librarydreams's reviews
654 reviews

The Truth by Terry Pratchett

adventurous funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

Pratchett's examination of truth and journalism. Living in 2025 USA, it's one I wish more people would read. Pratchett brilliant illustrates how the truth can change from day to day as new information comes to light, and, in the character of William, demonstrates how we can grow our beliefs and acceptance beyond what we were taught in our youth.

Norse Myths by Matt Ralphs

informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Passable, but not a shining star. I appreciated the use of both narrative format for the stories and more like the pages of a DK Eyewitness books for the information pages. A lot of liberties were made in the narratives. Some may have simply been differences in translation than I have seen before, but others were blatantly changed for a younger audience. While I appreciate that not all the details of the tales would be appropriate for the target age group, I feel that ambiguous language would have been a better option than outright changing details.

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

One of my top two favorite Discworld books! I love the attention given to Carrot and Angua’s relationship. 

The Wild Ones by Megan Lacera

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A highly diverse tale told in a comics style. I love the inclusion of monsters that are less known to many children, drawn directly from the ethnicities of the main cast.

Between You and Me by Rob Sanders

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

5.0

Sanders delivers with a very clever concept about what lies between one state and another. Figueroa’s illustrations carry the plot and demonstrate Sanders’ concept. I also love her use of colors.

Lefty by Mo Willems

informative fast-paced

3.0

Despite a powerhouse author/illustrator team-up, the result is rather lackluster. It’s not bad; it’s just not of the caliber that one expects from either creator. One highlight, however, is Santat’s use of various illustrations styles throughout the text, which bring the informative pages to life.

Sour Apple by Linda Liu

hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

The book’s final message is wonderful, but it’s overshadowed by a lackluster beginning and middle.

Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer

emotional hopeful 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? No

4.0

Colfer and McCarthy have made a banshee lovable! The story is sweet, but never saccharine. McCarthy’s illustrations fluctuate between familiar and otherworldly. The use of frames around pictures and text is magnificent.

The Class with Wings by Paul Fleischman

informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Beautifully conceived and executed by both the author and illustrator. Includes diversity in both race, background, and disability. Highly recommended for teachers looking to try something new with their classes. Make sure to peek under the jacket to see the beautiful illustrations on the cover.

Cookie Time by Jessie Sima

adventurous lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Another joyous and heartfelt title from Sima! The slight variations in the font throughout the book add to the sense of changing time. The connection between their children and their baker grandfather is very sweet. Peek under the jacket for a sweet surprise!