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booksandbesitos's reviews
58 reviews
Ella Josephine: Resident in Charge: Book 2 by Nina LaCour
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.25
I am a 23 year old woman. I have no children, but this was one of my most anticipated releases. It definitely lived up to my expectations. I’ve always loved the protagonist in books like Junie B Jones, Eloise, and Ramona and Beezus. I like characters that aren’t perfectly behaved all the time and I love when those characters are given full personalities, so Ella Josephine seems like the perfect addition to those classic storybook girls.
Okay now onto the story- just like the first book this story was told in three acts. While , I liked all of them and there was connection going through them and they didn’t feel as tied together in the end like the ones in the first book. But that did not make them less pleasurable on their own. I like how in the first story, Ella does not seem any less helpful to Cleo situation despite being younger and I like that she is treated with respect and equal to the adults around her. This also goes into the next story where Ella becomes the resident in charge. All the adults around her are willing to listen and pitch ideas and follow her orders and I think that is wonderful.
The dinner party story did a great job at showing the characters relationships to each other. Since we usually only see Ella‘s point of view, it was nice seeing how the other residence of 1106 Wildflower Pl. interact with each other.
We also got to see more of the characters personalities, which was fun. The first book introduced us to five different households and 10 different characters which is a lot, the second book gave us more of them so it feels like getting to know them better.
As someone who is totally not the target demographic for this book, I still really liked it. The illustrations were fun and full of details, the stories are fun, and the writing is so well done.
I really appreciate that. Nina LaCour doesn’t water down her writing when it comes to her children’s books. She also isn’t one to shy away for more serious topics like not knowing exactly who you are. Yes, it’s the children’s book- but it’s still feels like Nina LaCour book and I appreciate it for the same reason I appreciate We Are Okay and Yerba Buena.
Okay now onto the story- just like the first book this story was told in three acts. While , I liked all of them and there was connection going through them and they didn’t feel as tied together in the end like the ones in the first book. But that did not make them less pleasurable on their own. I like how in the first story, Ella does not seem any less helpful to Cleo situation despite being younger and I like that she is treated with respect and equal to the adults around her. This also goes into the next story where Ella becomes the resident in charge. All the adults around her are willing to listen and pitch ideas and follow her orders and I think that is wonderful.
The dinner party story did a great job at showing the characters relationships to each other. Since we usually only see Ella‘s point of view, it was nice seeing how the other residence of 1106 Wildflower Pl. interact with each other.
We also got to see more of the characters personalities, which was fun. The first book introduced us to five different households and 10 different characters which is a lot, the second book gave us more of them so it feels like getting to know them better.
As someone who is totally not the target demographic for this book, I still really liked it. The illustrations were fun and full of details, the stories are fun, and the writing is so well done.
I really appreciate that. Nina LaCour doesn’t water down her writing when it comes to her children’s books. She also isn’t one to shy away for more serious topics like not knowing exactly who you are. Yes, it’s the children’s book- but it’s still feels like Nina LaCour book and I appreciate it for the same reason I appreciate We Are Okay and Yerba Buena.
The Apartment House on Poppy Hill by Nina LaCour
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Ella Josephine is the titular character in this book, but this story isn’t about her, not really. This book was the perfect introduction to all the characters who live in 1106 wildflower place, and to the apartment house itself too, of course.
It’s a three act story, each has its own storyline and chapters but with enough foreshadowing and story telling to keep young readers engaged and letting them tie the ends together. While it’s a story for children, Nina LaCour does not dumb down her writing. It still has all the things I love about her writing, pretty prose, showing instead of telling. Building unique and developed characters. It’s wonderfully told.
Ella Josephine is not a perfect character. She stomps when she’s upset, she gets frustrated and impatient but she learns along the way and I think that’s more valuable to children than having an imposibley too perfect character. She reminds me of my favorite literary girls. She has the spunk and forwardness of Junie B Jones, she knows the ins and outs of the apartment house, just how Eloise knows The Plaza. But she’s unique in her own ways and I love that. I can’t wait to see what other adventures she gets up to.
Oh the illustrations are wonderful, I loved seeing the details
It’s a three act story, each has its own storyline and chapters but with enough foreshadowing and story telling to keep young readers engaged and letting them tie the ends together. While it’s a story for children, Nina LaCour does not dumb down her writing. It still has all the things I love about her writing, pretty prose, showing instead of telling. Building unique and developed characters. It’s wonderfully told.
Ella Josephine is not a perfect character. She stomps when she’s upset, she gets frustrated and impatient but she learns along the way and I think that’s more valuable to children than having an imposibley too perfect character. She reminds me of my favorite literary girls. She has the spunk and forwardness of Junie B Jones, she knows the ins and outs of the apartment house, just how Eloise knows The Plaza. But she’s unique in her own ways and I love that. I can’t wait to see what other adventures she gets up to.
Oh the illustrations are wonderful, I loved seeing the details
How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
The first time I read this book I really liked it. I liked the setting and the characters, and thought the relationship between the main character and the love interest was great.
But now, after I’ve read it a second time, I love it. This time around, I was able to focus more on the relationship between the main character and her mother. I really appreciate it. The same goes for the relationship between her and her best friend, and how they’re working things out after a falling out, I think this book did a wonderful job at showing how a toxic relationship can impact all aspects of your life from family, friends, even future relationships. This book can be two things. I think you can take the story as the sweet, holiday, romance in dc story, or as the healing from past trauma, and moving on journey. Because it really is the perfect mix of both
But now, after I’ve read it a second time, I love it. This time around, I was able to focus more on the relationship between the main character and her mother. I really appreciate it. The same goes for the relationship between her and her best friend, and how they’re working things out after a falling out, I think this book did a wonderful job at showing how a toxic relationship can impact all aspects of your life from family, friends, even future relationships. This book can be two things. I think you can take the story as the sweet, holiday, romance in dc story, or as the healing from past trauma, and moving on journey. Because it really is the perfect mix of both
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcohol
There’s a party scene where the characters are consuming alcohol and get drunk, there’s also a few scenes throughout the book of them drinking
My Dad Is the Best by Fran Pintadera
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Thank you to Net Galley and Charlesbridge publishing for providing me a copy of this book.
The story starts off as a story of rivalry between two boys. They each believe that their dad is the
strongest, and talk up tall tales about their dads carrying trucks and elephants, and even pregnant elephants-until it all comes crashing down.
Then the boys see that’s there’s more to life than being strong. I really enjoyed the part where one dad is tending to the other wounds and bringing him food. It shows that men and boys can also be gentle and caring. My only complaint is that the dads had no dialogue, and while I understand the story is from the boy’s perspective, it would’ve been nice to have a lesson about rivalry. I still enjoyed it though, especially because of the illustrations. I loved the small details like the baby elephants smiling in their mother’s bellies and the expressions the elephants made throughout the story.
I think this book would be enjoyed by families with two dads and by blended families. The sentences are simple enough for newer readers to read to their family.
The story starts off as a story of rivalry between two boys. They each believe that their dad is the
strongest, and talk up tall tales about their dads carrying trucks and elephants, and even pregnant elephants-until it all comes crashing down.
Then the boys see that’s there’s more to life than being strong. I really enjoyed the part where one dad is tending to the other wounds and bringing him food. It shows that men and boys can also be gentle and caring. My only complaint is that the dads had no dialogue, and while I understand the story is from the boy’s perspective, it would’ve been nice to have a lesson about rivalry. I still enjoyed it though, especially because of the illustrations. I loved the small details like the baby elephants smiling in their mother’s bellies and the expressions the elephants made throughout the story.
I think this book would be enjoyed by families with two dads and by blended families. The sentences are simple enough for newer readers to read to their family.
Content Warnings
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
The House of My Mother by Shari Franke
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
As a daughter of a mother who was a constant Facebook user (not to ruby’s extent but definitely a frequent sharenter) who often made me repeat scripts and take pictures and videos, this book made me feel very seen. I liked the way it written. Shari told her story while also allowing a space for readers to reflect and connect with their own experiences.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Minor: Miscarriage and Forced institutionalization
The Eloise Audio Collection: Four Complete Eloise Tales: Eloise , Eloise in Paris, Eloise at Christmas Time and Eloise in Moscow by Kay Thompson
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was so cute!!! I remember loving Eloise as a child even though I hadn’t read the original books. I think it was about time to check them out (from the library!) I got this audio version because the hold time was shorter. I was immediately impressed by the use of music and sound effects that accompanied the narration.
The narration its self was really well done too . Bernadette Peters Did a wonderful job. The voice for Eloise was perfect. The accent captured what I imagined when I think of a little girl who lives in New York and speaks French and is raised by a British nanny.
The actual stories were also fun. I was a bit nervous as to how a book from the 1950’s was going to hold up, and while a few parts were a bit ‘side eye’ it generally held up alright.
Eloise is fun character, and similar to Junie B Jones, I can see why some parents would have problems with her, but I personally, as a childless 22 year old, think she’s an It Girl✨
I also really think it works in this case. I mean her mom is a socialite, she lives in a penthouse suite, and there’s no other children in her life (seemingly, I haven’t read the other books yet) so yeah she might be a little extravagant and silly. She’s a caviar girlie and not a grilled cheese girlie and that’s okay.
The narration its self was really well done too . Bernadette Peters Did a wonderful job. The voice for Eloise was perfect. The accent captured what I imagined when I think of a little girl who lives in New York and speaks French and is raised by a British nanny.
The actual stories were also fun. I was a bit nervous as to how a book from the 1950’s was going to hold up, and while a few parts were a bit ‘side eye’ it generally held up alright.
Eloise is fun character, and similar to Junie B Jones, I can see why some parents would have problems with her, but I personally, as a childless 22 year old, think she’s an It Girl✨
I also really think it works in this case. I mean her mom is a socialite, she lives in a penthouse suite, and there’s no other children in her life (seemingly, I haven’t read the other books yet) so yeah she might be a little extravagant and silly. She’s a caviar girlie and not a grilled cheese girlie and that’s okay.
Content Warnings
Minor: Medical content and Alcohol
Nanny and Eloise get shots before traveling. In another part champagne and other alcoholic drinks are mentioned
Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
This is one of the books I’m gonna reread immediately after finishing. Wow it was really good, it’s a memoir but also incorporates stories from the Quran. It was really interesting and the narration was lovely. 100/10
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Xenophobia, and Islamophobia
Moderate: Alcohol
Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I love a Christmas book!! I love cheesy cliches and sappy stories. This book had those while also exploring friendship and friendship troubles, mommy issues, and career disappointments. I really liked it. I liked the relationship between the two characters. I loved the friendships. And I liked the way music played a role in the story.
Interesting Facts about Space by Emily Austin
sad
tense
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0