with unique illustrations and fascinating information, Wall to Wall gives a brief overview of mural art from around the world, giving history on the artists who created the work and the impact they have had across the globe. I found the last section especially fascinating when the author talked about the ways in which murals are being preserved and restored today.

Flamboyants: The Queer Harlem Renaissance I Wish I'd Known by George M. Johnson

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informative fast-paced

5.0

From the author of the bestselling title All Boys Aren't Blue comes a powerful collection of essays and poems that celebrate Black and Queer icons from the Harlem Renaissance.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the gorgeous illustrations that accompany the text.

Another brilliant book by Award-Winning Black Non-Binary Writer, Author, and Executive Producer, George M. Johnson. They have compiled a collection of essays celebrating and exploring the lives of Black writers, artists, and activists from the 1920s Harlem Renaissance. From Langston Hughes and Zora Neal Hurston to Ma Rainey and Countee Cullen, Johnson explores the Black and Queer identities of each icon. Two of my absolute favorite parts of this book are (1) the poems from Johnson that are interspersed throughout and (2) the beautiful illustrations that accompany the essays.

The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Lei and the Fire Goddess by Malia Maunakea

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adventurous funny 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? Yes

4.0

An action-packed Hawaiian fantasy following a young girl who upsets Pele, the Fire Goddess. She must team up with demi-gods and talking bats to save her best friend, her family, and her island.

The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore

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lighthearted fast-paced