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ellornaslibrary's reviews
501 reviews
Birds Sing Their Words by Mélina Mangal
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book to be solid in terms of encouraging an interest regarding the nature that surrounds us even if someone doesn't live in a rural area. It's important, especially these days, that we protect nature as much as possible and this is a good way to get children to engage with it. The art is really beautiful and the word play is a lot of fun. It's definitely a book I'd give or recommend to anyone with children. I will say that I do wish there were more words on some of the pages where there weren't any to teach more about birds in an urban area and how to like protect them(ie not disturbing their nests) or info in the back part on who to call(ie if you have to move a nest), but I also recognize that for little readers there can be too many words as well and that can be overwhelming. Otherwise, a great book to consider picking up for your little ones or to gift to friends/family with little ones.
I found this book to be solid in terms of encouraging an interest regarding the nature that surrounds us even if someone doesn't live in a rural area. It's important, especially these days, that we protect nature as much as possible and this is a good way to get children to engage with it. The art is really beautiful and the word play is a lot of fun. It's definitely a book I'd give or recommend to anyone with children. I will say that I do wish there were more words on some of the pages where there weren't any to teach more about birds in an urban area and how to like protect them(ie not disturbing their nests) or info in the back part on who to call(ie if you have to move a nest), but I also recognize that for little readers there can be too many words as well and that can be overwhelming. Otherwise, a great book to consider picking up for your little ones or to gift to friends/family with little ones.
The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story by Tina Cho
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I remember learning about these amazing women and the history of this community in an article some years back. It was awesome. I couldn’t wrap my mind around how some of these women who were in their 60s, 70s, etc. managed to do this demanding activity, but they did and have for so centuries. So obviously when I spotted this gorgeous cover then learned what the book was about I had to borrow it. The story was wonderful and informative, and the art was absolutely stunning. I definitely plan to recommend it to others.
Content Warnings
Since there isn’t any option for this above, if you have a fear of water, especially deep water, or of almost drowning this book probably is one you should consider carefully if you want to read.
Adulthood Is a Myth by Sarah Andersen
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Truth About Dragons by Julie Leung
emotional
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Racism, and Classism
Mislaid in Parts Half-Known by Seanan McGuire
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
You May Now Kill the Bride by R.L. Stine
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Honestly, this was a highly disappointing read for me. It's not that I didn't enjoy this book at all 'cause that'd be untrue given that I actually read this book over the course of two days since it was a page turner. It's just that while the book started out real fascinating? The horror element felt weak to the point that I wasn't spooked much and I'm not hard to spook. My other issue was the reveal and the solution felt. . . underwhelming, and too easy, on top of feeling rushed. As if the end snuck up on the author or the page count got trimmed or something got cut? I don't know. I just know that it really made the book an unsatisfying read. When the curse is learned about it's a real shocking moment and super interesting, but then after that it just isn't used in any manner after that point. What we learned didn't even feel like it added to the story and was used very little.
The relationship between the sisters of each decade were enjoyable. I thought they were written decently from the arguments to the close moments to the touching bonds especially given the age difference between them and their personalities. Ruth-Ann was definitely my favorite as her voice was strong while Harmony's didn't catch me as quick. However, I loved Harmony's determination especially when it came to figuring out what was happening. The worldbuilding was done well with the little details from how people dressed, the vehicles mentioned, the jobs discussed, and the way they talked really added to the aesthetic of each decade as part took places in the 1920s and the other in present day.
Those elements I did like were what made me give it a 3 star instead of a 2 star rating. At this time I don't know if I'll pick up anything else in this series.
The relationship between the sisters of each decade were enjoyable. I thought they were written decently from the arguments to the close moments to the touching bonds especially given the age difference between them and their personalities. Ruth-Ann was definitely my favorite as her voice was strong while Harmony's didn't catch me as quick. However, I loved Harmony's determination especially when it came to figuring out what was happening. The worldbuilding was done well with the little details from how people dressed, the vehicles mentioned, the jobs discussed, and the way they talked really added to the aesthetic of each decade as part took places in the 1920s and the other in present day.
Those elements I did like were what made me give it a 3 star instead of a 2 star rating. At this time I don't know if I'll pick up anything else in this series.
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu, Robin Brooks
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Everyone hears about Dracula, but they should be told about this story cause it is enthralling. I wanted more, but at the same time was left feeling satisfied by the end. The characters were fascinating and the actors did a wonderful job. It shocks me that it took this long to learn of and read this story. A great start to spooky reads in October!
Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine by Reem Madooh, Hannah Moushabeck
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0