betweentheshelves's reviews
2736 reviews

Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldívar

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challenging emotional reflective 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

4.5

Why do publishers insist on putting so much information in the book summary? There are things mentioned in the summary that don't happen until over halfway into the book, which is basically a spoiler at that point. Sure, it's vague, but if you read a lot, it's not difficult to figure out what's going to happen.

Anyway! From the emotions to the characters, I was hooked on this book from the beginning. I can't think of a lot of YA books that are set in this particular setting, and the events in Honduras are unfortunately somewhat similar to what's happening in the United States. The end of the book does provide us with hope, though, that things can change. Definitely an emotional read, but one that is worth it.
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Blubber by Judy Blume

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challenging emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I never really got too much into Judy Blume when I was a kid, but I can definitely see the appeal her writing has. Though a lot of the elements of this book are a reflection of the time period it was written, some of the core aspects and emotions surrounding bullying definitely still hold true today. I'd be interested to see if the emotions behind it still make it relatable to kids who might pick it up in 2025. 

Either way, it will definitely make for an interesting discussion at banned book club next week!
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All Better Now by Neal Shusterman

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emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an advanced copy of All Better Now by Neal Shusterman to review! Don't let the fact that this book is about a pandemic turn you away. Shusterman uses his talent for writing dystopia to weave an engaging story that explores the aftermath of COVID in an interesting way.

There is quite a bit of set up in this book, both to let the reader get to the know the characters and the current state of the world. The plot really picks up about halfway through the book as the virus takes hold and our three main characters get thrown into the middle of everything. In true Neal Shusterman fashion, we not only get to see what's happening their lives, but also around the world. And just when you think there's no way he can make it all connect, he will throw in twists that make everything more interesting.

Though the main story is about a virus, Shusterman will also have you contemplating the big questions like: is unending happiness a gift? Does humanity need its darker side to maintain balance? Should we cure people who haven't asked for it? How do you balance a virus that gifts people ultimate contentment without turning the other way?

While the main story is concluded in this book, there is potential for another book at the end. But you won't be left on a cliffhanger! If you enjoy complex, layered stories with a strong cast of characters, definitely pick this book up in February! 
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Review to come!
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Under the Heron's Light by Randi Pink

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adventurous emotional mysterious 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

3.5

While the narrator of the audiobook is fantastic, this is a fantasy I almost wish I would have read the physical copy of because there is a lot going on. The magic system was intriguing, and I liked the switch between time periods, eventually connecting to the two storylines. There is some excellent writing in here, it's just a fantasy book that's a bit on the denser side, which makes some of it difficult to follow in audio form.

The subject matter is unique, however, I don't think I've read any YA book that features the Great Dismal Swamp!
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Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender

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adventurous emotional tense 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

Re-listened to this since the sequel comes out this spring and I just saw it added to NetGalley. I can revise the end of my previous review to say: this is not a standalone book. Which, it will be cool to see more of the world expanded in the next one, so I am excited!
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The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune

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adventurous emotional funny 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

4.5

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Books for an advanced copy of The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune! As with pretty much any TJ Klune book, one of the core themes in this book is found family. And what a cute little found family Nate, Alex, and Artemis make. They may all be very different, but they work so well together.

Though this book starts out on the slower side, it does allow us to really get to know the characters before all of the action takes place. One of the things this is compared to is Stranger Things, which works as a comp title, especially from the point of view of the government chasing after a kid who has powers. But also the government tampering in something that they shouldn’t, which leads to dire consequences for other people.

Once you get into the chase about halfway through the book, this story is hard to put down. Klune strategically makes you care for these characters before putting them in danger; thus, you desperately want to know they’re safe at the end. As always, Klune has created deep, complex characters who just leap off the page. Though this book is a little more quirky than his other books, it’s definitely worth the read.

Pick up the re-published edition from Tor when it comes out in February! 
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Review to come!
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49 Days by Agnes Lee

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emotional reflective sad 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? No

4.5

This is beautifuly done. It is subtle at the beginning, and if you read it too quickly, I think you'll miss the emotions behind the story. Lee takes the reader through the emotions of grief, both from the perspective of someone who has died too soon and from the family and friends they left behind. All of the elements work so well together, flipping between Kit and her family. I appreciated the use of color to distinguish between the two, making it easy for the reader to follow. 

The art itself is somewhat simple in nature, but Lee is still able to portray so much emotion in her art. It's truly such a lovely graphic novel, and one that I'd recommend to everyone.
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Spider-Man: Spider-Island by Emma Ríos, Tom Fowler, Max Fiumara, Rick Remender, Barry Kitson, Onofrio Catacchio, Dan Slott, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Scott Hanna, Humberto Ramos, Lee Garbett, Stefano Caselli, Minck Oosterveer

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I do enjoy Dan Slott's writing when it comes to Spider-Man, and this reads as sort of a pre-curser to Spider-Verse. Everyone being trapped in Manhattan as a spider virus rampages through the city lends itself to some fun moments, especially for Peter as he's trying to hide his own identity. Ramos isn't my favorite artist, though, so the art wasn't always it for me. But overall, definitely a fun Spider-Man story.
An Outbreak of Witchcraft: A Graphic Novel of the Salem Witch Trials by Deborah Noyes

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dark informative sad medium-paced

4.0

There's a lot of information packed into this graphic novel, which isn't a bad thing! If you want to learn more about the Salem Witch Trials, this would definitely be a good place to start. Noyes gives context throughout, connecting the dots between the more narrative part of the story. It would work well in a high school setting touching on this part of history.

However, at times it is difficult to follow who is who (partly because there are so many people involved). There is a guide at the beginning, but something more of a family tree showing how people are connected might have been more helpful. I would forget who was who while I was reading. Despite that, this is well done overall with art that depicts the feeling at the time so well. I love that there are more nonfiction graphic novels for teens because it makes the informaiton much more easily digestable. Let's keep them coming!
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HoverGirls by Geneva Bowers

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Once again, the art in this is stunning. The world building is confusing and honestly kind of chaotic. I'm left with a lot of a questions about the magic, the powers, etc. Kim and Jalissa have a fun dynamic, with a little bit of growth by the end of this particular arc. I'm not sure if the story goes futher than this in the webcomic, but I could see it continuing! Maybe with a bit more explanation.
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