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briipearl's reviews
83 reviews
Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist by Linda Skeers
adventurous
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
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? No
4.75
Oh man, THIS ONE. This one was super solid and pulled me out of a several week long reading slump I’d been in. It’s dark academia and poetry and knots in your throat and a heavy, classic sense of “This is my kind of story.” The pacing is perfect - somewhere between fast and creeping, the natural way one would hear the story told aloud. The characters are equally lovable and despicable. And the world building? Pure magic. Easily one of my favorites for 2023!
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
3.5
This one was…hard to review. It was sweet, it was difficult, it was young and it was old, it was classic and it was “new age” and it was all the things in between. Such a joy to read in places and, yet, a struggle to read in others. Left off at the end with mixed feelings. 🤷🏻♀️
Inky the Octopus: Bound for Glory by Erin Guendelsberger
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Oh. My. Gosh. This one - this one is super cute! Not only did I love Inky's story but the science-ysection in the back, with various other celebrity octopi and cephalopod facts, was a great addition. (Also, how cool is it that this is based on a true story?) I needed a book for a reading challenge to tick off my "set in New Zealand" box (this isn't probably what the challenge creator had in mind) but I'm so glad I picked it up randomly on the library app! -- The illustrations are bright, unique, and give each sea creature their own personality - I loved their "shocked" faces as Inky makes his escape. Sidenote: The janitor was probably my favorite human illustration. How adorable - and would make for a great STEM project read along/book!
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
3.5 Stars ⭐ - (One of those cases where I wish Goodreads had 1/2 or 3/4 stars.) Listened to this via Libby - full cast audio - and genuinely enjoyed it (and felt a whole range of emotions along the way). Read this primarily as a read-ahead for a potential novel study for 7th graders next school year. The whole time I was reading/listening, I was researching lit sets and didn't have to look too hard to find tools to make this one "come alive" as it does that all on its own via the audiobook. Considering it for a read aloud. Hard topics, necessary topics, and hoping for lots of great discussion.
Heir of Uncertain Magic by Charlie N. Holmberg
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
3.25
Ok, hear me out because it pains me to give this book 3.25 stars: I am a die-hard Holmberg fan - and I adored Keeper of Enchanted Rooms -- unfortunately, something happened with this one and I just didn't quite "click" with it the way I'd hoped. The characters borderline annoyed me and I felt like it...drug on a bit. Sweet Owein was my favorite morsel of this installment and he's what has me holding on for #3. *Sidenote: I listened to HoUM on Audible and I truly enjoy both of the narrators. Hoping they stick around to finish the series!
The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-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