leslie1187's reviews
746 reviews

Tiny Dancer by Siena Cherson Siegel

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

This was reflective and the illustrations were gorgeous and expressive. I enjoyed watching as Siena rose as a ballerina, only to fall to the doubts of whether she was good enough before starting fresh and finding that love of dance she had when she was a little girl dancing on the beach.

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

hopeful inspiring reflective 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

5.0

This was even better than the movie that was adapted from it. It was great to read from Melody’s perspective. We were able to see what it’s like for someone with physical disabilities like cerebral palsy who are still just as strong and smart mentally as neurotypical individuals. Highly recommend this for everyone. It’s important to know how hard some individuals have to work to prove themselves capable. 

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This was cozy and the romance was sweet. 

All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore

emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This was an accurate portrait of society during the tumultuous time of slavery and northern states trying to set all slaves free. I listened to the audio book while reading this book for an immersive experience. The narrator did distinct voices for each character and added tension in her voice during intense scenes. It made the reading experience feel immersive like I was witnessing history unfold before my eyes.

Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers

emotional hopeful 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? Yes

3.25

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki

emotional lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

orange: The Complete Collection 1 by Ichigo Takano

emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This was a well written and illustrated manga. I enjoyed it. The two love interests were cute and clueless in the best way. But this was YA so the characters are in high school. Very sweet and believable for their age.

Disclaimer, this deals with coming to terms with a suicide, as well as the character dealing with it feeling depressed and like taking their own life too. There is a speculative aspect to this story in the form of letters sent from the future to their past selves. These letters are coaching the characters with ways to make this depressive character feel happy and try to prevent him from taking his life in an accident. I think the author handled this sensitive topic in a very age appropriate way for teens. It is left on a cliffhanger as this is the first in a series.

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide

Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

This was a great continuation to the Amari series, and would even be a good conclusion if you wanted to read the first three books as a trilogy. I liked the way it ended with hope still coming through. When it all seemed as though Amari were doomed, someone steps in to take on the burden she took on.

Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

5.0

I really enjoyed this slow burn second chance romance. I found myself giggling, awwing and oohing, and feeling all the emotions with the characters. I was rooting for them, completely interested in Shiloh and Cary ending up together. 

It reminded me how much I adore Rainbow Rowell’s writing, her characters, and the romance that is so natural and real you feel like you are witnessing everything as it leaps off the page. Definitely a new favorite.