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barberchicago_books's reviews
1054 reviews
The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Love love LOVED this first-in-a-series Greek mythology retelling. I’ve always loved stories about the Greek gods - blame it on Clash of the Titans - and this one didn’t disappoint. Pace was fast, romance was fire, and the twists and turns (oh my god the last page) had me clamoring for more.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Cute. Liked the academia setting. Didn’t like how long it took the characters to realize certain things.
The History of We by Nikkolas Smith
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
10/10, no notes.
The importance of this book - in both text and art - cannot be understated. It is simply brilliant. A shoo-in for a Sibert, Caldecott, or Newbery (or dare I say, all three?) The History of We gives us what we expect from the title: the history of humanity, from the first humans to the timeline that connects us all.
I can't tell you how excited I am for this book to be in the world.
The importance of this book - in both text and art - cannot be understated. It is simply brilliant. A shoo-in for a Sibert, Caldecott, or Newbery (or dare I say, all three?) The History of We gives us what we expect from the title: the history of humanity, from the first humans to the timeline that connects us all.
I can't tell you how excited I am for this book to be in the world.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
medium-paced
4.0
The thing I like about Emily Henry book is that, yeah, they’re romances, but they’ve got meat. Heart. Way more complexity in the characters and their stories. Funny Story fits this bill with complex family dynamics and not-your-average-meet-cute meet-cute.
Will's Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
“Falling stars, rising flames, flying sparks, Father and I are in new territory.”
Young Will and his father, a formerly-enslaved farmer, make their way from south Texas to participate in the 1889 Oklahoma Land Grab.
Will’s story is nothing short of heroic. The kind of young man who learns and grows in so many different ways, Will learns the complexities of friends and enemies, that courage is standing for something especially when you’re scared, and that dreams take hard work and resilience. I loved this character. I rooted for Will, held my breath for him, and cried for him. He is extraordinary and I hope many, many young people get to immerse themselves in his story.
Young Will and his father, a formerly-enslaved farmer, make their way from south Texas to participate in the 1889 Oklahoma Land Grab.
Will’s story is nothing short of heroic. The kind of young man who learns and grows in so many different ways, Will learns the complexities of friends and enemies, that courage is standing for something especially when you’re scared, and that dreams take hard work and resilience. I loved this character. I rooted for Will, held my breath for him, and cried for him. He is extraordinary and I hope many, many young people get to immerse themselves in his story.
What Are You Waiting For? by Marcy Campbell
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
Love love LOVE this picture book that celebrates hard work and perseverance. Perfect read aloud for kids who might be nervous beginning a new chapter, or as a graduation gift for anyone who's off to new adventures! Out March 4, 2025.
Gabby Torres Gets a Billion Followers by Angela Dominguez
funny
informative
fast-paced
3.75
From the author of the Stella Diaz series comes Gabby Torres in this first-in-a-new highly-illustrated series.
Gabby comes with a strong personality and a strong voice. Even when plowing into adventures without thinking then through (like any kid might do) Gabby is reflective, tries to make things right, and apologizes when she’s done something wrong.
It’s these traits that will endear readers young and old. Great for 2nd grade & up, and a strong bridge to highly-illustrated middle grade!
Gabby comes with a strong personality and a strong voice. Even when plowing into adventures without thinking then through (like any kid might do) Gabby is reflective, tries to make things right, and apologizes when she’s done something wrong.
It’s these traits that will endear readers young and old. Great for 2nd grade & up, and a strong bridge to highly-illustrated middle grade!
Be Thankful for Plants by Harriet Ziefert
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
A lovely ode to the flora around us and all of the ways plants support the world we live in. Vibrant illustration couple with lively, rhythmic text to create an exploration that kids will love!
Old Blue Is My Home: A Picture Book by Lita Judge
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Open a sliding glass door with this book; hold up a mirror and feel seen with this book, as Ruth Sims-Bishop would say.
This one is for everyone, especially for those who have yet to experience housing insecurity and whose empathy can grow through learning and understanding.
Told with tender words and calm watercolor illustrations, Lita Judge bravely draws on her own experiences to create this timely book.
This one is for everyone, especially for those who have yet to experience housing insecurity and whose empathy can grow through learning and understanding.
Told with tender words and calm watercolor illustrations, Lita Judge bravely draws on her own experiences to create this timely book.